Abstract: According to principles of this invention, flour can be used as a filler for either an oil-based or PEG-based paintball fill material. In one embodiment of the present invention, a paintball fill material preferably comprises flour. More particularly, a paintball according to principles of the present invention can comprise a gelatin capsule defining an interior chamber which, upon formation of the paintball, houses a fill material. The fill material can comprise, for instance, 1%-65% polyethylene glycol, 25%-45% flour, and up to 0.5% dye, with the balance water. Accordingly, unlike conventional paintballs, the paintball fill material of the present invention preferably contains flour rather than starch to reduce the amount of polyethylene glycol required for the fill material. In alternative formulations, an oil can be used in addition to, or instead of, polyethylene glycol. According to another aspect of the present invention, the gelatin capsule for the paintball can also utilize flour in its composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials such as a coating, comprising a lipolytic enzyme or organophosphrous compound degrading enzyme. Also disclosed herein are methods of visually detecting enzyme activity in a coating by contacting the coating with a substrate of an enzyme and a visual indicator that changes appearance upon production of a product of enzyme activity on a tack-free coating surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a materials such as a coating, such as an architectural coating or a CARC coating, comprising a lipolytic enzyme or organophosphorous compound degrading enzyme. Also disclosed herein are methods of decontaminating a surface comprising such a material from a chemical substrate of an enzyme such as a lipid or an organophosphorus compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for making solid biodegradable articles from wheat gluten. Hydrated wheat gluten is provided in the form of a cohesive, elastic dough. The cohesive, elastic dough comprises at least 8% by weight wheat gluten and wherein the wheat gluten comprises a protein having a primary structure. The cohesive, elastic dough is formed into a shaped article and placed in an environment sufficient to remove excess water from the shaped article without modifying the primary structure of the wheat gluten protein, such that a solid biodegradable article results. The solid biodegradable articles of the present invention comprise at least 8% by weight wheat gluten.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a binder from a waste water effluent is disclosed. A method for recovering the protein used in the manufacture of the binder comprises adding an agglomerating agent to the waste effluent stream, precipitating the protein and separating the water from the protein. The steps for manufacturing the binder from the protein include hydrolyzing the protein, mixing an adhesive polymer with the protein and curing the protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for making solid biodegradable articles from wheat gluten. Hydrated wheat gluten is provided in the form of a cohesive, elastic dough. The cohesive, elastic dough comprises at least 8% by weight wheat gluten and wherein the wheat gluten comprises a protein having a primary structure. The cohesive, elastic dough is formed into a shaped article and placed in an environment sufficient to remove excess water from the shaped article without modifying the primary structure of the wheat gluten protein, such that a solid biodegradable article results. The solid biodegradable articles of the present invention comprise at least 8% by weight wheat gluten.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet material that is of use as an equivalent to skin for in vitro testing of cosmetic ingredients and/or formulations. The sheet material comprises protein and a humidity control agent so that it is ready to use. Tests that can be performed on the sheet material are for example make up smearing, colour evaluation, sun protection factor measurements, UVA-protection, water resistance of cosmetic products, sunless tanning applications, etc.

