Abstract: With respect to synthetic collagen that has so far been difficult to be nano-fiberized, a method for producing uniform and long fibrous nano-fibers containing a synthetic collagen is described. The nano-fibers contain a polypeptide having a peptide fragment represented by Formula (1): -(Pro-Y-Gly)n??(1), wherein Y represents hydroxyproline or proline, and n is an integar ranging from 5 to 9000. The producing method includes a step of preparing a spinning solution containing the polypeptide and a polymer, and a step of spinning with an electrospinning method using the spinning solution.

Abstract: Hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions, especially hydroxyl polymer-containing compositions that can be processed into polymeric structures, especially polymeric structures in the form of fibers are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous adhesive composition comprising at least one synthetic polymer and from 1 to 99 wt % on a dry/dry basis of lupin protein. The invention further relates to its preparation, an adhesive system, a method of producing a wood based product, a product obtainable thereby and use of the adhesive composition or the adhesive system.

Abstract: In order to provide a curable casting compound for producing plastic molded parts, comprising a binder component based on polymerizable monomers selected from methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate and a proportion of about 40 to about 85% by weight of one or more inorganic fillers, which compound can be used for producing plastic molded parts having an increased impact strength, it is proposed that the casting compound comprise 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of keratin fibers.

Abstract: Catalytic partial oxidation using a metal oxide catalyst surface treats crumb rubber that is recovered from waste rubber tires. Advantages of using catalytically oxidized crumb rubber relative to using non-catalytically oxidized crumb rubber in making the rubberized concrete, includes superior mechanical strength and water-repealing capability, lower oxidation temperature and shorter oxidation time, and accelerated hydration times. Rubber oil (a gas condensate) co-produced from the crumb rubber partial oxidation process is equal to or better than the commercial superplasticizers. Industrial scale partial oxidation employs a continuous flow tubular reactor where a crumb rubber/catalyst mixture is fed into the reactor co-currently with an air/nitrogen mixture.

Abstract: This invention provides stable aqueous compositions including stable coating compositions, and methods of their production. The stable aqueous compositions and stable aqueous coating compositions comprise i) an aqueous dispersion of one or more emulsion-polymerized addition polymer comprising polymerized units of one or more carboxylester monomer, wherein at least one carboxylester monomer is a vinyl ester monomer; ii) one or more carboxylesterase enzyme; iii) one or more mono-alcohol with a formula molecular weight of less than 76; iv) optionally, acetaldehyde; and v) optionally, one or more organic carboxylester with a normal boiling point of less than 150° C.; and wherein the aqueous composition has a headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) content, as measured by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at 33° C.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material composition containing certain biodegradable and renewable components is described. The thermoplastic composition that includes a least one kind of algae or a blend of at least one kind of algae and a plant polymer a blend of algae and/or plant-based polymers, such as proteins and starches, as relatively low cost feedstock. The algae or blend may be plasticized. Additionally, a method adapted for large scale fabrication of fibers, films, or extruded articles is also described.

Abstract: This invention provides emulsions and adhesives comprising proteins that can be isolated from a variety of sources including renewable plant biomass, and methods of making and using such emulsions and adhesives.

Abstract: A dried distiller soluble based biopolymer, processes for forming the biopolymer, and articles of manufacture thereof. The produced dried distillers solubles derives from co-products of corn fermentation facilities and is comprised in part of water-soluble proteins. A biopolymer consists essentially of dried distillers solubles, and an article of manufacture includes a biopolymer consisting of dried distillers solubles and an optional additive. The process of forming dried distiller solubles involves separating whole stillage into a liquid fraction and a solid fraction, wherein the liquid fraction comprises water soluble proteins in an amount greater than the solid fraction, and wherein the solid fraction has a higher solid content than the liquid fraction. The liquid fraction is sprayed at an elevated temperature to remove at least a portion of moisture in the liquid fraction and form particles and granules of the liquid fraction.

Abstract: A multilayer film may include a polymeric film layer and an absorbing layer on a side of the polymeric film layer. The absorbing layer may be adapted to absorb an odor, a volatile organic compound, or both. The absorbing layer may include a palladium complex and at least one of a cyclodextrin, a hydrophobin protein, and a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane/urea polymeric compositions that are capable of in-vivo curing with low heat generation to form materials suitable for use in scaffolds in tissue engineering applications such as bone and cartilage repair. The polymers are desirably flowable and injectable and can support living biological components to aid in the healing process. They may be cured ex-vivo for invasive surgical repair methods, or alternatively utilized for relatively non-invasive surgical repair methods such as by arthroscope. The invention also relates to prepolymers useful in the preparation of the polymeric compositions, and to methods of treatment of damaged tissue using the polymers of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester characterised in that it has appreciable workability properties even when mixed with other polymers, appreciable toughness and high values for ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus. This invention also relates to mixtures of the said copolyester with other polymers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic biobased material-containing composition comprising chemically-modified feathers and/or dried distillers grains and a process for forming the thermoplastic biobased material-containing composition. More specifically, the thermoplastic biobased material-containing composition comprises one or more of the following chemically-modified biobased materials: (a) acylated biobased material having a % Acyl Content that is at least 3% and a % Weight Gain that is at least 1%, and; (b) etherified biobased material having a % Weight Gain that is at least 2%; and (c) graft polymerized biobased material having a % Monomer Conversion that is at least 40%, a % Grafting Efficiency that is at least 30%, and a % Grafting that is at least 10%.

Abstract: The invention is directed to composition, preparation and use of composite materials based on an adhesive with solids levels above 45% by weight that contain stable polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resins (PAE resins) of solids greater than 40% where the relative high solids of the PAE enables the high solids content of the adhesive. Furthermore, at least 45% of the solids portion of the adhesive is made up of a combination of the solids of the PAE resin and the solids of the protein source. The invention is also directed an adhesive comprised of the PAE in combination with a soy protein source. The invention is also directed toward use of the adhesive in composite materials and in particular wood containing composite materials, and more specifically wood fiber or particle based composites.

Abstract: A biocompatible, biodegradable, macromolecular water-absorbent hybrid material (WAHM), having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups, said polymer being formed by polymer-polymer intercoupling reaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 300,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in an adequate ratio wherein the natural polymer A is selected from amphoteric reactants, partially denatured or chemically modified natural polymer, that dissociates in water to form both anions and cations, and which can undergo polymer-polymer intercoupling reactions, and wherein synthetic polymer B s a linear or branched reactive synthetic copolymer having a molecular weight of 50,000-500,000 Da derived from a vinyl monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, having a backbone with polymeric subunits covalently bonded to the polymer backbone, the subunits comprising ones with non-reactive and

Abstract: Fluid activatable adhesive compositions and activating fluid(s) for activating the adhesive composition are described herein. The adhesive compositions contain at least two polymers with different hydrophilicities. The hydrophilic polymer has quick tack when exposed to a hydrophilic solvent, such as water or other aqueous solvent, while the hydrophobic polymer provides strong adhesion to a paper or polymeric substrate. The adhesive composition may contain particulate fillers which enable fast exhaustion of the activation fluid out of the adhesive when applied to a substrate, thereby allowing the hydrophobic polymers of the adhesive composition to achieve strong adhesion of the liner-free label to the paper or polymeric substrate. The particulate fillers may also function as anti-blocking agents when liner-free label media are tightly wound in a roll.

Abstract: Process for preparing a thermoplastic resin composition containing an aromatic polycarbonate resin which may include a thermoplastic resin other than the aromatic polycarbonate resin, a granular talc, and optionally a rubber polymer, a flame retardant or a fluorinated polyolefin. The granular talc has a particle size in which a proportion of a 500 ?m-mesh screen residue thereof is not less than 55% by weight.

Abstract: A sealant, in particular for rubber articles, preferably for motor vehicle tires, comprises: 30-90 wt-% of at least one natural rubber latex dispersion; 0.1-10 wt-% of at least one ionic and/or non-ionic emulsifier and/or dispersing agent; 0.0001-10 wt-% of at least one protease; 5-40 wt-% of at least one aqueous adhesive resin dispersion; 1-50 wt-% of at least one antifreeze agent; 0.01-12 wt-% of decomposition products of a deproteinizing reaction; 0-30 wt-% of additional additives.

Abstract: A lignocellulosic-based composite composition comprising an adhesive and a water soluble polymer that increases the tack of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, systems and methods for demulsifying an emulsion including an aqueous phase and an organic phase by adding an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one quaternary organopolysiloxane or salt thereof to the emulsion, the composition optionally including at least one of quaternary epihalohydrin/polyamine copolymers or salts, and/or (poly)diallyldimethylammonium halides.

Abstract: Partial oxidation of crumb rubber derived from environmental hazardous waste tires yields surface treated crumb rubber and a gas condensate which are used as blending stocks for making rubberized concrete with substantially improved mechanical strength as compared to the conventional rubberized concrete. The chemically more active rubber surface becomes hydrophilic, so it interacts with the hydrophilic surface of surrounding cement matrix much stronger. The gas condensate co-produced in the partial oxidation reactor consists of mainly active sulfur oxides (R—SOx—R) and serves as an excellent bonding agent to further enhance the bonding strength between the partially oxidized rubber particles and the cement mixes. The mechanically improved rubberized concrete is more versatile than conventional rubberized concrete.

