Abstract: Coating compositions comprising a pigment and starch dispersion of discrete crosslinked starch particles in an aqueous liquid. The dispersion may be used as coating color for paper. A preferred process of preparing the dispersion of starch particles comprises (a) obtaining a mixture of starch and an aqueous liquid; (b) processing the mixture using shear forces in the presence of a crosslinker in an extruder; and (c) injecting a hydroxylic liquid into the extruder and dispersing the mixture inside the extruder or outside the extruder or both inside and outside the extruder to obtain the dispersion.

Abstract: Novel modified starch products and methods of preparation thereof are disclosed, wherein the starch products exhibit excellent water hydration and emulsion stabilization properties, while substantially maintaining individual granular structure. The modified starches are expanded or preswelled and cross-linked, preferably using a phosphate cross-linker, followed by substitution with hydrophobic moieties such as those derived from suitable acids or acid anhydrides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a cross-linked starch, comprising the reaction of a starch material with a cross-linking agent at a low to moderate temperature. The method provides an economically attractive alternative to known processes. The present invention further relates to a cross-linked starch and to its use in various application areas.

Abstract: In a new process for oxidizing a primary and/or secondary alcohol, an oxidizing agent is used in the presence of a di-tertiary-alkyl nitroxyl, in an aqueous reaction medium at a pH of below 7. The di-tertiary-alkyl nitroxyl is especially 4-hydroxy-TEMPO, and the process is particularly advantageous for oxidizing carbohydrates such as starch.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of starch particles in a two-phase system comprises at least the following steps: a) a preparation of a first phase comprising a dispersion of starch in water; b) preparation of a dispersion or emulsion of the first phase in a second liquid phase, with the proviso that the second phase is not water; c) cross-linking of the starch present in the first phase; d) separating the starch particles thus formed. According to a first aspect of the invention the second phase consists of a hydrophobic liquid and step b) consists in forming an oil-in-water emulsion, which is then inverted to a water-in-oil emulsion. According to a second aspect of the invention, the second phase consists of a water-miscible non-solvent for starch. Starch particles of very small particles size can be produced in a controlled manner by means of this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production method of &agr;-amylase resistant polysaccharides with high RS content, comprising the following steps: a) producing a paste of water-insoluble poly-(1,4-&agr;-D-glucan) and water; b) heating the paste; c) cooling off and retrogradation of the past at a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the heated paste and d) optionally drying the resulting product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel form of cross-linked high amylose starch and processes for its manufacture. Such cross-linked high amylose starch is useful as an excipient in a controlled-release pharmaceutical formulation when compressed with pharmaceutical agent(s) in a tablet. Such cross-linked high amylose starch is prepared by (a) cross-linking and chemical modification of high amylose starch, (b) gelatinization, and (c) drying to obtain a powder of said controlled release excipient. In a preferred embodiment, such cross-linked high amylose starch is prepared in the following steps: (1) granular cross-linking and additional chemical modification (e.g., hydroxypropylation) of high-amylose starch; (2) thermal gelatinization of the starch from step (1); and (3) drying the starch from step (2) to yield a powder capable of being used as a controlled release excipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable article formed from enzyme-synthesized amylose using phosphorylase, wherein the enzyme-synthesized amylose is composed of glucose monomers exclusively bonded by &agr;-1,4-glucosidic likage and has a weight average molecular weight of not less than 100 kDa, preferable not less than 600 kDa. The enzyme-synthesized amylose employed in the present invention has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of not more than 1.25 and can be chemically modified if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a stable, chlorine free modified starch which is useful in paper coating and sizing. In the process, starch is degraded by catalyzed hydrogen peroxide oxydation, and stabilized by acetyl esterification, combined with crosslinking of the starch.

