Abstract: Polysaccharide aldehydes are prepared using selective oxidation involving the use of nitroxyl radical mediated aqueous oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and defined reaction conditions. These polysaccharide aldehyde derivatives having maximum effective aldehyde and minimal carboxylic acid levels making them especially useful as wet, temporary wet and dry strength additives for paper.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel clarified hydrocolloids which substantially retain the physical properties of unclarified hydrocolloids. The invention also pertains to a novel process for making the clarified hydrocolloids. A process of producing a hydrocolloid which, when hydrated, forms a clear sol comprising: (a) soaking a hydrocolloid containing material dispersed in water until the hydrocolloid is hydrated; (b) stirring the hydrated hydrocolloid until a homogenous particulate containing sol is obtained; (c) removing insoluble particulates to produce a clarified sol; (d) removing remaining particulates in the clarified sol by filtration; and (e) recovering the clarified hydrocolloid from the filtrate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for clarifying an aqueous xanthan gum solution comprising treatment of the xanthan solution with at least one chelating agent, surfactant, organic acid, or a mixture thereof, and with a protease enzyme or a lysozyme and a protease enzyme. Also disclosed is a highly purified solid xanthan gum and compositions containing the same, wherein the gum is obtained from the clarified xanthan gum solution.

Abstract: A particulate glucomannan gel is produced by swelling a glucomannan-rich flour with water in the presence of ethanol, treating the swollen particles with an alkali to form gelled particles followed by drying. The dried gel particles are incorporated into hygenic or cosmetic preparations as a deposit-cleaning agent.

Abstract: DNA and protein sequences from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, which may be targeted for activity reduction or enhancement using directed genetic engineering. Transformed microorganisms having reduced activity of at least one protein, e.g. galactomannanase, can be provided by disrupting a gene encoding the protein or introducing antisense nucleic acid sequence, providing xanthan gum essentially free of galactomannanase, amylase, cellulase or protease activity.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of an acidic polysaccharide and/or a derivative thereof, a gaseous vehicle, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Said acidic polysaccharide or derivative thereof can be hyaluronic acid, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of hyaluronic acid, a partial or total ester of hyaluronic acid with an alcohol, a partial or total intermolecular ester of hyaluronic acid, a partial or total intramolecular ester of hyaluronic acid, a cross-linked ester of hyaluronic acid, an alginic acid ester, an ester of carboxymethylcellulose, an ester of carboxymethylchitin, an ester of carboxymethyl starch, a gellan ester, a cross-linked gellan ester, a pectic acid ester, and a pectinic acid ester. The composition can contain one or more topical drugs, and can be in the form of an aerosol or liquid spray, a foam, or a dry spray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition which includes at least one polysaccharide derived from bacteria of hydrothermal origin. This polysaccharide can consist of an exopolysaccharide which is derived from fermenting the said bacteria. This composition can be applied, in particular, to everyday care products for all types of skin.

Abstract: Emulsifiers based on the reaction product of hydrocolloid and dicarboxylic anhydrides, especially useful in the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions.

Abstract: Compositions containing phosphate and xanthan gum variants useful as liquid fertilizers, fire retardant coating materials and animal feed.

Abstract: Galactosylated hydroxyalkyl polysaccharides wherein galactose moieties are bound to the hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide by galactosidic bonds, and a process for preparing the galactosylated hydroxyalkyl polysaccharides having the steps: a) providing at least one hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide; and b) treating said hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide with a galactose donor in the presence of galactosidase enzyme for a time sufficient to convert at least a portion of said hydroxyl groups to galactosides.

Abstract: A composition and process for improving the oxidation of a galactose containing polysaccharide in the papermaking industry. The composition includes an aqueous solvent, a galactose containing polysaccharide, a one electron oxidant and a hydrogen peroxide remover. The process includes adding a composition for use in the papermaking industry comprising galactose containing polysaccharide, galactose oxidase, a one electron oxidant, and a hydrogen peroxide remover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition which comprises a polymer or polymer solution that forms a gel under controlled parameters and a ceramic matrix, the composition being fluid under non-physiological conditions and non fluid under physiological conditions. Polymers may be resorbable or non-resorbable, natural or synthetic and the solution aqueous or non-aqueous. Preferred polymers are poly saccharides, polyamides or polyamino acids, however any polymer or polymer solution that is biologically compatible and that is fluid under nonphysiological conditions and increases in viscosity under physiological conditions is suitable.