Abstract: An ink for inkjet recording containing water, water-soluble organic solvent, water-dispersible resin, fluorochemical surfactant or derivative thereof, and coloring agent containing pigment, where the ink has a surface tension of 20-35 mN/m and viscosity of ?5 mPa·s at 25° C., total amount of the water-dispersible resin and the coloring agent in the ink is 5-40% by mass, and mass ratio A/B of the water-dispersible resin A to the coloring agent B is 0.5-4, where the ink is applied to a recording medium containing a support containing cellulose pulp, and one or more barrier layers disposed on a face of the support, and where the barrier layer contains ?30% by mass of inorganic pigment having refractive index of ?1.5, excluding aluminum hydrate, and ?10% by mass of inorganic pigment having a refractive index of <1.5.

Abstract: Protein-polymer compositions and processes for their production are provided where the compositions have improved resistance to ultraviolet light induced weathering and associated loss of enzyme activity. The incorporation of both a sterically hindered amine and an ultraviolet light absorber at a concentration of at least 5% by weight produces a curable or cured composition with UV stabilized enzyme activity that can be used as a bioactive coating with improved stain removal properties.

Abstract: A rubber latex composition is disclosed having reduced allergenicity. Methods for producing a rubber latex composition having reduced allergenicity are also disclosed.

Abstract: An injection molding material that includes a renewable resin containing a combination of renewable polymers (e.g., starch and plant protein) and a plasticizer is provided. Although such compounds are normally difficult to process into thermoplastics, the present inventors have discovered that injection molding materials may nevertheless be formed by melt blending the renewable resin with a synthetic resin (e.g., polyolefin) while selectively controlling the nature of the resins and their relative concentrations. In this manner, a morphology may be achieved in which the renewable resin is present as a discontinuous phase that is dispersed within a continuous phase of the synthetic resin (e.g., “island-in-the-sea” morphology). The discontinuous and continuous phases may each constitute from about 30 vol. % to about 70 vol. %, and in some embodiments, from about 40 vol. % to about 60 vol. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester comprising repeat units based on at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof (component A1), at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof (component A2), at least one diol (component B), optionally at least one sulfo-containing compound (component A3) and optionally at least one trifunctional crosslinking agent as component C1 and/or at least one difunctional chain extender as component C2, component A1 comprising 2-methylsuccinic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof, to a process for preparing the inventive polyester, to the mixtures comprising the inventive polyester, to the use of the inventive polyesters or of the inventive mixtures for production of moldings, films, adhesives, foams or fibers, and to moldings, films, adhesives, foams or fibers comprising at least one inventive polyester or at least one inventive mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and method for drawing egel silk fibroin fibers. The resulting fibers can transmit light and hence can be used as optical fiber. Silk fibroin fiber is produced by a method comprising applying an electric field to a solubilized silk fibroin solution to create a silk fibroin gel; converting the silk fibroin gel to a viscous silk liquid; and drawing a silk fiber from the viscous silk liquid. The silk fiber of the invention can be used in materials such as textile, medical sutures, and tissue materials, as well as conferring optical properties into these materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyesters obtained from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, polyfunctional aromatic acids and diols, wherein the polyfunctional aromatic acids are constituted by mixtures of acids of renewable and synthetic origin.

Abstract: Protein-polymer compositions and processes for their production are provided where the compositions have improved resistance to ultraviolet light induced weathering and associated loss of enzyme activity. The incorporation of both a sterically hindered amine and an ultraviolet light absorber at a concentration of at least 5% by weight produces a curable or cured composition with UV stabilized enzyme activity that can be used as a bioactive coating with improved stain removal properties.

Abstract: Wood adhesives and methods of production and application of wood adhesives are provided. The adhesives may contain proteins, and specifically may include whey proteins derived from dairy processing. Products utilizing whey-based wood adhesives are also provided as are paper adhesives that include whey protein.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of membrane protein immobilization onto supports. It relates to a product comprising a support and at least one membrane protein attached to the surface thereof, characterized in that said membrane protein is attached to said support using an amphiphilic molecule with which said membrane protein is complexed. It also relates to a process for preparing such product, as well as to various applications in the fields of diagnosis, drug design and biotechnologies. It further relates to a kit, together with a functionalized amphiphilic molecule, for preparing a product according to the invention comprising a support and an amphiphilic molecule, wherein the amphiphilic molecule and the support interact through a hydrophobic bond, an ionic bond, a specific bond or a covalent bond.

