Abstract: Provided are a cement mortar additive for extrusion molding, a cement mortar for extrusion molding, and an extrusion-molded product. The disclosed cement mortar additive for extrusion molding includes hydrogelated cellulose ether.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising a mineral pigment material and a depolymerized carboxymethylcellulose having a degree of carboxylation in the range from 0.2 to 2.2, a molecular weight in the range from 5000 to 40000 g/mol, and a polydispersity index in the range from 2 to 10.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for improving wound healing is provided. The pharmaceutical composition includes (a) hyaluronic acid or its derivation, (b) an effective amount of an active ingredient; and optionally (c) pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients. In one embodiment, the active ingredient includes vitamin. In another embodiment, the active ingredient includes acexamic acid. In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition can further comprise sorbic acid.

Abstract: The invention is an efficient method for preparing alkali cellulose having the low water content and a uniform alkali distribution therein. More specifically, the invention is a method for continuously preparing alkali cellulose comprising steps of bringing pulp into continuous contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to generate a contact mixture and then draining the contact mixture by a centrifugal separator. The invention also includes a method for preparing cellulose ether comprising a step of etherifying the alkali cellulose.

Abstract: A novel compound is disclosed, said compound comprising hyaluronic acid, optionally cross-linked, or an oligomer, optionally cross-linked, dimer or monomer thereof, which is salified or at least partially salified with carnosine, wherein the carnosine is in the form of an L- or D-enantiomer or a racemate; a process for producing this compound, its cosmetic and therapeutic use as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions containing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a process for manufacturing a fibrillated cellulose powder suitable for being dispersed in an aqueous medium, comprising a step of adding a monovalent salt to a fibrillated cellulose suspension, followed by a lyophilisation step.

Abstract: A new method to control the dispersibility of dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) by controlling solution pH and ionic strength is provided; when stable, non-reswellable acid-form NCC (H-NCC) films are placed in concentrated sodium hydroxide solutions, they swell but do not disperse; while sodium-form NCC (Na-NCC) or other NCC films having neutral monovalent counterions readily disperse in pure water, Na-NCC films placed in hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride as well as sodium hydroxide solutions of sufficient ionic strength swell, but do not disperse; similar properties are observed for freeze-dried NCC products. The dispersibility of these NCC films is a function of the ionic strength and the identity of the electrolyte solutions to which they are exposed. NCC films are envisaged that have barrier properties in an electrolyte solution but that disintegrate or disperse when rinsed with pure water at the end of their useful lifespan.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether having low insoluble content and providing a transparent solution. More specifically, provided is a method for preparing nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether comprising at least the steps of: drying a pulp sheet or pulp chips into which the pulp sheet has been converted, bringing the dried pulp sheet or pulp chips into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain alkali cellulose, draining the alkali cellulose, and reacting the drained alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a water-absorbent polysaccharide including the process steps of bringing into contact an uncrosslinked polysaccharide with a polyphosphate or a polyphosphoric acid as crosslinking agent in the presence of water to form a polysaccharide gel and crosslinking the polysaccharide gel. The invention further relates to a water-absorbent polysaccharide obtainable by this process, a water-absorbent polysaccharide, a composite, a process for producing a composite, a composite produced by this process, the use of the water-absorbent polysaccharides or of the composites as well as the use of polyphosphates.

