Abstract: A chewing gum contains a water-insoluble gum base portion containing a polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer; a water-soluble bulk portion; and at least one flavor component, which is cud-forming and chewable at mouth temperature.

Abstract: To provide a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having a reactive functional group in a molecule and a method of producing the same; and a novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having a new function obtained by chemically modifying the polyhydroxyalkanoate having a reactive functional group and a method of producing the same. By utilizing a vinyl group of a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing a unit having the vinyl group at a side chain thereof, a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing units having a carboxyl group, an amide group, and a sulfonic group in a molecule is induced.

Abstract: The invention relates to toffee gum comprising a polymer system, and at least 1% by weight of chocolate, said polymer system constituting at least 10% by weight of said toffee gum, at least 70% by weight of said polymer system comprising polyvinyl acetate, said polyvinyl acetate having a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range of 0 to 60° C., and said chocolate constituting at the most 90% by weight of said toffee gum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chewing gum having modified release, said chewing gum comprising at least one resinous polyester polymer in an amount from about 0.1% to about 70% by weight of said chewing gum, and at least one non-polyester elastomer in an amount from about ½% to about 70% by weight of said chewing gum, the amount of natural resins being less than about 2% by weight of said chewing gum and the amount of polyvinyl acetate (PVA) being less than about 14% by weight of said chewing gum. The obtained chewing gum, thus benefits from the advantageous texture properties of e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides homogeneous compositions in solid form comprising a) from 50 to 90% by weight of polyvinyl acetate and b) from 10 to 50% by weight of vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate copolymer, the weight percentages based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Described herein are improved chewing gum base and chewing gum formulations including polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers. Also described herein are methods for preparing the chewing gum bases and chewing gums of the present invention. For example, in accordance with the present invention polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers may be included in sucrose-containing gum formulations or sugar-free chewing gums.

Abstract: A chewable confectionery dental composition delivering to the mouth a unit dose of a plaque reducing enzyme the composition comprising an enzyme and a non-cariogenic sweetener, the enzyme being incorporated in the composition at a temperature less than about 80° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for a center-filled confectionery or chewing gum product. The individual confectionery or gum pieces include a center-fill composition surrounded by a confectionery or gum region and optionally further surrounded by a coating. The center-fill composition includes a fluid carrier and saccharide particles suspended therein, which impart an enhanced cooling and/or textural perception upon consumption.

Abstract: The present invention includes gum base compositions and/or chewing gum compositions that impart a perceptible creaminess upon consumption. The gum base and/or chewing gum compositions include an elastomer, a gum resin or ester thereof and a low-melting pointing fat. In some embodiments, the gum base and/or chewing gum compositions may contain sufficient that to provide a creamy and/or juicy perception during consumption. In some embodiments, the gum base and/or chewing gum compositions may maintain sufficient fat to retain cohesive integrity during consumption. Also included are chewing gum products employing the gum base and/or chewing gum compositions, as well as methods of preparing and using same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chewing gum, including a gum base and at least one other conventional chewing gum component, said chewing gum including as gum base at least one branched polymer mainly based on biodegradable and/or hydrolyzable ester groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to chewable gum base compositions, to chewing gums containing them, and to processes for preparing them. The gum base compositions comprise (a) a polyvinyl acetate matrix, in which the polyvinyl acetate is in the form of a continuous phase, and (b) casein, a modified casein, or both casein and a modified casein, wherein particles of casein and/or modified casein are dispersed throughout the polyvinyl acetate matrix. In preferred embodiments the gum base compositions also contain polyglycerol polyricinoleate, mono- and di-glycerides esterified with mono-acetyl and di-acetyl tartaric acid, acetylated monoglycerides, lecithin and sodium or calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate. Chewing gums of the present invention contain a chewable gum base as described above, in combination with one or more sweeteners and/or flavouring agents, and preferably also glycerol triacetate and stearic acid.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a chewing gum composition or a confectionery composition containing an encapsulated stain removing agent selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants and methods of preparing and using the same to remove stains from dental material including teeth.