Abstract: In order to provide a curable casting compound for producing plastic moulded parts, comprising a binder component based on polymerizable monomers selected from methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate and a proportion of about 40 to about 85% by weight of one or more inorganic fillers, which compound can be used for producing plastic moulded parts having an increased impact strength, it is proposed that the casting compound comprise 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of keratin fibres.

Abstract: Degradable polymers were synthesized that self-assemble with DNA to form particles that are effective for gene delivery. Small changes to polymer synthesis conditions, particle formulation conditions, and polymer structure provides significant changes to efficacy in a cell-type dependent manner. Polymers presented here are more effective than commercially available materials, such as LIPOFECTAMINE 2000™, FUGENE®, or polyethylenimine (PEI), for gene delivery to cancerous fibroblasts or human primary fibroblasts. The presently disclosed materials may be useful for cancer therapeutics and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Strengthened soy protein based biodegradable composition comprises plasticized or unplasticized cured soy protein strengthened with green strengthening agent. Green strengthening agents include nanoclay, microfibrillated cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, cured green polysaccharide and green fibers, filaments, yarns, and fabrics and combinations of these. These can be fabricated into composites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous polymer composition and to films formed from this aqueous composition. The aqueous composition may be used in a method for removing contaminate material from a substrate. The aqueous polymer composition may comprise: water; and at least one water-soluble film forming polymer. In one embodiment, the aqueous composition may further comprise at least one chelating agent and/or at least one surfactant. The aqueous polymer composition may be applied to a contaminated substrate or to a clean substrate which is subjected to subsequent contamination. The aqueous composition may be dehydrated and/or the polymer may be crosslinked to form a film. When applied to a contaminated substrate, the film may combine with the contaminates. When applied to a clean substrate, the contaminate material may subsequently contact and adhere to the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a rubber composition for a tire that achieves both good fuel economy and abrasion resistance, and also achieves good degradation resistance and processability; and a heavy-load tire having a tread produced therefrom. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire, comprising a rubber component that contains a modified natural rubber having a phosphorus content of 200 ppm or less and a butadiene rubber, wherein the amount of the modified natural rubber is 60 to 95% by mass and the amount of the butadiene rubber is 5 to 40% by mass, based on 100% by mass of the rubber component.

Abstract: Fluid activatable adhesive compositions and activating fluid(s) for activating the adhesive composition are described herein. The adhesive compositions contain at least two polymers with different hydrophilicities. The hydrophilic polymer has quick tack when exposed to a hydrophilic solvent, such as water or other aqueous solvent, while the hydrophobic polymer provides strong adhesion to a paper or polymeric substrate. The adhesive composition may contain particulate fillers which enable fast exhaustion of the activation fluid out of the adhesive when applied to a substrate, thereby allowing the hydrophobic polymers of the adhesive composition to achieve strong adhesion of the liner-free label to the paper or polymeric substrate. The particulate fillers may also function as anti-blocking agents when liner-free label media are tightly wound in a roll.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel methods for forming hybrid thin films that contain multi-lamellar assemblies of phospholipid bilayers and can incorporate proteins, polypeptides, biological complexes, transmembrane proteins and other membrane-associated compounds. The present disclosure further provides uses for such bilayer lipid membranes including, biosensing for medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring, chemical and biological warfare agent sequestration, actuator development, and bio-fuel cell development.

Abstract: A method for producing bacteriorhodopsin-containing microcapsules is described, which can be optically activated, having a diameter of less than 50 ?m, preferably less than 10 ?m, comprising an enveloping layer, which protects the bacteriorhodopsin from harmful environmental factors, while at the same time preserving the functionality thereof. In doing so, bacteriorhodopsin is suspended in a first step, in the form of PM/BR patches in an aqueous medium having a pH value ranging from 6-9 in the presence of a water-retaining polymer, and said suspension is spray-dried to form a powder, or is dried in an aliphatic solvent using low steam pressure and subsequent dehydration to form a powder. In a second step, the powder obtained in this way is provided with an envelope, which is substantially completely translucent to light in the visible range and made of a polymer and/or a paraffin having a solidification point ranging between 45° C. and 65° C. and/or a carnauba wax having a melting range of 70-90° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid material comprising an immobilized mixture of two or more proteorhodopsins, two or more bacteriorhodopsins, or one or more bacteriorhodopsin and one or more proteorhodopsins. The proteorhodopsins are selected from the group consisting of all-trans-retinal-containing proteorhodopsins and retinal analog-containing proteorhodopsins; all of which have absorption spectra that do not overlap. The bacteriorhodopsins are selected from the group consisting of all-trans-retinal-containing bacteriorhodopsins and retinal analog-containing bacteriorhodopsins; all of which have absorption spectra that do not overlap. The present invention also provides an optical information carrier, such as an optical data storage material and a fraud-proof optical data carrier, comprising the above-described solid material and a substrate selected from the group consisting of glass, paper, metal, fabric material, and plastic material, wherein said solid material is deposited on said substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides protein adhesives and methods of making and using such adhesives. The protein adhesives contain ground plant meal or an isolated polypeptide composition obtained from plant biomass.