Abstract: Presented are compositions of reduced molecular weight galactomannans, particularly guar gum, which have been oxidized by the enzyme galactose oxidase. Further, the invention relates to a process for enzymatically reducing the molecular weight of a galactomannan wherein the galactomannan is simultaneously or subsequently oxidized using galactose oxidase, optionally in combination with other enzymes including peroxidases and or catalases. This process enables production of high concentrations of oxidized galactomannans, which have particular use in the paper making industry.

Abstract: The present invention is related a high viscosity xanthan and processes for producing said high viscosity xanthan. In particular, the invention relates to a process for increasing the viscosity of xanthan comprising the steps of: (i) diluting xanthan in a fermentation broth with more than 30 percent by volume of a diluent to said fermentation broth volume; and (ii) pasteurizing said diluted xanthan fermentation broth. A particularly preferred pasteurization process is to utilize steam from a direct steam injection system. Xanthans with increased viscosities have improved product functionality for a number of different commercial applications are produced using the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: Galactomannans with a reduced protein content in an anhydrous, powder form, a process of producing same and a capillary column containing a composition of the galactomannans for use as a sieving matrix in capillary electrophoresis are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for treating xanthan gums with glyoxal for more complete dispersion in fluid systems comprising the steps of treating milled xanthan particles with a liquefied glyoxal composition. The liquefied glyoxal composition may comprise glyoxal, water and a hydration suppression agent such as salt, alcohol, ketones or mixtures thereof. This invention also relates to the xanthan products prepared by the process of this invention, which provide improved dispersability, hydration and filterability in liquids.

Abstract: A method for processing guar endosperm in which guar splits are brought into contact with an amount of liquid ammonia at least sufficient to wet the guar splits at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of at least 25° C. The remaining available guar split/liquid ammonia system volume is increased in an explosion like manner by reducing the pressure by at least about 5 bars resulting in the sheaths of the guar splits being torn open to result in a product that can be processed more easily, such as by grinding.

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 process is claimed whereby an aqueous solution of agar, in which most (ideally all) 4-linked residues consist of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose, is subjected to partial acid hydolysis and upon neutralization following the time appropriate for the chosen conditions, a low strength gel is obtained, from which, contrary to expectations, a polyagarobiose can be obtained by freeze-thawing and straining, thereby eliminating undesirable agaroid materials without the appropriate 3,6-anhydrogalactosyl content. The appropriate time of hydrolysis depends on initial gel strength, pH, counterion concentration and temperature. As an example, agar (gel strength 700 g/cm2, made to 1.86% solution) pH 3.25, counterion citrate (360 mg/L) at 96° C. requires 25 minutes to yield a material with an eventual gel stregth (1.5% solution) of 40 g/cm2. A stabilized product can be prepared by reducing terminal anhydrogalactosyl residues with sodium borohydride.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the recovery of potassium bitartrate and pectin, sugars, fruit acids as by-products from tamarind pulp.

Abstract: Variant xanthan gums are provided which include a water-soluble polysaccharide polymer comprising repeating pentamer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:2:1, and a water-soluble polysaccharide polymer comprising repeating tetramer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:1:1. The D-glucose moieties are linked in a beta-[1,4] configuration. The inner D-mannose moieties are linked in an alpha-[1,3] configuration, generally to alternate glucose moieties. The D-glucuronic acid moieties are linked in a beta-[1,2] configuration to the inner mannose moieties. The outer mannose moieties are linked to the glucuronic acid moieties in a beta-[1,4] configuration. Processes for preparing the polysaccharide polymers are also provided.

Abstract: Described is a building material composition prepared from or having added thereto a particulate material selected from particulate polysaccharides or particulate polysaccharide derivatives. The particulate material of the building material composition is prepared by a method comprising: (a) forming a feed composition comprising a member selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives, and 35 wt. % to 99 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the feed composition, wherein said member is at least one of swelled and dissolved in the feed composition; (b) contacting, in a mill, the feed composition with a gas stream, thereby converting simultaneously the water of said feed composition into water vapor, and said member of said feed composition into a solid state form of finely particulate material; (c) separating the particulate material from the gas stream; and (d) optionally drying the particulate material.

Abstract: Arabinogalactan compositions are provided which are useful in a wide variety of different biomedical applications. In one embodiment, water soluble lipidated arabinogalactans are provided which include arabinogalactan with a limited proportion of lipophilic groups, such as long-chain hydrocarbon groups, covalently attached to free hydroxyl groups on the arabinogalactan. The lipidated arabinogalactans are water soluble and biocompatible and are useful for a wide variety of different biomedical applications. The lipidated arabinogalactans can be used, for example, to inhibit cell adhesion, and to inhibit infection or inflammation. The lipidated arabinogalactans further may be used as adjuvants, to inhibit metastasis, and in other therapeutic applications.

