Abstract: A fertilizer product comprising an acid-carbonized microporous matrix derived from expanded biomass and a fertilizer reaction product of residual acid from the carbonizing process and at least one added fertilizer precursor. The biomass may include steam exploded wood powder. The expanded biomass may be carbonized with a combination of sulphuric and phosphoric acids, followed by ammoniation to produce ammonium sulphate and mono- or diammonium phosphate. The fertilizer reaction product adsorbs onto the carbon matrix, which results in a slow-release when the material is applied to the soil.

Abstract: A method of treating skin is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to skin an effective amount of a composition that has water, an extract comprising Crithmum maritimum, and an extract comprising Ulva lactuca, wherein the extract comprising Ulva lactuca includes a hydrolysate of Ulva lactuca proteins.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aqueous sample stream includes analyte ions. The apparatus comprises an ion exchange barrier; a sample stream flow channel; an ion receiving stream flow channel adjacent to the sample stream flow channel and separated therefrom by said first ion exchange bather. Stationary flow-through ion exchange packing is disposed in the sample flow channel of the same charge as the ion exchange bather. The ion exchange packing comprises a mixture of a first ion exchange portion with strong ionizable groups and a second ion exchange portion with weak ionizable groups of the same charge. First and second electrodes are in electrical communication with the sample stream flow channel and ion receiving flow channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass are disclosed. An acid solution between 1% to 1.6% sulfuric acid is applied to the biomass. The biomass is subjected to an elevated temperature to cause the production of xylose, glucose, and furfural. Adjustments to temperature, acid concentration, and time can generate at least 80% or 90% of theoretical xylose, 45% or 50% of the theoretical glucose, and less than 4000 ppm of furfural in the xylose liquor. A portion of the resulting xylose liquor may be separated from the glucan solids. The xylose liquor, still highly acidic, can be recycled to reduce subsequent acid loading requirements. Makeup acid solution is added to the xylose liquor and subsequent biomass to ensure a proper solids to liquids ratio. The biomass is again treated to higher temperatures to yield sugars. The process may be repeated for each subsequent cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a topical skin composition comprising water, a first algae extract comprising Crithmum maritimum, a second algae extract comprising Ulva lactuca, and a third algae extract.

Abstract: It is disclosed a continuous process for soaking a ligno-cellulosic biomass stream in an extraction solution comprising water and dissolved water soluble species derived from a previously treated ligno-cellulosic biomass, wherein the soaked ligno-cellulosic biomass stream is optionally rinsed with a rinse solution stream to produce a soaking liquid. The electrical conductivity of the extraction solution and/or the soaking liquid are controlled to a value in a suitable target range by regulating one or more dilution streams. The disclosed process is useful to remove non-ligno-cellulosic water soluble compounds from the ligno-cellulosic biomass with a low consumption of water.

Abstract: A process for converting organic MSW into liquid fuels or chemical products in almost quantitative yield via catalytic one-pot hydrolytic depolymerization of organic MSW. The organic MSW comprises all organic materials that exists in municipal solid waste, such as paper and paperboard, food scraps, yard trimmings, rubber, leather, textiles, wood, plastics, etc. The process is the first one over the world for resourcing municipal solid waste.

