Abstract: Room temperature stable, non-gelling polysaccharide solutions such as agaroses, dextrans and cyclodextrans are made by the present invention. It has been found that by incorporating certain gel-inhibiting additives into an aqueous polysaccharide solution, the gel point is reduced or eliminated and the solution remains liquid at room temperature indefinitely. Additives that have been found to work include salts, such as lithium chloride and zinc chloride and bases, such as sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide. Mixtures of said salts and said bases can also be used with the same desired results. The composition of these solutions of the present idea can be further modified to include other additives, such as organic co-solvents or non-solvents, pH modifiers, surfactants or other polymers to customize the properties of the solution to improve the processability for the desired application and to form structures such as films, beads and coated porous substrates.

Abstract: A composition for promoting bacterial proliferation and selectively proliferating Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei is disclosed, which includes a dextran. A variety of biological activities originating from L. casei subsp. casei can be sustained in a living body by selectively growing-proliferating and colonizing L. casei subsp. casei in the intestine of a human being, animal, or the like or by selectively growing-proliferating L. casei subsp. casei in the intestine, without supplying L. casei subsp. casei at all times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric derivatives, which can be conjugated to an amino-containing drug to improve its in vivo properties. The polymeric derivative can subsequently be released to yield the drug in its native form. Methods of preparing and using these polymeric derivatives and drug conjugates are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a minimally invasive clinical method for closing hernias and other abnormal openings existing within the body; and is a unique alternative to conventional surgery and routine surgical techniques for correcting such medical defects. The clinical applications for the present methodology can be used for the in-vivo closure of small sized lumens and voids which naturally occur and exist internally within the soft connective tissue and organs of the living human body; can be employed to advantage for the closure of hernias generally; and is focused upon the closure of umbilical hernias specifically.

Abstract: A composition includes at least one hydrophilic polymer containing primary (—NH2) and/or secondary (—NHR) amine groups and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A method of increasing the strength of paper includes the step of contacting the paper with a composition comprising (i) at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A hydrogel composition is formed from a mixture of at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function.

Abstract: Chemical compounds, being the alkyl sulfate of sulfated saccharides, particularly, dextrin, dextran, and cyclodextrin, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The compounds of the invention provide antiviral activity, particularly in the treatment and prevention of sexually-transmitted diseases. Methods of treating viral infection and preventing viral transmission include administration include administration of the compounds of the invention orally, topically, subcutaneously, by muscular injection, by intraperitoneal injection and by intravenous injection.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable macromer compositions are provided including a polymeric component possessing a lipid segment which enhances the affinity of the macromer composition to targeted tissue. In some embodiments, the polymeric component can be combined with a second component. The resulting bioabsorbable macromer composition can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant process for the production of truncated and/or mutated dextransucrases while conserving their enzymatic activity and/or their specificity in the synthesis of the ?-1,6 bonds. More precisely, the present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences of truncated and/or mutated dextransucrases, vectors containing said nucleic acid sequences and host cells transformed by sequences encoding truncated and/or mutated dextransucrases. In a further aspect, the invention concerns a method for producing, in a recombinant manner, truncated and/or mutated dextransucrases which conserve their enzymatic activity and/or which conserve their specificity in the synthsis of ?-1,6 bonds and however can produce, from saccharose, dextrans with high molar mass and with modified rheological properties, compared with the properties of dextran obtained with the native enzyme in the same conditions and isomalto-oligosaccharides with a controlled molar mass and dextrans.

Abstract: Compositions which inhibit corrosion and alter the physical properties of concrete (admixtures) are prepared from salt mixtures of hydroxycarboxylic acids, carboxylic acids, and nitric acid. The salt mixtures are prepared by neutralizing acid product mixtures from the oxidation of polyols using nitric acid and oxygen as the oxidizing agents. Nitric acid is removed from the hydroxycarboxylic acids by evaporation and diffusion dialysis.