Abstract: Nanocellulose foams containing at least one active ingredient and methods of preparing such nanocellulose foams containing one or more active ingredients are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for preparing nanocellulose foam containing active ingredients may include forming a liquid mixture of nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose is at least one of dispersed, suspended or gelled in the liquid mixture; drying the liquid mixture of nanocellulose to form a nanocellulose foam; and mixing at least one active ingredient into at least one of the liquid mixture of nanocellulose or the nanocellulose foam. In some embodiments, a nanocellulose structure may include a nanocellulose foam comprising at least one of a carboxylate group, a hydroxyl group, or a sulfate group bonded to an active ingredient. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose structures are enhanced or crosslinked with metal cations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ferromagnetic materials based on nano-sized bacterial cellulose templates. More specifically, the present invention provides an agglomerate free magnetic nanoparticle cellulose material and a method of forming such magnetic nanoparticle cellulose material. Further, the magnetic nonoparticles are physically attached on the cellulose material and evenly distribute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a water-absorbent polysaccharide including the process steps of bringing into contact an uncrosslinked polysaccharide with a polyphosphate or a polyphosphoric acid as crosslinking agent in the presence of water to form a polysaccharide gel and crosslinking the polysaccharide gel. The invention further relates to a water-absorbent polysaccharide obtainable by this process, a water-absorbent polysaccharide, a composite, a process for producing a composite, a composite produced by this process, the use of the water-absorbent polysaccharides or of the composites as well as the use of polyphosphates.

Abstract: Nanocellulose foams containing at least one active ingredient and methods of preparing such nanocellulose foams containing one or more active ingredients are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for preparing nanocellulose foam containing active ingredients may include forming a liquid mixture of nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose is at least one of dispersed, suspended or gelled in the liquid mixture; drying the liquid mixture of nanocellulose to form a nanocellulose foam; and mixing at least one active ingredient into at least one of the liquid mixture of nanocellulose or the nanocellulose foam. In some embodiments, a nanocellulose structure may include a nanocellulose foam comprising at least one of a carboxylate group, a hydroxyl group, or a sulfate group bonded to an active ingredient. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose structures are enhanced or crosslinked with metal cations.

Abstract: A method of treating a material to improve flame retardancy, the method comprising applying to the material urea, phosphorous acid or a salt thereof, and a base comprising a monovalent metallic cation.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing cellulose ether which is transparent as dissolved in water and has low water-insoluble content. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising a contact step of bringing a pulp sheet having a pore volume of 1.0 ml/g or greater, or chips into which the pulp sheet has been converted, into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain an alkali cellulose reaction mixture, and a drain step of draining the alkali cellulose reaction mixture; and a method for preparing water-soluble cellulose ether comprising a step of reacting the alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent.

Abstract: A cellulose derivative which has a suitable elastic modulus and viscosity when it is dissolved in water and is useful as an adhesion barrier. The cellulose derivative has a molecular weight of 5×103 to 5×106 and is composed of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of the following formulas (a), (b), (c) and (d) in predetermined amount: (X in the formula (c) is an alkali metal, and R4 and R5 in the formula (d) are each independently an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 28 carbon atoms).

Abstract: Provided are a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) structure and a method for producing the same. The CMC structure of the present invention is useful as a medical material and particularly as an adhesion-preventing material, and has good biocompatibility and bioabsorbability and controllable periods of functioning and dissolving, or has both effects for preventing adhesions and wound healing. The CMC structure of the present invention is substantially composed of carboxymethyl celluloses, comprising an acid carboxymethyl cellulose and an alkaline metal carboxymethyl cellulose in a mixed state. The method of production of the present invention comprises subjecting the alkaline metal (or acid) carboxymethyl cellulose structure to an acid (or alkali) treatment, wherein the acid (or alkali) treatment is terminated before the alkaline metal (or acid) carboxymethyl cellulose is fully converted to the acid (or alkaline metal) carboxymethyl cellulose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process which has low facility load, requires a reduced amount of energy, is highly safe, and enables to produce a monosaccharide such as glucose and xylose by decomposing a cellulose-based substance under conditions where a substance used for decomposing the cellulose-based substance (e.g., a solvent, a catalyst) can be separated, collected and re-used readily. Also disclosed is a novel process for producing ethanol from the monosaccharide through ethanol fermentation. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing a monosaccharide, which comprises disaggregating/finely pulverizing a cellulose-based substance, mixing the resulting material with a phosphate solution to disperse the resulting material in the phosphate solution, and decomposing cellulose in the solution at a temperature of 100° C. or lower while irradiating with ultraviolet ray optionally in the presence of titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A method of using a metal complex as an n-dopant for doping an organic semiconducting matrix material in order to alter the latter's electrical characteristics is provided. In order to provide n-doped organic semiconductors with matrix materials having a low reduction potential, while achieving high conductivities, the n-dopant is a neutral electron-rich metal complex with a neutral or charged transition metal atom as a central atom and having at least 16 valence electrons. The complex can be polynuclear and can possess at least one metal-metal bond. At least one ligand can form a ? complex with the central atom, which can be a bridge ligand, or it can contain at least one carbanion-carbon atom or a divalent atom. Methods for providing the novel n-dopants are provided.