Abstract: Anti-plaque emulsions and methods of use are provided. The emulsion comprises a surfactant, emulsifier, and triclosan.

Abstract: A chewing gum base essentially free of non-silica fillers, comprising high molecular weight polyisobutylene, optionally amorphous silica and polyvinylacetate and powdered lecithin present in the chewing gum composition and optionally spray-dried flavor in the chewing gum composition.

Abstract: A pet food product and process for producing the pet food product for use in maintenance of healthy joints and alleviation of arthritic symptoms in companion animals, the pet food comprising an effective amount of an active extract of Perna canaliculus. The extract can be either a powder or lipid extract. Preferably in an amount that provides for a dosage range of generally 0.18 to 114 mg of a powder extract/kg of body weight/day in a companion animal or an amount of generally 1.5 to 1000 mg of a powder extract of Perna canaliculus per 400 kcal of pet food product.

Abstract: A method is provided for the total manufacture of chewing gum on a continuous basis. The method uses a continuous high efficiency mixer which includes at least one conveyor element that is not located under a feed port.

Abstract: Prolamine blends including at least one polyester and methods of preparing same are provided. The blends can be used for making chewing gum bases, especially biodegradable chewing gum bases. The blends are also useful for making other edible products as well as eco-friendly packaging films, coatings, adhesives, and encapsulation vehicles for medicament delivery and the like.

Abstract: Conventional SBR does not have the soft and smooth chew characteristics needed in chewing gum base for soft chew applications. Conventional SBR typically also has undesirable odor and taste characteristics that have generally limited its use in chewing gum base formulations. However, there is a desire to use SBR in such applications because it is relatively inexpensive. The present invention also specifically discloses a process for synthesizing styrene-butadiene rubber that is particularly useful in manufacturing chewing gum base for soft chew applications which comprises copolymerizing about 1 phm to about 12 phm styrene and about 88 phm to about 99 phm of 1,3-butadiene in an aqueous emulsion, wherein said copolymerization is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 1° C. to about 20° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to oral care compositions such as toothpaste, gels, tooth powders, mouthwashes, mouth rinses, gums, such as chewing gum, mouth sprays and lozenges comprising diglycerol. The diglycerol is used as a humectant in the compositions. The compositions may further comprise water, flavoring agents, active compounds, emulsifier, alcohol, sweeteners, thickening agents, surfactants, suspending agents, astringent and toning drug extracts, flavor correctants, abrasives or polishes, deodorizing agents, preservatives, flavoring buffers, whitening agents, wound-healing and inflammation inhibiting substances, colorants, dyes, pigments, abrasives, polishes, antimicrobial agents, pH buffers and other additives and fillers.

Abstract: Plasticized prolamine compositions and methods of preparing same are provided. The compositions can be used for making chewing gum bases, especially as biodegradable chewing gum bases. The inventive plasticizers are selected from a group of N-acyl derivatives of amino acids. The compositions are also useful for making other edible products as well as eco-friendly packaging films, coatings, adhesives, and encapsulation vehicles for medicament delivery and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable portable oral care confectionery compositions which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits. Compositions of the present invention can optionally have one or more additional oral care benefits. The confectionery compositions comprise: (i) greater than about 10 ppm of a first metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a second metal cation different from the first metal cation and selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) less than about 10% water; and (iv) a confectionery carrier wherein the ratio of the first metal cation to the second metal cation is in the range of from about 50:1 to about 1:50.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable portable oral care confectionery compositions which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits combined with enhanced anti-calculus benefits, wherein the confectionery compositions comprise: (i) a polyphosphate material with an average anion chain length of greater than or equal to 3; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) less than about 10% water; and (iv) a suitable confectionery carrier material wherein the ratio of polyphosphate anion to metal cation is in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable, portable, oral care confectionery wherein the confectionery composition has a crunchy texture which acts to reinforce for the consumer the oral care benefit of the product. A crunchy, non-cariogenic oral care confectionery composition comprises: (i) from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, of an oral care active selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; anti-plaque agents; desensitising agents; oral malodour control agents; H2 antagonists; and mixtures thereof; (ii) from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, of a solid particulate wherein the solid particulate has a particle size such that is passes through a 2000 &mgr;m mesh and is retained by a 100 &mgr;m mesh and has an aqueous solubility of at least 1 g per 100 ml at 25° C.

