Abstract: Described herein are blends of carbohydrate-based polymeric materials with other polymeric materials, where the carbohydrate-based polymeric material is intimately blended with the other polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the carbohydrate-based polymeric material in the matrix of the other polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the other polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material, and provide for more consistent achievement of such characteristics, from batch to batch. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed. While suitable for use in a wide variety of fields, examples may include for the coating of paper cups, and as a capsule material for sustained release fertilizer.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of starch or starch-based materials with polymeric materials, where the starch or starch-based material is intimately blended with the polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the starch or starch-based material in the matrix of the polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed.

Abstract: Composite blends of polyester containing plastic materials, and a starch-based polymeric material that increases the biodegradability of the polyesters of such a composite in simulated or actual marine conditions (e.g., simulated by ASTM D-6691). Enhanced rate or extent of biodegradation may also be exhibited in simulated or actual land-based disposal conditions. The starch-based polymeric materials are substantially amorphous, and are homogenously blended with the polyester plastic materials. While polyester plastics such as PBAT, PLA, PCL, and/or PBS may exhibit some biodegradability characteristics when composted and/or disposed of in landfill conditions at elevated temperatures, they exhibit limited if any biodegradability when disposed of in a marine environment. Even conventional blends of starch with such polyesters do not exhibit any significant marine biodegradability with respect to the polyester components therein.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of starch or starch-based materials with polymeric materials, where the starch or starch-based material is intimately blended with the polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the starch or starch-based material in the matrix of the polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are blends of carbohydrate-based polymeric materials with other polymeric materials, where the carbohydrate-based polymeric material is intimately blended with the other polymeric material, so as to exhibit very small particles sizes (e.g., less than 2 ?m, or less than 1 ?m) for the carbohydrate-based polymeric material in the matrix of the other polymeric material. Such intimate dispersion of very small particles provides for far more of the particles dispersed more evenly throughout the matrix of the other polymeric material, which may enhance various performance characteristics of the blended composite material, and provide for more consistent achievement of such characteristics, from batch to batch. Methods of producing articles from such blends exhibiting such small particles and excellent dispersion are also disclosed. While suitable for use in a wide variety of fields, examples may include for the coating of paper cups, and as a capsule material for sustained release fertilizer.

Abstract: Composite blends of polyester containing plastic materials, and a starch-based polymeric material that increases the biodegradability of the polyesters of such a composite in simulated or actual marine conditions (e.g., simulated by ASTM D-6691). Enhanced rate or extent of biodegradation may also be exhibited in simulated or actual land-based disposal conditions. The starch-based polymeric materials are substantially amorphous, and are homogenously blended with the polyester plastic materials. While polyester plastics such as PBAT, PLA, PCL, and/or PBS may exhibit some biodegradability characteristics when composted and/or disposed of in landfill conditions at elevated temperatures, they exhibit limited if any biodegradability when disposed of in a marine environment. Even conventional blends of starch with such polyesters do not exhibit any significant marine biodegradability with respect to the polyester components therein.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing ?-glucan having excellent immunopotentiating effects at a lower cost. Black yeast (Aureobasidium pullulans) is cultured using cells of lactic acid-producing bacteria and/or derivatives thereof as a nutrient source and is allowed to produce ?-glucan.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing ?-glucan having excellent immunopotentiating effects at a lower cost. Black yeast (Aureobasidium pullulans) is cultured using cells of lactic acid-producing bacteria and/or derivatives thereof as a nutrient source and is allowed to produce ?-glucan.