Abstract: The invention relates to polysaccharides, polysaccharide conjugates and polysaccharide complexes with altered biological properties, methods to produce these polysaccharides, polysaccharide conjugates and polysaccharide complexes and methods to use these conjugates and complexes in the treatment of iron overload or iron deficiency diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biscarbodiimides, thiourea derivatives, urea derivatives, and cross-linked hyaluronan derivatives having at least one intramolecular disulfide bond, and methods of preparation thereof. The invention also includes thiolated hyaluronan derivatives and salts thereof having at least one pendant thiol group or a modified pendant thiol group, and methods of preparation thereof. An example of a modified pendant thiol group is a sulfhydryl group linked to a small molecule such as a bioactive agent, for example a drug or pharmaceutically active moiety. A hyaluronan derivative having a sulfhydryl group linked to a pharmaceutically active moiety is useful as a sustained or controlled release drug delivery vehicle. Compositions containing the hyaluronan derivatives of the invention can reversibly viscosify in vivo or in vitro, in response to mild changes in condition, and are thus useful in ophthalmic surgery and in tissue engineering.

Abstract: A paste of starch derivative is crosslinked by irradiation with &ggr;-rays or electron beams in a dose of 0.1-200 kGy. Two different levels of crosslinking are performed; the first is mild crosslinking by irradiation at a low dose of 0.1-1.0 kGy to such an extent that the viscosity of the overall system increases upon immersion in water, and the second is intensive crosslinking by irradiation at a higher dose than 1.0 kGy to produce a gel that is completely insoluble in water.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a starch ester, in particular a starch acetate, wherein a starch-based feedstock is reacted with an organic carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction of the starch-based feedstock and the anhydride is performed at an excess pressure of about 0.1 to 50 bar in an essentially anhydrous medium containing 10% by weight of water at the most. As catalyst, sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide or sulphuric acid is used, and as the reaction medium, acetic acid or excess acetanhydride is used. By means of the invention, the duration of the esterification reaction can be significantly shortened, the separation of the product can be facilitated, and the recirculation of the waste solutions can be rendered more efficient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising a derivative of a starch, which comprises at least 95 wt. % of amylopectin, based on dry substance of the starch, wherein the derivative is obtainable by cross-linking, etherification, esterification or a combination thereof, of the starch. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the adhesive composition and to the use thereof for adhering wallpaper or billposter to a substrate.

Abstract: Compositions, particularly foodstuffs, were thickened by the inclusion of an effective amount of a stabilized waxy potato starch, particularly a stabilized, crosslinked waxy potato starch, more particularly a hydroxypropylated waxy potato distarch phosphate. Compositions which include the starch may be thickened using less starch than if other starches were used. Foodstuffs prepared using the starch were improved in that they have better flavor, texture, and appearance.

Abstract: Linear cyclodextrin copolymers and linear oxidized cyclodextrin copolymers containing an unoxidized and/or an oxidized cyclodextrin moiety integrated into the polymer backbone are described. Methods of preparing such copolymers are also described. The linear cyclodextrin copolymer and linear oxidized cyclodextrin copolymer of the invention may be used as a delivery vehicle of various therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agglomerate containing at least one of the following water-soluble or water-dispersible materials as a bonding base polymer: carboxylized and/or alkoxylized starch, cellulose ether and fully synthetic vinyl polymers and/or polyacrylates. The agglomerate is characterized in that it contains a blasting agent which produces a high swelling pressure, but, advantageously, does not gel. The agglomerate can have a regular geometric form or not. Its weight should be between 0.5 and 500 g. The agglomerate is used in particular in the production of lump-free paste.

Abstract: This invention utilizes methods of emulsion chemistry to derivative polymers, as distinguished from the synthetic methods of the prior art, whereby such polymers are derivative in a true solution. The derivative polymers are useful in that they may be readily reacted with small polymers or other molecules to form new polymeric entities. The new polymeric entities may be further derivative during the step of interracial dramatization, or may be provided for reaction to the product in a subsequent step to form the target product.

Abstract: A paste of starch derivative is crosslinked by irradiation with y-rays or electron beams in a dose of 0.1-200 kGy. Two different levels of crosslinking are performed; the first is mild crosslinking by irradiation at a low dose of 0.1-1.0 kGy to such an extent that the viscosity of the overall system increases upon immersion in water, and the second is intensive crosslinking by irradiation at a higher dose than 1.0 kGy to produce a gel that is completely insoluble in water.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide derivative is obtained by oxidation of the polysaccharide to the extent that the derivative contains 0.2-0.3 carboxyl group per monosaccharide unit and cross-linking the oxidized polysaccharide with 0.0001-0.2 equivalent of cross-linking agent per monosaccharide unit. The polysaccharide may also be cross-linked prior to oxidation.