Abstract: An oral care composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a antibacterial seed or pulp extract from the Citrus plant family; the Vitis plant family; and mixtures thereof; (ii) an oral care active selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; anti-plaque agents; fluoride ion source; desensitizing agents; oral malodor control agents; H2 antagonists; and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable oral care compositions, preferably confectionery compositions, which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits combined with one or more additional oral care benefits, wherein the compositions comprise: (i) a polyphosphate material with an average anion chain length of 3 or greater; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a first metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) greater than about 10 ppm of a second metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; and (iv) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the molar ratio of polyphosphate anion to the total level of first and second metal cation combined is in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:1 and wherein the molar ratio of the first metal cation to the second metal cation is in the range of from about 50:1 to about 1:50.

Abstract: A confectionery composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a natural plant extract selected from tea, gold thread, honeysuckle, magnolia extracts and mixtures thereof; (ii) an oral care active selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; anti-plaque agents; fluoride ion source; desensitising agents; oral malodour control agents; H2 antagonists; and mixtures thereof; (iii) less than about 10% water; and (iv) a suitable confectionery carrier material.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing a chewing gum with a modified release sweetener selected from the group of N-substituted derivatives of aspartame, particularly neotame, as well as the chewing gum so produced. The modified release neotame or other N-substituted derivative of aspartame sweetener is obtained by physically modifying the sweetener properties by coating and drying. Neotame or another N-substituted derivative of aspartame sweetener is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption or extrusion, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, absorption, or extrusion. The coated sweetener is then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified high-intensity sweetener. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adapted to enhance the shelf stability of the sweetener and/or produce a modified release when the gum is chewed.

Abstract: A water-like fluid containing safe water and a significant quantity of soluble dietary fiber. The resulting solution is generally optically clear and has physical properties similar to potable water. The fluid is intended as a replacement for bottled, or other water, as a means to ensure proper hydration. Depending on the soluble fiber used the fluid is either non-caloric or extremely low in calories. The amount of soluble fiber is adjusted to a specific amount of water so that consumption of an adequate amount of fluid ensures hydration (e.g., eight 8 oz. glasses per day) will also providing an optimal amount of dietary fiber. This is particularly valuable in stressed situations where the diet may not provide adequate fiber without supplementation. The constant metered supply of fiber provided throughout the day is preferable to, and more convenient than, “bolus” administration of fiber through laxatives, etc.

Abstract: A non-stick chewing gum base containing from about 2 to 25% of a plasticized proteinaceous material and a combination of gum base materials, absent elastomer solvent and wax, which render a chewing gun composition non-stick with respect to non-porous surfaces, such as denture materials, as well as common surfaces such as floors, and including porous surfaces such as carpets.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer comprising a condensation polymer of glycerol and a diacid. The polymer may be adapted for use as a tissue engineering construct. For example, it may be seeded with cells or molecules may be attached to it to modify the metabolism and proliferation of cells or to modify the degradation rate and/or mechanism of the polymer. The polymer may also be exploited in a variety of medical and non-medical applications.

Abstract: A shrimp-straightening device provided for use in conjunction with a work surface (32) includes a unitary member (10) having an arcuate geometry defined by an outer surface (12), an inner surface (14), front and rear ends (16, 18), left and right lower edges (20, 22), and a handle (24). In operation, the device is manipulated over the back, or dorsal side, of the shrimp (30) in order to effect straightening of the shrimp.

