Abstract: Nonionic and cationic derivatized guar gum which demonstrates greater than 75% light transmission at a wavelength of from about 500-600 nanometers when dispersed in water in the amount of 0.5 parts per 100 parts water and the process for producing such guar gum is disclosed. The compositions are particularly useful for producing products having utility in personal care and industrial cleaning products.

Abstract: A steam-stripping process suitable for the removal of impurities from polysaccharides, including soluble starch hydrolysates, is disclosed herein. This process may be used in combination with other purification processes, such as ultrafiltration, ion exchange, treatment with activated carbon, as well as bleaching process. Soluble starch hydrolysates may also be purified by a combination of ultrafiltration or activated carbon treatment and bleaching. In these processes, the polysaccharide or the soluble starch hydrolysate produced is bland in flavor, free of off-odor, optionally, lighter or white in color and suitable for use in systems requiring these characteristics.

Abstract: A composition comprising a mixture of xanthan gum, a surfactant and a chelating salt, wherein said surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of the total weight of the composition, and wherein said chelating salt is present in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 3.0% by weight of the total weight of the composition is provided.

Abstract: A liquid dispersant concentrate stable against clouding at a temperature of 10.degree. C. to 35.degree. C. containing: (a) from 20% to 50% by weight of the degradation products of polysaccharides containing uronic acid units; and (b) the remainder, water, all weights being based on the weight of the concentrate.

Abstract: The invention deals with porous aggregates and a process for making same. The aggregates generally comprise discrete particles which are bound together, the aggregates having intra-aggregate volumes which may contain drug substances or other functional substances.

Abstract: A test method and medium for quantitatively identifying and distinguishing biological materials in a test sample. A first biological material has enzyme specificity for a first chromogenic substrate, a second biological material has enzyme specificity for a second chromogenic substrate, and a third biological material has specificity for one of the substrates. The chromogenic substrates form respective first and second colored water insoluble compounds upon reaction with specific enzymes. The first and second biological materials are capable of fermenting a sugar, and the third material does not ferment sugar. The test medium is adjusted to a pH conducive for color change of a pH indicator upon acidification due to fermentation, resulting in the formation of a zone of a third color around the water insoluble compounds of the sugar-fermenting materials.

Abstract: Porous material of a polysaccharide and a method for preparations of such a material, wherein a water-based solution of the polysaccharide is mixed, with controlled stirring, with an essentially water-immiscible organic phase to form an emulsion, which when allowed to solidify, just before or during the gelling process, forms a network of two continuous phases, an aqueous polysaccharide phase and a flow-pore-forming organic phase, resulting in a material with two types of pores: small diameter diffusion pores and large diameter flow through pores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment of a wound consisting essentially of 200-mesh or finer powder of one or more hydrophilic polysaccharides selected from the group consisting of glucomannan and guar gum. Also provided is a pharmaceutical preparation for prophylaxis and treatment of chapped skin consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of one or more hydrophilic polysaccharides selected from the group consisting of glucomannan and guar gum.

Abstract: The process comprises heat-treating a xanthan gum fermented broth, and consecutively treating the broth first with alkaline protease and then with lysozyme or in reverse order, and thereafter recovering xanthan gum from the treated broth. A clear aqueous solution of xanthan gum may be obtained without complex procedures.

Abstract: Aldehyde cationic derivatives of galactose containing polysaccharides which are obtained by oxidizing galactose containing polysaccharides with the enzyme galactose oxidase. The enzyme oxidized products have an aldehyde function at a specific position of the polysaccharide, i.e., the C.sub.6 position, of the galactose unit, and the cationic derivatives thereof have unexpected and significantly improved properties when used as paper strength additives.

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: The invention concerns a pharmaceutical preparation which contains one or several galacturonides as the active substance with a degree of polymerization of .gtoreq.2 and a degree of esterification of <20% optionally together with common pharmaceutical carriers, diluents, auxiliary substances and fillers as well as the use of this preparation to block the attachment of germs to mammalian cells.

