Abstract: A novel composition for delivering carotenoids (e.g. ?- and ?-carotene, lycopene) and/or other physiologically active ingredients to the colon of humans after ingestion and for producing liquid food compositions insusceptible to polyphenol-protein reactions can be obtained by encapsulating said active ingredients with pectin, in particular with low-methoxylated pectin.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid antifoaming agent comprising the following steps: providing an alkaline solution; adding an oil to the above alkaline solution to produce a saponification reaction; adding a liquid antifoaming agent; and putting aside the mixture containing the above alkaline solution, the oil and the liquid antifoaming agent to form the solid antifoaming agent. The ingredients of the solid antifoaming agent according to the present invention include 5˜40 weight percent vegetable oil, a 20˜40 weight percent sodium hydroxide solution and a 30˜60 weight percent liquid antifoaming agent.

Abstract: There is provided a novel gelator containing a sugar derivative. A gelator including a compound of Formula (1) or Formula (2): wherein each of R1 and R3 is independently a linear or branched alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 20, a cyclic C3-20 alkyl group, or a linear or branched alkenyl group having a carbon atom number of 2 to 20, n is 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, R2 is a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 10, or an aryl group optionally having a substituent, and R4 and R5 are each a hydroxy group.

Abstract: A gel comprising water, pectin having a DE from about 62 to 75, soluble saccharide or sugar alcohol solids present in an amount from about 44 to 60% by weight of the gel, and a pH reducing agent for reducing the pH of the gel from a level from about 2 to 3. A method for making the gel without heating or cooling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low calcium sensitive (calcium stable) high acyl gellan gum is prepared for enhanced colloidal stability in beverages. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum has superior suspension performance for colloidal stability compared to other high acyl gellan gums. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum is prepared by adjusting the pH of a gellan fermentation broth (polymer solution) prior to pasteurization and reducing the pasteurization hold time compared to conventional pH levels and hold times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salt resistant water absorbing compound including a polymeric phase that includes polyacrylamide and at least one of di or poly saccharide, wherein the polyacrylamide is cross-linked in the presence of at least one of di or poly saccharide by a cross-linking agent including multivalent cations, complexes thereof, organic cross-linking agents, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thickening a hydrophobic liquid. When a hydrophobic liquid is thickened in accordance with the invention, the liquid becomes significantly denser. Preferably, the hydrophobic liquid becomes a gel.

Abstract: The present technology provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer, as well as methods and preparing and using such compositions. The compositions are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer. The compositions of the invention are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch emulsifier product prepared by sufficiently solubilizing a starch and subsequently sufficiently derivatizing the sufficiently solubilized starch product, in one embodiment by reacting the sufficiently solubilized starch with an alkenyl succinic anhydride. Such starch emulsifier products are useful as emulsifying and/or encapsulating agents, particularly in systems where high load and retention of the active ingredient, low surface oil exposure, and excellent oxidation resistance is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially pure hydrocolloids and derivatives thereof a novel method of making said hydrocolloids, compositions comprising said hydrocolloids, and using said hydrocolloids as a gelling and thickening agent for aqueous systems, for instance, in the area of food, fodder, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions. Typical hydrocolloids are selected from tamarid, fenugreek, cassia, locust bean, tara and guar. The hydrocolloids obtainable by the method of the invention are colorless, odorless and tasteless and they exhibit improved performance properties such as viscosity properties as well as gel strength and break strength.

Abstract: The invention concerns the gelatinization of viscous aqueous or hydroalcoholic liquid components, buffered or not, intended for the production of films for the manufacture of soft capsules. These compositions are notable in particular in that gelatinization thereof is obtained extemporaneously starting with thickening agents that exhibit the unique property of gelatinizing instantly upon contact with complexing solutions, the elasticity of the films being obtained by introducing or not introducing a plasticizing agent, decomposition thereof being controlled by incorporating or not incorporating a surfactant or a polysaccharide, and preservation thereof being ensured or not ensured by the addition of preservatives, thus allowing it to contain oily and/or aqueous solutions. The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing films for such capsules, which comprises gelatinization of said films by applying a complexing agent to the mass by spraying and/or by immersion.