Abstract: A method is provided for the total manufacture of chewing gum on a continuous basis without requiring the separate manufacture of chewing gum base. The method uses a continuous high efficiency mixer which is configured for the total manufacture of a wide variety of chewing gum products and includes at least one large feed port that is not adjacent a conveyor element. By integrating the manufacture of chewing gum into a single operation, the method of the invention can save time and labor, and improve product consistency.

Abstract: A gum base comprising at least one crosslinked branched aliphatic biodegradable polyester comprising repeat units formed from at least one polyol having three to four hydroxy groups, or ester thereof, at least one dibasic acid, or ester thereof, and at least one long chain monocarboxylic acid, or ester thereof. The process of producing a crosslinked branched aliphatic biodegradable polyester gum base by reactive extrusion is also included.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with an improved release of a lipophilic active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by using a hydrophilic gum base. The preferred and novel gum base includes hydrophilic polymers, hydrophilic softeners/emulsifiers and fillers, but is essentially free of hydrophobic elastomers and hydrophobic softeners, as well as waxes and elastomer solvents. The lipophilic active agent is preferably added to a coating on a chewing gum pellet made using a hydrophilic gum base, such as by being mixed into a coating solution. The coating solution may contain a high-intensity sweetener. An active agent may also be used in the gum core.

Abstract: A chewing gum delivery system has nicotine, gum base and a buffer system with an improved release rate for the nicotine. The resulting delivery system advantageously provides a convenient, reliable, practical, and relatively painless system for delivering an active. The delivery system is capable of delivering initial and second doses of a craving reduction active or other actives (e.g., nicotine), the combination of which rapidly reduces cravings, or provides some other pharmacological effect, and provides the pharmacological effect or protection from such cravings over a prolonged period of time beyond the initial dose. Notably, the delivery system is capable of rapidly achieving a pharmacologically effective concentration of the active (e.g., nicotine) in the bloodstream (e.g.

Abstract: Conventional SBR does not have the soft and smooth chew characteristics needed in chewing gum base for soft chew applications. Conventional SBR typically also has undesirable odor and taste characteristics that have generally limited its use in chewing gum base formulations. However, there is a desire to use SBR in such applications because it is relatively inexpensive. The present invention also specifically discloses a process for synthesizing styrene-butadiene rubber that is particularly useful in manufacturing chewing gum base for soft chew applications which comprises copolymerizing about 1 phm to about 12 phm styrene and about 88 phm to about 99 phm of 1,3-butadiene in an aqueous emulsion, wherein said copolymerization is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 1° C. to about 20° C.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprising the steps of compounding the ingredients in a single extruder. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of continuously adding an elastomer, a filler, and a plasticizer into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler, and plasticizer to a highly distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress.

Abstract: A chewable calcium composition and its associated method of manufacturing are disclosed. The chewable composition includes a lipid base and a micronized calcium salt substantially uniformly mixed with the lipid base such that the lipid base forms a continuous phase. The composition provides for a relatively large dose of calcium in a easy to take chocolate like, chewable form. The composition of the present invention is manufactured by providing the lipid base including a melting temperature. The lipid base is then heated to a temperature of approximately 120° F. such that the lipid base melts. After the lipid base melts, the micronized calcium salt is mixed with the lipid base to form a melted mixture such that the micronized calcium salt is substantially uniformly distributed in the melted lipid base.

Abstract: Conventional SBR does not have the soft and smooth chew characteristics needed in chewing gum base for soft chew applications. Conventional SBR typically also has undesirable odor and taste characteristics that have generally limited its use in chewing gum base formulations. However, there is a desire to use SBR in such applications because it is relatively inexpensive. The present invention also specifically discloses a process for synthesizing styrene-butadiene rubber that is particularly useful in manufacturing chewing gum base for soft chew applications which comprises copolymerizing about 1 phm to about 12 phm styrene and about 88 phm to about 99 phm of 1,3-butadiene in an aqueous emulsion, wherein said copolymerization is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 1° C. to about 20° C.

