Abstract: A composite comprised of: (i) at least one inverse freezing material, and (ii) an additive in the form of at least one solid particle. Articles made of the composites, and uses of the composites or the articles incorporating same, particularly for reducing incoming shockwaves, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite comprised of: (i) at least one inverse freezing material, and (ii) an additive in the form of at least one solid particle. Articles made of the composites, and uses of the composites or the articles incorporating same, particularly for reducing incoming shockwaves, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved synthetic copolypeptide antimicrobials contain cationic amino acid residues and may be based on a blocky sequence. These antimicrobials show low mammalian toxicity and may undergo directed self-assembly. The inventive synthetic copolypeptides are useful in treatment of wounds and other infections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing osteoinductive synthetic bone grafts are provided in which a porous ceramic granule, which may be incorporated within a biocompatible matrix material, is loaded with an osteoinductive agent. Loading of granules is facilitated in some cases by the use of low-pH buffers and pre-treatments.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for using a controlled extensional strain to organize prefibrillar collagen and/or elastin solutions into an organized array of fibrils. The organized array of collagen fibrils produced by the disclosed methods and devices can be used for tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: A water degradable paper sheet has a basis weight of 80 to 400 g/m2 and is dry-formed from paper fibers bound together by a water-soluble binder including starch, the amount of binder in the sheet being 30 to 70%. Additionally, a tube is formed by a cylinder having a wall that includes at least one dry-formed paper sheet including paper fibers bound together by a water-soluble binder.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a scalable and electrostretching approach for generating microfibers exhibiting uniaxial alignment from polymer solutions. Such microfibers can be generated from a variety of natural polymers or synthetic polymers. The hydrogel microfibers can be used for controlled release of bioactive agents. The internal uniaxial alignment exhibited by the presently disclosed fibers provides improved mechanical properties to microfibers, contact guidance cues and induces alignment for cells seeded on or within the microfibers.

Abstract: Transparent conductive films comprising silver nanowires dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin can be prepared by coating from aqueous solvent using common aqueous solvent coating techniques. These films have good transparency, conductivity, and stability. Coating on a flexible support allows the manufacture of flexible conductive materials.

Abstract: Polypeptides are provided, where the polypeptides include one or more groups of formula —R1—C(O)R2, where R1 is an amino acid side chain, R2 is a C8-C24 polyunsaturated alkenyl group, and the polypeptide is a gelatin.

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: A method for protecting an entity from the effects of an explosion or from the effects of contact with a projectile by covering at least a part of the entity in a barrier which includes a cross-linked water gel.

Abstract: A novel method for building complex three-dimensional scaffolds for biomimetic applications such as in vitro organ growth, using a gelatin/sugar/water gel, ultraviolet radiation, and heat or enzyme is described. The method produces gelatin-sugar hydrogels demonstrating greater thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to enzymatic degradation. The invention also provides a means to assemble the gelatin sugar hydrogel films into complex three-dimensional structures (scaffolds). To account for the native biochemical factors present in natural scaffolds, methods of conjugating such factors to the gelatin-sugar hydrogel are described. These scaffolds can then be applied for tissue culturing and organ growth. The present invention also describes a system and apparatus for constructing these complex three-dimensional scaffolds by taking advantage of the physical and chemical properties of the gelatin-sugar hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a stable dispersion of nano-particles, comprising the steps: a) mixing a suspension of nano-particles with an aqueous solution of gelatine hydrolysate; and b) adding an aqueous solution of gelatine to the mixture. Furthermore, the invention relates to a stable dispersion of nano-particles as well as the use thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a preparation of bone repair compositions, and more special refers to a novel technology in preparing a matrix building polymer i.e. collagen with inclusions of hydroxyapatite particles as biomaterial for medical applications. In this composition that consists of hydroxyapatite particles embedded in a matrix at least 50% nm. Said composition is suitable as bone implant material, dental cement and for applications in wound healing.

Abstract: A biomaterial for osteoplasty has a preserved native spatial organization of collagen matrix and mineral component of bone fabrics of natural origin, for example, containing 25% collagen and 75% mineral substances. The biomaterial is demineralized (compared to original concentration) to contain from 0 to 95% of the original mineral concentration, preferably from 5 to 80%, more preferably from 10 to 60%. The proteins are composed of 99% of collagen and 1% of other proteins. The biomaterial contains bone sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG), whose concentration varies from 0.3 to 3 mg per 1 cm3 of the material. The sGAG is affinity-bound to the bone matrix. The biomaterial may also include bisphosphonates, whose concentration varies from 0.2 to 10 micrograms per 1 gram of material. The biomaterial may also include bone the morphogenetic proteins (BMP), whose concentration varies from 0.001 to 1 micrograms per 1 gram of material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a biological hydrogel that is chemically stabilized with non-covalent or covalent cross-links. The biological hydrogel is used to coat surfaces of materials for submersion in marine water. Molecular dissolution at the marine water-hydrogel surface prevents attachment of fouling organisms. The rate of dissolution can be controlled by both the concentration of the biopolymer in the hydrogel and the nature and concentration of cross-linker used. Additional components, either molecular or particulate, can be added to the biological hydrogel before or after cross-linking for enhanced properties.