Abstract: When a combination of pulps having different alkali metal hydroxide solution absorption rates is as a raw material, contact conditions such as a contact temperature and a contact time have to be changed frequently, depending on the absorption rate of pulps currently processed, thereby causing a problem of reduced productivity. For solving the problem, provided is a method for producing alkali cellulose, comprising at least the steps of: bringing two or more types of pulps having different alkali metal hydroxide solution absorption rates into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain a contact product; and draining the contact product, wherein the highest absorption rate is not more than 4.0 times as fast as the lowest absorption rate.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing alkali cellulose comprising efficiently removing cellulose particles which are introduced by a pulp and have accumulated in a circulating alkali metal hydroxide solution. More specifically, there is provided a method for producing alkali cellulose, comprising at least the steps of bringing a pulp into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain a contact product, draining the contact product by a drainer, reusing an alkali metal hydroxide solution recovered in the step of draining for contact with a pulp, and adjusting an amount of cellulose particles in the recovered alkali metal hydroxide solution to 0.5% by weight or less prior to reusing for contact with the pulp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of alkali cellulose for the production of alkali cellulose and, optionally, cellulose ethers from cellulose in the presence of alkali and, if applicable, with alkylating and/or hydroxyalkylating agent(s) comprising the reaction of a cellulose with an alkali metal hydroxide, wherein the alkali metal hydroxide is mixed with cellulose in a mixing apparatus, the mixing apparatus (1) having an upper region (20, 102a, 202a) with a first cross-section and a lower region (21, 102b, 202b) with a second cross-section, the second cross-section being the same as or smaller than the first cross-section and comprising at least one non-horizontally oriented mixing device (23, 27, 121, 221, 224).

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing alkali cellulose having alkali distributed uniformly therein. A uniform alkali distribution in the alkali cellulose makes it possible to prepare cellulose ether which has been substituted uniformly in an etherification reaction step. The resulting cellulose ether does not contain a floating water-insoluble portion which will otherwise appear owing to insufficient substitution. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing alkali cellulose, comprising simultaneously feeding pulp powder and an aqueous alkali solution to a high speed disperser to continuously bring them into contact with each other and a method for preparing cellulose ether, comprising reacting the resulting alkali cellulose with an etherifying agent.

Abstract: Dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), in particular films of NCC, of controlled water dispersibility and a method to control the dispersibility of dried NCC by controlling electrolyte solution ionic strength and ion valency is described. Neutral M-NCC suspensions containing monovalent counterions (e.g., M=Na+, K+, NH4+, Et4N+) produced by neutralization of acid-form NCC (H-NCC) with the appropriate hydroxide, are readily dispersible in water when fully dried; this is in contrast to H-NCC. The dispersion of dried M-NCC in aqueous media is effectively prevented by a combination of (1) increased electrolyte concentration and ionic strength, and (2) higher valency of the cation component of the dissolved salt. Additionally, pre-treatment of dried M-NCC films with an electrolyte solution having a polyvalent cation, for example a divalent or trivalent cation is sufficient to prevent the subsequent dispersion of the M-NCC film in pure water.