Abstract: Chewing gum bases, and resultant chewing gums, that are environmentally friendly are provided. The chewing gum base comprising approximately 1 to about 99% by weight polyhydroxyalkanoates having side chain lengths of C4 to C30.

Abstract: A gum base including a siloxane polymer, a polar polymer and optionally a filler, chewing gums made from the gum base as well as methods for manufacturing chewing gum and gum bases are disclosed.

Abstract: Chewing gum bases, and resultant chewing gums, that are environmentally friendly are provided. The chewing gum base comprises approximately 3 to about 99% by weight poly(lactic acid) copolymers selected from the group consisting of poly(lactic acid-dimer-fatty acid-oxazoline) copolymers and poly(lactic acid-diol-urethane) copolymers.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the steps of continuously adding a hard elastomer, a filler and lubricating agents into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and lubricating agents to a dispersive mixing operation followed by a distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress. The lubricating agents are introduced into the continuous mixer at a plurality of spatially separated feed inlets. Preferably part of the lubricating agents are introduced into the mixer with the hard elastomer and the filler prior to the dispersive mixing zone, and a portion of the lubricating agents are introduced into the mixer downstream of the dispersive mixing zone but prior to the distributive mixing zone. The lubricating agents may include elastomer solvents, soft elastomers, plastic polymers and softening agents such as fats, oils and waxes.

Abstract: The invention concerns chewing gums that contains a chewing gum base, wherein a remainder, which is 0-65 wt. % paraffin or microcrystalline wax and 35-100 wt. % of a triglyceride composition, is present. The chewing gum may not display a major peak in its DSC thermogram above 55.degree. C.

Abstract: A food grade miscible blend of at least one prolamine and at least one polyglycol is provided. Processes for making and using such blends are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for applying sugarfree hard coatings to cores consisting of edible, chewable or pharmaceutical components. The present invention discloses a process for coating cores wherein the sorbitol syrup is applied to a rotating mass of cores and then at least one other of the selected polyols is added in a crystalline form. The coated cores are dried and the process is repeated until a coating of the desired thickness and composition is obtained. The crunchiness of the coatings according to the process of this invention is at least comparable to that obtained with sucrose.

Abstract: Gum bases and chewing gum formulations, as well as methods for making same, are provided. The gum base and chewing gums include an edible end-capped polyester.

Abstract: A continuous process of making a chewing gum base which provides a method for cooling at least certain sections of the mixer (extruder) in a cost effective and energy efficient manner. To this end, in an embodiment, a method of continuously compounding chewing gum base in an extruder comprising the steps of: feeding into the extruder the necessary components to create a desired gum base; and adding to the extruder, at a desired location, a gum base component, at ambient temperature, that has a sufficient thermal capacity to cool at least a portion of the contents of the extruder to a desired temperature.

Abstract: Improved chewing gum formulations and bases, as well as methods of producing chewing gum and bases are provided. The chewing gum includes meadowfoam seed oils from the plant genus Limnanthes. Meadowfoam seed oils can be used in the base and/or gum as a plasticizer. In an embodiment, meadowfoam oil is added to sucrose-type gum formulations replacing a small or large quantity of other fats, oils, and waxes. A variety of base and chewing gum formulations including meadowfoam oil can be created and/or utilized pursuant to the present invention.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base having the steps of continuously adding a hard elastomer, a filler and lubricating agents into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and lubricating agents to a dispersive mixing operation followed by a distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress. The filler is introduced into the continuous mixer at a plurality of spatially separated feed inlets. Preferably part of the filler is introduced into the mixer prior to the dispersive mixing zone, and a portion of the filler is introduced into the mixer downstream of the dispersive mixing zone but prior to the distributive mixing zone.