Abstract: Formulations have been developed for pulmonary delivery to treat or reduce the infectivity of diseases such as vital infections, especially tuberculosis, SARS, influenza and respiratory synticial virus in humans and hoof and mouth disease in animals. Formulations for pulmonary administration include a material that significantly alters physical properties such as surface tension and surface elasticity of lung mucus lining fluid, which may be a surfactant and, optionally, a carrier. The formulation may be administered as a powder where the particles consist basically of the material altering surface tension. The carrier may be a solution, such as an alcohol, although an aqueous solution may be utilized, or a material mixed with the material altering surface tension to form particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclodextrin inclusion complex comprising a guest encapsulated by cyclodextrin, the complex being greater than about 400 microns in size and methods of making the same. The present invention also provides a method of imparting flavor to a product to form a flavored product, the method comprising: incorporating a large particle cyclodextrin inclusion complex into a product to form a flavored product, the complex comprising a guest encapsulated by a cyclodextrin. The present invention further provides a flavored product comprising a large particle cyclodextrin inclusion complex.

Abstract: Phenobarbital derivatives synthesized out of the alkyl chain at the 5-position, particularly with hydrophilic properties, and carrying an active ester at the end, allow formation of aminodextran conjugates that give curves in the desired range of the assay in the ONLINE TDM microparticle assay format when matched against the Roche FPIA antibody specific for phenobarbital (“an antibody specific for phenobarbital”).

Abstract: A method for producing a S-nitrosylated species is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a deoxygenated, alkaline aqueous solution comprising a thiol and a nitrite-bearing species; (b) acidifying the solution by adding acid to the solution while concurrently mixing the solution (e.g., by vigorously stirring the solution) to produce the S-nitrosylated species; and (c) isolating the S-nitrosylated species. The nitrite-bearing species can be, for example, an inorganic nitrite, such as an alkali metal nitrite, or an organic nitrite, such as an alkyl nitrite (e.g., ethyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite or t-butyl nitrite). The thiol is preferably a thiol-containing polysaccharide, a thiol-containing lipoprotein, a thiol-containing amino acid or a thiol-containing protein, and more preferably a thiol-containing polysaccharide such as thiolated cyclodextrin. In many preferred embodiments, the S-nitrosylated species is insoluble in the acidified solution, precipitating upon formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds capable of releasing nitric oxide wherein the compounds comprise a saccharide and at least one nitric oxide-releasing diazeniumdiolate [N2O2] functional group, which is bonded directly to a carbon atom of the saccharide, and methods for preparing the same. The invention further comprises the treatment of biological disorders treatable by the administration of nitric oxide.

Abstract: Gaseous nitric oxide (NO) can be delivered to a mammal for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes using a composition capable of delivering NO, comprising a compound capable of forming a reversible bond or association with NO. Methods for the manufacture and use of said composition are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially water soluble, substantially non-dusting delivery systems for natural high-potency sweeteners, methods for their formulation, and uses. In particular, the present invention relates to different delivery systems of sweetener compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural high-potency sweetener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers functionalized by an aminooxy group or a derivative thereof, conjugates, wherein the functionalized polymers are covalently coupled with a protein by an oxime linking group, a process for preparing the functionalized polymers, a process for preparing the conjugates, functionalize polymers as obtainable by the process of the present invention, conjugates as obtainable by the process of the present invention, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one conjugate of the present invention and the use of said conjugates and compositions for the prophylaxis or therapy of the human or animal body.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of trivalent iron complexes with mono-, di- and polysaccharide sugars, consisting of the activation of the sugar by oxidation with nascent bromine generated in situ by reaction between an alkaline or alkaline earth bromine and an alkaline hypochlorite, the complexation of the activated sugar in solution with a ferric salt dissolved in an aqueous solution, the purification of the resulting solution through ultrafiltration and finally the stabilization of the trivalent iron-sugar complex by heating at a temperature between 60° C. and 100° C. for a period between 1 and 4 hours at a pH between 9.0 and 11.0.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds represented by the structure of the general formula (A): wherein L is a lipid or a phospholipid, Z is either nothing, ethanolamine, serine, inositol, choline, or glycerol, Y is either nothing or a spacer group ranging in length from 2 to 30 atoms, X is a physiologically acceptable monomer, dimer, oligomer, or polymer, wherein X is a glycosaminoglycan; and n is a number from 1 to 1000, wherein any bond between L, Z, Y and X is either an amide or an esteric bond.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a physiologically active substance-immobilized substrate wherein the stability of the physiologically active substance has been improved by adding a compound having the effect of suppressing deactivation to the substrate on which the physiologically active substance has been immobilized. The present invention provides a substrate which has, on the surface thereof, a physiologically active substance that has been immobilized thereon via a hydrophilic polymer layer formed with hydrophilic polymers, and Compound having a mean molecular weight between 350 and 5,000,000 and having a residue capable of forming a hydrogen bond.

