Abstract: A composition for treating paper products comprising protein particulate, colloidal pigment, synthetic latex polymer, and preservative is described, as well as methods and an apparatus using the composition for such treatments, and products obtained thereby. The treated paper products preferably have improved strength, water holdout, and/or ink holdout, amongst other advantages and benefits.

Abstract: A formulation for coating asperities, such as microprojections or microneedles, which comprises at least one polyphosphazene polyelectrolyte and at least one biologically active agent. Such formulation provides for improved loading and improved homogeneity of the at least one biologically active agent on the microprojections or microneedles.

Abstract: Paper compositions are provided that include an amine group-containing cationic polymeric material and a binder material. The paper compositions are particularly useful as receiver materials for images formed by electrophotographic imaging methods utilizing liquid developers. Also described are imaging methods that utilize the paper compositions as receiver materials and methods for manufacturing the paper.

Abstract: This invention reveals polypropylene composites to be used in the automotive, electronics, packaging and textile industries, which comprises a polypropylene homopolymer in a proportion ranging from 10 to 60% by weight, a natural reinforcement based on eggshells, and an antioxidant. This invention also reveals a natural reinforcement produced from eggshells obtained as an agroindustrial waste, the process to obtain said composite, and the process to obtain such reinforcement. By means of this invention, polypropylene composites using the natural reinforcement are obtained that have improved mechanical and thermal behavior when compared to polypropylene composites using traditional mineral reinforcements.

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: A rubber composition has a base rubber, a filler which is a protein, including soy protein, derived from byproducts resulting from the manufacture of biodiesel fuel and a coupling agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition, which contains particles of a superabsorbent material having angle-lacking shapes. The composition is particularly suitable to be used in absorbent articles for personal hygiene, specifically in disposable absorbent articles, which have one or more transparent regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive system comprising a protein and one or more polymers containing acetoacetoxy groups. It also relates to a method of producing a laminated wood based product and a particle board.

Abstract: A process for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, is described. The process entails treating a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin composition, where the resin is formed in a reaction having a molar ratio of epihalohydrin to secondary amine group of less than about 0.5 and where the composition has a solids content of at least 15 wt % and includes CPD-forming species, with at least one enzymatic agent under conditions to inhibit, reduce or remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that the composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 24 hours at 50° C. and a pH of about 1.0 releases less than about 100 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for medical devices. The coating comprises a specific copolymer of which the composition may be adjusted such as to achieve an excellent adhesion to a wide range of surfaces. The coating may further comprise an additive, such as a biologically active agent, which may be released in vivo in a controlled manner, as the degradability of the coating may also be adjusted to a predetermined rate. The invention further relates to a process for applying the coating to a surface and to a medical device comprising the coating.

Abstract: A size composition for the surface sizing of paper, board or other suchlike. The size composition comprises a size fraction which comprises a water-soluble, principal component made up of, for example, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, glucomannan, protein, or mixtures thereof, and a pigment fraction formed by mixing together a mineral material, which in the main comprises talc particles and/or other phyllosilicate particles, and a binder such as a synthetic polymer, latex and/or other corresponding binder. The size composition is prepared by mixing together the said size fraction and pigment fraction.

Abstract: Processes for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, including processes that prepare a storage stable resin and/or processes that treat resins. A composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin which includes CPD-forming species can be treated with at least one agent under conditions to at least one of inhibit, reduce and remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 2 weeks at 50° C., and a pH of about 2.5 to 3.5 contains less than about 250 ppm dry basis of CPD. The invention is also directed to a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, when stored at pH 1 for 24 hours at 50° C. and measured at 24 hours, produces less than about 1000 ppm dry basis of CPD.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer microsphere comprising at least one polymer and at least one bound latent colorant, wherein the microsphere is stabilized by at least one stabilizing polymer. The invention also includes a method of preparing polymer microspheres comprising combining latent colorant, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, stabilizing polymer, and an initiator in solvent and initiating polymerization to form a polymeric microsphere stabilized by a stabilizing polymer bound to the surface of the polymeric microsphere.

Abstract: A process for treating a composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin that has a low level of CPD-producing species and good gelation stability is disclosed. A polyamine-epihalohydrin resin is prepared with a ratio of epihalohydrin:amine of less than about 1.1:1.0; The resin is then subjected to a base treatment followed by an acid treatment resulting in a resin that has good gelation storage stability and produces low levels of CPD.

Abstract: Provided is a method for accelerating the biodegradation of aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters comprising greater than 60 mol percent aromatic acid, based on total diacid in the co-polyester. The method involves contacting at least one hydrolytic enzyme in aqueous solution to the co-polyester.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to silane copolymers prepared from the reaction of one or more polyisocyanates with one or more lubricious polymers having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and with one or more organo-functional silanes having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and at least one functional group reactive with a silicone rubber substrate. The silane copolymers of the invention can be used as coatings that are elastic when dry, lubricious when wet, and resist wet abrasion. These copolymers are useful as coatings for polysiloxane (rubber) and other difficult to coat substrates, especially for medical devices, such as catheters. These silane copolymers can contain active agents such as antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, insecticides, algaecides, antifoulants, and antifogging agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of extended polyacrylic acid based binder compositions comprising a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (typically hypophosphite or sulfite terminated), a crosslinking agent (such as triethanolamine or glycerol) and one or more water soluble materials, such as lignin, low molecular weight starch and soybean protein. The extended binder composition of the present invention provides a lower cost binder composition without degrading the performance and may be selected to alter one or more characteristics of the basic binder composition such binder wetting, emulsion compatibility, dust suppression and wash water flow properties.

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (1) a deproteinizing agent for natural rubber latex, comprising a protease and one or more water-soluble polymers as an active component; (2) a deproteinized natural rubber latex, which is prepared by subjecting to a deprotenization treatment using the deproteinizing agent, and a method of producing the same; (3) a method of producing a rubber product, which comprises incorporating at least a vulcanizing agent into the latex (2), dipping a mold in the resulting compound latex, and vulcanizing and drying a rubber film formed on the mold; and (4) a method of producing a rubber product, which comprises incorporating at least a heat sensitizer and a vulcanizing agent into the latex (2), dipping a mold in the resulting heat-sensitive coagulable compound latex, and vulcanizing and drying a rubber film formed on the mold.

Abstract: A polishing pad of the present invention contains a water-insoluble matrix material comprising a crosslinked polymer such as a crosslinked 1,2-polybutadiene and water-soluble particles dispersed in the material, such as saccharides. The solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C., and the amount of water-soluble particles eluted from the pad when the pad is immersed in water is 0.05 to 50 wt % at 25° C. Further, in the polishing pad of the present invention, the solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11, and solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11 is within ±50% of solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 7. In addition, the water-soluble particles contain an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanurate group, and the like. This polishing pad has good slurry retainability even if using slurries different in pH and also has excellent polishing properties such as a polishing rate and planarity.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel rapidly biodegradable polylactide resin composition while maintaining the good mechanical strength and physical properties of polylactide. This biodegradable polylactide resin composition comprises at least one protein selected from silk, gelatin, keratin, elastin, gluten, zein, or soybean. This composition further comprises degraded mannan, and furthermore, a filler.

Abstract: A water-soluble granular composition including at least 40% of at least one plant growth regulator, at least one binder, at least one disaccharide and at least one surfactant; as well as methods for making and using the composition are disclosed. The water-soluble granular composition advantageously improves preparation of a solid plant growth regulator formulation for spray application, as such composition swiftly dissolves, is easily metered for application, can be more highly concentrated and is dust-free. A presently preferred water-soluble granular composition includes at least 40% of at least one gibberellin as the plant growth regulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent composition comprising each of an acidic and a basic material, wherein the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent composition comprising either an acidic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKa between about 2 to about 12 or a basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKb between about 2 to about 12 and either a basic or an acidic second material. The absorbent composition has the ability to slowly absorb a large quantity of liquid, particularly while under an external pressure. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids.

Abstract: A composition for treating a keratin based substrate that includes a cosmetically acceptable medium containing a water-soluble interjacent complex. The water-soluble interjacent complex includes a first water-soluble polymer and a second water-soluble polymer formed by polymerizing one or more water-soluble monomers in the presence of the first water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble interjacent complex is characterized in that it forms a solution in water that is free of insoluble polymer particles. The water-soluble interjacent complex is used in a method of treating a keratin based substrate, whereby a cosmetically acceptable medium is applied to the substrate and contains from 0.1-20% by weight of the water-soluble interjacent complex.

Abstract: A composition suitable for preparing a biodegradable implant, comprising a crosslinkable multifunctional prepolymer having at least two polymerizable end groups, the said composition having a viscosity such that it is deformable at a temperature of 0° to 60° C. into a three-dimensional shape and being crosslinkable within the said temperature range. The prepolymer comprises a hydrophilic region and/or the composition further comprises an effective amount of a mineral biologically-active component delivery system and/or a biocompatible degradable porosity-inducing component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer microsphere comprising at least one polymer and at least one bound latent colorant, wherein the microsphere is stabilized by at least one stabilizing polymer. The invention also includes a method of preparing polymer microspheres comprising combining latent colorant, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, stabilizing polymer, and an initiator in solvent and initiating polymerization to form a polymeric microsphere stabilized by a stabilizing polymer bound to the surface of the polymeric microsphere.