Abstract: An iron-dextran compound for parenteral treatment of iron-deficiency anemia comprises hydrogenated dextran having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) between 700 and 1,400 Daltons, preferably approximately 1,000 Daltons, a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 400 to 1,400 Daltons and wherein 90% by weight of the dextran has molecular weights less than 2,700 Daltons and the Mw of the 10% by weight fraction of the dextran having the highest molecular weights is below 3,200 Daltons, said hydrogenated dextran having been subjected to purification by membrane processes having a cut-off value between 340 and 800 Daltons, in stable association with ferric oxyhydroxide.

Abstract: Cellobiuronic acid may be prepared by hydrolysis of gellan. The method provides embodiments expressed in terms of amounts of cellobiuronic acid produced, amounts of gellan gum hydrolyzed and amounts of cellobiuronic acid present in fractions of a hydrolysate The method may further include isolation of a separated fraction of the hydrolysate where the separated fraction comprises cellobiuronic acid. A preferred embodiment of the method includes hydrolyzing gellan gum with a protic acid under reaction conditions that convert at least 95 wt.% of the gellan gum to a hydrolysate comprised of cellobiuronic acid and monosaccharides and isolating a separated fraction of the hydrolysate where cellobiuronic acid comprises at least a 95 wt.% of saccharides in the separated fraction.

Abstract: Cellobiuronic acid may be prepared by hydrolysis of gellan. The method provides embodiments expressed in terms of amounts of cellobiuronic acid produced, amounts of gellan gum hydrolyzed and amounts of cellobiuronic acid present in fractions of a hydrolysate The method may further include isolation of a separated fraction of the hydrolysate where the separated fraction comprises cellobiuronic acid. A preferred embodiment of the method includes hydrolyzing gellan gum with a protic acid under reaction conditions that convert at least 95 wt. % of the gellan gum to a hydrolysate comprised of cellobiuronic acid and monosaccharides and isolating a separated fraction of the hydrolysate where cellobiuronic acid comprises at least a 95 wt. % of saccharides in the separated fraction.

Abstract: Stable, cold water soluble, ready for use starch aldehyde compositions and the method of preparation of such compositions wherein an aqueous dispersion of a converted starch acetal is hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to form the starch aldehyde which is then spray dried into a cold water soluble starch aldehyde powder.

Abstract: A process for saline-solution soluble xanthan gum which comprises the steps of precipitating xanthan gum by mixing, with stirring, an aqueous solution of xanthan gum with an organic solvent which is a non-solvent to xanthan gum but is hydrophilic, removing liquid from the precipitated xanthan gum to a liquid content of at most 50%, disintegrating the cake of xanthan gum after the liquid removal to an average grain size of from 0.3 to 2 cm in diameter, and drying the disintegrated xanthan gum by fluidizing the same at a temperature not exceeding 80° C.

Abstract: An adsorbent for use in direct hemoperfusion to adsorb and remove harmful substances from blood is prepared by immobilizing a sulfated polysaccharide and/or its salt on a water-insoluble carrier. Preferably, the sulfated polysaccharide has a limiting viscosity of 0.005 to 0.5 dl/g and a sulfur content of 5 to 22% by weight, and is immobilized on the carrier in an amount of 0.02 to 200 mg per ml of carrier. Carrier particles can have an average particle size of 30 to 5000 .mu.m, and preferably 120 to 800 .mu.m. The sulfated polysaccharide inhibits adhesion of hemocytes and exhibits an anticoagulation property to extend blood coagulation time, and has additional functions of adsorbing releasing factors released from hemocytes, adsorbing lipoproteins, and enabling reduction of carrier particle size to about 30 .mu.m. Immobilizing a ligand on the carrier with the sulfated polysaccharide makes it possible to adsorb and remove specific substances in blood that bind to the ligand.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a high yield process for producing high quality corn fiber gum by hydrogen peroxide treatment of corn fiber during alkaline extraction and/or after obtaining the alkaline extract of milled corn fiber. This process comprises the steps:a) mixing corn fiber with an alkaline solution to form a slurry and extract hemicellulose;b) treating the slurry with hydrogen peroxide at a pH of about 10.0 to 12.5; andc) separating out the insoluble fractions from the corn fiber slurry to yield corn fiber gum.The corn fiber gum produced by this process is highly soluble in water and provides low viscosity solutions which are nearly devoid of color over a wide pH range. The corn fiber gum lacks objectionable flavor and aroma. The corn fiber gum is useful for a variety of applications, including film formation and to thicken, emulsify, stabilize and/or extend aqueous solutions and suspensions.

Abstract: A polysaccharide derivative prepared by replacing all or part of the hydroxyl hydrogen atoms of a polysaccharide or polysaccharide derivative by (A) a hydrophobic substituent having a C.sub.8 -C.sub.43 hydrocarbon chain as the partial structure and (B) an ionic hydrophilic substituent having at least one member selected from the group consisting of sulfonic, carboxyl phosphoric, and sulfate groups and salts thereof as the partial structure, wherein the average degree of replacement by the substituent (A) is 0.0001 or above but below 0.001 per constituent monosaccharide residue as determined by Zeisel's method or the diazomethane method and that by the substituent (B) is 0.01 to 2.0 per constituent monosaccharide residue as determined by colloidal titration. This polysaccharide derivative is useful as the admixture for hydraulic materials and can give stable hydraulic compositions excellent in dispersion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially anhydrous, powdered, galactomannan composition consisting essentially of a galactomannan hydrocolloid exhibiting about 50% to about 90% by weight of anhydromannose residues and about 10% to about 50% by weight anhydrogalactose residues; less than about 1% by weight of protein material and less than about 3% of other nonaqueous impurities. This material is useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions both in the substantially anhydrous form but preferably in an anhydrated form which includes about 5-15% by weight water. The pharmaceutical compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a drug, the hydrated powered gallactomannan composition and optionally other pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients. When the hydrated powdered purified glactomannan of the invention is used to form a tablet, one sees improved hardness in the tablet formed.

Abstract: Carrageenan compostions comprising from about from about 79 mol % to about 95 mol % iota carrageenan and from about 0.1 mol % to about 10 mol % nu carrageenan, and carrageenan and compositions which exhibit elastic modulus, G'--1 Hz at 5.degree. C., of greater than about 200 Pa, elastic modulus, G'--1 Hz at 25.degree. C., of less than about 200 Pa, viscous modulus, G"--0.2 Hz at 5.degree. C., of from about 5 Pa to about 25 Pa, and melting point of less than 60.degree. C., in a 1.2 wt % aqueous gel, and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and process for preparing a hydroxyalkyl starch. In accordance with the disclosed invention, the starch is treated with an enzyme under conditions to increase the susceptibility of the starch to hydroxyalkylation by a hydroxyalkylating agent. After the starch is so treated, the starch is hydroxyalkylated with a hydroxyalkylating agent. The hydroxyalkylation reaction can proceed to provide a starch having an MS greater than about 0.2, while still remaining in granular form in the aqueous suspension. The method of the invention thus provides a granular starch having a higher MS than is otherwise attainable via a reaction in aqueous media.

Abstract: Functionally modified guar products are provided, particularly for food grade applications, which are characterized by reduced viscosity, low ash and high fiber content, and are prepared by a high shear treatment under acid conditions at elevated temperature.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical, particularly dermatological, composition including an effective amount of laminarin or laminarin-derived oligosaccharides as the active ingredient. It has been discovered that laminarin, oligosaccharides derived therefrom and compositions containing same have stimulating, regenerating, conditioning and energising effects on human dermis fibroblasts and human epidermis keratinocytes. Said composition is useful in cosmetics and pharmacology.

Abstract: Water-soluble polysaccharide polymers are provided including a polymer composed of repeating pentamer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:2:1, and a polymer composed of repeating tetramer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:1:1. The D-glucose moieties are linked in a beta-?1,4! configuration. The inner D-mannose moieties are linked in an alpha-?1,3! configuration, generally to alternate glucose moieties. The D-glucuronic acid moieties are linked in a beta-?1,2! configuration to the inner mannose moieties. The outer mannose moieties are linked to the glucuronic acid moieties in a beta-?1,4! configuration. Also an isolated acetylase deficient mutant of Xanthomonas is used in a process to produce the polysaccharide.

Abstract: Aerial spray or discharge drift is controlled in aqueous compositions via the use of selected non-visco-elastic amounts of guar, one or more derivatives of guar, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided for making alkylated galactomannans comprising reacting a galactomannan in the presence of sodium hydroxide, water, and an alkyl halide to form a reaction mass under pressure and at temperatures greater than 50.degree. C. in amounts and for a time sufficient to achieve a degree of substitution greater than 2.4. Organic volatiles from the reaction mass are stripped and the reaction mass is then washed in water at temperatures high enough to prevent dissolution or agglomeration of the alkylated galactomannan. This washed product is then dried and pulverized to suitable particle size. This product is useful in applications requiring thickening and rheology modification of formulations containing organic solvents or formation of coatings/film from organic solvents. The products are also useful in pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A process for saline-solution soluble xanthan gum which comprises the steps of precipitating xanthan gum by mixing, with stirring, an aqueous solution of xanthan gum with an organic solvent which is a non-solvent to xanthan gum but is hydrophilic, removing liquid from the precipitated xanthan gum to a liquid content of at most 50%, disintegrating the cake of xanthan gum after the liquid removal to an average grain size of from 0.3 to 2 cm in diameter, and drying the disintegrated xanthan gum by fluidizing the same at a temperature not exceeding 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Phosphorylated saccharide of the present invention includes at least one phosphate group in its molecule, selected from the group consisting of glucan, mannan, dextran, agar, cyclodextrin, fucoidan, gellan gum, Locust bean gum, guar gum, tamarind gum, and xanthan gum.

Abstract: A method for producing soluble preparations of neutral glucan polymers is disclosed. The method involves treating whole glucan particles with a unique sequence of acid and alkaline treatments to produce soluble glucan. The soluble glucan can be purified to obtain a physiologically acceptable solution of neutral glucan molecules. A soluble neutral glucan preparation is obtained which forms a clear solution at a neutral pH and is equilibrated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Chemically modified succinoglycan polysaccharides, e.g., acidic or enzymatic hydrolysates, have a reduced content of pyruvic acid and succinic acid structural units relative to the unmodified such succinoglycans, and are well suited, whether in fibrous, powdery or gel state, for use, e.g., as thickening stabilizing or suspending agents, in foodstuff, cosmetic and a variety of other compositions.

Abstract: Aerial spray or discharge drift is reduced, deposition improved and bioefficacy enhanced in aqueous compositions via the use of selected non-visco-elastic amounts of guar, one or more derivatives of guar or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Absorbents of the present invention can be obtained by reacting the vicinity of the surface of (A) polysaccharide particles with a (B) crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups which can react with the polysaccharides such as polyglycidyl ether compounds, polyhydric alcohol compounds or polyamine compounds by means of treating the (A) polysaccharide particles with the (B) crosslinking agent and an aqueous solution of a (C) water soluble compound while heated. The obtained absorbents exhibit excellent absorbing ability even to a high concentrated salt solution and also are well biodegradable.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the preparation of resins comprising a support matrix having ligands capable of binding a target compound covalently attached thereto through a linking group comprising sulfide, sulfoxide, or sulfone functionality. Specifically, in the disclosed methods, a support matrix comprising ethylenically unsaturated functionality is converted to sulfide linkage by contact with a thiol group under free radical reaction conditions and subsequent optional oxidation of the sulfide to the sulfone or sulfoxide functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating mixture composed of a solvent selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate/ethanol, n-propyl acetate/acetone, isopropyl acetate/ethanol, ethyl acetate/acetone and blends thereof; a biocompatable polymer and optionally a fatty acid salt. The present invention also provides a process for coating surgical articles comprising forming a coating mixture, contacting a surgical article with the coating mixture; and drying the coated surgical article to substantially remove the solvent.

Abstract: Compounds comprising the oxidation product of a polysaccharide in which the hydroxyl groups in at least a portion of the repeating units of the polysaccharide are cis-hydroxyl groups, the oxidation product comprising aldehyde groups, are disclosed. The compounds are useful for imparting temporary wet strength to paper products. Preferred polysaccharides for use in the invention include guar gum and locust bean gum.

Abstract: Purified and substantially pure &bgr;-carrageenan and processes for their preparation. Purified &bgr;-carrageenan can be obtained from a marine macroalga containing &bgr;-carrageenan and/or a precursor thereof by the steps of: A. where the macroalga contains a precursor of &bgr;-carrageenan, reacting the macroalga with an alkaline compound to convert the precursor to &bgr;-carrageenan, B. extracting carrageenan from the macroalga, C. treating the extracted carrageenan with an aqueous quaternary ammonium salt to form a precipitate and an aqueous solution, D. separating the solution from the precipitate, and E. isolating purified &bgr;-carrageenan from the solution. Substantially pure &bgr;-carrageenan can be obtained from purified &bgr;-carrageenan by the further steps of: F. forming a solution of purified &bgr;-carrageenan in water, G. contacting the solution with an ion exchange agent that removes carrageenan which contains sulfate ester from the solution, H.