Abstract: There is provided a cellulose hydrate membrane having a porous double structure which consists of micropores having a diameter in the range from >100 nm to 20 ?m and ultrapores which have a diameter of <100 nm and which are not accessible to Blue Dextran having an average molecular weight Mw of 2 000 000, wherein the fraction of the volume of the ultrapores is more than 15% of the entire pore volume accessible to water. In addition, a method for producing the membrane, its use as an adsorption membrane, and an apparatus for membrane chromatography are specified.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, panty diaper, sanitary napkin or incontinence device includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the liquid-permeable topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes acidic fluff pulp having a pH of 5.5 or less and an organic zinc salt, in particular zinc ricinoleate. The combination of organic zinc salt and acidic fluff pulp exerts a synergetic effect in the suppression of ammonia.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal salt of a crosslinked cellulose derivative represented by the following formula (I), wherein the degree of substitution of the hydroxyl group of glucose unit of the crosslinked cellulose derivative by a functional group a is 1 or more. R—O-A??(I) {In the formula (I), R represents a crosslinked cellulose residue and A represents a functional group a having cation-exchange ability.

Abstract: A method of treating a material to improve flame retardancy, the method comprising applying to the material urea, phosphorous acid or a salt thereof, and a base comprising a monovalent metallic cation.

Abstract: An air-filter for a circulating and/or recirculating air system using a filter medium containing a microbiologically effective amount of a polymeric biguanide or salt thereof. Also claimed is a method for reducing odors and/or air-borne micro-organisms in a circulating or recirculating air system using the air-filter, and a method for protecting an air-filter medium against microbial degradation by incorporating in, or on, the medium a microbiologically effective amount of a polymeric biguanide or salt thereof.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced from biomass by the process of a heated aqueous solution containing 20 to 40 percent alkali metal hydroxide to break the lignin-cellulose bond. Then the biomass is heated further to remove carbon dioxide from the cellulose and lignin to produce a mixture of carbohydrates, modified sodium lignin, micro-cellulose, lignin-cellulose resinous products and sodium carbonate. Water is added to the mixture and most of the mixture is water soluble. An acidic salt forming compound is added to the aqueous solution until a pH of 3-7 is obtained. The lignin is precipitated. The lignin-cellulose resinous products float to the top and is skimmed off. The solution containing the carbohydrates and salt is decanted off the lignin and is concentrated by evaporating off water. The carbohydrates crystalizes from the solution and the water and salt is filtered off. Water is added to the carbohydrates then it is fermented to form ethanol. The ethanol is recovered from the water by evaporation.

Abstract: A process that can be used for producing a starch product is provided. The process comprises heating a composition, which comprises or consists essentially of a starch, a polyacrylamide, and a multivalent cation. The weight ratio of starch to polyacrylamide is greater than about 2 to 1. The process can also comprise heating a composition, which comprises or consists essentially of a starch and a polyacrylamide to produce a heated composition followed by contacting the heated composition with a multivalent cation. The heating can be carried out at a pH above 7.0 if the polyacrylamide is a cationic polyacrylamide or nonionic polyacrylamide and, if the starch is a cationic starch and the polyacrylamide is an amphoteric polyacrylamide or anionic polyacrylamide, the heating neutralizes less than 75% of the cationic starch.

Abstract: An anionic cellulose ether obtainable by a process comprising reacting an alkali metal cellulose with one or more reagents A selected from the group consisting of haloacetic acids, alkali metal haloacetates, alkali metal vinyl sulfonates, vinyl sulfonic acid, and precursors thereof, and one or more reagents B having the formula R1—(OCH2CH(R2))n-P, wherein R2 represents hydrogen or a methyl group; n is 0-2; P represents a glycidyl ether group, a 1,2-epoxy group or a precursor thereof, if P represents a glycidyl ether group, R1 represents a linear C3-C5 alkyl group, optionally containing an oxygen atom, a phenyl group, or a benzyl group, and if P represents a 1,2-epoxy group, R1 represents a linear C3-C5 alkyl group, optionally containing an oxygen atom. Preferably, reagent A is chloroacetic acid and reagent B is n-butyl glycidyl ether. The invention also relates to the use of said anionic cellulose ether as an associative thickener, rheology modifier or stabilizer.

