Abstract: Provided are substantially flat membranes that include a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein, such as Aquaporin-Z, or a synthetic mimic of such proteins. Also provided are methods of removing contaminants from a liquid, by contacting the liquid with a substantially flat membrane that includes a block or graft co-polymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic thereof. Also provided are methods of making such membranes. Further provided are compositions that include at least one active ingredient and vesicles surrounding the active ingredient, where the vesicles include a block or graft copolymer and a water transport protein or synthetic mimic surrounding the active ingredient. Also provided are methods that include administering such compositions to patients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-soluble film (WSF) system with embedded/entrapped water-soluble films (WSF). More particularly, the invention relates to a WSF system with actives embedded/entrapped therein such as to provide precise and desired release of actives there from and its method of manufacturing for diverse applications, in which a variety of substances such as detergents, enzymes, softeners, perfumes, pesticides, fungicides, active ingredients, dyes, pigments, hazardous chemicals, active agents for cleaning laundry, dishes, floorings, walls, furniture, fluffs, pulp, etc., and the like can be so embedded/entrapped for such purpose. The invention further discloses novel online and offline process for the manufacture of such multi-layered WSF with or without liners and of desired shapes to selectively entrap interacting/non-interacting materials and their combinations. The process also provides options for the use of a wide range of raw materials, liners such as paper, film, foil, fabric, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a binder for producing materials based on wood chips and/or wood fibers. The aim of the invention is to design a binder which is used for producing and gluing materials based on wood chips and/or wood fibers, contains natural protein components, significantly reduces or even eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art, and can be economically produced and used. Said aim is achieved by a binder which is used for materials based on wood chips and/or wood fibers, comprises an aldehyde-based condensation resin and other additives, and is characterized in that the binder comprises a water-soluble reactive additive containing a peptide/amino acid mixture without moieties of water-insoluble and high-viscosity proteins. The invention also relates to a method for producing said binder as well as a molded article.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a binder from a waste water effluent is disclosed. A method for recovering the protein used in the manufacture of the binder comprises adding an agglomerating agent to the waste effluent stream, precipitating the protein and separating the water from the protein. The steps for manufacturing the binder from the protein include hydrolyzing the protein, mixing an adhesive polymer with the protein and curing the protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to benefit agent delivery particles containing at least one benefit agent and at least one cellulosic polymer. The disclosure further relates to fabric care compositions containing benefit agent delivery particles and processes for making and using such compositions. The disclosure further relates to methods of imparting a benefit delivery capability to a fabric care composition.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a polymer matrix. A core having a core surface is embedded within the polymer matrix. A polymeric ligand passivates the core surface and has a moiety Y, where Y is a Diels-Alder group of a diene or dienophile. A polymeric linker has a complementary Diels-Alder group diene or dienophile to moiety Y and forms a Diels-Alder bond with the moiety Y. A composition is also provided that includes polymer matrix having a matrix surface. A core having a core surface is present on the matrix surface. A polymeric ligand passivates the core surface and has a moiety Y, where Y is Diels-Alder group of a diene or dienophile. The polymer matrix and polymeric ligand together define a matrix-ligand Flory-Huggins binary interaction function greater than 0.

Abstract: Methods for surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, which can utilize a catecholic alkyl halide initiator.

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet material that is of use as an equivalent to skin for in vitro testing of cosmetic ingredients and/or formulations. The sheet material comprises protein and a humidity control agent so that it is ready to use. Tests that can be performed on the sheet material are for example make up smearing, colour evaluation, sun protection factor measurements, UVA-protection, water resistance of cosmetic products, sunless tanning applications, etc.

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 process for altering the shape of a polymer particle is disclosed. The process comprises suspending polymer particles in a suspending medium at a temperature that effects melting of the polymer and agitating the suspension for a time sufficient to change the shape of the particles. The shape altered particles are combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable agent to give a drug delivery particle system.

Abstract: A curable binder composition comprising an emulsion polymer, an extender and a hydryoxyamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase wherein a) the continuous phase comprises a water vapour permeable hydrophobic polymer; and b) the discontinuous phase comprises a water soluble compound.

Abstract: The natural rubber latex of the present invention in which phospholipid contained in the latex is decomposed, particularly the natural rubber latex in which it is decomposed by enzyme treatment with lipase and/or phospholipase at a temperature of 70° C. or lower is excellent in a processability, and in the natural rubber thereof and the rubber composition using the same, the physical properties such as an anti-aging characteristic, a tensile strength and an abrasion resistance are sufficiently maintained. Accordingly, the natural rubber of the present invention can be used as an excellent member for a tire.