Abstract: The solubility of betacyclodextrin in aqueous fluid is increased by combining niacin or niacinamide in the aqueous fluid with the betacyclodextrin.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel amphoteric polysaccharide compounds containing sulfonate function(s) corresponding to the formula (I) in which P represents a polysaccharide chain; X, Y and Z each represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally hydroxylated C1-C12 divalent hydrocarbon-based group optionally comprising at least one ether and/or amine function in the hydrocarbon-based chain, or a group —Si(R)2—[O—Si(R)2]q-A-; r is 0 or 1; An represents an anionic group chosen from formula (II) CAT represents a quaternary ammonium group or a cationic polymer chain obtained by grafting and polymerization of ethylenic monomers bearing a quaternary ammonium function, Sulfo represents a sulfonic or sulfonate group; and n, m and p are such that the total degree of substitution of the polysaccharide does not exceed 2. The invention also relates to compositions comprising them and to their use in cosmetics.

Abstract: Novel antenna polymers characterized by a polymeric background of a biodegradable water soluble polymer and chromophores chemically bonded to the polymeric background have been found to be useful as photocatalysts in aqueous media. On completion of the desired photochemical reaction, the residual medium can safely be discharged to the natural environment as the catalyst residues undergo biodegradation to form environmentally harmless products.

Abstract: Phosphorylated protein (i.e., phosphoprotein) affinity resins and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject resins include a substrate bonded to aspartate-based tetradentate ligand/metal ion complexes, where the tetradentate ligand/metal ion complexes have high specificity for phosphorylated amino acids. The subject resins find use in a variety of different applications, including phosphoprotein enrichment applications. Also provided are kits and systems that include the subject resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: The invention provides hemostatic compositions useful to promote hemostasis at active bleeding wound sites. The hemostatic compositions typically include an article containing cellulose, e.g., cotton gauze, and a polysaccharide covalently linked to the cellulose, or a polysaccharide ionically cross-linked and in association with the article. Methods of making and using the hemostatic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives useful as water-soluble prodrugs are disclosed. These degradable poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives also have potential applications in controlled hydrolytic degradation of hydrogels. In such degradable hydrogels, drugs may be trapped in the gel and released by diffusion as the gel degrades, or they may be covalently bound through hydrolyzable carbamate linkages. Hydrolysis of these carbamate linkages releases the drug at a controllable rate as the gel degrades.

Abstract: A DDS compound comprising a carboxy(C1-4)alkyldextran polyalcohol modified with a saccharide compound and a residue of drug compound bound to the carboxy(C1-4)alkyldextran polyalcohol, and a method for measuring a DDS compound in which a polymer carrier and a residue of drug compound are bound to each other by means of a spacer comprising 2 to 8 amino acids linked by peptide bond(s), which comprises the steps of treating the DDS compound with a peptidase, and measuring the resulting hydrolysate.

Abstract: A dry hydrocolloid powder with cold-gel capabilities is produced by: dissolving a hydrocolloid comprising polysaccharide chains in an aqueous solution; heating the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce a substantial alteration in the tertiary structure of the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid; cooling the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially return the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid to their original tertiary structure, wherein the polysaccharide chains form a gelling network; and drying the cooled hydrocolloid solution to form a dry powder. In some embodiments, the dry powder has a viscosity of between about 10 and 40 mPa-s when reconstituted in a 2% weight/weight solution at 25 degrees C. In other embodiments, the dry powder has a water absorption of greater than 20 g H2O/g powder.

Abstract: A carrier and a method for preparing it are provided for use in the delivery of therapeutic agents. A polysaccharide is reacted with an oxidizing agent to open sugar rings on the polysaccharide to form aldehyde groups. The aldehyde groups are reacted to form covalent oxime linkages with a second polysaccharide and each of the first and second polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, dextran, dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, heparan, heparan sulfate and alginate.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives useful as water-soluble prodrugs are disclosed. These degradable poly(ethylene glycol) carbamate derivatives also have potential applications in controlled hydrolytic degradation of hydrogels. In such degradable hydrogels, drugs may be trapped in the gel and released by diffusion as the gel degrades, or they may be covalently bound through hydrolyzable carbamate linkages. Hydrolysis of these carbamate linkages releases the drug at a controllable rate as the gel degrades.