Abstract: The process for the hydrolysis of ligno-cellulosic biomass comprises the steps of A) Contacting a ligno-cellulosic feedstock, the feedstock comprised of biomass having a dry content and water with at least a portion of a solvent, the solvent comprised of water soluble hydrolyzed species; wherein at least some of the water soluble hydrolyzed species are the same as the water soluble hydrolyzed species obtainable from the hydrolysis of the biomass in the feedstock; B) maintaining the contact between the feedstock of the feedstock stream and the solvent at a temperature in the range of 20° C. to 200° C. for a time in the range of 5 minutes to 72 hours to create a hydrolyzed product from the biomass in the feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of d-tagatose from deproteinized whey or whey permeate containing lactose after acid hydrolysis to provide a hydrolysate comprising 1 equivalent of d-glucose and 1 equivalent of d-galactose for each unit of lactose converted. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the isomerization of d-galactose to d-tagatose and the use of a simplified separation scheme based on simulated moving bed (SMB) separation. The isomerization of d-galactose to d-tagatose is carried out in the presence of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The process is useful for providing a simplified processing route to providing pure d-tagatose and glucose syrup as two products from lactose hydrolysate isomerate. D-tagatose is useful as a food additive, as a sweetener, as a texturizer, as a stabilizer, or as a humectant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of xylose and dissolving pulp from xylan-containing biomass, such as hardwood. The invention is based on prehydrolysis of the xylan-containing biomass with SO2 in specified conditions, followed by chromatographic fractionation, nanofiltration or precipitation crystallization of the xylose-containing prehydrolyzate to obtain a xylose product having a xylose content of at least 55% on DS. The dissolving pulp obtained from the process can be used for example for the production of viscose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of saccharifying biomass, such as algae or agricultural by-products by performing a high-pressure extrusion pulverization process for the biomass, such as algae or agricultural by-products, and more particularly to a method of saccharifying biomass, which includes homogenizing and crushing algae or agricultural by-products, and extruding the algae or agricultural by-products through a micro-diameter tube to pulverize the algae or agricultural by-products. Non-biodegradable polymers, such as cellulose, which is a polysaccharide included in biomass, such as algae or agricultural by-products, hemicelluloses, starch, and complex polysaccharide, are hydrolyzed at high glycosylation efficiency through an eco-friendly pretreatment process using water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing lignocellulosic biomass comprising: providing lignocellulosic biomass feedstock; pretreating said biomass feedstock by continuous hydrothermal pretreatment in a pressurized reactor; measuring xylan number or lignin number in the output stream of pretreated biomass from the pretreatment reactor; and controlling the pretreatment reactor so as to maintain, in the output stream of pretreated biomass, a pre-determined level of measured xylan number or lignin number. The method allows for continuously controlling the digestibility of a lignocellulosic biomass during the step of pretreatment, and accordingly provides a continuous estimate of the severity of the pretreatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic material to obtain hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose and other high-value products. Also provided are hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose, and other high-value products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Conventionally, sugarcane processing avoids leaving residual sucrose in the bagasse, since the bagasse will be burned and the value of the sucrose would be lost. However, when coupled with a Green Power+® process to extract hemicelluloses, sucrose may also be extracted and recovered from the bagasse. In some variations, a process includes mechanically treating a feedstock to generate a sucrose-rich stream and lignocellulosic material that intentionally retains a significant amount of the initial sucrose in the feedstock; extracting the lignocellulosic material with steam and/or hot water to produce cellulose-rich solids and an extract liquor containing hemicellulosic oligomers and sucrose; and then hydrolyzing the hemicellulosic oligomers into a hemicellulose sugar stream. Each of the sucrose-rich stream and the hemicellulose sugar stream (containing the starting residual sucrose) may be recovered or further processed (e.g., fermented to ethanol).

Abstract: A catalyst for cellulose hydrolysis and/or the reduction of hydrolysis products, in which a transition metal of group 8 to 11 is supported on a solid support. A method of producing sugar alcohols comprising: hydrolyzing cellulose in the presence of the catalyst in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere with pressurization; and reducing the hydrolysis product of cellulose. Provided are a catalyst for use in the production of sugar alcohols by the hydrolysis and hydrogenation of cellulose that affords easy separation of catalyst and product, and that does not require pH adjustment, acid or alkali neutralization, or activation of the catalyst during reuse, and a method of producing sugar alcohols from cellulose employing this catalyst.

Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a process for fractionating biomass, comprising: in a digestor, fractionating a biomass feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin, sulfur dioxide, and water, to produce a liquor containing hemicellulose, cellulose-rich solids, and lignin; substantially removing the cellulose-rich solids from the liquor; hydrolyzing the hemicellulose contained in the liquor, to produce hemicellulosic monomers; hydrolyzing the cellulose-rich solids to produce glucose; neutralizing, with lime, a hydrolysate liquid containing the hemicellulosic monomers and the glucose, thereby generating gypsum; heating the gypsum to form calcium sulfate; reducing the calcium sulfate with a reductant (such as syngas) to generate calcium oxide and sulfur dioxide; and recycling the calcium oxide and the sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of d-tagatose from deproteinized whey or whey permeate containing lactose after acid hydrolysis to provide a hydrolysate comprising 1 equivalent of d-glucose and 1 equivalent of d-galactose for each unit of lactose converted. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the isomerization of d-galactose to d-tagatose and the use of a simplified separation scheme based on simulated moving bed (SMB) separation. The isomerization of d-galactose to d-tagatose is carried out in the presence of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The process is useful for providing a simplified processing route to providing pure d-tagatose and glucose syrup as two products from lactose hydrolysate isomerate. D-tagatose is useful as a food additive, as a sweetener, as a texturizer, as a stabilizer, or as a humectant.

Abstract: The invention provides a sweetener composition comprising a core nano particle in association with a sweetener carbohydrate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of C5 monosaccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass using a multistage fractionation process to handle recalcitrant C5 oligosaccharides without producing unwanted degradation products. Methods for reducing C5 monosaccharides degradation products produced from lignocellulosic biomass are also disclosed. In addition, compositions and products produced by the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of soluble C5 saccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass comprising acidifying fractionated lignocellulosic biomass to prevent the recondensation of soluble C5 saccharides, including C5 oligosaccharides and xylose and arabinose monomers, to insoluble higher molecular weight C5 oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A process for converting cellulose to glucose, said process comprising the steps of: providing a hydrated molten salt; contacting the hydrated molten salt with a cellulose-containing material to form dissolved glucose; removing the dissolved glucose from the hydrated molten salt.