Abstract: A non-irritating, non-allergenic and non-toxic bioadhesive composition can be obtained by providing a bioadhesive composition including a polyphenolic protein derived from byssus-forming mussels and, b) a polymer comprising carbohydrate groups. The bioadhesive composition does not contain any enzyme or chemical cross-linking agent. Optionally, the composition may contain an oxidising agent and/or a filler protein. Preferably, the composition is provided as a kit of at least two parts, namely the polyphenolic protein and the polymer comprising carbohydrate groups, respectively. The composition is especially suitable as an adhesive in ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: Use of an aqueous composition, which has been prepared by dissolving (A) dihydroxypropylchitosan and (B) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (B) in an aqueous medium, makes it possible to provide articles excellent in hydrophilicity, antibacterial and deodorant activities, touch feeling, antifogging property, paper strength, dyeability, waterproofness, antifouling property and/or the like.

Abstract: A bio-compatible, biodegradable macromolecular water-absorbent polymeric material having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups selected from OH, SH, NH2, and COOH. The polymer is formed by polymer-polymer inter-coupling interaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 500,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in a ratio of A:B of 15:85 to 85:15.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating mixtures containing polymeric materials, e.g., collagen, to form a polymer that intercalates into the polymeric material. The treatment provides greater tensile strength to the mixture, among other advantages. The polymer is formed of a monomeric unit having at least one catechol group that is oxidized to a quinone upon polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water based polymer composition comprising a biopolymer and a synthetic polymer resin. The biopolymer results from a mechanical thermoplastic processing of a polysaccharide and/or protein starting material using shear forces in the presence of a crosslinking agent. The synthetic polymer resin consists of a water based hydrophilic resin and/or hydrophilic/hydrophobic resin. These compositions have a good storage stability. They are intended for the production of coatings with fair properties.

Abstract: A coating material includes sodium in a range of from 0.1% to 10%; magnesium in a range of from 0.01% to 1%; aluminum in a range of from 0.1% to 15%; potassium in a range of from 1% to 30%; silicon in a range of from 10% to 30%; and iron in a range of from 0.1% to 1%.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a polishing pad having the excellent slurry retaining properties and the large removal rate and a composition for a polishing pad which can form such the polishing pad. A composition for polishing pad of the invention is comprising a water-insoluble matrix material containing a crosslinked polymer and a water-soluble particle dispersed in the water-insoluble matrix material. The elongation remaining after breaking is 100% or less when a test piece comprising the water-insoluble matrix material is broken at 80° C. according to JIS K 6251. A polishing pad of the invention is that at least a part of the polishing pad comprises the composition for polishing pad.

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

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.

Abstract: A regenerated collagen fiber which comprises 100 parts by weight of collagen and 1 to 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin and has such excellent heat resistance that it is less apt to be thermally damaged even in styling with a hair iron or dryer. The thermoplastic resin is one obtained by polymerizing at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate monomers, alkyl methacrylate monomers, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl cyanide monomers, aromatic vinyl monomers and halogenated vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to silane copolymers prepared from the reaction of one or more polyisocyanates with one or more lubricious polymers having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and with one or more organo-functional silanes having at least two functional groups, which may be the same or different, that are reactive with an isocyanate functional group and at least one functional group reactive with a silicone rubber substrate. The silane copolymers of the invention can be used as coatings that are elastic when dry, lubricious when wet, and resist wet abrasion. These copolymers are useful as coatings for polysiloxane (rubber) and other difficult to coat substrates, especially for medical devices, such as catheters. These silane copolymers can contain active agents such as antimicrobials, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, insecticides, algaecides, antifoulants, and antifogging agents.

Abstract: A dosimeter comprising: a support; at least one first region disposed on said support, the region containing amino acid and a binder; and at least one second region disposed on said support; wherein the first region is capable of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation and the second region bears an identification mark.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising an N-acylated derivative, and a composition comprising said copolymer and a polypeptide, said polypeptide comprising at least one effective ionogenic amine, wherein at least 50 percent, by weight, of said polypeptide present in said composition is ionically bound to said polymer.