Abstract: Functionalized supports and methods for solid phase synthesis. Preferably, the functionalized support is azlactone-functionalized.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a synergistic mixture of water-soluble polymers with thickening action and hydrophobins for thickening aqueous phases, and to the degradation of the thickening action by cleaving the protein. The invention further relates to a thickening composition of water-soluble polymers, hydrophobins and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solvent-free polyurethane-based artificial leather having the texture of human skin, and particularly to artificial leather comprising soy protein isolate and solvent-free polyurethane resin, where the use of soy protein isolate provides a higher water content than that of the conventional artificial leather to improve sensitivity properties such as tactile sensation and the use of the solvent-free polyurethane resin provides higher heat resistance and better mechanical properties than those of the conventional artificial leather, without using an organic solvent, thereby enabling to maintain clean indoor air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a hydrogel polymer having less than 100% haze, and distributed therein an oxygen enhancing effective amount of oxygen permeable particles having an oxygen permeability of at least about 100 barrer, average particle size less than about 5000 nm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a binder sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material. Embodiments also relate to a method of making a biopolymeric material comprising contacting a biopolymer and a reactive composite sufficient to form a mixture, heating the mixture and profile extruding the mixture sufficient to create a biopolymeric material.

Abstract: An adhesive composition substantially free of formaldehyde, comprising at least one bio-derived component, at least one multivalent cation and at least one polymer having a crosslinkable group, wherein the polymer having at least one crosslinkable group is substantially free of epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: A curable aqueous binder composition comprising one or more amine reactant selected from the group consisting of: a protein, a peptide, an amino acid, an ammonium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, an ammonium salt of a (poly)hydroxy-(poly)carboxylic acid; one or more carbohydrate; and one or more emulsion polymer; and the use thereof as thermosetting binders. Also described are composite materials comprising the curable binder composition, and methods of application.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymeric materials such as a coating, a plastic, a laminate, a composite, an elastomer, an adhesive, or a sealant; a surface treatment such as a textile finish or a wax; a filler for such a polymeric material or a surface treatment that includes an enzyme such as an esterase (e.g., a lipolytic enzyme, a sulfuric ester hydrolase, an organophosphorus compound degradation enzyme), an enzyme (e.g., a lysozyme, a lytic transglycosylase) that degrades a cell wall and/or a cell membrane component, a biocidal or biostatic peotide, and/or a peptidase. Also disclosed herein are methods of altering a material's property such as service life, flexability, or rigidity, by incorporation of an enzyme into a material capable of being chemically crosslinked by the activity of a lipolytic enzyme, a hydrolase, and/or a urease.

Abstract: The application describes materials derived from keratin proteins in combination with polymers, either as intimate mixtures with water soluble polymers, or as chemically bound copolymers. The keratin protein is a specific keratin protein fraction, and is preferably intact, s-sulfonated and from the intermediate filament protein family. The application also describes the process for production of these materials.

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: A stable, aqueous barrier coating composition includes: (a) prolamine; (b) cold water insoluble polymer; (c) water; (d) water-soluble co-solvent; and (e) stabilizer. The composition, when applied to a substrate, produces an article having a high surface energy and resistance to oil and grease penetration. A method of producing the article involves applying the composition to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispersing agent composition and to a process for treating liquid slurries of bentonite particles, optionally comprising contaminating solids, in order to remove any contaminating solids and/or the bentonite particles, wherein said dispersing agent composition is added to said slurry causing contaminating solids and/or the bentonite particles to settle without flocculation.

Abstract: In a method for synthesizing polymeric microstructures, a monomer stream is flowed, at a selected flow rate, through a fluidic channel. At least one shaped pulse of illumination is projected to the monomer stream, defining in the monomer stream a shape of at least one microstructure corresponding to the illumination pulse shape while polymerizing that microstructure shape in the monomer stream by the illumination pulse.