Abstract: A xanthan gum-containing fermented solution is subjected to an enzyme treatment for solubilizing the microbial cells present in the fermented solution. While the fermented solution having undergone the enzyme treatment is maintained at a temperature of 50.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and xanthan gum is precipitated by adding an hydrophilic organic solvent incapable of dissolving xanthan gum to the fermented solution. When a rotary turbine is used, the precipitate can be cut with a shearing cutter to recover a finely-divided fibrous product.

Abstract: A porous aggregate having a high intraaggregate reticular volume for releasable containment of functional substances is described. The porous aggregates comprise discrete particles, preferably starch granules, bound together at least at their points of contact in the aggregates. The surfaces of the discrete particles cooperate to define an intraaggregate reticulate volume. The porous aggregate composition of this invention finds use as a high capacity carrier of functional substances for a wide variety of applications, in which the functional substance is released from the aggregate composition under the influence of mechanical compression/disintegration, by degradation or dissolution of the binder and/or particulate components, or by diffusion from the porous surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting rotavirus infection of human cells by treating the rotavirus with a carrageenan. The most effective agent in inhibiting cellular rotavirus infection is lambda-carrageenan, which may be formulated in a liquid and ingested enterally. A composition containing lambda-carrageenan is an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A teat-treating composition comprising a biocide in an aqueous medium characterised in that it also comprises a pseudo-plastically- or thixotropically-effective amount of Rhamsan gum is disclosed, as is the production thereof by mixing the components.Such compositions may be used to counter mastitis, particularly in dairy cattle, by dipping or spraying cows' teats.

Abstract: A method of preserving delicate biological substances or organic compounds (a) in a dry state and/or (b) at elevated temperatures and/or (c) under irradiation comprises incorporating in a system containing the said substances or compounds, a sugar or a sugar derivative selected from (i) a non-reducing glycoside of a polyhydroxy compound selected from sugar alcohols and other straight chain polyalcohols, or (ii) a non-reducing oligosaccharide selected from raffinose, stachyose and melezitose. In particular, methods for preserving dehydrated agarose gels comprising adding lactitol or glucopyranosyl-mannitol or glucopyranosyl-sorbitol to the gel during formation and prior to dehydration are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for sizing natural and synthetic yarns by contacting the yarns with a sizing agent containing alkali metal salts of carboxymethyl guar galactomannan having degrees of substitution below 0.15.

Abstract: A non-acetylated but otherwise unmodified xanthan heteropolysaccharide polymer plus guar gum, is employed to impart viscosity to an aqueous particle transport fluid (such as a drilling fluid, a fracturing fluid, or a filter structure emplacement fluid) sufficient to suspend mineral particles. A cross linking agent can also be employed to decrease the amounts of xanthan heteropolysaccharide polymer and guar gum which are needed for particle suspension.

Abstract: A method for reducing the cholesterol level in mammalian blood by administering a water soluble cellulose ether thereto. The cellulose ethers have a viscosity, measured as a 2% aqueous solution at 20.degree. C., of at least about 35 cps. Oral administration is preferred, and, in one embodiment the high viscosity water soluble cellulose ether is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, contained in a nutritious foodstuff.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are surface activated, organic polymers useful for biopolymer synthesis. Most preferably, aminated polypropylene is used for the synthesis of oligonucleotides thereto, and these devices are most preferably utilized for genetic analysis of patient samples.

Abstract: A method for the fermentation production of xanthan gum which comprises the step of carrying out culture by using a water-soluble inorganic nitrogen component alone as the nitrogen source of a production medium, and by mixing and using the water-soluble inorganic nitrogen component and a water-insoluble organic nitrogen component as the nitrogen sources of a seed fermentation medium.

Abstract: Aldehyde cationic derivatives of galactose containing polysaccharides which are obtained by oxidizing galactose containing polysaccharides with the enzyme galactose oxidase. The enzyme oxidized products have an aldehyde function at a specific position of the polysaccharide, i.e., the C.sub.6 position, of the galactose unit, and the cationic derivatives thereof have unexpected and significantly improved properties when used as paper strength additives.

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: Soil isolates, identified as strains of Bacillus polymyxa, NRRL B-18475 and NRRL B-18476, produce large quantities of a pure and uniform extracellular polysaccharide fructan (levan), in a sucrose medium. The levan consists entirely of fructose and the residues linked by .beta., 2-6 fructofuranoside linkage.