Abstract: Processes for rendering a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin storage stable, including processes that prepare a storage stable resin and/or processes that treat resins. A composition containing a polyamine-epihalohydrin resin which includes CPD-forming species can be treated with at least one agent under conditions to at least one of inhibit, reduce and remove the CPD-forming species to obtain a reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin when stored for 2 weeks at 50° C., and a pH of about 2.5 to 3.5 contains less than about 250 ppm dry basis of CPD. The invention is also directed to a gelation storage stable reduced CPD-forming resin so that a composition containing the reduced CPD-forming polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, when stored at pH 1 for 24 hours at 50° C. and measured at 24 hours, produces less than about 1000 ppm dry basis of CPD.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant protein composite is described. The composite includes a plant protein, which is preferably soy protein, and a polylactide. The composite also preferably includes a compatibilizer, a cross-linking agent, and a plasticizer. The composites of this invention offer the advantages of being water resistant and biodegradable.

Abstract: A coating material contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of water-soluble resin such as water-soluble acryl resin, resin emulsion such as acryl emulsion and solvent resin such as solution of urethane resin into a solvent (A); resin beads such as polyethylene beads (B); and at least one substance selected from the group consisting of soluble protein such as collagen and resin emulsion incompatible with the (A) such as ethylene-acryl copolymer (C). (A) improves adhesion with a base member, (B) improves heat sealability and (C) improves surface lubricity and anti-blocking properties. Further, water-soluble amine additive (D) may be added to improve adhesion with olefin base member.

Abstract: A non-irritating, non-allergenic and non-toxic bioadhesive composition can be obtained by providing a bioadhesive composition comprising a) a polyphenolic protein derived from byssus-forming mussels b) a polymer comprising carbohydrate groups. The bioadhesive composition does not contain any enzyme or chemical cross-linking agent. Optionally, the composition may contain an oxidising agent and/or a filler protein. Preferably, the composition is provided as a kit of at least two parts, namely the polyphenolic protein and the polymer comprising carbohydrate groups, respectively. The composition is especially suitable as an adhesive in ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: Adhesives comprising: a) from 5.0 to 95.0% by weight of an adhesive dispersion having a viscosity in the range from 2000 to 10,000 mpPa·s, which comprises (a1) an aqueous polymer dispersion which is obtainable by free-radical polymerization of a mixture M which comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer A to give a polymer P in the presence of at least one protective colloid-based on a water-soluble prepolymer which comprises at least one water-soluble monomer B, and further additives if desired, (a2) if desired, a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal.hydroxides, ammonia and volatile organic amines, (a3) if desired, a completely water-miscible organic solvent, and, further additives; (b) from 0 to 90.0% by weight of a polysaccharide and/or a protein and/or a protein degradation product; (c) from 0 to 95.0% by weight of at least one filler; (d) from 0 to 10.0% by weight of at least one emulsifier; (e) from 0 to 30.

Abstract: A resin composition contains a thermoplastic elastomer, natural organic, and silicone. As the thermoplastic elastomer, an olefin thermoplastic elastomer, such as a ethylene-propylene copolymer or the like, can be used. As the thermoplastic elastomer, a styrene thermoplastic elastomer, such as a styrene-butadiene copolymer or the like, can be used. As the natural organic, silk, cellulose, collagen or the like can be used. It is advisable that the content of the natural organic is 5-30 wt %, and the content of silicone is 0.3-10 wt %. Where the natural organic is a fine powder state, it is preferable that the particle size is less than 300 &mgr;m. Moldings are sheets or the like, formed by using the aforementioned resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides surface imprint compositions useful for capturing, isolating, detecting, analyzing and/or quantifying molecules in a sample. The surface imprint compositions comprise a matrix material having imprint cavities of a template molecule or molecules imprinted thereon wherein a substantial number of the imprint cavities are located at or near the surface of the matrix material.

Abstract: A BMP carrier is described for use with humans and animals. The carrier includes human hair and a block copolymer of ethylene glycol and propylene glycols that can be implanted into an intervertebral disc space with the polymer in liquid form and then changing into a solid viscoelastic state. The copolymer can be a carrier for BMP. The carrier also includes processed human hair.

Abstract: A post-treatment product and process for making a water-resistant polymeric coating or a strongly-swellable polymeric gel includes providing a stable, aqueous two-phase polymeric composition by the steps of forming a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel which includes a water-soluble vinyl monomer, optionally with one or more water-soluble comonomers, a first amount of a crosslinking agent, and water, heating the mixture, then periodically adding a predetermined amount of an initiator, and polymerizing at about 30-130° C., optionally removing the resultant two-phase composition from the reaction vessel, adding a predetermined amount of additional crosslinker or proteinaceous compound thereto, optionally coating the mixture onto a support, and optionally heating to further polymerize or process the mixture.