Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparation of a bifidobacteria-nourishing medium by subjecting a saccharide-based feedstock containing fructosyl units to flash flow conditions. The resulting shearform matrix is then treated to provide a medium having fructosyl-containing oligosaccharide. Preferably, the shearform matrix is treated by subjecting it to acid thermolysis conditions. Also provided is a method of nourishing mammalian alimentary tract for preferential growth of bifidobacteria. In addition, there is provided a medium for nourishing bifidobacteria and comestible products made therefrom.

Abstract: Chewing gum formulations and bases, as well as methods of producing chewing gum and bases are provided. The chewing gum includes sucrose polyesters, which can be used in the base and/or gum as a plasticizer, softener, and emulsifier. In one embodiment, sucrose polyesters are added to sucrose-type gum formulations replacing a quantity of fats, oils, and/or emulsifiers.

Abstract: A process is described for isolating granular starch from bananas by making use of sodium bisulfite and naturally occurring enzymes in the bananas to promote release of starch granules from the banana fruit.

Abstract: The invention deals with porous aggregates and a process for making same. The aggregates generally comprise discrete particles which are bound together, the aggregates having intra-aggregate volumes which may contain drug substances or other functional substances.

Abstract: A porous aggregate having a high intraaggregate reticular volume for releasable containment of functional substances is described. The porous aggregates comprise discrete particles, preferably starch granules, bound together at least at their points of contact in the aggregates. The surfaces of the discrete particles cooperate to define an intraaggregate reticulate volume. The porous aggregate composition of this invention finds use as a high capacity carrier of functional substances for a wide variety of applications, in which the functional substance is released from the aggregate composition under the influence of mechanical compression/disintegration, by degradation or dissolution of the binder and/or particulate components, or by diffusion from the porous surface.

Abstract: Small granule starches are subjected to partial hydrolysis with alpha-amylase or glucoamylase to produce a novel granular starch composition having an enzymatically hydrolyzed surface appearing diffuse and substantially non-porous under microscopic examination and exhibiting crystallinity characteristic of the corresponding native starch granules. The partially hydrolyzed granular starch exhibits fat mimic characteristics for use in reduced calorie processed foods.

Abstract: A microcrystalline starch composition is prepared by disintegration of microporous starch granules produced by partial hydrolysis of granular starch. The composition finds use particularly as a fat substitute in reduced calorie foods. The starch composition is optionally treated with starch reactive cross-linking agents and/or other surface modifying agents to optimize its rheological properties and the organoleptic qualities of processed foods containing the microcrystalline starch composition.

Abstract: A porous aggregate having a high intraaggregate reticular volume for releasable containment of functional substances is described. The porous aggregates comprise discrete particles, preferably starch granules, bound together at least at their points of contact in the aggregates. The surfaces of the discrete particles cooperate to define an intraaggregate reticulate volume. The porous aggregate composition of this invention finds use as a high capacity carrier of functional substances for a wide variety of applications, in which the functional substance is released from the aggregate composition under the influence of mechanical compression/disintegration, by degradation or dissolution of the binder and/or particulate components, or by diffusion from the porous surface.

Abstract: Small granule starch having a mean granule size of less than about 5 microns is substituted for binder excipients in tabletting compositions or the talc or granular starch ingredients of art recognized cosmetic/dusting powder compositions to provide improved compositions. Small granular starch is used as a binder with an orally active ingredient and other optional excipients to provide a tabletting mixture which can be compressed into tablets having excellent hardness and favorable disintegration characteristics. The use of small granule starches as a substitute for art-recognized starch and/or talc carriers in cosmetic/body powders provide compositions with enhanced coverage and a softer feel when applied to the skin.

Abstract: A microcrystalline starch composition is prepared by disintegration of microporous starch granules produced by partial hydrolysis of granular starch. The composition finds use particularly as a fat substitute in reduced calorie foods. The starch composition is optionally treated with starch reactive cross-linking agents and/or other surface modifying agents to optimize its rheological properties and the organoleptic qualities of processed foods containing the microcrystalline starch composition.

Abstract: A cellulase hydrolysate of tamarind polysaccharide is utilized as a substitute for a portion of metabolizable carbohydrates in processed foods to prepare reduced-calorie versions of said process foods having excellent organoleptic quality. The tamarind hydrolysate comprises DP 7 oligosaccharides, more typically, DP 7 and DP 9 oligosaccharides. The tamarind hydrolysate can be further processed utilizing yeast digestion and/or membrane filtration to remove monosaccharides and low DP (DP.ltoreq.6) oligosaccharides from the hydrolysate composition.