Abstract: An organosolv process for producing bio-products by decomposing lignocellulosic materials comprises providing an initial lignin solvent with water, an acid, and a lignin dissolving chemical comprising at least one of an organic ester, butyl acetate, an organic furan, and furfural. The process also includes placing the lignin solvent in contact with a biomass to form a circulation solvent, and recycling at least a portion of the circulation solvent by circulating the circulation solvent back into contact with the biomass. The circulating of the circulation solvent occurs for a period of time, after which, the process then includes separating material such as chemicals and lignin from the circulation solvent. The chemicals can be recycled as new solvent or sold while lignin can be used as natural and renewable colorant for polymers such as poly lactic acid.

Abstract: A method for the production of an arabinoxylan-enriched preparation from a pentosan fraction derived from a wheat flour comprising the following sequential steps: mixing the pentosan fraction with water to obtain a pentosan slurry; centrifuging the slurry to obtain liquid and solid phases; and drying the liquid phase to provide the arabinoxylan-enriched preparation. Also provided are methods for the production of: a starch- and protein-enriched intermediate from wheat flour; a glucose-enriched preparation from wheat flour; and a starch- and protein-enriched material from wheat flour. Furthermore, there is provided a use of an arabinoxylan-enriched preparation in one or more of: food, immune stimulants, prebiotics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and food supplements. There is also an apparatus for the production of an arabinoxylan-enriched preparation from a pentosan fraction of wheat flour.

Abstract: High-yielding method for chemical hydrolysis of lignocellulose into monosaccharides. The process of the invention can additionally be applied to cellulose, xylan and related biomass polysaccharides, such as galactan, mannan, or arabinan. The method is employed for hydrolysis of a biomass polysaccharide substrate. The process is carried out in an ionic liquid in which cellulose is soluble in the presence of catalytic acid at a temperature sufficiently high to initiate hydrolysis. Water is added to the reaction mixture after initiation of hydrolysis at a rate controlled to avoid precipitation yet avoid undesired sugar dehydration products such as HMF. Hydrolysis product is useful as feedstock for fermentations including fermentation processes for ethanol, butanol and other fuels.

Abstract: A method comprising: (a) extracting a sugar mixture in an aqueous solution of at least 30% HCL/[HCl+water] by weight with an extractant including an S1 solvent; (b) increasing a monomeric sugar to oligomeric sugar ratio in the mixture to produce a monomeric sugar enriched mixture comprising at least 65% monomeric sugars by weight relative to total sugars; and (c) separating an S1/HCl liquid phase comprising more than 30% HCl/[HCl+water] from said sugar mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, and acetic acid. The cellulose thus obtained is highly amorphous and can be readily converted into glucose using known methods. Fermentable hemicellulose sugars, low-molecular-weight lignin, and purified acetic acid are also major products of the process and system. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention imply relatively low capital and processing costs.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a comparatively cheap material for the containment of at least a strongly acidic mineral acid solution highly diluted with water, by means of which saccharides are extracted from lignocellulose material by hydrolysis at a temperature of 175-240° C. and a pressure of 6-34 bar (0.6-14 MPa) as well as a time of 1-60 minutes and is characterized in that the material comprises, in addition to iron in an amount greater than any other individual substance and usually at least 50% by weight, at least chromium in an amount of 10.5-30% by weight, nickel in an amount of 2.5-29% by weight, and molybdenum in an amount of 0-7% by weight. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth may be processed to produce a high solids syrup having relatively low viscosity that has a high energy content and may be burned in a fermentation production process. The high solids syrup was achieved through liquid/solid separation of broth or depleted broth producing a thin stillage with low suspended solids allowing evaporation to high solids while maintaining low viscosity.

Abstract: A method for the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials using spent liquor. The spent liquor is derived from a pulping operation or is hydrolyzate from another cellulosic biomass process. The process can be implemented in a batch or semi continuous or continuous process. The hydrolyzate is fermented to a useful product and purified. Combustible biomass residues and chemicals are used to provide energy and chemical recovery.