Abstract: The invention provides process for making contra-soluble nano-dispersions of at most sparingly-soluble materials in a soluble carrier material comprising the steps of: (i) providing a single phase mixture of: a) a solvent or a mixture of miscible solvents, b) at least one carrier material soluble in solvent (a), said carrier material being also contra-soluble to payload material (c) and solid at ambient temperature, c) at least one a payload material which is soluble in solvent (a), and, (ii) drying the mixture to remove solvent (a) and thereby obtain the carrier material (b) in solid form with payload (c) dispersed therein as nanoparticles.

Abstract: Ultra-fine microcrystalline cellulose compositions are disclosed which comprise co-attrited microcrystalline cellulose and a hydrocolloid. The compositions have a mean particle size of less than 10 microns. The compositions are prepared by subjecting a high solids mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and a hydrocolloid to high shear forces in the presence of an anti slip agent preferably an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt. The compositions are especially useful in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic and industrial applications.

Abstract: A method for transiently and controllably enhancing the adhesion of a hydrogel composition to select substrates for facilitating the handling of the hydrogel composition during processing, includes the steps of placing the hydrogel composition in a liquid state onto a plastic film facestock, which has biaxially-oriented polypropylene, microporous cellulose acetate or a combination thereof, for temporarily adhering the hydrogel composition to the sheets of the roll stock during processing of the hydrogel composition, and then removing the hydrogel composition from the sheets of the roll stock, after processing of the hydrogel composition is complete, without any adverse affect on the textural qualities of the hydrogel composition.

Abstract: Foams suitable for such uses as landfill coverage, frost protection, volatile emission control, gas control in mining, are composed of a hydrolyzable protein and a pre-gelatinized cationic modified starch along with other ingredients. The foam concentrate can be made at ambient temperature, is stable over time, can be easily tailored to achieve a desired foam stiffness and drain time characteristic over wide ranges, and can be easily diluted at ambient temperature to produce a foamable composition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the gelation of an undenatured protein and a polysaccharide dispersions by a gradual pH adjustment of their mixture The final pH of the mixture is close to or lower than the isoelectric point of the protein when anionic polysaccharides are used. In the present invention, the undenatured protein and the polysaccharide in the gel state have net opposite electric charges. The concentration of protein and polysaccharide preferably ranges from 0.02 to 10 wt %. The present invention also concerns a gel obtained by this method.

Abstract: Mutational inactivation of proteins involved in para-cresol production in certain milk products results in improved taste and odor. The undesirable para-cresol forms over time as a result of enzymes produced by the bacterium that produces gellan gum. Since the gellan is typically used in a relatively unpurified form, the enzymes are added to the milk along with the gellan. Inactivation of the enzymes is a genetic means of eliminating the enzymes without requiring any additional purification or processing.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels. The present invention further concerns printable objects comprising these aerogels, specifically when the print media are imaged by the absorption of liquid and the spatial localization of pigments or dyes.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels. The present invention further concerns printable objects comprising these aerogels, specifically when the print media are imaged by the absorption of liquid and the spatial localization of pigments or dyes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for increasing the activity of agrichemicals and controlling their drift by specially formulating an deposition agent with fertilizer. This unique combination has been seen to allow lower use rates of fertilizers as pesticide efficacy enhancers and improved deposition of sprays.

Abstract: A coupling medium of a thin layer of a homogenized mixture of at least one polysaccharide or disaccharide such as trehalose; a surface-active substance such as sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate; and water acts as a coupling medium for transverse ultrasonic waves, when the homogenized mixture is applied to surfaces of a transmitting, respectively receiving, transducer for transverse ultrasonic waves; and a surface of a probe.

Abstract: Liquid water soluble polymer suspensions in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed water soluble polymer. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water, being mixed at low speeds, without the formation of lumps or fisheyes and without generating fugitive dust in the process. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable. Unlike many other liquid polymer suspensions, the suspensions exhibit minimal oil or grease upon dilution. They contain no surfactants that can add to the oil and grease determination. The suspensions and the fluids produced by diluting the fluids to a working concentration of the water soluble polymer exhibit low toxicity to marine organisms and to humans. The suspensions can be manufactured from ingredients suitable for use in personal care applications such as cosmetics, shampoos and the like.

Abstract: A process for producing biopolymer nanoparticles is described, in which the biopolymer is plasticised using shear forces, a crosslinking agent being added during the processing. After said processing. After said processing, the biopolymer can be dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous medium to a concentration between 4 and 40 wt. %. This results in starch nanoparticles which are characterized by an average particle size of less than 400 nm.

Abstract: A method for strengthening a hydrogel of a naturally-occurring gelling agent, or a derivative thereof, including the step of adding at least one glycol to the gelling agent of the general formula: HO—(CH2)n—OH, HO—(CH2—CH2O)x—H, HO—(CH2—CH2—CH2O)y—H; and, HO—(CH2—CH[CH3]—O)y—H, in which, n is from 2 to about 8; x is from 6 to about 30; and, y is from 4 to about 20. Also useful of those of the general structure: HO—[C(R1)(R2)—C(R3)(R4)]—OH, in which, R1, R2, R3, R4 are capable of being —H in all four positions, or H in 0, 1, 2, 3 positions and —CH3 or —C2H5 in any or all of the non-H occupied positions.

Abstract: An absorbent foam material which comprises a solid, cross-linked form of an anionic polymer (e.g. an alginate) and fibers or other cation contributing polymeric particulates which have donated appropriate cations for effecting cross-linking of the anionic polymer. Methods of producing the foam material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the utilisation of water-insoluble linear poly-&agr;-glucan as UV filter, e.g., in sun protection products or in cosmetic as well as medical preparations. The invention also relates to a sun protection product which contains a biotechnically produced, water-insoluble linear poly-&agr;-glucan as UV filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an easy-to-handle biopolymer composite ion-exchanger with high cesium selectivity, and method for manufacturing this ion-exchanger with ease and good reproducibility, and relates to a cesium separation/recovery agent comprising a composite ion-exchanger with high cesium selectivity by employing a calcium alginate gel as a matrix and loading this matrix with an inorganic ion-exchanger; and to a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized monomers or based on graft (co)polymers and prepared by a) free-radically (co)polymerizing one-or more hydrophilic monomers or graft (co)polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers onto a grafting base, the average degree of neutralization of the acid-functional monomers being from 0 to 40 mol %, b) comminuting the acidic hydrogel, c) neutralizing the acidic hydrogel to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 50-85 mol % by adding a neutralizing agent, d) drying, grinding and sieving the hydrogel particles characterized by a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum.value, coupled with an extractables content having a specified maximum value or a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum value and an extractables content having a specified maximum value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsions which remain perfectly stable over time, prepared from an emulsifier comprising at least one polyglycoside, i.e. polypentoside with or without pohexoside, in which the aliphatic radical has 16 to 18 carbon atoms, and at least one fatty alcohol having 12 to 22 carbon atoms; a process for stabilizing the emulsions; and an emulsifying agent.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline solution comprising at least a caustic and a viscosity stabilizing amount of diutan gum.

Abstract: A gel system comprising propylene glycol alginate and basic aluminum acetate salt. Also, disclosed is a personal care formulation comprising a room deodorant gel employing said gel system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable hydrogel comprising bonds which are hydrolysable under physiological conditions. More particularly, the hydrogel consists of two interpenetrating polymer networks interconnected to one another through hydrolysable spacers. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the preparation of a hydrogel, wherein macromolecules, e.g., polymers which contain bonds which are hydrolysable under physiological conditions, are cross-linked in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions for the delivery of pharmacologically active proteins are provided by the present invention. The compositions of the present invention comprise a polymeric matrix having thermal gelation properties in which is incorporated a discrete suspension of at least one biologically active macromolecular polypeptide which retains greater than 90 percent of its biological activity. Furthermore, the concentration of the macromolecular polypeptide is greater than 0.5 percent by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method for preparing a gel composition, such as alginate gel beads, using a proper concentration of calcium pantothenate or calcium ascorbate as a gelling agent.

Abstract: Compositions comprising, in an aqueous phase, at least one amphiphilic polymer comprising at least one fatty chain and hydrophilic units, and at least one polyoxyalkylene, and optionally comprising a thickening system for use in particular in cosmetics.

Abstract: A tissue mimicking material for ultrasound phantoms has ultrasound speed and attenuation characteristics that are characteristic of human tissue and well suited for use in measuring and calibrating the potential biological effects of ultrasound equipment. The material is formed of an aqueous mixture of large organic water soluble molecules condensed from skim milk with a total solids content in the range of 10% to 30% by weight. The total fat content is less than 1% by weight, with the residual lipid particles of a size sufficiently small to remain in suspension without agglomerating and separating from the mixture over extended periods of time.

Abstract: New aerogels are disclosed which comprise silica, at least one organic polymer having polar functional groups, and at least one metal ion. Also disclosed are methods for making such aerogels and for making them as substantially transparent objects. In addition, gas detectors, liquid and gas absorbing objects, and optical devices made using these aerogels are disclosed. The present invention concerns optical elements which are substantially transparent and exhibit low refractive indices. The invention also relates to the optical properties of the metal-containing ions, the silica and polymer which they comprise. The optical elements can be passive or they can be active in response to electromagnetic radiation. The invention further relates to detectors of reactive and absorbate gases based on the physical changes exhibited by the aerogels upon reacting with or absorbing such gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polymer. The compositions of the invention are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boron-containing aqueous solution comprising at least one amino compound and/or one organic polyhydroxylated compound, characterized in that: it comprises a theoretical amount of B2O3 of between 25 and 55% by weight, at least one solubilized complex between at least one boron-containing product and the amino compound and/or one organic polyhydroxylated compound, and optionally at least one biocide and/or one antifoam and/or one anionic or non-ionic surfactant, it is obtained from at least one initial boron-containing solute consisting of a mixture of at least one borate, boric acid and/or B2O3 and optionally at least one strong base, and its pH is between 6 and 9. Application: Addition to starch paste, brightening products or biocides and for the decontamination of radioactive materials, inter alia.

Abstract: There is provided a .beta.-1,3 glucan obtained by applying ultrasonic treatment in a mixed solution of an organic solvent containing at least dimethyl sulfoxide to remove the contaminant proteins and there is provided a coupling medium for a probe of an ultrasonograph comprised of a gel composed of a .beta.-1,3 glucan, as a main component, from which contaminant proteins have been removed as a coupling medium for a probe of an ultrasonograph superior in physical properties and safety.

Abstract: This invention relates to gelled compositions formed through the introduction of specific solvents to compositions comprising 2,4-O-(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol. Such compositions provide excellent gelling for any number of potential applications, particularly where translucent gels are desired. In general, these compositions are formed by introducing heated solvents to the specific monobenzylidene sorbitol present in its solid form. The monobenzylidene sorbitol is preferably added in very low amounts to the target solvents in order to generate the desired gelling effect. A method of producing such gelled compositions is also provided.

Abstract: Hydrocolloidal compositions recovered from the liquid fraction obtained by subjecting oat or barley substrates to a heat-shearing treatment are rich in soluble fiber, principally .beta.-glucan, and are substantially free of insoluble fiber particles. Dispersions of these compositions are smooth in texture and are useful as texturizers and nutritional substitutes for dairy products in food compositions.

Abstract: A dispersion of dibenzylidene sorbitol acetal (DBS) in an organic liquid selected from alkylene glycols and polyalkylene glycols is provided wherein the DBS has a moisture content of greater than 2 wt. %, to inhibit the dispersion from gelling prematurely.

Abstract: Starch-based microcellular foams composed of a solid matrix with a network of small open cells or pores are described. The foams have high pore volume, low density, and high surface area, and are prepared using a process wherein an aqueous gel prepared from gelatinized starch is treated to exchange the water in the gel with air while maintaining the integrity of the network of open cells or pores. The starch-based microcellular foams are particularly useful for encapsulation and later release of a substance.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the detection of leaks of an electrophilic gas from a system, such as chlorodifluoromethane or carbon dioxide, which comprises applying to an exterior surface of the system a gel consisting essentially of a Lewis base capable of removing a proton from the gas or reacting therewith in a similar electrophilic manner; a dye capable of visibly indicating a color change on protonation or deprotonation; a solvent for the dye, the base and the gas; and a rheology modifier capable of producing a non-newtonian gel of all of these components which is sufficiently translucent to permit visual detection of change of color of the dye and of sufficient pseudoplasticity/thixotropy to provide adhesion to vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a liquid oil without heating the liquid oil. The method utilizes a solidifying agent for liquid oil which includes a gel-in-oil forming material (I) and a temporarily protective material (II) for the gel forming material (I), the solidifying agent sealed in a heat resistive container being heated as sealed therein and then mixed with the liquid oil.