Abstract: Derivatives of simple monosaccharides which exhibit anti-proliferative and/or anti-inflammatory activity and are useful for treating mammals having inflammatory disorders and/or autoimmune disorders. This invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treating inflammatory and/or autoimmune disorders.

Abstract: A method for detoxifying cyanide waste using a reactive sugar having aldose functionality is provided. The reactive sugar is mixed with the cyanide waste to produce sugar acid, a non-toxic and environmentally safe compound.

Abstract: An assembly for producing heat/mechanical energy by combustion of sugar includes a combustion chamber and a means for fluidizing sugar. Fluidized sugar is injected into the combustion chamber, optionally in combination with a hydrocarbon fuel and ignited. The combustion gas energy can be recovered as usable mechanical energy using conventional piston crank shaft or turbine asssemblies. Exhaust gases have reduced levels of noxious pollutants relative to exhaust gases from internal combustion engines not burning sugar fuels.

Abstract: A cellulase hydrolysate of tamarind polysaccharide is utilized as a substitute for a portion of metabolizable carbohydrates in processed foods to prepare reduced-calorie versions of said process foods having excellent organoleptic quality. The tamarind hydrolysate comprises DP 7 oligosaccharides, more typically, DP 7 and DP 9 oligosaccharides. The tamarind hydrolysate can be further processed utilizing yeast digestion and/or membrane filtration to remove monosaccharides and low DP (DP.ltoreq.6) oligosaccharides from the hydrolysate composition.

Abstract: Cyanide reactive reducing sugars, such as xylose, ribose, arabinose, glyceraldehyde and erythrose, are added to a food, drug or other oral composition to detoxify cyanide. The cyanide reacive reducing sugar is added in an amount in excess of about 1 weight percent. The cyanide reactive reducing sugar may be mixed into the composition or may be applied as a coating on a solid composition. The cyanide reactive reducing sugar is one of the edible components of the gum.

Abstract: Amylase treated granular starches provide a microporous matrix material adapted for absorption and releasable containment of functional compositions. The microporous starch granules are chemically derivatized to enhance absorptive and structural properties. Absorbed functional substances are released from the microporous starch matrix under the influence of mechanical compression, by diffusion into a surrounding fluid or as a result of degradation of the granular starch matrix.

Abstract: It is disclosed that L-fructose can be produced in high yield from L-sorbose. The process involves the inversion of the hydroxyl groups on carbon atoms C3 and C4 of L-sorbose to produce L-fructose. This inversion can be accomplished in simple, commercial equipment with the aid of common reagents. L-sorbose or an appropriately blocked derivative thereof is reacted so as to introduce or create a good leaving group, preferably mesyl or tosyl, at chiral carbon C3 thereby displacing the hydroxyl previously at that position. The leaving group is then displaced, preferably under alkaline conditions, in such a way that the hydroxyl oxygen atom at chiral carbon C4 attaches to chiral carbon C3, thereby displacing the leaving group while forming a 3,4-oxirane (epoxide) ring. The 3,4-oxirane ring forms in a downward position relative to the Haworth presentation thereby inverting chiral carbon C3 during formation of the 3,4-oxirane ring.

Abstract: Simple sugars with sulfur replacing the ring oxygen atom protect normal healthy cells of animals from radiation or from any other reaction that produces free radicals and damages the cells through the action of the free radicals. To be effective, the thio-sugars must undergo transport to cells that may be adversely affected by free radicals. 6-Thio-D-fructose is an example of a sugar that is readily transported from the gastrointestinal tract to the cardiovascular system and thereby disseminated to cells throughout the body. As it is absorbed into the cells, it protects against all kinds of radiation that adversely affects cells through the creation of free radicals. It is believed to be effective against all high-energy radiation that produces free radicals in living material, and therefore is effective against radiation such as X-ray, gamma, alpha, pi mesons, neutrons, and ultraviolet light radiation. Therefore, it even offers protection against sunburn.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing acosamine, daunosamine and 1-thioacosamines from L-rhamnal is disclosed that can generally be characterized by Michael addition of an alkoxide or thioalkoxide to the enone formed by allylic oxidation of L-rhamnal to directly generate the 2-deoxy functionality, and stereospecific reduction of the oxime to the arabino compound which establishes configuration at C-3 and generates a compound which requires only epirmerization at C-4 to yield the desired product. The synthesis of anthracycline antibiotics incorporating these sugars or their derivatives by glycosidation of the glycone is also disclosed.