Abstract: A cross-linked copolymer based on at least one non-crosslinked polycarboxylic polysaccharide and at least one second non-crosslinked polycarboxylic polymer which is not a polycarboxylic polysaccharide and a cross-linking agent having at least two amine functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biological chemistry, and to polysaccharides in particular. Specifically, it concerns biological products obtained as a result of the polymerization and crosslinking in an alkaline medium of a gel, comprised of wheat or spelt wheat flour, in the presence of a dual-function crosslinking reagent. The invention further relates to a process for obtaining said biological products, consisting in forming an aqueous dispersion of flour, rendering this dispersion alkaline by adding an alkaline metal hydroxide, performing polymerization and crosslinking in the presence of a dual-function crosslinking reagent, and drying the resultant gel to obtain a vitreous, lightly colored product with a solid substance content of between 75% and 85% which is then ground into hard particles of a predetermined size. The application of the invention is abrasive particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tablet, particularly a pharmaceutical dosage form, which contains an encapsulating agent comprising a modified starch which is prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of a starch molecule after the preparation of a starch derivative containing a hydrophobic group or both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic group, particularly octenyl succinic anhydride starch hydrolyzed by .beta.-amylase or glucoamylase. Such starch allows for good compressibility and hardness of a pharmaceutical dosage form. In addition, the starch may consistently allow for high load and retention of a variety of active agents as well as oxidative resistance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the regulation of plant physiology, in particular to methods for inhibiting the ethylene response in plants or plant products, and has three embodiments. The first embodiment relates to methods of minimizing impurities capable of reversibly binding to plant ethylene receptor sites during the synthesis of cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, thereby avoiding the negative effects these impurities have on plants treated with cyclopropene and its derivatives. The second embodiment relates to complexes formed from molecular encapsulation agents such as cyclodextrin, and cyclopropene and its derivatives such as methylcyclopropene, in addition to cyclopentadiene and diazocyclopentadiene and their derivatives, thereby providing a convenient means for storing and transporting these compounds capable of inhibiting the ethylene response in plants, which are reactive gases and highly unstable because of oxidation and other potential reactions.

Abstract: Novel methods are described to synthesize chromatography media. The methods describe a crosslinking procedure utilizing the catalytic effect of MnO(OH).sub.2 in obtaining a very rigid matrix. The mechanism of crosslinking is likely of free-radical type. This is also suggested by the concurrent functionalization steps which are known to be of free-mechanism and are greatly enhanced by MnO(OH).sub.2. The methods are simple and efficient as crosslinking and functionalization of the matrix takes place in the same step. High protein binding capacities are obtained along with an increased efficiency of the matrix. One particularly preferred process according to the present invention comprises: (1) reacting a polymeric carbohydrate matrix with an activating reagent which contains a halogen atom or epoxide and a double bond under alkaline conditions to generate an activated matrix; (2) reacting the activated matrix having double bonds inserted with a reagent or reagents producing MnO(OH).sub.

Abstract: A modified starch polymer derived from an unmodified starch having an amylopectin content of at least 80% by weight. The starch is modified by crosslinking with epichlorohydrin, the amount of epichlorohydrin crosslinking being equivalent to that which is obtained when a crosslinking reaction is subjected to a Brabender viscosity which reaches a maximum value and then is reduced with further crosslinking from its maximum to a value which is no more than 50% of the maximum value, and is carboxymethylated with a degree of substitution of at least 0.1 carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit. Fermentation stability is obtained when the degree of carboxymethyl substitution is about 0.4 or more. The modified starch polymer may also be hydroxypropylated. The modified starch polymers provide improved high temperature fluid loss performance when incorporated into well drilling fluids.

Abstract: A process for the degradation of starch, particularly granular starch, using hydrogen peroxide and a catalytic amount of a metal-based coordination complex in an alkaline slurry reaction.

Abstract: A starch cationization process comprises suspending the starch in an aqueous alcoholic alkaline solvent containing a critical level of water (starch to water ratio 1:3 to 3:1), heating the reaction mixture for a few minutes at 30.degree.90.degree. C., adding a cationizing reagent such as 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride, heating for 1-24 hours at 30.degree.-80.degree. C., neutralizing, centrifuging, washing and drying of the cake to yield cationic starches with degrees of substitution of 0.01 to 0.12. Amphoteric starches are produced by simultaneous or sequential reaction of an anionic reagent with or after the cationic reagent in the aqueous alcoholic alkaline solvent. Solvent recovery and concentration of effluent solids is facilitated by distillation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cationic polysaccharide, preferably in fibrous form, having superabsorbent characteristics. The polysaccharides are substituted by quaternary ammonium groups, have a ds of at least 0.5, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 and are cross-linked to a sufficient extent that it remains insufficient in water. The polysaccharide is preferably cellulose. An increased number of functional groups in the product improves superabsorbent properties, whereas use of a cross-linking agent makes it possible to control the gel strength of the product and makes it easier to tailor the characteristics of the product to those which are required.

Abstract: A process for cross-linking a cellulose hydrate membrane by use of a water-soluble diepoxide in an alkaline solution. The membrane so produced is highly resistant to attack by alkalis, acids and cellulases, and is readily regenerable by alkaline cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to polysaccharides which are crosslinked with bifunctional crosslinkers and are no longer water-soluble but are still biodegradable, have a swelling of from 100 to 1000%, where the swelling, which means the percentage gain in weight, is determined by the following equation: ##EQU1## in which A is the percentage gain in weight, W.sub.o is the weight of the dry polymer and W.sub.t is the weight of the swollen polymer saturated with water. It likewise relates to a process for preparing the crosslinked polysaccharides and to the use of the crosslinked polysaccharides for coating and/or embedding medicinal active substances or drug compositions. The invention furthermore relates to a drug which contains an active substance which acts in the large intestine or an active substance which is broken down on passing through the stomach or small intestine, coated with or embedded in one of the crosslinked polysaccharides.

Abstract: A process for preparing biodegradable, high humidity resistant crosslinked starch esters comprising reacting starch with monocarboxylic acid anhydride in a caustic catalyzed system to a DS of about 1.3 to 2.7 and crosslinking the starch ester in the same reaction mixture with polyfunctional acid and/or anhydride.

Abstract: Grafted polysaccharide compositions comprising polysaccharides grafted with antioxidants on at least one hydroxyl group of the polysaccharide. The use of antioxidant grafted polysaccharides or antioxidant grafted crosslinked polysaccharides as a treatment for arthritis, as a drug delivery vehicle, to reduce the incidence of post-operative adhesion formation, to promote the healing of chronic wounds and ulcers, and as a component of cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the water content of a hydrogel comprising treatment of said hydrogel with a liquid dehydrating composition. There is further provided a method of altering the water content of a hydrogel-containing medical device. The medical devices of the present invention comprise a hydrogel having a water level ex vivo lower than the thermodynamic equilibrium water level when in vivo. These medical devices comprise a hydrogel contacted with a liquid dehydrating agent, wherein said medical device has a lower water level ex vivo than the thermodynamic equilibrium water level when the medical device is in vivo.

Abstract: A method of making paper in an alkaline or acid system wherein a selected crosslinked, cationized or amphoteric starch is added to the system, said starch being crosslinked by adding enough crosslinking agent to provide a starch having a breakdown viscosity of from about 2 to 85% and wherein the crosslinked, cationized or amphoteric starch is jet cooked under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of from about 195.degree. to 325.degree. F.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