Abstract: Optically active polymers that are composed of monomer residues derived from chiral pre-polymerized monomers, which maintain the chirality of the pre-polymerized monomers upon polymerization are disclosed. These polymers can be composed of monomer residues that are derived from readily available chiral monomers and can be designed to have pre-determined characteristics such as chirality, biodegradability and functionality. Uses of these polymers as therapeutically active agents, and/or as carriers of therapeutically active agents, for delivering the active agents to a targeted bodily site and/or for a sustained release of the active agent, are further disclosed. Also disclosed are processed of preparing the polymers, compositions and medical devices containing the polymers, and conjugates of these polymers and various agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials such as a coating, comprising a lipolytic enzyme or organophosphrous compound degrading enzyme. Also disclosed herein are methods of visually detecting enzyme activity in a coating by contacting the coating with a substrate of an enzyme and a visual indicator that changes appearance upon production of a product of enzyme activity on a tack-free coating surface.

Abstract: The object of the invention is mixtures for producing biodegradable molded bodies based on one or more aliphatic polyesters, characterized in that the mixtures also comprise one or more polymer powders that can be re-dispersed in water.

Abstract: The invention is directed to composition, preparation and use of composite materials based on an adhesive with solids levels above 45% by weight that contain stable polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resins (PAE resins) of solids greater than 40% where the relative high solids of the PAE enables the high solids content of the adhesive. Furthermore, at least 45% of the solids portion of the adhesive is made up of a combination of the solids of the PAE resin and the solids of the protein source. The invention is also directed an adhesive comprised of the PAE in combination with a soy protein source. The invention is also directed toward use of the adhesive in composite materials and in particular wood containing composite materials, and more specifically wood fiber or particle based composites.

Abstract: This invention provides stable aqueous compositions including stable coating compositions, and methods of their production. The stable aqueous compositions and stable aqueous coating compositions comprise i) an aqueous dispersion of one or more emulsion-polymerized addition polymer comprising polymerized units of one or more carboxylester monomer, wherein at least one carboxylester monomer is a vinyl ester monomer; ii) one or more carboxylesterase enzyme; iii) one or more mono-alcohol with a formula molecular weight of less than 76; iv) optionally, acetaldehyde; and v) optionally, one or more organic carboxylester with a normal boiling point of less than 150° C.; and wherein the aqueous composition has a headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) content, as measured by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at 33° C.

Abstract: This invention provides stable aqueous compositions including stable coating compositions, and methods of their production. The stable aqueous compositions and stable aqueous coating compositions comprise one or more emulsion-polymerized addition polymer, one or more carboxylesterase enzyme, and one or more carboxylesterase deactivating agent, such that the ester hydrolysis activity in the composition is less than 0.010 micromole/minute, and wherein the aqueous composition has a headspace volatile organic compound (VOC) content, as measured by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at 33° C., of less than 10 ppm of organic carboxylester with a normal boiling point of less than 150° C. and more than 50 ppm of mono-alcohol with a formula molecular weight of less than 76.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: The invention refers to aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable polyesters obtained from aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, aromatic acids of renewable origin and diols, and also to blends of said polyesters with other biodegradable polymers of either natural or synthetic origin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing fiber materials in which at least one hydrolytic protein mixture and at least one polyamine- or polyimine-containing binder or any desired mixture of these binders are used for producing the fiber materials. The invention furthermore relates to the use of at least one hydrolytic protein mixture and at least one polyamine- or polyimine-containing binder or any desired mixture of these binders alone or in combination with at least one other binder or at least one assistant or at least one other binder and at least one assistant for producing fiber materials. The invention also relates to fiber materials which are obtainable by means of a process in which at least one hydrolytic protein mixture and at least one polyamine binder or at least one polyimine binder or at least one polyamine-containing or polyimine-containing binder or any desired mixture of these binders were used for producing the fiber materials.