Abstract: Polypeptides are provided, where the polypeptides include one or more groups of formula —R1—C(O)R2, where R1 is an amino acid side chain, R2 is a C8-C24 polyunsaturated alkenyl group, and the polypeptide is a gelatin.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: In a fine particle dispersion, a fine particle (P) is dispersed in a mixed organic solvent. The fine particle (P) is formed of one type or not less than two types of a metal, an alloy, and/or a metallic compound, and has a mean particle diameter between 1 nm and 150 nm for primary particles thereof. Further, the fine particle (P) has a surface at least a part thereof coated with a polymer dispersing agent (D).

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Phase invertible compositions in accordance with the invention are prepared by combining a liquid proteinaceous substrate and a liquid crosslinking composition, where the liquid crosslinking composition includes a macromolecular crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Compositions for hardening paint, particularly residual waste water-based paints are described. The compositions comprise at least one water soluble or water dispersible, natural or synthetic polymer and optionally an agent that increases the ionic strength of the paint. Methods of hardening waste water-based paint for environmentally responsible disposal are also described.

Abstract: A glue composition can include: one or more glue proteins selected to undergo a conformational change responsive to a pH change; and one or more pH components selected to change the pH of the one or more glue proteins in response to a change in one or more conditions. The glue can be prepared by: providing one or more glue proteins selected to undergo a conformational change in response to a pH change; and combining the glue proteins with one or more pH components selected to change the pH of the one or more glue proteins in response to a change in one or more conditions.

Abstract: An improvement in a mixture for forming into a body that is to be fired into a “whiteware ceramic product” wherein the mixture is a compound of clay and other minerals with a ferric oxide content of less than about 5.0% by weight of the dry mixture. The improvement includes adding to the mixture a binder in the form of a combination of protein and a vegetable flour with an equivalent gram strength of at least 30 grams and a protein content of 20-50% of the binder, where the binder is in the range of 0.05% to 0.50% by weight of the dry mixture.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns lake compositions based on natural macromolecules (gelatin, chitosan, pectine etc.) with possible additions of vinyl polymers, metal-alcoxides etc., characterized by a barrier effect modulated in situ, in particular as a function of the relative humidity in the exterior ambient.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for making mineralized matrices. In certain embodiments methods are provided for forming a crystalline phase within a defined liquid volume. The methods can involve combining a crystallization inhibitor; a solution that would, in the absence of the inhibitor, form the crystalline phase; and a semi-permeable barrier that excludes the inhibitor but allows the solution containing the constituents of the crystalline phase to enter, whereby a crystalline phase is formed within the liquid volume.

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: The invention relates to novel composite materials based on a collagen matrix mineralised with silicate and calcium phosphate phases, to a method for the production thereof and use thereof as an implant material which can be shaped in a plurality of ways, a biological coating or active substance carrier. The claimed composite material comprises a collagen matrix which is mineralised with silicate and a calcium phosphate phase, said collagen being a recombinate collagen, collagen from Eumetazoa, sponge collagen from a sponge of the Demospongia class (horn sponges) or Calcarea (calcareous sponges), a synthetic collage analogue, a collagen derivative or a mixture of said collagens.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a balloon catheter, which has a drug-releasing coating and/or cavity filling on at least parts of the outwardly facing surface of the dilatable balloon, characterized in that the coating comprises a drug and a gelatin mixture, the gelatin components of the gelatin mixture comprising 10-90 wt. % high-bloom gelatin having a gel strength of?250 bloom and 90-10 wt. % medium-bloom gelatin having a gel strength of?50 to<250 bloom, the specifications in wt. % relating to the total weight of the gelatin components of the gelatin mixture.

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: A method for protecting a structure or organism from the effects of fire caused by an explosion comprising covering at least a part of said structure or organism in a barrier comprising a water gel.

Abstract: An adhesive having a light-activated distinctive appearance is disclosed. The adhesive in the presence of a certain type of light can project a distinctive color. In one embodiment, an adhesive can have a light-activated colorization. The light used to activate the colorization can be Ultraviolet (UV) light. The adhesive can be used in an assembly and/or review process for consumer products to facilitate assembly and/or review of consumer products assembled at least in part using adhesive.