Abstract: A method for fixing images in plastic moldings which allows images to be fixed in a plastic molding in such a way that the image is embedded therein and does not experience lasting changes, even for elastic plastic moldings. To avoid loss of image quality when the image is transferred into the plastic molding, the method for fixing images in plastic moldings after generating an image on an adhesive layer is characterized in that an image receptor layer of liquid plastic is applied to the image which, with or without an additional carrier, is generated on the adhesive layer. Components of the adhesive layer are at least partially miscible with the liquid plastic when it is applied. The liquid plastic phase is then converted to a solid plastic phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a coating material as well as the use of the coating material. In order to provide a method for producing a novel coating material with which scratchproof coatings can be fabricated and which may also be used as coating powder, it is proposed within the scope of the invention that one or more organic molecules, oligomers or polymers comprising at least one functional group react with one or more silanes comprising at least one functional organic group on an organic side chain to form a covalent bond between the organic molecule, oligomer or polymer and the silane, thus resulting in a high-molecular-weight silane which can be cured directly by means of a catalyst. Surprisingly, it has been found that by reacting organically functionalized silanes, e.g.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles includes providing a template that has a plurality of discrete surface portions, each discrete surface portion having a surface geometry selected to impart a desired geometrical property to a particle while being produced; depositing a constituent material of the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles being produced onto the plurality of discrete surface portions of the template to form at least portions of the particles; separating the at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles comprising the constituent material from the template into a fluid material, the particles being separate from each other at respective discrete surface portions of the template; and processing the template for subsequent use in producing additional at least one of microscopic and submicroscopic particles.

Abstract: Use of hydrophobins for soil-repellent treatment of hard surfaces, in particular in combination with a cleansing of the surface, processes for soil-repellent treatment of hard surfaces, cleansing agents for hard surfaces and also hard surfaces with a soil-repellent coating comprising hydrophobins.

Abstract: A composite of one or more repeat sequence protein polymers and either one or more metal oxides or one or more plasticizers alters material properties of the repeat sequence protein polymers, including the morphology of the polymers as well as the elastic modulus and tensile strength. The morphology of the composite is aligned, generally parallel nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioadhesive derived from mussel. In particular, it relates to a novel Mytilus galloprovincialis foot protein type 5 (MGFP-5) and a recombinant protein that is a hybrid of MGFP-5 and foot protein type 1 (FP-1), where an adhesive protein with adhesive activity can be economically mass-produced to be used in place of chemical adhesives through the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a coupled enzyme system for the rapid and efficient production of hydrogen peroxide by the coupling of a first enzyme system capable of hydrogen peroxide generation, to a second enzyme system which utilizes the non hydrogen peroxide product of the first enzyme system, and optionally is capable of generating further hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are glycosylated amphiphilic molecules composed of hydrophobic “tails” and hydrophilic “heads” that self align to form a membrane at the interface of a polar solvent and a non-polar liquid or a solid. The present invention is directed to a solid state membrane, typically a thin film, composed of a non-polar solid material having the hydrophobic “tail” of a glycosylated amphiphilic molecule embedded in or linked to its surface such that the hydrophilic “head” protrudes from the solid surface and presents useful properties to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dry particulate encapsulation compositions comprising a water-insoluble matrix comprising at least 70% by weight of proteins, based on the total weight of the matrix and a moisture content of about 5 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the matrix and an encapsulate encapsulated in the matrix, wherein the matrix once wetted in a clear colorless aqueous solution or in mineral oil has a lightness value (L*) greater than about 40, a color vividness or Chroma (C*) lower than about 33 and a hue angle between about 70 and 90. The encapsulation compositions of the present invention are useful in encapsulating dyes, medications and vitamins. Fine particulate encapsulation compositions comprising natural dyes can be used in lieu of artificial lakes in confectionery, cosmetics and caplets color coatings.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive dispersion compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesive dispersions are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers, and preparing an acidic dispersion of the adhesive. The adhesive dispersions exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: Proteinaceous polymers having repetitive units from naturally occurring structural proteins are employed as backbones for functionalities for crosslinking to provide strongly adherent tissue adhesives and sealants. Particularly, block copolymers of elastin and fibroin are employed having lysine substitutions in spaced apart units, where the amino group can be crosslinked using difunctional crosslinking agents.

Abstract: A composition for surface treatment of paper which includes a nanoparticle fraction, and a carrier fraction for detaining the nanoparticles in the surface layer. The carrier fraction includes plate-like pigment particles, and at least one binder. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the composition and to its use.

