Abstract: This invention refers to photo-crosslinked hydrogel materials based in gellan gum suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications or as drug delivery systems. Formulations of gellan gum with different degrees of acylation serve as precursor material for insertion of a polymerizable moiety. The materials are capable of free radical polymerization with a photo-initiator at mild temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet light, enabling control of reticulation and withstanding the encapsulation of human and animal cells and/or drugs, and any combination thereof. The physicochemical and biological properties can be adjusted by combining different formulations of gellan gum and reaction conditions.

Abstract: A surfactant produced by reacting naturally occurring polysaccharides that are not water soluble with a hydrophilic substituent on a carboxylic portion of the polysaccharide. In a second reaction, the surfactant is further substituted on a hydroxylic portion with a hydrophobic or lipophilic substituent, so as to make the reaction product both water soluble and capable of attracting oily material that is hydrophobic to be removed from a substrate by cleaning in water. Methods of making the surfactant and the follow-on reaction product are described.

Abstract: A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the manufacture and use of soft surfaces such as fabrics bearing surface-grafted antimicrobial polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersion comprising an acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D) dispersed in an aqueous medium, wherein a hydrophobic acrylic resin (B) and a hydrophilic acrylic resin (C) are grafted onto a cellulose ester derivative (A) in the acryl-modified cellulose ester derivative (D). The dispersion has excellent long-term storage stability, and aqueous coating compositions comprising the dispersion can form coating films with excellent coating workability, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, water resistance, and excellent curability.

Abstract: Hyperbranched, water-soluble polymers, obtainable by Michael polyaddition of ?-, ?-, or ?-cyclodextrins and amines to bisacrylamides.

Abstract: A green approach for the development of nanocomposite materials comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and appropriate vinyl polymers is conceived. The approach deals with the in-situ graft co-polymerization of hydrophobic vinyl monomers, such as vinyl acetate and methyl methacrylate, onto the NCC surface in an aqueous medium. The resulting material is significantly more hydrophobic and thermally stable than the starting NCC. The nanocomposite material can be suspended in appropriate solvents, dried and molded with other materials using conventional polymer processing techniques to develop yet new materials with new characteristics. These nanocomposites have wide ranging applications from industrial to medical use.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions comprising templated nanoconjugates and methods of their use.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the manufacture and use of soft surfaces such as fabrics bearing surface-grafted antimicrobial polymers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for processes for manufacture of a dry strength paper, methods for imparting dry strength to paper using a cationic starch graft polymer, and the like.

Abstract: Polymers comprising glucosamine (GlcN) are used to make medical devices. Examples include polyGlcN and carrier molecules containing multiple GlcN residues.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compounds for detecting modified nucleic acid bases are disclosed and described. The methods provide for detecting a nucleic acid lesion and can include directing a nucleic acid adduct into a channel, wherein the nucleic acid adduct includes a nucleic acid having a lesion and a current modulating compound coupled to the nucleic acid at the lesion (110), and measuring a change in current through the channel in response to the current modulating compound to detect the lesion (112). The method can optionally include forming the nucleic acid adduct. Also provided is a method for identifying the number of repeat nucleotides in at least a portion of a nucleic acid strand, a method of assigning a registration marker within a nucleic acid, and a method of obtaining sequence information from a nucleic acid comprising assigning a registration marker on the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with an acid or base-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoplastic cellulosic composition for preparing a cellulose-based masterbatch and/or a cellulose-based fiber with a networked structure. In one example, the thermoplastic cellulosic composition includes an esterified cellulose present in a range of about 80 wt % to about 95 wt %, polyethylene glycol present in a range of about 4.5 wt % to about 12 wt %, a tri-functional cross-linking agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 3 wt %, an initiator present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 0.15 wt %, and a dispersing agent present in a range of about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PVC product containing cyclodextrin derivative particles and capable of suppressing migration of a plasticizer and a method for manufacturing the same, which includes (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivative particles, in which a hydroxyl functional group is replaced by a predetermined compound; (S2) inputting the cyclodextrin derivative particles, a water-based dispersion medium and a vinyl chloride monomer into a high-pressure reactor and performing polymerization to obtain cyclodextrin derivative particles-capsulated PVC particles, in which a plurality of the cyclodextrin derivative particles are dispersedly capsulated in PVC particles; and (S3) mixing the cyclodextrin derivative particles-capsulated PVC particles with a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer and molding the mixture in a predetermined shape using heat.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticizer compositions including cyclodextrin derivatives, a flexible PVC composition with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer containing the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the flexible PVC composition of the present invention includes steps of (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivatives; (S2) mixing the cyclodextrin derivatives, PVC and a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer to form a plastisol; and (S3) heating the plastisol to form a solution and cooling the solution. The manufacturing method PVC-1 of the present invention may be useful to mass-produce flexible PVC with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer in a simple and economic manner without using solvents since the cyclodextrin derivatives are used as a compound that can suppress the migration of a plasticizer. The flexible PVC has an effect of reducing an amount of the migrated plasticizer without deterioration in its physical properties.

