Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing N-alkylated chitosan derivatives by treating chitosan with an acid and subsequently reacting the chitosan with an alkylating agent in the presence of a base. Also provided are novel N-alkylated chitosan derivatives.

Abstract: There is described a process for obtaining a target chemical species, in particular alginate and/or cellulose, from seaweed. The process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a seaweed portion; (ii) bleaching the seaweed portion; and (iii) extracting the target chemical species from the seaweed portion; wherein the bleaching comprises a neutral or alkaline bleaching step, the neutral or alkaline bleaching step comprising using a bleaching composition under neutral or alkaline conditions. The neutral or alkaline bleaching step may precede the extraction step. Also described is alginate, an alginate salt, alginic acid, an alginic acid salt, an alginate derivative, an alginate derivative salt, cellulose, and/or a cellulose derivative obtained by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for wound healing. In particular, the present invention relates to promoting and enhancing wound healing by utilizing cross-linker covalent modification molecules to attach and deliver wound active agents to a wound. In addition, the present invention provides methods and compositions utilizing oppositely charged polymers to form a polyelectrolyte layer on a wound surface. The invention further relates to incorporating wound active agents into a polyelectrolyte layer for delivery to a wound.

Abstract: There is described a method of producing (?)-levoglucosenone, said method comprising, heating lignin to a temperature in excess of 150° C. for a time sufficient to convert a proportion of the lignin to (?)-evoglucosenone.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: A method of treatment of plasma with a physiologically compatible spray dry stable acidic substance (SDSAS) prior to or contemporaneously with spray drying of the plasma that results in greater recovery and greater long-term stabilization of the dried plasma proteins as compared to spray dried plasma that has not be subject to the formulation method of the present invention, as well as compositions related to plasma dried by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making an enantiomeric organic compound having a high amount of enantiomer excesses including the steps of a) providing an aqueous solution including an initial reactant and a catalyst; and b) subjecting said aqueous solution simultaneously to a magnetic field and photolysis radiation such that said photolysis radiation produces light rays that run substantially parallel or anti-parallel to the magnetic field passing through said aqueous solution, wherein said catalyst reacts with said initial reactant to form the enantiomeric organic compound having a high amount of enantiomer excesses.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides are disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a monomer of a fibrous polypeptide attached to a heterologous polysaccharide binding domain. Composites comprising same, methods of generating same and uses thereof are all disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble fluorescent compound of resveratrone 6-O-?-glucoside [(E)-4-(8-hydroxy-6-(((2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)naphthalen-2-yl)but-3-en-2-one] and its derivatives of Formula 1 which have at least one water-soluble substituent, and a method for preparing the same by a photochemical reaction of resveratrol 3-O-?-glucoside and its derivatives of having Formula 3 which are not fluorescent. Said new water-soluble fluorescent compounds has single-photon absorptive characteristics and/or two-photon absorptive characteristics as well as no or little toxicity, and can be usefully utilized in fields that requires water-soluble fluorescent characteristics (diagnosis, fluorescent probe, in vivo imaging, display, etc.).

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-pot method of preparing an unprotected ?-O-glycolipid. The first step involves contacting a protected ?-iodo sugar with a catalyst and a lipid comprising a hydroxy group, under conditions sufficient to prepare a protected ?-O-glycolipid. The second step involves deprotecting the protected ?-O-glycolipid under conditions sufficient to prepare the unprotected ?-O-glycolipid, wherein the contacting and deprotecting steps are performed in a single vessel. The present invention also provides a one-pot method of preparing an unprotected ?-O-glycolipid following the steps for the preparation of the unprotected ?-O-glycolipid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control reaction rates of chemical reactions. Methods can include mixing chemical reactants to provide a reaction mixture, at least one chemical reactant being magnetic; and applying a magnetic field to the reaction mixture, the magnetic field being applied to effect a control of the rate of a chemical reaction between the reactants in the reaction mixture, the magnetic field being effective to change the reaction rate over a chemical reaction between the same reactants at the same pressure and temperature where the reaction mixture is not exposed to the magnetic field.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the preparation of an N,N,N-trialkylaminopolymer having one or more unsubstituted heteroatoms different from nitrogen atom. The method comprises a first step of alkylating an aminopolymer to produce an N,N-dialkylaminopolymer, wherein substantially no N,N,N-trialkylaminopolymer is produced; and a second step of alkylating the N,N-diaminopolymer to produce the N,N,N-trialkylaminopolymer. The N,N,N-trialkylaminopolymer is produced with a satisfactory degree of quaternization and with only a low percentage of the unsubstituted heteroatoms alkylated. The N,N,N-trialkylaminopolymer can be an N,N,N-trialkylaminopolysaccharide or an N,N,N-trialkylchitosan such as N,N,N-trimethylchitosan.