Abstract: A first fiber treatment comprising a functional protein prepared by treating proteins such as collagen with a cross-linking agent and a solvent-base resin; a second one comprising the above functional protein and a water-base resin; a third one comprising a water-soluble organic substance having an average molecular weight of 100 to 20000 and a reactive modifier; a fourth one comprising the above functional protein and a reactive modifier; and products such as fibers and textile goods treated with one of the treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved foamed well cement slurries, additives and methods. The foamed well cement slurries are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, sufficient gas to form a foam and an effective amount of an additive for foaming the slurry comprised of hydrolyzed keratin.

Abstract: A nongermicidal composition which comprises an aqueous solution of an organic polymer, wherein the solution when applied to a substrate prevents the growth of microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic composition and also to a method for seasoning wood, intended in particular for applications in the food industry. The method consists in immersing green wood in an aqueous solution comprising an enzymatic composition. The wood can subsequently be dried very rapidly in a drying facility. The invention makes it possible to improve the aromatic characteristics of the wood by eliminating certain substances judged to be undesirable due to their astringent nature or bitter nature, and transforming them into neutrally-tasting molecules.

Abstract: The synthesis of moisture-resistant adhesive polypeptides, conditions for their use, and conditions for controlling characteristics of the crosslinked matrix are disclosed. By specifically manipulating the conditions under which these networks are formed, the characteristics of the networks may be precisely regulated. These manipulatable adhesive networks are water-based, show exceptional bonding capabilities toward wet materials (including biological tissues), and have a variety of biotechnological applications.

Abstract: Proteinaceous polymers having repetitive units from naturally occurring structural proteins are employed as backbones for functionalities for crosslinking to provide strongly adherent tissue adhesive compositions for bonding together separated tissue, and for sealing or filling tissue defects by injecting the compositions into the defects. Particularly, block copolymers having repeating units of elastin and fibroin are employed having lysine substitutions in spaced apart units, where the amino group can be crosslinked using difunctional crosslinking agents such as glutaraldehyde, activated diolefins, diisocyanates, acid anhydrides or diamines. The protein polymer contains at least 40 weight percent of repetitive units of 3 to 30 amino acids, preferably 3 to 15 amino acids, of at least one naturally occurring structural protein and at least two amino acids containing a functional group capable of reacting with the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, fountain solution, adhesive, agricultural and electronics cleaning compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of an N,N′-dialkylamide of malic acid of the following structure: where R1 and R2 are C4 to C10 alkyl groups, preferably at least one of R1 and R2 being a branched C4 to C10 alkyl group.

Abstract: This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, fountain solution, adhesive, agricultural and electronics cleaning compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of an N,N′-dialkylamide of tartaric acid of the following structure: where R1 and R2 are C4 to C8 alkyl groups with at least one of R1 and R2 being a branched C4 to C8 alkyl group.

Abstract: A coating material for forming an information display surface of the present invention contains a water absorbent substance and a water-soluble substance. The water absorbent substance is protein such as collagen or polysaccharide such as cellulose. A display medium has a base material for display made of polyolefin type resin and the like on which the information display surface made of the coating material is formed. Another coating material for forming the information display surface contains an ultraviolet curable resin and a natural organic substance as major components. The natural organic substance is collagen, wool, keratin and so on.

Abstract: This invention provides water-based compositions, particularly coating, ink, adhesive, fountain solution, agricultural and photoresist developer compositions, manifesting reduced equilibrium and dynamic surface tension by the incorporation of a surface tension reducing amount of certain trialkyl urea compounds of the structure where R1 and R2 are C2 to C6 alkyl groups, R3 is methyl or ethyl, and the total number of carbon atoms in R1, R2 and R3 is from 6 to 14.

Abstract: A method for joining tissue comprising aligning and abutting edges of the tissue to be joined applying biodegradable, biological solder or an analogue thereof, across the edges and exposing the solder to an energy source under conditions which provide transfer of energy from the source to the solder to cause the solder to bond to the tissue surface adjacent the edges to provide a weld holding the edges together.