Abstract: A green approach for the development of nanocomposite materials comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and appropriate vinyl polymers is conceived. The approach deals with the in-situ graft co-polymerization of hydrophobic vinyl monomers, such as vinyl acetate and methyl methacrylate, onto the NCC surface in an aqueous medium. The resulting material is significantly more hydrophobic and thermally stable than the starting NCC. The nanocomposite material can be suspended in appropriate solvents, dried and moulded with other materials using conventional polymer processing techniques to develop yet new materials with new characteristics. These nanocomposites have wide ranging applications from industrial to medical use.

Abstract: A cationic starch graft copolymer is prepared by polymerization of monomers a) to d) a) 20-80% by weight of acrylamide, methacrylamide or mixtures thereof, b) 3-20% by weight of at least one basic or cationic vinyl monomer; c) 0.005-1.5% by weight of at least one bifunctional or higher-functional crosslinking agent, d) 0-10% by weight of at least one nonionic or anionic vinyl monomer which differs from the monomers mentioned under a) to c) in the presence of a grafting base e) e) 15˜70% by weight of at least one starch or one starch derivative, the sum of a) to e) being 100% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new (meth)acrylate compositions, their preparation and their use in ultraviolet light curable applications such as coatings, inks and adhesives.

Abstract: Film forming polymers derived substantially from biorenewable polysaccharides may be formed as the emulsion polymerization products of a blend of hydrophobic polysaccharides and ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The hydrophobic polysaccharides may be prepared as the emulsion reaction product of a water soluble polysaccharide and a monomer mixture of hydrophilic ethylenically unsaturated monomers and hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of a water soluble chain transfer agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a member for a rolling bearing (1) which is capable of decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide generated from a polymeric member in discarding the rolling bearing, contributing to restraint or prevention of an increase in the concentration of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or a decrease of the concentration thereof in the atmosphere, and allows a continuous use temperature to be high and an endurance time to be long and a rolling bearing using the member. The member for the rolling bearing (1) is composed of a molding of a polymeric elastic body or a synthetic resin composition. The member is at least one member selected from among an inner ring (2), an outer ring (3), rolling elements (4), a retainer (5), and a sealing member (6). A raw material derived from a biomass is at least partially used for a producing raw material of a polymeric matrix composing the polymeric elastic body or the synthetic resin composition.

Abstract: Cationic starch graft copolymer composed of the monomers a) to d) a) 20-80% by weight of acrylamide, methacrylamide or mixtures thereof, b) 3-20% by weight of at least one basic or cationic vinyl monomer, c) 0.005-1.5% by weight of at least one bifunctional or higher-functional crosslinking agent, d) 0-10% by weight of at least one nonionic or anionic vinyl monomer which differs from the monomers mentioned under a) to c) and a grafting base e) e) 15-70% by weight of at least one starch or one starch derivative, the sum of a) to e) being 100% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the production of polymer carrier materials for solid phase synthesis, particularly for peptide synthesis. (Meth)acrylamide derivatives based on carbon hydrates, which can also contain other protective groups, are polymerized by means of suspension polymerization in an aqueous phase, optionally with the addition of pore-forming additives, and subsequently the protective groups are fully or partially cleaved. It is thus possible to obtain polymer carriers whose morphology (particle size, porosity), degree of cross-linking and swelling capability in aqueous and organic media can be adjusted in a targeted manner and whose reactive groups offer multiple opportunities for the immobilization of anchor groups and protective groups. The hydroxyl groups of the polymer carrier can be activated according to usual methods of solid phase synthesis.

Abstract: Polymers comprising glucosamine (GlcN) are used to make medical devices. Examples include polyGlcN and carrier molecules containing multiple GlcN residues.

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: The present invention relates to crosslinked polymeric nanospheres having a star-shaped structure of the core-branch type, in which the branches are of a hydrophilic nature and the core is of a polymeric, crosslinked, hydrophobic nature and forms the imprint of all or at least part of a target molecule and to a process for preparing them.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with providing antimicrobial compounds and processes for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides antimicrobial polymeric materials comprising a polymer linked to a positively charged moiety via a carboxyl group. The present invention also provides processes for the production of such antimicrobial compounds and uses therefor.