Abstract: Methods for labeling or modifying cysteine residues in proteins and/or enzymes are disclosed. The methods include the reaction of an o-naphthoquinone methide with a thiol group of a cysteine residue of a protein or enzyme, which can be reversible in preferred embodiments. The o-naphthoquinone methide can conveniently be generated by irradiation of a precursor compound, preferably in an aqueous solution, suspension, or dispersion.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides are disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a monomer of a fibrous polypeptide attached to a heterologous polysaccharide binding domain. Composites comprising same, methods of generating same and uses thereof are all disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a structure modeled on a biological tissue. The invention also relates to a structure which can be produced using the method according to the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, a precursor of a biopolymer is locally irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in a targeted manner, wherein the irradiation, in particular the selection of the areas to be irradiated, is effected according to data which describe a structural construction at least components of the extracellular matrix of the biological tissue. In this case, the electromagnetic radiation is such that two-photon or multi-photon absorption takes place in the irradiated areas of the precursor and results in the precursor being polymerized to form the biopolymer in the irradiated areas, with the result being that the precursor is at least partially solidified there.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for forming two or more dicarba bridges, as well as new compounds containing dicarba bridges.

Abstract: A chemically modified water-soluble elastin that is obtained by subjecting to N-acylating some or all of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in the molecule of a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin and coupling some or all of the carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with the amino group of an amino acid alkyl ester. A chemically modified water-soluble elastin/collagen mixed gel obtained by mixing a collagen with a chemically modified water-soluble elastin that is obtained by subjecting to N-acylating some or all of the primary amines and secondary amines contained in the molecule of a high molecular weight water-soluble elastin and coupling some or all of the carboxyl groups contained in the molecule with the amino group of an amino acid alkyl ester.

Abstract: A method synthesizes a composition of polymers, copolymers, terpolymers and tetrapolymers. The composition may be made by combining in a reaction chamber, a crosslinking agent and one or more of a calix[n]arene, cyclodextrin, a mixture of a plurality of calix[n]arenes, different cyclodextrins, derivatives of calix[n]arenes, and derivatives of cyclodextrins, stirring the mixture, making a solid residue using microwaves, washing the solid residue, drying some of the wash, filtering some of the wash, and drying the resulting filtered solution. The composition may include alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrin, the derivatives or corresponding mixtures thereof, and/or calix[n]arene(s) and/or of calix[n]arene derivative(s) and/or a mixture of two or more different calix[n]arenes selected from calix[n]arenes (n=4-20) and/or the derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Composite probes for super resolution optical techniques using super resolution via transiently activated quenchers (STAQ) include a donor moiety and an acceptor moiety joined by a linker, wherein the acceptor moiety, when excited by incident radiation, is excited to a state which, for example, absorbs in the donor emission region, such that the acceptor moiety in its excited state quenches at least a portion of the donor moiety emission. Other transiently activated quenching mechanisms and moieties could accomplish the same task by reducing donor population. Also disclosed are methods for irradiating a selected region of a target material including the composite probe, wherein the composite probe enables improved resolution by point spread function modification and/or nanoscale chemical reactions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the functional properties of a sample, which comprises at least one component that can be modified upon absorbing ultraviolet light, the method including using pulsed light with an emission spectrum of 190-1100 nm and a high content of ultraviolet light to modify the component. The method makes it possible to obtain samples with improved functional properties (hydration, glass transition, solubility, water retention capacity, oil retention capacity, thickening, dispersing, emulsifying, foaming or gelling properties, film formation properties, bulking agent properties, surface properties (wettability, adhesion, etc.)) which are used in the food industry, the cosmetics industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the biomedical industry, the biotechnological industry, the chemical industry and in other industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for exponential amplification of RNA using a primer independent RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) wherein reactants are premixed cycle and then transferred into the reaction chamber in which the steps of polymerisation of the complementary strand and separation of the resulting double-stranded RNA occur. The invention also relates to a RNA reactor for carrying out the exponential RNA amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for exponential amplification of RNA in vitro by using a thermostable RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of a sapovirus or norovirus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for tissue regeneration without cell transplantation.