Abstract: The process entails increasing the concentration of cyclodextrin to 15% (w/w) and above to form complexes through a precipitation process in order to increase the yield of complexes, increase the amount of guest complexed, and decrease the particle size of the complex.

Abstract: Finely divided polysacharide derivatives are described. The finely divided polysacharide derivatives are prepared by a process comprising: a) forming an aqueous composition comprising a polysaccharide derivative and water, in which the polysaccharide derivative is soaked or dissolved; b) converting the polysaccharide derivative of the aqueous composition into finely divided solid particles by, (i) contacting the aqueous composition with superheated water vapor in a dryer-pulverizer; or (ii) causing the polysaccharide derivative of the aqueous composition to flocculate; and c) optionally drying the finely divided solid particles of step b). The primary structures of the polysaccharide starting material are largely removed, and the product has a shape factor of less than 5 and greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as fluids or microspheres. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A drug complex characterized in that a residue of a drug compound such as antineoplastic agents and a carboxy(C1-4)alkyldextran polyalcohol obtained by treating a dextran under conditions that enable substantially complete polyalcoholization are bound to each other by means of a spacer comprising an amino acid or a spacer comprising peptide-bonded 2 to 8 amino acids. Said complex is characterized in that it has excellent selectivity to tumorous sites so as to exhibit high antineoplastic activity and also achieves reduced appearance of toxicity.

Abstract: A drug complex useful as a DDS compound, which is represented by the following formula: A-R—NH—Y—CH2—O—CO-Q, wherein A is a polymer as a drug carrier; R is a spacer, wherein the spacer is an amino acid or an oligopeptide comprising 2 to 8 amino acids; Y is phenylene group which may be substituted; and Q is a residue of a drug compound such as antineoplastic agents. The complex provides rapid and site-selective release of a drug compound such as antineoplastic or anti-inflammatory agents and surely exhibits expected efficacy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition that includes a material that is susceptible to degradation and a preserving agent in an amount effective to preserve the material comprising one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. The preserving agent can include a single reduced malto-oligosaccharide species or a plurality of such species. Further disclosed is a method of preserving a material. The method generally includes contacting the material with a preserving agent containing a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. Solutions, powders, glasses, gels, and the like containing the chemically reactive material(s) and a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species may be prepared.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition having an ensured preservation stability, which contains a compound, wherein a polysaccharide derivative having a carboxyl group is bonded to a camptothecin derivative via a spacer or without mediated by any spacer, and a sugar or a sugar alcohol optionally together with a pH-adjusting substance.

Abstract: A drug delivery system compound comprising a carboxy(C1-4)alkyldextran polyalcohol modified with a saccharide compound and a residue of drug compound bound to the carboxy(C1-4)alkyldextran polyalcohol, and a method for measuring a drug delivery system compound in which a polymer carrier and a residue of drug compound are bound to each other by a spacer comprising 2 to 8 amino acids linked by peptide bond(s), which comprises treating the drug delivery system compound with a peptidase, and measuring the resulting hydrolysate.

Abstract: Fluid compositions and methods for lubrication of mammalian joints are disclosed, including both natural and artificial fluids. Synovial fluid acts to lubricate the bearing surfaces of bones and bone-like structures which are held in frictional contact within biological joints. Such fluids may be used to treat arthritic, injured, and diseased joints. Synovial fluid containing a dextran-based hydrogel with lipids provides enhanced rheological and tribological properties of such a fluid. Phospholipids are particularly useful in dextran-based compositions for synovial fluid. One phospholipid that can be used advantageously in synovial fluid is dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC).