Abstract: Fatty oil and acids, glycerol, glycols, lactic acid, urea, fertilizer, carbohydrates, ethanol are recovered or produced from sewer sludge by the process of concentrating and filtering out the solid sewer sludge, hydrolysis of the cellulose in the sewer sludge by an alkali or acid catalyst to carbohydrates, fermentation of the carbohydrates to produce ethanol, then recover the ethanol by distillation or membrane technology. The glycerol, glycols and lactic acids are recovered by membrane technology. The polysacchride carbohydrates are hydrolyzed to monosacchrides then fermented to alcohol. The unsoluble sewer sludge and the salts such as ammonium sulfate, nitrogen containing compounds and urea from the aqueous solution left after the ethanol is distilled off are mixed, dried and utilized as fertilizer.

Abstract: Provided are methods of deacidifying a cellulose-based material by providing a deacidification composition comprising a hydrofluorocarbon and a deacidification agent dispersed within the hydrofluorocarbon, and contacting the cellulose-based material with the composition to increase the pH associated with the cellulose-based material. Also provided are deacidification compositions for use in the present methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a substantially fiber-free carboxymethyl cellulose which predominantly exhibits elastic properties, to the use thereof as a superabsorbent material, and to the use thereof as an adjuvant substance for achieving suitable rheological and water retention properties for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food sectors, and for industrial applications, e.g. as an additive for coating materials, for the sealing of cables and for use in tunnelling and in civil and underground engineering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of an alkali cellulose which exhibits a very uniform distribution of alkali in the alkali cellulose and has a high bulk density. Moreover, the high bulk density of the alkali cellulose makes it possible to charge a smaller reaction vessel with a greater amount of the alkali cellulose in an etherification reaction step and thereby produce a cellulose ether having very excellent solubility. Specifically, powdered pulp obtained by grinding pulp to a powder is continuously fed to a double-shaft kneader and mixed with an aqueous alkaline solution which is simultaneously and continuously fed thereto through the same inlet port or at another site. After they are mixed and densified within the kneader, the resulting product is continuously discharged from an outlet port. The feed rate of the powdered pulp is controlled by a metering feeder so as to feed it at a desired flow rate.

Abstract: Transition metal complexes, referred to hereinafter as “metalloligands”, that catalyze the degradation of DNA and the cleavage of RNA at select sites are provided. In one embodiment, the metalloligand has the following structure: wherein R1 is an amino group, i.e. an NH, or an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a hydroxyl group, i.e., O(H), an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; and an alkylhydroxyl group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein J is a ligand which comprises at least one carbon-containing five-membered or six-membered ring structure; and wherein M is a transition metal ion which is bound via coordinate bonds to R1 and R2.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of chitosan-glucan complexes from biological sources by treating said biological sources with solutions, characterized in that a) chitin-containing microorganisms as said biological sources are treated at least once with a first alkaline solution; b) thereafter, the product obtained from step a) is treated with diluted mineral acid; c) followed by a further treatment with a second alkaline solution the alkalinity of which is higher than that of the alkaline solution of step a) to incomplete deacetylation of the fraction obtained step b); d) separating the solid components, discarding the supernatant, neutralizing and washing the residue with water.

Abstract: A polymer-platinum compound for use in tumor treatment is described. The compound is composed of a biodegradable diamido-diamine polymer linked to a platinum species. The platinum species is released from the polymer to yield a platinum species having anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: Rare earth chelate-conjugated oligonucleotides useful in nucleic acid hybridization assays and for generating chelate-labelled probes of any desired sequence are disclosed. The particular class of chelates utilized exhibit an unusually high efficiency of rare earth element capture, correlated with emission of a high level of signal in time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy compared to other structurally related chelate compounds.

Abstract: A new family of polysaccharide graft polymers are provided as corrosion resistant coatings having antimicrobial properties which are useful on light metals such as aluminum, magnesium, zinc, steel and their alloys. Methods of making the polysaccharide graft polymers are also included. The methods of making the polysaccharide graft polymers involve reacting a polysaccharide source with an antimicrobial agent under conditions of hydrolysis-condensation.