Abstract: Process for esterifying, etherifying or silylating polysaccharide or derivatives thereof by means of an esterifying reagent, etherifying reagent or silylating reagent in the presence of an ionic liquid, in which (a) the process is carried out under heterogeneous reaction conditions, and (b) the amount of ionic liquid is 2% to 25% by weight, based on the polysaccharide or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Superantibodies having enhanced autophilic, catalytic, and/or membrane-penetrating properties are prepared by affinity-based conjugation of a photoactivatable organic molecule to a target immunoglobulin. The photoactivatable organic molecule bears a chromophoric aromatic hydrocarbon moiety, which has affinity for the immunoglobulin. Upon photolysis, the organic molecule is covalently linked to the immunoglobulin. A preferred organic molecule is a peptide and a preferred aromatic hydrocarbon moiety is a tryptophan residue. The photoactivatable organic molecule need not bear a purine, pyrimidine or azido group to effect binding to the immunoglobulin and/or photoactivation. Autophilic superantibodies can promote apoptosis of target cells and/or enhance therapeutic efficacies in the treatment of patients with diseases or disorders responsive to antibody therapy. Exemplary of such diseases are atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A photocrosslinked polysaccharide pseudo-sponge exhibiting a low swelling property and a high degradation ability in vivo while retaining a suitable strength. The polysaccharide pseudo-sponge is produced by a crosslinking reaction of a photoreactive polysaccharide obtained by introducing a photoreactive group into a polysaccharide, and exhibits a low swelling property and a blue dextran-low dyeaffinity.

Abstract: A solid phase peptide synthesis method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of deprotecting an amino group in its protected form that is protected with a protecting group containing a Michael acceptor site composed of an ?,?-unsaturated sulfone in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol, and mixtures of water and alcohol; washing the deprotected acid in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol, and mixtures of water and alcohol; coupling the deprotected acid to a resin-based peptide or a resin-based amino acid in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol, and mixtures of water and alcohol; and washing the coupled composition in a solvent selected from the group consisting of water, alcohol, and mixtures of water and alcohol.

Abstract: A cellulosic material is oxidized with an oxidizing agent in the presence of (1) an N-oxyl compound and (2) a bromide, an iodide or a mixture thereof. The resulting material is subjected to defibration and dispersion treatment to prepare a cellulose nanofiber dispersion liquid. The dispersion liquid thus obtained is acidified so that the cellulose nanofibers are aggregated to form a gelatinous substance. Ultimately, the gelatinous substance is treated mechanically to obtain a cellulose gel dispersion liquid which has low water absorbency and does not tend to swell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cross-linking a polymeric carbohydrate material with a second material by means of a soluble carbohydrate polymer and a crosslinking agent. The present invention furthermore relates to the resulting cross-linked material, to uses of the cross-linked material, as well as to a kit comprising the soluble carbohydrate polymer and the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: A fluid matrix comprising cross-linked remodelable collagen from a donor vertebrate animal is useful for regenerating hydrodynamic function in damaged intervertebral discs in vivo. The matrix may be injectable and may comprise cells and a plurality of purified cell growth factors. The matrix promotes cell growth and elaboration of proteoglycans to facilitate regeneration of native tissues. The collagen in the matrix may be cross-linked using photooxidative catalysis and visible light, and purified cell growth factors are preferably at least partly bone-derived.

Abstract: The present invention provides a one-pot method of preparing an unprotected ?-O-glycolipid. The first step involves contacting a protected ?-iodo sugar with a catalyst and a lipid comprising a hydroxy group, under conditions sufficient to prepare a protected ?-O-glycolipid. The second step involves deprotecting the protected ?-O-glycolipid under conditions sufficient to prepare the unprotected ?-O-glycolipid, wherein the contacting and deprotecting steps are performed in a single vessel. The present invention also provides a one-pot method of preparing an unprotected ?-O-glycolipid following the steps for the preparation of the unprotected ?-O-glycolipid.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.

Abstract: There is described a processor for use in the microwave torrefaction of biomass material which comprises, a micronised biomass char material and a method of producing a biomass char material, and a method of producing L-glucosan.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.

Abstract: A process for converting tryptophan into kynurenine. The conversion of tryptophan into kynurenine is carried out by irradiating a substance comprising tryptophan with electromagnetic radiation comprising waves with wavelength in the range of 10 nanometer to 750 nanometer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in situ gas-phase formation and deflagration of nitrocellulose. A nitrating agent such as nitric acid and cellulose are delivered separately to a reaction chamber, where a brief heating pulse initiates nitration of the cellulose and deflagration of the nitrocellulose thus produced. Discharge of the high-pressure gases produced by the deflagration from the reaction chamber can then be used to drive an actuator, turbine, etc.

Abstract: A method of preparing cellulosic biomass material for subsequent processing first comprises moving at least one stream of biomass material along a flow path. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be explosively dried and pulverized to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds, and to reduce a moisture content and a particle size of the cellulosic biomass material. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be electrically degraded the stream of cellulosic biomass material to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds. Additional pre-treatment and post-treatment processes can also be included.