Abstract: An aliphatic polyester-based sheet including at least Layer A including an aliphatic polyester, wherein XA of the Layer A is 3-60% and the Layer A contains a crystal nucleating agent and a compound having hydrogen bonding properties with the crystal nucleating agent, and haze of the entire sheet is less than 10%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive composition comprising a protein component, an azetidinium functionalized polymer component and a viscosity modifying component. The preferred protein is a soy protein and the viscosity modifying component is preferably a sulfite reducing agent, a thiol, or combinations thereof. The invention provides for a high solids, lower viscosity adhesive formulation. The present invention also relates to a composite and a method of making a composite comprising a substrate and the adhesive composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of producing a stable heat denatured soy/urea adhesive having improved wet and dry strengths, with more efficient production and lower production costs. The method comprises combining urea with soy flour that has been heated until denatured and substantially free from urease activity. The soy flour is preferably heated to a temperature of at least 81° C. up to 100° C. for at least 15 to 500 minutes. Optionally, the method may also include adding a crosslinking agent, diluent or both to the soy flour/urea adhesive and/or adding an emulsified or dispersed polymer. Adhesives and dispersions prepared according to the methods of this invention offer increased stability and strength properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides wood adhesive binder compositions comprising a naturally occurring protein component, e.g. soy flour, and an oxazoline-functional group containing polymer or resin component, the two components in a solids weight ratio of from 60:40 to 98:2. As formulated, the compositions may comprise from 40 to 98 wt. % of the naturally occurring protein component, preferably, 50 wt. % or more. Preferably, the wood adhesive binder further comprises lignins or lignosulfonate. Where the wood adhesive binder compositions comprise lignins or lignosulfonates, they remain more fluid and workable at a higher pH such as, for example, 4.5 or more. Any of the compositions may be formulated with one or more in situ acid generator compound to insure more rapid cure on heating or pressing. The binder enables the provision of mechanically sound, low cost and biodegradable composites, such as, medium density fiberboard (MDF).

Abstract: This invention relates to a new class of blend containing segments with a peptide base of hydrolysed proteins and gelatin, and segments with a polymer base consisting of variously substituted polyethylenes such as EVA and EVAL, and a method for their preparation.

Abstract: Paper size mixtures comprising a reactive size dispersed in water and a polymer, which are obtainable by mixing (a) an aqueous dispersion of a reactive size whose dispersed particles have a mean particle diameter of less than 500 nm, the dispersion being obtainable by emulsifying at least one reactive size in water in the presence of at least one surfactant, and (b) at least one emulsion polymer and/or at least one water-soluble polymer which does not have a dispersing effect with respect to reactive sizes and/or a water-dispersible polymer, and use of said paper size mixtures for the engine sizing and surface sizing of paper and paper products.

Abstract: Blended compositions and methods for the production of thermoset compositions of soy meal, which has been treated to remove non-thermoplastic materials associated with soy beans, and natural rubber. Also provided is a method for the preparation of a prepared granular soy meal by blowing a gas through a stream of granular natural soy meal to remove hulls and cellulose fiber materials which are lighter than the granular soy meal to provide the prepared granular soy meal for the compositions. The compositions are elastic and can be used in place of rubber bands and the like.

Abstract: The invention is related to the preparation of an ionic polymer composite material comprising a protein and carbohydrate-containing vegetable material component that serves as a reinforcement agent for the composite. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the vegetable seed component is selected from the group of soy spent flakes, defatted soy flour, or soy protein concentrate with ionic polymers and the ionic polymer is carboxylated poly(styrene-butadiene). The composites have a significantly higher elastic modulus when compared with base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, which can be referred to as a biopolymer, including fermentation solid and thermoactive material. The present invention also includes methods of making the biopolymer, which can include compounding fermentation solid and thermoactive material. The present biopolymer can be formed into an article of manufacture.

Abstract: Protein inks made up of proteinated or enzymatic nanoparticles dispersed in liquid solution as a colloid can be printed or coated upon a variety of types of substrates to create a variety of types of products. Examples include, protein microarrays, biochips, biosensors and biochemical reactors. In one application, these immobilized protein inks form three-dimensional bioactive coatings that demonstrate increased stability and sensitivity as compared to other types of protein immobilizing strategies.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating an article with a cyanoacrylate solution comprising a water soluble security marker compound are described. The methods for producing a nucleophilic security marker/cyanoacrylate solution as well as methods for labeling an item and detecting the nucleophilic security marker/cyanoacrylate from an item being authenticated are also described. A method for using a nucleophilic cyanoacrylate security marker for antitheft purposes is also described.

Abstract: Peptidomimetic polymers comprising one or more DOPA moieties and related coatings and composites.

Abstract: An emulsion includes a substantially continuous liquid medium, and a plurality of droplet structures dispersed within the substantially continuous liquid medium. Each droplet structure of the plurality of droplet structures includes an outer droplet of a first liquid having an outer surface; an inner droplet of a second liquid having an inner surface contained within the outer surface of the outer droplet of the first liquid, the second liquid being immiscible in the first liquid, wherein the inner and outer droplets have a boundary surface region therebetween; an outer layer of block copolymers disposed on the outer surface of the outer droplet; and an inner layer of block copolymers disposed on the inner surface of the inner droplet. The block copolymers include a hydrophilic polymer block and a hydrophobic polymer block that act in combination to stabilize the droplet structure, and the first liquid is immiscible in the substantially continuous liquid medium.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of natural fiber and polymer composites is described. Thermoplastically processed plasticized soy flour based plastics are used with thermoplastic polymers. Polymers of soy flour and an in situ polymerized polyvinyl polymer which links proteins and carbohydrates in the flour to form the polymer are used. The composites are useful in engineering materials.