Abstract: Absorbable dusting powders suitable for medical, consumer and industrial applications such as lubricating gloves and medical apparatus are prepared by treating starch with a hypochlorite to remove protein and oxidize some of the hydroxyl groups. The modified starch dusting powders are free flowing and are characterized by a protein content of less than about 0.15% by weight and hydroxyl groups oxidized to a level of from about 0.03 to about 0.5% by weight. Protein content can be reduced further by washing with water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating, and in particular for abrading surfaces, utilizing glass-like polysaccharide grits. The invention also extends to novel glass-like polysaccharide products, especially starches, and to processes for the production thereof. Additionally, there is disclosed cross-linked polysaccharide materials and glass-like starches having a substantially occluded water component. Combinations of these various polysaccharide grits and other abrasive grit materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating, and in particular for abrading surfaces, utilizing glass-like polysaccharide grits. The invention also extends to novel glass-like polysaccharide products, especially starches, and to processes for the production thereof. Additionally, there is disclosed cross-linked polysaccharide materials and glass-like starches having a substantially occluded water component. Combinations of these various polysaccharide grits and other abrasive grit materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbable dusting powders suitable for medical, consumer and industrial applications such as lubricating gloves and medical apparatus are prepared by treating starch with a hypochlorite to remove protein and oxidize some of the hydroxyl groups. The modified starch dusting powders are free flowing and are characterized by a protein content of less than about 0.15% by weight and hydroxyl groups oxidized to a level of from about 0.03 to about 0.5% by weight. Protein content can be reduced further by washing with water.

Abstract: Raw starch which has been treated with an emulsifying agent during a wash step, such as during refining, is alkali-treated, washed to remove flavor, crosslinked, neutralized, gelatinized and dried to give instant starch useful for instant puddings and mixes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable thermoplastic composition made of a cereal grain that is treated with an organic solvent, and optionally a cross-linking agent such as an aldehyde, an acid anhydride or an epoxide, to link together the starch and protein of the cereal grain. The compositions may be used to make extruded or molded articles that are biodegradable, water-resistant, and have a high level of physical strength.

Abstract: Starch is alkali treated, washed to remove flavor, crosslinked, neutralized, gelatinized and treated with an emulsifying agent to give instant starch useful for instant puddings and mixes.

Abstract: Absorbable dusting powders suitable for medical applications such as lubricating surgical gloves are prepared by treating starch with a hypochlorite to remove protein and oxidize some of the hydroxyl groups, and partially cross-linking the hypochlorite-treated starch with phosphorus oxychloride. The modified starch dusting powders are free flowing and are characterized by a protein content of less than about 0.15% by weight, hydroxyl groups oxidized to a level of from about 0.5 to about 0.05% by weight and a degree of cross-linking of other hydroxyl groups characterized by bound phosphorus levels of from about 200 to about 1200 ppm.

Abstract: The process entails forming a droplet of water, cyclodextrin and base in a non-polar solvent such as methylisobutylketone using polyvinyl butyral as an emulsifier. A cross-linking agent such as epichlorohydrin is reacted with the cyclodextrin and emulsifying agent to form the spherical polymer bead.

Abstract: Modified starch dispersions are prepared by gelatinizing various starches and starch blends and reacting the starch in the presence of a glyoxal compound to produce an aqueous starch dispersion having a storage-stable and coatable viscosity. The starch dispersions provides a film which displays good tensile strength and elongation properties.

Abstract: Improved dual modified waxy barley starch products are provided which exhibit excellent freeze-thaw stability and other properties making the starches eminently suited for incorporation into food products such as pie fillings or the like. Separated waxy barley starch is subjected to sequential hydroxypropylation (at a level to provide at least about thre percent by weight hydroxypropyl groups) and cross-linking (phosphorus oxychloride or sodium trimetaphosphate) to provide the products of the invention.

Abstract: Method of crosslinking carboxyl-containing polysaccharides in that the polysaccharide is at first activated with a bi- or polyfunctional reagent, and then after removal of any potential excess of activating reagent the crosslinking is performed during drying. The invention also comprises a material produced according to this method.

Abstract: Resins resulting from the crosslinking of cyclodextrin with dicarboxylic acid dihalides often show marginal binding capacity for guest molecules and poor kinetics of guest molecule removal because of the limited porosity of the resins. Resins whose apparent bulk density has been reduced by at least 20% show an enhancement in both of the aforementioned properties resulting from an increase in porosity of the resins. Such resins in general can be formed by conducting the crosslinking reaction in the presence of a blowing agent. The resulting materials retained their desirable physical properties for use in a fixed or packed bed.