Abstract: A cotton bud with a rod-like grip body and with a bud body that is arranged at least at one free end of the grip body. The rod-like grip body is a biologically degradable extrusion body, and includes natural fibres embedded into a material matrix.

Abstract: The invention is directed to thermoplastics derived from feathers. The thermoplastics are prepared by blending whole feathers or portions thereof with a plasticizer in an amount ranging from about 20 wt to about 40 wt % and a reducing agent in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % to form a mixture; and either extruding the mixture to form an article, or pressing the mixture into a film at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: Biodegradable materials and methods of their manufacture. Certain embodiments of the biodegradable materials include a crustacean shell material, at least one of gelatin, glycerin, and sorbitol, and water, wherein the biodegradable material is characterized in that, when it is exposed to water for an extended period of time, the material at least partially decomposes. Particular embodiments may comprise additional components including sorbitol and glycerin in the case of biodegradable golf ball embodiments, for example.

Abstract: A dried distiller soluble based bioadhesive composition and method for producing the dried distiller soluble based bioadhesives are disclosed, as well as derivatives thereof. The produced dried distillers solubles derives from co-products of corn fermentation facilities, and is advantageously comprised in part of water-soluble proteins. The method for producing the dried distillers solubles generally involves separation and/or introduction of targeted constituents and/or physiochemical treatment to facilitate use as an adhesive. Use of the method and bioadhesive compositions disclosed herein will improve the economics of fermentation by increasing co-product value, reducing plant-wide energy utilization, decreasing waste and emissions, and increasing overall product yield from each bushel of corn consumed.

Abstract: Molded articles of pure keratin protein, keratin copolymers or crosslinked keratin proteins are produced from a wetted protein powder by application of compression and optionally heat. Stabile materials can be molded or machined.

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 gel formulation for use as simulated tissue for ballistic testing includes a mixture of gelatin, a glycol, such as ethylene glycol, and water. The gel may be formed in a mold to simulate a body part, such as an organ. A ratio of gelatin to glycol may be varied, depending on the body part to be simulated. An anatomic model may be formed by incorporating simulated organs formed with different gelatin to glycol ratios.

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: A composition suitable for making films, wherein the composition contains keratin obtained from avian feathers and at least one OH containing plasticizer. Protein-based films containing at least one protein and at least one OH containing plasticizer, wherein the protein is a protein whose PE value is ?2.5 where PE=(S+T+Y)/C where PE is plasticizer efficiency and where S, T, Y, and C are the amino acids serine, threonine, tyrosine, and cysteine, respectively, in the protein. Preferably the protein is keratin obtained from avian feathers.

Abstract: Encapsulation compositions in which an encapsulate (A) is encapsulated in a matrix (B) may be prepared by: