Abstract: Provided herein are mixed pulp compositions comprising a short fiber plant pulp (e.g., sugar cane bagasse) and a long fiber plant pulp (e.g. bamboo fiber). Also provided herein is a process for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing PHA capable of providing PHA (for example, a PHA powder) having excellent thermal stability with high productivity. The present invention is a method for producing polyhydroxyalkanoic acid, the method including a step (a) and a step (b) below step (a) of preparing an aqueous suspension liquid containing polyhydroxyalkanoic acid and polyvinyl alcohol and having a pH of 7 or less; and step (b) of spray-drying the aqueous suspension liquid prepared in the step (a).

Abstract: Disclosed is a biodegradable composition, including: 5 to 90 percent by weight of polylactic acid (PLA), 5 to 80 percent by weight of plant fiber, and 5 to 70 percent by weight of maleic anhydride-grafted polybutylene succinate (PBS-g-MA), acrylic acid-grafted polybutylene succinate (PBS-g-AA), or silane coupling agent-grafted polybutylene succinate (PBS-g-Silane). The article manufactured therefrom is not only biodegradable but also has an enhanced heat deformation temperature, impact resistance and tensile strength. Further, by so limiting the proportion of each component, compatibility between the components may be increased and crystallization of polylactic acid may be facilitated.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer material comprising: (a) providing a polymer material, which is carbon dioxide neutral and is selected from polyethylene, e.g. made from sugar cane ethanol, polypropylene and polystyrene, (b) providing a biodegradable additive, (c) blending the polymer material of step (a) with the biodegradable additive of step (b), wherein the biodegradable additive of step (b) is an organic mixture for the growing of naturally occurring organism comprising a fungal-bacterial mixture, e.g. a Penicillium-Bacillus mixture.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a hanger includes a hook portion, a first shoulder, a second shoulder and, optionally, a pants bar. The hanger is made primarily from biodegradable materials, including mycelium, hemp and flour. The resulting hanger includes the advantages being inexpensively manufactured, biodegradable, highly customizable in shape and dimensions, number of parts and features, as well as water resistant and flame resistant. In addition, the hanger may include a finish, such as paint or laser engraving thereon for additional personalization/customization.

Abstract: A novel cutting-edge structure and method and apparatus for manufacturing the cutting-edge structure is provided. The cutting-edge structure is comprised of naturally derived or renewable material at greater than 50% by volume fraction. In one embodiment, the naturally derived material is a cellulose nanostructure such as a cellulose nanocrystal. The cellulose nanocrystal is processed using a base or mold structure to provide a cutting edge of any shape such as linear or circular edge structures. The process includes dual cure steps to produce an optimal cutting-edge structure without shrinkage. The formed cutting-edge structure can be utilized as a razor blade as it is formed with very sharp tip and edge suitable for cutting hair. The base structure can form one or more cutting-edge structures simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided is a resin composition comprising a starch and a polyvinyl alcohol, which is excellent in the breaking strength and breaking elongation at a low temperature, and at the same time, has the good gas barrier property. The resin composition comprises modified starch and polyvinyl alcohol, and where in a cross section photograph by a transmission electron microscope, a cross-sectional area of each of particles of the polyvinyl alcohol dispersed is calculated, and a cross-sectional shape of each of the particles of the polyvinyl alcohol is postulated to be circular based on the cross-sectional area, the particles of the polyvinyl alcohol have a conversion particle diameter of 50 to 300 nm, and the conversion particle diameter has a dispersity of 3.0 or less.

Abstract: Embodiments may generally take the form of a degradable composite structure and a method for controlling the rate of degradation of a degradable composite structure. An example embodiment may take the form of a degradable polymer matrix composite (PMC) including a matrix having: a degradable polymer, a fiber reinforcement, and particulate fillers. The fiber loading is between approximately 10% to 70% by weight and the particulate loading is between approximately 5% to 60%.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel urethane decomposing method by which urethane in the environment is treated efficiently and at a low cost, and a urethane decomposing agent. The above purpose is attained by employing a urethane decomposing method including: a step of treating a urethane-containing material to be treated using an unsaturated fatty acid; and a step of making a microorganism belonging to a Streptomyces genus and exhibiting urethane decomposing function, to act on the material treated using the unsaturated fatty acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biomaterial and/or a biocomposite based on sunflower seed shells/husks. According to the invention, it is proposed that sunflower seed shells/husks are used instead of wood, bamboo or other wood-like fiber products as the original material for the biocomposite products and are used for the production of such products in order to improve the previous biomaterials, and in particular also to design said materials for improved cost efficiency and to improve their material properties.

Abstract: A flexible anchor for coupling a suture to a bone is provided. The anchor is composed of non-woven electrospun fibers and has an elongate tubular body that extends from a first end to a second end. The anchor is configured to receive a suture that enters the anchor through a first aperture and exits the anchor through a second aperture. When free ends of the suture are pulled, the anchor transitions from a first configuration to a second anchoring configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 10 to 99% by weight of a thermoplastic polyester differing from C) B) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of a poly(?-caprolactone) C) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of a biodegradable polyester differing from B) D) from 0.1 to 30% by weight of a phosphinic salt E) from 0 to 20% by weight of a nitrogen-containing flame retardant F) from 0 to 15% by weight of an aromatic phosphate ester having at least one alkyl-substituted phenyl ring G) from 0 to 50% by weight of further additional substances, where the sum of the percentages by weight of components A) to G) is 100%.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for identifying one or more data elements in an input data stream formed from an input data structure using processing enabled by a processor-executable instruction can be stored on a non-transitory computerized storage medium. This stored method includes identifying a marker sequence set in the input document string, the marker sequence set including a marker sequence; assigning an eligibility value to each marker sequence, the eligibility value being a number calculated using an eligibility calculation, to obtain at least one eligible marker sequence; generating output data comprising data related to the at least one eligible marker sequence; and providing the output data, such as on a human-readable interface.

Abstract: Implantable materials for use with end effectors like surgical stapling devices, and methods for using the same, are generally provided. In some embodiments, a staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler can include a cartridge body having a plurality of staple cavities configured to seat staples therein and an adjunct material being associated with the cartridge such that the adjunct material is configured to be securely coupled to the cartridge body and configured to be securely attached to tissue by staples in the cartridge. The adjunct material can have positively-charged particles such that the adjunct material is configured to enhance healing in the tissue. Other implants, devices, and methods for surgical stapling are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a poly(L-lactic acid) composite. According to the method, PLLA can be processed without losing its physical properties during thermal processing and can be effectively used to manufacture a final product with improved thermal properties. In addition, the monomer is not thermally decomposed during high-temperature polymerization. Therefore, the poly(L-lactic acid) composite can be prevented from browning. Also disclosed is a poly(L-lactic acid) composite prepared by the method.

Abstract: Downhole tools and methods and systems associated therewith, wherein the downhole tools comprise a body and at least one sealing element comprising an aqueous-degradable thermoplastic rubber copolymer composed of a thermoplastic component and a rubber component. The thermoplastic component is present in an amount of about 5% to about 95% by weight of the aqueous-degradable thermoplastic rubber copolymer, and at least a portion of the sealing element hydrolytically degrades when exposed to an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A polylactic acid resin composition containing (A) a polylactic acid resin, (B) a plasticizer, (C) an organic crystal nucleating agent, and (D) an acrylic/styrene copolymer having an epoxy group, wherein the above (B) plasticizer is an ester compound having two or more ester groups in the molecule, wherein the ester compound contains one or more members selected from the group consisting of an ester compound in which at least one kind of the alcohol component constituting the ester compound is an alcohol reacted with an alkylene oxide having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms in an amount of from 0.5 to 5 mol on average, per one hydroxyl group, and an ester compound represented by formula (I), and wherein the above (D) acrylic/styrene copolymer having an epoxy group is from 0.1 to 0.9 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of (A) the polylactic acid resin.

Abstract: An amorphous PDLLA stent coating for drug delivery is disclosed.

Abstract: A polyester or polyester copolymer based composition, such as a polylactic acid based composition, is provided herein. The polyester or polyester copolymer based composition may include a plasticizer, such as an ether based, an ester based, and/or an ether-ester based plasticizer.

Abstract: A heat-sealable polymer-based multilayer film having a low sealing initiation temperature, good haze, and low gloss for packaging applications. The film comprises a seal interlayer formed from a blend having a propylene-butene copolymer and a skin layer applied over the seal interlayer, with the seal interlayer being between the skin layer and the core layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing between 0.1 and 30 wt.-% copolyamide (COPA) and between 70 and 99.9 wt.-% of a medium acceptable for cosmetic, perfume and/or pharmaceutical use. In particular, the invention relates to a method for incorporating a copolyamide into a cosmetic, perfume and/or pharmaceutical medium. The invention also relates to the use of a copolyamide (COPA) for the production of a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or perfume product, said COPA being incorporated in the form of a composition in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Provided are stimulus-sensitive microparticles and their use, e.g., in tracking the efficiency of recovery of a rare cell population (e.g., circulating tumor cells) from a mixture of cells; and in supplying control nucleic acids to index a molecular assay independent of the rare cell selection steps.

Abstract: A flexible anchor for coupling a suture to a bone is provided. The anchor is composed of non-woven electrospun fibers and has an elongate tubular body that extends from a first end to a second end. The anchor is configured to receive a suture that enters the anchor through a first aperture and exits the anchor through a second aperture. When free ends of the suture are pulled, the anchor transitions from a first configuration to a second anchoring configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an item produced by thermoforming, comprising: i) from 45 to 59% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of a biodegradable polyester comprising: i-a) from 90 to 100 mol %, based on components i-a to i-b, of succinic acid; i-b) from 0 to 10 mol %, based on components i-a to i-b, of one or more C6-C20 dicarboxylic acids; i-c) from 98 to 102 mol %, based on components i-a to i-b, of 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediol; i-d) from 0.05 to 1% by weight, based on components i-a to i-c, of a chain extender or branching agent; ii) from 5 to 14% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of an aliphatic-aromatic polyester comprising: ii-a) from 30 to 70 mol %, based on components ii-a to ii-b, of a C6-C18-dicarboxylic acid; ii-b) from 30 to 70 mol %, based on components ii-a to ii-b, of terephthalic acid; ii-c) from 98 to 100 mol %, based on components ii-a to ii-b, of 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediol; ii-d) from 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection-molded item with HDT-B temperature of from 80 to 105° C. in accordance with DIN EN ISO 75-2:2004-09, comprising: i) from 47 to 59% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester; ii) from 3 to 14% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of an aliphatic-aromatic polyester; iii) from 15 to 24% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of polylactic acid; iv) from 10 to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of at least one mineral filler; where the following applies to the compounded material comprising components i to iv: the ratio of component i to component iii in the compounded material is from 2.2 to 3.2, and the MVR of the compounded material is from 8 to 50 cm3/10 min in accordance with DIN EN 1133-1 of Mar. 1, 2012 (190° C., 2.16 kg).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transiently contacting at least one unit for capturing biological targets with a body fluid containing them, a method for recovering the captured targets for analysis, and a system for contacting and recovering a capture substrate included in said unit. The invention relates to samples obtained in particular in vivo from body fluids of the human body, e.g. circulating body fluids, said fluids possibly containing, as targets, proteins, oligonucleotides such as RNA or DNA, antibodies, enzymes or cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer/biological entities alloy, comprising a step of mixing a polymer and biological entities that degrade it, during a heat treatment, said heat treatment being performed at a temperature T above room temperature and said biological entities being resistant to said temperature T, characterized in that said biological entities are chosen from enzymes that degrade said polymer and microorganisms that degrade said polymer.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a the staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having a anti-inflammatory agent embedded therein.

Abstract: Provided are mixtures of biodegradable polyesters comprising at least one polymer of natural origin and at least two aliphatic-aromatic polyesters of the diacid-diol type of which at least one with a high content of long chain aliphatic diacids of renewable origin showing excellent mechanical properties, sufficiently high melting temperatures, adequate crystallization rates, improved biodegradability properties as well as stability of physical properties over time.

Abstract: Polylactic acid-containing resin composition that includes a polylactic acid; and a (meth)acryl-silicone copolymer that includes a methyl (meth)acrylate; and a reactive silicone, wherein the (meth)acryl-silicone copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 25,000 or more. Methods for producing a polylactic acid-containing resin composition, polylactic acid-containing resin films, polylactic acid-containing resin release films, polylactic acid-containing resin release films, and methods for producing polylactic acid-containing resin films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stone based copolymer substrate includes calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from approximately fifty to eighty-five percent (50-85%) by weight and varying in size generally from 1.0 to 3.0 microns, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from approximately two to twenty-five percent (2-25%) by weight and a biopolymer from approximately two to twenty-five percent (2-25%) by weight. The substrate may include a biodegradation additive from approximately three fourths of a percent to two percent (0.75-2%) by weight. By selectively adjusting the ranges of the substrate's components, various products can be made to replace current tree-based and plastic-based products. The substrate can be configured to be tear proof, water proof, fade resistant and fire retardant while utilizing less energy and producing less waste during its manufacture. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the stone used in the substrate includes limestone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an item produced via thermoforming and comprising: i) a biodegradable polyester comprising: a) succinic acid; b) optionally one or more C6-C20 dicarboxylic acids; e) 1,3-propanediol or 1,4-butanediol; f) a chain extender or branching agent; ii) polylactic acid; iii) at least one mineral filler; The invention further relates to processes for producing the abovementioned items.

Abstract: A method for preparing poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) copolymer by polymerizing 1,4-butane diol, an adipic acid component and an aromatic dicarboxy compound derived from polyethylene terephthalate, and a polyester component residue in the presence of a catalyst under conditions effective to form poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) oligomers; adding a quencher; and reacting the quenched poly(butylene terephthalate-co-adipate) oligomers with a chain extender.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fiber is formed of a blend including a degradable polymer and a material that generates an agent upon exposure to stimulus that accelerates degradation of the degradable polymer. The degradable polymer can include a biodegradable polymer, such as poly(lactic acid) polymer, and the material that generates an agent upon exposure to stimulus can include a soy-based material.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to novel compositions and methods used to produce a biodegradable, starch-based, water-resistant article of manufacture. The teachings include a composition comprising a biodegradable fiber component in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 40% on a dry weight basis, starch component in an amount ranging from about 40% to about 94.5% on a dry weight basis, and an additive component in an amount ranging from more than 0% to about 15% on a dry weight basis. The additive component can comprise an epoxidized vegetable oil, a hydrogenated triglyceride, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl acetate-ethylene) copolymer, poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin; and a plasticizer; wherein the resin and plasticizer are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic that is formed to provide the device. A disposable device includes a multidose syringe, a specimen tube, a scalpel, a lancet, a sharps container, or a suction canister. A method of disposing of an item includes providing an item made from a biodegradable resin and a plasticizer that are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; sterilizing the item utilizing radiation or ethylene oxide gas; shredding the item; and composting the item into a compost end product, thereby disposing of the item.

Abstract: A process for preparing a bio-degradable PVC based pharmaceutical grade thermo-formable film. The film is stable in aerobic conditions and is bio-degradable under anaerobic conditions. The bio-degradable PVC based pharmaceutical grade film has application in the blister packing of pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions containing an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester derived from aromatic polyesters. Methods of making the compositions and articles made from the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic composition containing a thermoplastic polymer, a mold release agent, and optionally further additives, wherein the mold release agent contains an ester of at least one alcohol component based on two or more glycerol units, and at least one carboxylic acid or a derivative of a carboxylic acid or both. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a thermoplastic composition, to the thermoplastic composition obtainable by this method, to a method for producing a molded article based on a thermoplastic composition, to a molded article obtainable by this method and also to the use of a mold release agent.

Abstract: A composite material includes a matrix composed of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer and a filler composed of particles dispersed in the matrix. The particles are composed of naturally-derived materials (e.g., ground bone meal or pumice powder), have a microporous microstructure, have a low hygroscopic expansion, and are less than 1.0 mm in size. Preferably, the matrix and the filler together constitute 100% by weight of the composite material, and at most 30% by volume of the composite material is consumed by the filler. The composite material may take the form of an anaerobically biodegradable article of manufacture such as a building material a coating of a building material or other article.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biodegradable compositions, materials, gloves and methods thereof.

Abstract: Described is a polymeric compound comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a carbohydrate, and a polyacrylic acid, in which compound the carbohydrate is present as a cross-linking agent which cross-links chains of polyvinyl alcohol and/or chains of polyacrylic acid. The novel compound has interesting properties as an alternative to known plastics materials. It is biologically degradable, has a reduced content of fossil starting material, and exhibits hardness and flexibility properties useful for widespread applications, such as packaging material and coatings. In addition, a method for producing the polymeric compound is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.

Abstract: A biodegradable thermoplastic composition includes about 10 to about 80 wt. % of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate); about 10 to about 80 wt. % of a copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises polypropylene units and poly(3-hydroxibutyrate) units; about 0.5 to about 10 wt. % of a compatibilizer; and about 0.2 to about 10 wt. % of a pro-degradation additive, wherein the pro-degradation additive comprises a transition metal stearate; and wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the biodegradable thermoplastic composition. These compositions comply with global standards regarding biodegradable materials and can be used in a wide array of applications, such as cosmetic containers, cell phones, laptops and packaging applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a biodegradable resin composition comprising a sparingly hydrolyzing biodegradable resin (A) and an ester decomposition promoter (B), the ester decomposition promoter (B) being a copolymerized polyester that contains a segment (X) of a sparingly hydrolyzing polyester and a segment (Y) of an easily hydrolyzing polyester at a weight ratio of 10/90<X/Y<75/25. The biodegradable resin composition of the present invention features excellent biodegradability as well as excellent transparency.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.

Abstract: The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.