Abstract: A method of orally administering jojoba for fat reduction, blood lipid reduction, and cancer prevention and treatment in humans is disclosed. The method incorporates a sufficient quantity of jojoba, defatted jojoba meal, jojoba extract, defatted jojoba meal extract, naturally derived or synthesized simmondsin, or any naturally derived or synthesized simmondsin derivative or analogue, including aglycon, or any mixture thereof into an individual's diet in the form of a food, dietary supplement, or drug to provide simmondsin component in an amount greater than 0.01% of one's total daily diet by weight, or 0.05 gram/day. The dosage amount and duration of the administration can vary to achieve and maintain one's desired body composition and blood lipid levels. The dosage and duration of administration are increased for cancer prevention and treatment.

Abstract: A solution of a polysaccharide material, a method of producing such solutions and uses thereof. The solution is formed by the polysaccharide in a solvent which comprises an efficient amount of an active compound selected from the group of diketo compounds, such as glyoxylic acid and salts and derivatives thereof, capable of reacting with the polysaccharide. The solution thus produced can be used as a viscous dope, and for the production of fibers, films and surface coatings and for gluing.

Abstract: A system and method for hardwood pulp liquid hydrolysate conditioning includes a first evaporator receives a hardwood mix extract and outputting a quantity of vapor and extract. A hydrolysis unit receives the extract, hydrolyzes and outputs to a lignin separation device, which separates and recovers a quantity of lignin. A neutralization device receives extract from the lignin separation device and a neutralizing agent, producing a mixture of solid precipitate and a fifth extract. The solid precipitate is removed from the fifth extract. A second evaporator removes a quantity of acid from the fifth extract in a vapor form. This vapor may be recycled to improve total acid recovery or discarded. A desalination device receives the diluted extract, separates out some of the acid and salt and outputs a desalinated solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for efficient and economical production and recovery of ethanol or other volatile organic compounds. One embodiment comprises contacting a solid component of a biomass material with a solution adapted to facilitate saccharification. The solid component is generated by a method comprising: introducing a biomass material to a compartment of a solventless recovery system, wherein the biomass material contains one or more volatile organic compounds; contacting the biomass material with a superheated vapor stream in the compartment to vaporize at least a portion of an initial liquid content in the biomass material; separating a vapor component and a solid component from the heated biomass material; and retaining at least a portion of the gas component for use as part of the superheated vapor stream. In one embodiment, the solid component contacted with the solution is further subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis and/or fermentation.

Abstract: Fermentable sugar useful for the production of biofuels is produced from biomass in a continuous or semi-continuous manner by providing pumpable biomass.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the continuous treatment of biomass comprising a pretreatment step, wherein said biomass is contacted with a first supercritical, near-critical, or sub-critical fluid to form a solid matrix and a first liquid fraction; and a hydrolysis step, wherein said solid matrix formed in said pretreatment step is contacted with a second supercritical or near-supercritical fluid to produce a second liquid fraction and a insoluble lignin-containing fraction. Also disclosed are apparatuses for the continuous conversion of biomass comprising a pretreatment reactor and a hydrolysis reactor associated with said pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for the hydrolyzation of ensiled biomass is disclosed. Ensiled biomass is processed in multiple phases, resulting in a liquid precursor hydrozate and a solid precursor hydrozate. The liquid precursor having significant economic value, and being suitable for uses such as, for example, lower cost and improved efficiency ethanol production. A method for lower cost, improved efficiency alcohol production that uses the resulting liquid precursor hydrozate being produced at distributed sources is further disclosed.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for decontaminating starch hydrolysates from which glucose polymers for producing peritoneal dialysis solutions will be prepared.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing biomass particles for thermolytic or enzymatic conversion whereby the biomass particles baying a moisture content of at least 20% are subjected to flash heating. The flash heating may be preceded by one or more adsorption/desorption cycles with water or steam. A swelling aid may be added during the adsorption part of an adsorption/desorption cycle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing a hydrolysate containing soluble sugar molecules from biomass that contains cellulose and hemicellulose. Hemicellulose sugars are extracted in the process, and the resulting hydrolysate may be used to support microbial fermentation to produce products of interest.

Abstract: A method of treating ethanol production byproduct is provided by treating wet distillers grain or stillage with a solution containing at least one ?-hydroxysulfonic acid to produce at least one fermentable sugar containing product. Fermentable sugar useful for the production of biofuels or ethanol can be produced from such methods. The ?-hydroxysulfonic acid can be easily removed from the product and recycled.

Abstract: A continuous reaction system is provided, which specifically relates to a continuous reaction system comprising subcritical and/or supercritical liquid as solvents and a reactant as solid. The invention can effectively prevent cavitations in the reaction system effectively, and realize maximum conversion of the solid reactant material.

Abstract: An economically feasible process for manufacturing tagatose is provided. The process includes hydrolyzing lactose to galactose and glucose, separating galatose from hydrolysates, and isomerizing galactose to tagatose with metal hydroxide in an aqueous suspension.