Abstract: The present invention contemplates poly(aminoamide) pre-polymers, polyamide polymers, a multi-step process for the synthesis of these pre-polymers and polymers using acrylates and at least one monomer containing at least two primary amines, and the resins resulting from the reaction of the polymers with an epihalohydrin. These resins may be used as wet strength resins and creping aids in the papermaking industry as well as surface additives for wool.

Abstract: Esterified polysaccharides and the process of making such products are disclosed. The process can be enzymatic where an enzyme is used as a catalyst for the reaction. The process can also be chemical where no enzyme is used. Novel Products are obtained through lipase-catalyzed &bgr;-lactone ring opening alcoholysis of ketene dimers and the process of making such compositions containing products.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates poly(aminoamide) pre-polymers, polyamide polymers, a multi-step process for the synthesis of these pre-polymers and polymers using acrylates and at least one monomer containing at least two primary amines, and the resins resulting from the reaction of the polymers with an epihalohydrin. These resins may be used as wet strength resins and creping aids in the papermaking industry as well as surface additives for wool.

Abstract: A two-component mediator system is disclosed, wherein one component serves as a pro-oxidant and the other component serves as a pro-degradant and booster. When used in combination with a laccase, the two-component mediators enhance the bleaching of pulp. In addition, a composition comprising an oxidative enzyme, a pro-oxidant, and a pro-degradant, and a process for oxidizing a substrate that comprises treating the substrate with an oxidizing enzyme, a pro-oxidant, and a pro-degradant are disclosed. The pro-oxidant can be ascorbic acid, ascorbate, salicylic acid, salicylate, nicotinic acid, nicotinate, a hardwood black liquor, a softwood black liquor, ligno-organosolv, lignin sulfonate, or mixtures thereof. The pro-degradant can be urea, thiourea, sulfamic acid, sulfamide, guanidine, methylsulfonic acid, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: New mediators for use in laccase-mediator systems (LMS) are disclosed. The mediators enhance the activity of enzymes exhibiting laccase activity and can be used, for example, to bleach a dye in solution, to oxidize an appropriate compound, or to initiate vinyl or phenol polymerizations. A composition comprising an enzyme exhibiting laccase activity and an enzyme enhancing agent (also referred to as a mediator or an activating agent) is also disclosed. A process for oxidizing a substrate that comprises treating the substrate with a composition comprising an enzyme exhibiting laccase activity and an enzyme enhancing agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising an enzyme exhibiting laccase activity and an enzyme enhancing agent, also referred to as a mediator, is disclosed. A process for oxidizing a substrate that comprises treating the substrate with a composition comprising an enzyme exhibiting laccase activity and an enzyme enhancing agent is disclosed. The process when used on lignin-containing material bleaches the lignin-containing material. A process for enhancing the activity of an enzyme exhibiting laccase activity that comprises adding an enzyme enhancing agent to the enzyme is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel polysaccharides comprising one or more oxime linkages are provided. Methods for their preparation include the polycondensation of saccharides bearing oxime-forming substituents. In some embodiments, polymerization is conducted in the presence of galactose oxidase. The resulting oxime-linked polysaccharides have desirable properties and are useful in numerous applications including paper manufacturing and drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: A process of oxidizing a substrate is disclosed. The process comprising the step of treating the substrate with an oxidizing enzyme, a mediator that enhances the oxidative activity of the enzyme, and a chain transfer agent. In one example, the substrate is a lignin-containing material and the process results in bleaching of the lignin-containing material. Examples of some useful enzymes are laccase, catechol oxidase, monophenol monooxygenase, and bilirubin oxidase. A composition comprising an oxidative enzyme, a mediator that enhances the oxidative activity of the enzyme, and a chain transfer agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the depositions of organic contaminants from pulp in pulp and papermaking systems are disclosed. Whey proteins are added to the pulp or applied to deposition prone surfaces of a papermaking system.

Abstract: Product of esterified polysaccharides and the process of making such product. The process can be enzymatic where an enzyme is used as a catalyst for the reaction. The process can also be chemical where no enzyme is used. Novel products are obtained through lipase-catalyzed &bgr;-lactone ring opening alcoholysis of ketene dimers and the process of making such compositions containing products.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the depositions of organic contaminants from pulp in pulp and papermaking systems are disclosed. A combination of a protein and a cationic polymer is added to the pulp or applied to deposition prone surfaces of a papermaking system.

Abstract: A hydrophobically esterified starch, is disclosed, having the general formula: 1

Abstract: Esterified polysaccharides and the process of making such products are disclosed. The process can be enzymatic where an enzyme is used as a catalyst for the reaction. The process can also be chemical where no enzyme is used. Novel Products are obtained through lipase-catalyzed &bgr;-lactone ring opening alcoholysis of ketene dimers and the process of making such compositions containing products.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the depositions of organic contaminants from pulp in pulp and papermaking systems are disclosed. A combination of a protein and a cationic polymer is added to the pulp or applied to deposition prone surfaces of a papermaking system.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the depositions of organic contaminants from pulp in pulp and papermaking systems are disclosed. Whey proteins are added to the pulp or applied to deposition prone surfaces of a papermaking system.

Abstract: Amine modified pectins wherein the amine is a water soluble amine, amino acid, etc. and process to catalyze the reaction of water soluble polymers having alkoxyester and carboxylic acid functionality, such as polysaccharides, with a primary or secondary amine in the presence of a protease and water.