Abstract: This invention is a substantially completely biodegradable high starch polymer using completely biodegradable high polymer polyvinyl alcohol [PVOH] that is made to be compatible with starch. The two ingredients are mixed with the optional addition of elasticity enhancer and supplement agent to better the stability and durability of the products. During the mixing and heating process the starch molecular structures are randomized. The randomized starch molecules, the PVOH, the elasticity enhancer and the supplement then under go the process of co-polymerization. The mixture is then extruded, at a temperature that is above the crystallization temperature of the starch molecules, to form the first stage product, the pellets. The pellets can then be extruded into films using a traditional plastic film extruder.

Abstract: A method for the production of a cross-linked support matrix that in form of a bed will permit liquid flow velocities above 5 cm/h, preferably above 50 cm/h, to pass through the bed. The method is characterized in that it comprises the steps: (a) providing a starting support matrix that has pendent unsaturated groups, and (b) subjecting said starting support matrix to electron beam or gamma-ray irradiation. The use of a cross-linked support matrix produced by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starting support matrix that has pendent unsaturated groups, and (b) subjecting said starting support matrix to electron beam or gamma-ray irradiation as a support matrix in liquid chromatography, cell culturing, step-wise solid phase synthesis of organic compounds, running catalytic reactions by the use of a solid phase bound catalyst.

Abstract: A first fiber treatment comprising a functional protein prepared by treating proteins such as collagen with a cross-linking agent and a solvent-base resin; a second one comprising the above functional protein and a water-base resin; a third one comprising a water-soluble organic substance having an average molecular weight of 100 to 20000 and a reactive modifier; a fourth one comprising the above functional protein and a reactive modifier; and products such as fibers and textile goods treated with one of the treatments.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of molded particles for microbial cell-immobilization which is characterized in that: an aqueous liquid composition which comprises: (a) an ethylenically unsaturated group-containing urethane resin which is obtained by making a tertiary amino group-containing diol react with a polyisocyanate compound, and by further introducing an ethylenically unsaturated group; (b) a polymerization initiator; and (c) water-soluble macromolecular polysaccharides; is gelatinized, in an aqueous medium which contains metal ion, to be particulate gel which is then subjected to photopolymerization and/or thermopolymerization by which to cause the crosslinking reaction of ethylenically unsaturated group in said particulate gel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: In a process for the metal-catalyzed preparation of copolymers of carbon monoxide and an olefinically unsaturated compound having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms in an aqueous medium, the copolymerization is carried out in the presence of a water-soluble macromolecular host compound which has a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic shell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hybrid polymer material or system that combines naturally occurring building blocks with synthetic building blocks. The sets of naturally occurring and synthetic building blocks are mixed and joined on a molecular or nanoscopic level to give homogeneous or microphase-separated morphologies to the resulting mixed polymer system. These hybrid polymers combine the comfort attributes of natural materials with the robustness and design properties of synthetic materials.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative, which includes irradiating, with radioactive rays, a mixture of a starting alkyl cellulose derivative (the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is 1 through 3, the alkyl group may be substituted by a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, and the carboxyl group may form a salt) (100 parts by weight) and water (5-2,000 parts by weight), and thus obtained self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative has an improved biodegradability and excellent water-absorbability.

Abstract: A starch-based graft polymer, a process for its preparation and printing inks and overprint varnishes containing the graft polymer. The graft polymer is based on a derivatized starch or a derivatized starch product as the graft substrate. The starch or starch product is derivatized by one or more bifunctional monomers and grafted, at sites of derivatization, with one ore more ethylene derivatives. The process for preparing the graft polymer involves the provision of an aqueous medium containing dissolved or dispersed starch or dissolved or dispersed starch product. This dissolved or dispersed starch or dissolved or dispersed starch product is subjected to derivatization with one or more bifunctional monomers to prepare a derivatized starch or a derivatized starch product. The derivatized starch or derivatized starch product then is graft-polymerized, at sites of derivatization, with one ore more ethylene derivatives.

Abstract: A method of preparing a resin-fortified polymer emulsion is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises polymerizing at least one monomer in the presence of a surfactant, an initiator, a resin and sugar-based vinyl monomer under emulsion polymerization reaction conditions effective for initiating polymerization, wherein an emulsion polymerization product is formed that comprises a sugar-based vinyl monomer. A composition comprising resin-fortified emulsion polymer comprising a sugar-based vinyl monomer, a resin and at least one emulsion polymerizable monomer is also disclosed. An ink comprising a pigment and a resin-fortified polymer emulsion comprising a sugar-based vinyl monomer, a resin and at least one emulsion polymerizable monomer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Block copolymers containing a fluorinated hydrocarbon unit, a hydrocarbon unit, and a poly(oxyethylene) unit are useful in fluid formulations of pharmaceutical agents. A typical embodiment is: C11H23—CONHC2H4NHCO—C8F16—CONHC2H4NHCOO—(C2H4O)34—H.