Abstract: Described are osteogenic implants that include a first implant material covered at least in part by a second implant material carrying an osteogenic protein such as a bone morphogenic protein. The first implant material can comprise a mineral and provide an inner scaffolding portion for supporting bone ingrowth, and the second implant material can comprise a collagen or other sponge carrier covering the first implant material and having a liquid osteogenic protein formulation imbibed therein. Related implant materials and methods of preparation and use constitute additional aspects of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a fine particle dispersion such as a dispersion of metal fine particles which is superior in dispersibility and storage stability. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a fine particle dispersion wherein fine particles of a metal or the like, having a mean particle diameter of between 1 nm and 150 nm for primary particles, are dispersed in an organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for protecting an entity from the effects of an explosion or from the effects of contact with a projectile by covering at least a part of the entity in a barrier which includes a cross-linked water gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting nucleic acids comprising suspending at least one recognizable target nucleic acid in a suspending solution containing polymeric particles marked with a probe, wherein the probe has an affinity for the target nucleic acid, adding a recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker to the suspending solution, forming a complex of the polymeric particles marked with a probe, the target nucleic acid and the recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker, contacting the suspending solution with a gelatin surface, adding a developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface in the presence of phenol to attach the complex to the gelatin surface, washing the gelatin surface, and detecting the complex attached to the gelatin surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting biological analytes comprising suspending a target analyte in a suspending solution containing polymeric particles marked with a probe, wherein the probe has an affinity for said target analyte; adding recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker to the suspending solution; forming a complex of the target analyte, the polymeric particles marked with a probe, and the recognition unit-peroxidase conjugate marker; contacting a gelatin surface with the suspending solution; adding developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface in the presence of phenol to attach the complex to the gelatin surface; washing the gelatin surface; and detecting the complex attached to the gelatin surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of particle separation comprising preparing a suspension of particles containing at least one recognizable target particle in a suspending solution, labeling the target particle with a conjugate marker, wherein the conjugate marker comprises at least one recognition unit for the recognizable target particle and at least one peroxidase enzyme, contacting a gelatin surface with the suspending solution, adding developer to the suspending solution in contact with the gelatin surface and in the presence of phenol to attach the target particle to the gelatin surface, and washing the gelatin surface to remove unattached particles. The method may also include detecting the presence of the target particle on the gelatin surface as well as detaching and recovering the attached particles after removal of the non-target particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. In one embodiment, the poultry gelatin is located preferably in at least one layer in the upper half of said imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. Another embodiment provides an aqueous coating composition comprising poultry gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. In one embodiment, the poultry gelatin is located preferably in at least one layer in the upper half of said imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. Another embodiment provides an aqueous coating composition comprising poultry gelatin.

Abstract: In broadest terms, a craft composition and a craft composition kit, the composition comprising: a first component in a first container and comprising a first solution of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol and a first colorant, a second component in a second container and comprising a second solution of a tetraborate composition in a second colorant, the first and second components being adapted to present an appearance of striated colors upon initial admixture, which appearance transforms to a uniform single color resulting from the uniform mixture of the first and second colorants. The invention also includes a method of preparing a craft composition.

Abstract: A substrate treatment composition comprising a particulate substrate treating agent (other than precipitated calcium carbonate), wherein the particles of the substrate treating agent, such as silica, organosilane, aluminium oxide or hydroxide have a broad range of diameters and include at least some particles with a diameter greater than 0.9 &mgr;m and at least some particles with a diameter less than 0.5 &mgr;m. Suitable substrates include paper, fabrics, plastics and glass which are subsequently printed on.

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and a colloidal particle dispersed material phase at a volume fraction of at least 0.01, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. The present invention enables increasing the concentrations of a coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed sub-micron colloidal materials, reducing the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials in such a coating fluid, and/or including higher molecular weight gelatin in such a coating fluid without detrimentally increasing the viscosity of such fluids. The invention further enables reducing the viscosity of an aqueous coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed insoluble colloidal material, without needing to reduce the concentration of gelatin or colloidal materials, increase the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials, and/or reduce the molecular weight of the gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. In one embodiment, the poultry gelatin is located preferably in at least one layer in the upper half of said imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. Another embodiment provides an aqueous coating composition comprising poultry gelatin.

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and gelatin hardener at a level from 1-200 effective &mgr;mole hardener per gram of coating fluid, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. Relative improvements are obtained in reducing the rate of chemical gelation of a coating fluid containing gelatin and a hardener, without the need for chemically modifying functional groups of the gelatin. The invention further enables an increase in coating fluid concentration, increase in the fluid viscosity, reduction in the ratio of added anionic polymer to gelatin, and/or increase in the pH of a coating fluid containing gelatin and a hardener, without detrimentally increasing the rate of chemical gelation of the coating fluid.

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: The present invention relates to novel collagen products, methods for producing same, and to a novel test for assessing native collagen content of a protein solution. Particular collagen products are extracted from the skin of cold water fish. The collagen products comprise a high proportion of native collagen and are suitable for use as fining agents in the brewing and wine industries.

Abstract: Coating foundry sand with a thin layer of an oxidation-promoting catalyst. Preferred catalysts comprise ferric and cupric oxides. The catalysts promote the oxidation of any polymeric binder or residues admixed with the sand. The sand is coated by wetting the grains with a solution of a catalyst precursor, drying the sand and baking the sand in air to convert the precursor to the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides, in a first embodiment, a blocking wax composition. The blocking wax comprises from about 50 to about 90 weight percent of a water-soluble continuous phase and from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a discontinuous solid phase filler that is substantially inert to the continuous phase. The invention further provides a method for mounting a contact lens blank for machining.