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

Abstract: A curable binder composition comprising an emulsion polymer and a natural binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a covering material for biomass and a method for the production thereof, in which at least two components (A) and (B) are mixed and subsequently applied onto the biomass, wherein component (A) comprises an oil of animal or vegetable origin and an alginate and component (B) comprises an aqueous latex dispersion and/or a protein dissolved in water.

Abstract: Methods for treating surfaces of polymeric substrates (as used in medical implants) with inert plasmas to promote the growth of bioentities (such as cells) on these surfaces is disclosed. The treated surfaces are subsequently exposed to an environment to form functionalities associated with enhanced growth of the bioentity on the surface. For example, the substrate may be exposed to the ambient environment. The bioentity may then be deposited on the modified surface. This inert plasma treatment and exposure to a suitable environment does not degrade the implants, and thus improved implants are created. Also, due to the specific functional groups at the modified surface, high cell densities are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch composition comprising starch, a polymer that is substantially compatible with starch and has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 500,000 such that the polymer forms effective entanglements or associations with neighboring starch molecules, and preferably at least one additive to improve melt flow and melt processability. The additive may be a hydroxyl plasticizer, a hydroxyl-free plasticizer, a diluent, or mixtures thereof. The composition is melt processable on conventional thermoplastic equipment. The composition is especially suitable for uniaxial and biaxial extensional processes to make fibers, films, foams and like products.

Abstract: Fibrous substrates selected from textile substrates and leather are coated using at least one hydrophobin.

Abstract: Novel materials containing dispersed or aligned biomolecules and/or cells and biomasses, which are preferably chemically modified, can be preferably used as conductors, semiconductors, transistors, resistors or non-conductors and as artificial jewels and gemologic materials, materials for use in computer, aerospace, marine and automobile industries, as well as modified alloys for machines and pipelines, boring and drilling machines and materials, and for pumps and for oil industry, as well as for furniture, for wood paper and cellulose industry, as well as for textile industry.

Abstract: A method of mass-producing minute structures such as biochips, protein chips, quantum dots, and quantum chips involves arranging an antigen two-dimensionally on a board and arranging probes two-dimensionally facing the same direction so that the binding sites of the probes may bind to the antigen. An inorganic substance such as Ni is deposited on the board from the upper side of the probes by sputtering or evaporation to form a thin film layer and on the top surface of the flatly formed thin film layer, a supporting layer is formed by separating out the same inorganic substance using electrotyping. Then, by peeling the thin film layer and the supporting layer off of the board together, the mother stamper having cavities for the patterns of biomolecules is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials comprising hydrophilic polymers and immobilized proteorhodopsin and the use of such materials as an optical information carrier. The material comprises one or more hydrophilic polymers that are capable to form a homogeneous phase with proteorhodopsin prior to solidification to a solid form. The hydrophilic polymer, for example, is silica sol-gel, gelatin, polyvinylalcohol, agarose, agar, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. The solid material having immobilized proteorhodopsin is deposited on a substrate selected from the group consisting of glass, paper, metal, fabric material, plastic material, and used as an optical data storage material or a fraud-proof carrier. The present invention further provides a security ink comprising proteorhodopsin and one or more hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fermentation processes for the production of cyanophycin in a microorganism whereby a plant-derived nitrogen source is converted by the microorganism into cyanophycin. The plant-derived nitrogen source preferably is a process stream being obtained in the processing of agricultural crops such as e.g., a by-product in the processing of starch from agricultural crops like corn, potato or cassave. The invention further relates to processes for the conversion of cyanophycin into a variety of compounds including e.g., ornithine, 1,4-butanediamine, n-alkyl amino alcohols, acrylonitrile, as well as cyanophycin derived functionalised poly(aspartic acid)s wherein the arginine residues have been functionalised to ornithine, (N-L-arginino)succinate, N-phospho-L-arginine or agmantine and the lysine residues have been functionalised to N6-hydroxy-L-lysine, 2,5-diaminohexanoate, N6-(L-1,3-dicarboxypropyl), pentanediamine, 5-aminopentanamide or N6-acetyl-L-lysine.