Abstract: Disclosed are hair spray compositions containing non-ionic cellulosic ethers in a solvent base containing water and volatile organic solvent wherein the level of volatile organic solvent in the composition is about 80% or less, and wherein the non-ionic cellulose ether is characterized by a solution viscosity of less than about 50 cps at 25.degree. C. for an aqueous solution containing 3 wt. % solids and 55 wt. % ethanol. The preferred non-ionic cellulosic ether is methylhydroxypropyl cellulose.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of alkali salt of carboxyalkyl cellulose with good solubility in salt water which is useful for pertroleum drilling muds, which comprises (a) powdering high alpha cellulose obtained from fast growing plants or bamboo pulp, (b) preparing the alkali metal salt of cellulose by mixing the high alpha cellulose pulp obtained from fast growing plant or bamboo with an alkalinating agent in the presence of an inert organic solvent, (c) etherifying the prepared alkali cellulose to alkali metal salt of cellulose with an etherifying agent at a temperature in the range of 70.degree.-80.degree. C., (d) recovering the alkali metal salt of carboxyalkyl cellulose and (e) drying the resulting alkali metal salt of carboxalkyl cellulose.

Abstract: A cellulose polymer network crosslinked with metal ions selected from the group consisting of: Al.sup.+3, Zr.sup.+4, and Ti.sup.+4, the crosslinked cellulose polymer network having incorporated therein a colloidal sol containing metal oxide-hydroxide particles wherein the metal is Al, Zr, or Ti. The inventive material is optically clear and can be used to cast microporous films, either supported or unsupported, which are useful as coatings on ink jet recording materials.

Abstract: There is described a process for silylizing carbohydrates in liquid nitrogen compounds,the carbohydrates being reacted under pressure in an autoclave at a tempperature of about 0.degree. to 200.degree. C. with a silylizing agent of the formula (I) ##STR1## in a liquid nitrogen compound of the formula (II) ##STR2## the respective radicals in the two formulas (I) and (II) being, independently of each other:hydrogen, a low alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group with 3 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group in the form of a phenyl or naphthyl radical, an aralkyl group with 7 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkylaryl group with 7 to 18 carbon atoms, or an O-, S- or N-containing heterocyclic group with 2 to 5 carbon atoms.An especially suitable silylizing agent is hexamethyl disilazane. As liquid nitrogen compound preferably ammonia is taken, which under the process conditions is liquid. The process according to the invention is of advantage ecologically and economically.

Abstract: A polysaccharide chemically joined to a nitroxyl spin label (NSL) compound has use for the preparation of an NMR diagnostic composition. An agent for modifying H.sub.2 O relaxation times in NMR diagnosis may comprise a polysaccharide to which is chemically linked both an NSL compound and an organic complexing agent to which is complexed a paramagnetic metal ion, such as Gd(III) or Cu(II). Polysaccharides include dextran, starch and cellulose. The preferred NSL compound is 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl.

Abstract: There are provided paramagnetic compounds comprising a paramagnetic metal species chelated by a chelating moiety bound by an amide group to a linker group itself bound by an ester group to a macromolecule, wherein said linker group provides a carbon chain of at least 2 atoms between said amide group and said ester group. The novel compounds are particularly suitable as contrast agents, e.g. in magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A complex of a carboxyalkyl ether of a polysaccharide with a magnetic metal oxide. This complex is extremely excellent in stability in preservation in the form of aqueous sol and has only a low toxicity, and thus is useful, for example, for medical use as a nuclear magnetic imaging molding agent or the like.

Abstract: Process for enhancing the natural bile acid binding capacity of edible pulp material by either heating an aqueous slurry of the pulp material to at least 40.degree. C. and/or sequentially reacting pulp with a first reactant, such as sodium hydroxide, for activating the pendant hydroxyl groups on the polysaccharide components of the pulp material, a second reactant, such as chloroacetic acid, for carboxylating the activated pendant groups on the polysaccharides, and a third reactant, such as calcium hydroxide, for providing calcium ions which can ionically bond to the carboxylated pendant groups.

Abstract: Water-soluble, reversibly gelable cellulose ethers containing sulphoethyl groups (DS-sulphoethyl) and dihydroxpropyl groups (MS-dihydroxypropyl).