Abstract: A hydrogel composition and methods of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The hydrogel composition comprises an oxidized polysaccharide, and a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and is provided in an amount to provide dangling cross-linkers. The method of preparing a hydrogel comprises the steps of providing an oxidized polysaccharide, and providing a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker is mixed with the polysaccharide at a concentration of the cross-linker sufficient to form a hydrogel wherein the cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and has dangling cross-linkers. The hydrogels are useful, for example, for tissue engineering, cell transplantation and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: A method for producing a S-nitrosylated species is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a deoxygenated, alkaline aqueous solution comprising a thiol and a nitrite-bearing species; (b) acidifying the solution by adding acid to the solution while concurrently mixing the solution (e.g., by vigorously stirring the solution) to produce the S-nitrosylated species; and (c) isolating the S-nitrosylated species. The nitrite-bearing species can be, for example, an inorganic nitrite, such as an alkali metal nitrite, or an organic nitrite, such as an alkyl nitrite (e.g., ethyl nitrite, amyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite or t-butyl nitrite). The thiol is preferably a thiol-containing polysaccharide, a thiol-containing lipoprotein, a thiol-containing amino acid or a thiol-containing protein, and more preferably a thiol-containing polysaccharide such as thiolated cyclodextrin. In many preferred embodiments, the S-nitrosylated species is insoluble in the acidified solution, precipitating upon formation.

Abstract: Water-soluble metal ion affinity compounds and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compounds include an aspartate based metal chelating ligand bonded to a water-soluble polymeric substrate, where the ligand is complexed with a metal ion. In certain embodiments, the subject compounds further include a member of a signal producing system, e.g., a directly or an indirectly detectable label moiety. Also provided are water-insoluble supports having the subject compounds present on, e.g., immobilized on, at least one surface thereof. The subject compounds find use in a variety of different applications, including analyte detection and analyte purification applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing a novel carboxylic acid derivative of dextran. In particular, in the present invention, carboxylated dextran containing at least one carboxylic acid is reduced to remove all or substantially all reducing groups.

Abstract: A nutritional composition which contains slightly negatively charged non-digestible polysaccharides having a molecular weight of 8 kD to 40,000 kD, characterized in that the rise in the viscosity of the composition caused by the polysaccharides is less than 20 mpa·s. This nutritional composition is used to reduce the uptake of high molecular weight substances, allergens and microorganisms through the intestinal wall, more particularly to reduce transport of high molecular weight substances, allergens and microorganisms through the intestinal wall, ore particularly to reduce transport of high molecular weight substances, allergens and microorganisms through the tight junctions in the intestines.

Abstract: A carrier and a method for preparing it are provided for use in the delivery of therapeutic agents. A polysaccharide is reacted with an oxidizing agent to open sugar rings on the polysaccharide to form aldehyde groups. The aldehyde groups are reacted to form covalent oxime linkages with a second polysaccharide and each of the first and second polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, dextran, dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, heparan, heparan sulfate and alginate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dextran whose boron content is reduced to a value less than 0.30 &mgr;g/g (dry basis) calculated on the basis of boron atom, a process for producing the same, and dextran with which a container is filled in a solution state. Dextran of the present invention is obtained by treating a boron-containing dextran with a lower alcohol, and said dextran has such a characteristic that deposition is inhibited or the deposition rate is drastically reduced when using it in the form of a solution. Therefore, an isotonic sodium chloride solution of said dextran is suitably used as substitute plasma or external perfusate in an operation.

Abstract: A method and composition for inhibiting human cholesterol absorption comprising ingesting a therapeutic amount of an inhibitor of human cholesterol esterase comprising very high molecular weight sulfated polysaccharide having a sulfate to monomer ratio of from 1.0 to 3.0, containing less than about 5.0 wt. percent of sulfated polysaccharides having a molecular weight less than 75,000 Daltons, and containing less than 0.5 weight percent of inorganic sulfate.

Abstract: A nucleic acid coating composition including a polyanion bound, directly or through one or more intermediates, to a medical device surface, with a condensate comprising a polycation and nucleic acid bound to the polyanion, devices incorporating such coating compositions, and methods for making. In one embodiment, a silyl-heparin complex is provided, bound to a medical device surface by hydrophobic interaction with the silyl moiety, with a polycation and nucleic acid condensate bound to the heparin by electrostatic interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition that includes a material that is susceptible to degradation and a preserving agent in an amount effective to preserve the material comprising one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. The preserving agent can include a single reduced malto-oligosaccharide species or a plurality of such species. Further disclosed is a method of preserving a material. The method generally includes contacting the material with a preserving agent containing a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species. Solutions, powders, glasses, gels, and the like containing the chemically reactive material(s) and a preserving effective amount of one or more reduced malto-oligosaccharide species may be prepared.