Abstract: An amphoteric polymer dispersion obtained in the presence of at least one of starch or a starch derivative by a two-stage polymerization using anionic and cationic monomers is useful as a sizing agent for paper products, as a coating for various substrates, and as a binder in pigment-free coatings or pigment-containing coatings. The dispersion is exceptionally compatible with widely differing sizing agent systems and coating chemicals.

Abstract: The invention discloses a starch graft poly(meth)acrylate blast media which is effective in paint removal. The media is superior to a physical blend of the components (i.e., starch and acrylic polymers) and to either a starch polymer or an acrylic polymer used singly. The hardness of the media is between 65-90 Shore D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-swellable, hydrophilic polymer compositions which can be prepared by free-radical (co)polymerization of one or more hydrophilic monomers in the presence of starch and/or chemically modified starch, wherein a free-radical initiator which forms three or more free radical sites per molecule is used.

Abstract: Block copolymers containing a fluorinated hydrocarbon unit, a hydrocarbon unit, and a poly(oxyethylene) unit are useful in fluid formulations of pharmaceutical agents. A typical embodiment is:C.sub.11 H.sub.23 --CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.4 NHCO--C.sub.8 F.sub.16 --CONHC.sub.2 H.sub.4 NHCOO--(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.34 --H.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the preparation of a starch copolymer product which is the reaction product of starch and one or more synthetic monomers capable of undergoing free radical polymerization wherein the reaction product is in the form of an emulsion or dispersion having weight-average particle sizes less than 180 nm as measured by Capillary Hydrodynamic Fractionation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified cellulose ester containing unsaturated pendent groups which can be prepared by reacting a cellulose ester containing residual hydroxyl groups with, for example, maleic anhydride in acetic acid solvent with sodium acetate catalyst. The modified cellulose ester is not homopolymerizable but will copolymerize in the presence of vinyl crosslinking agents and a photoinitiator upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The modified cellulose ester is useful as a protective and/or decorative coating for wood, metal, plastics, paper, board, and other substrates, as well as an additive to printing inks, and as a nail polish. In addition, because of the propensity for the pendant carboxyl groups to form hydrophilic salts with amines, the modified cellulose esters can be formulated to be water-dispersible.

Abstract: A process for producing an amphoteric aqueous polymer dispersion by two-step radical copolymerization includes (a) decomposing a starch by treatment with an enzyme or acid hydrolysis to provide a starch solution composed of decomposed starch and/or derivatives thereof having an average molecular weight ranging from 500 to 2000 g/mole and with the starch solution having an internal viscosity<0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a material having hydrophilic surface which comprises forming a hydrophobic photopolymerizable composition comprising a hydrophobic compound (a) having two or more polymerizable unsaturated double bonds per molecule and a photopolymerization initiator into a desired form and irradiating the resultant shape (b) with actinic rays while keeping the surface of the shape (b) in contact with a hydrophilic liquid (d) containing a hydrophilic compound (c) having one or more polymerizable unsaturated double bonds under such conditions that a photopolymerization reaction is prevented from occurring in the hydrophilic liquid (d) except at the interface between the liquid (d) and the shape (b), whereby the shape (b) is cured and, at the same time, the hydrophobic compound (a) is copolymerized with the hydrophilic compound (c) at the interface between the shape (b) and the hydrophilic liquid (d) to chemically bond molecules of the hydrophilic compound (c) to the surface of the hydropho

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid-absorbent polymer and a substantially clear gelatinoid product. The liquid absorbent polymer comprises a saponified graft copolymer of starch and a polynitrile species, such as polyacrylonitrile. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the liquid-absorbent polymer is prepared from a derivatized starch, the derivatized starch having a degree of substitution sufficient to substantially inhibit starch-starch interactions in the gelatinoid product formed upon mixing of the polymer with liquid. Preferred starches have a degree of substitution (DS) of at least about 0.01. Upon saponification of the liquid-absorbent polymer and placing of the polymer into absorbent contact with a liquid, a gelatinoid product will be formed. The gelatinoid product thus formed will have a substantially homogeneous index of refraction, and thus will be substantially clear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble, acid-groups-containing graft copolymers which are at least partially biodegradable and are based on sugars and monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and/or phosphonic acids or the salts of said acids as well as optional further monomers. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the graft copolymers at temperatures of up to 200.degree. C. by means of radical polymerization initiators, in that a total mixture of 5-60%-wt. mono-, di- and oligosaccharides, the derivatives thereof or the mixtures thereof, and 95-40%-wt. of a monomer mixture comprising at least one monoethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, at least one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfonic acid, one monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester and/or vinylphosphonic acid or the salts of said acids with monovalent cations, as well as optional further monomers is polymerized.