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: Derivatized guar gum which demonstrates greater than 75% light transmission at a wavelength of from about 500-600 nanometers when dispersed in water in the amount of 0.5 parts per 100 parts water and the process for producing such guar gum is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates toa mutant strain of Xanthomonas campestris;a method of preparing xanthan by fermentation of said strain; anda non-viscous xanthan capable of being obtained by said method.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter comprising one or more polysaccharides which has been cross-linked with either titanium or zirconium cross-linking agents is provided. The composition demonstrates absorbent properties and is useful in absorbent articles of manufacture. Also provided is a method for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: A degradation product of a polysaccharide derivative comprising a mixture of oligomers of the polysaccharide derivative, the majority of said oligomers having a molecular weight such that the oligomer conforms to a rod-like configuration.

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: 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: Modified yeast cell wall glucans are administered to patients who are at risk for infection due to imminent surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment which affects the immune system, in order to mobilize the cellular defense mechanisms and boost the immune response of the patient before, during and after the surgery, chemotherapy or other treatment.

Abstract: A carrageenan product which is useful as an emulsifyer and for thickening or gelling aqueous systems is made by subjecting a carrageenan-containing material in which 6-sulphated galactose units have been converted into 3,6-anhydro galactose units to a shear stress treatment, e.g., by means of an extruder. The starting seaweed material, typically originating from Gigartinaceae and Solieriaceae, has been subjected to a treatment in a substantially homogeneous mixture of a solvent in which carrageenan is substantially insoluble, and a basic aqueous phase. The base-treated carrageenan-containing product is also useful per se. The shear stress treated carrageenan product shows a maximum swelling temperature of at the most 85.degree. C. and exhibits a light transmission of at least 5% and has a cellulose content of at least 0.5% by weight.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a treated polyuronic acid. The process involves heating an aqueous dispersion of a polyuronic acid, such as a pectin, at a temperature above about 100.degree. C. for an amount of time sufficient to obtain a hydrolyzed, or treated, polyuronic acid mixture which separates upon standing and cooling into a clear solution, which is the hydrolyzed polyuronic acid phase, and a precipitate. The hydrolyzed polyuronic acid phase includes at least 25% of the polyuronic acid substance polymers having a degree of polymerization (DP) in the range of about DP1 to about DP20. The hydrolyzed polyuronic acid, or the treated polyuronic acid, then is recovered for use in a food product.

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: A method for reducing the number of contaminative live bacteria in xanthan gum which comprises the step of washing a mixture of 100 parts by weight of water-containing isopropanol having an isopropanol concentration of 50 to 100% by weight and 1 to 100 parts by weight of the xanthan gum under heating conditions.

Abstract: Polysaccharides (e.g., dextran) of different molecular weights were substituted at the anomeric carbon with polyalkylene oxides of different molecular weights to give novel diblock copolymers. The copolymers inhibit bacterial aggregation. The copolymers are useful as antiplaque agents, as agents to prevent bacterial aggregation in an aqueous system or in a fermentation system.

Abstract: A porous aggregate having a high intraaggregate reticular volume for releasable containment of functional substances is described. The porous aggregates comprise discrete particles, preferably starch granules, bound together at least at their points of contact in the aggregates. The surfaces of the discrete particles cooperate to define an intraaggregate reticulate volume. The porous aggregate composition of this invention finds use as a high capacity carrier of functional substances for a wide variety of applications, in which the functional substance is released from the aggregate composition under the influence of mechanical compression/disintegration, by degradation or dissolution of the binder and/or particulate components, or by diffusion from the porous surface.

Abstract: A process of producing xanthan gum using a Xanthomonas microorganism is provided. Increased yields of xanthan gum are obtained by using mannose as part of the carbohydrate component of the fermentation feedstock. Preferably, the carbohydrate component of the feedstock is a mixture of mannose and glucose. More preferable is a mixture comprising 5 to 60% by weight mannose, particularly 20 to 45% by weight mannose, the balance being glucose although minor amounts of other sugars, e.g. maltose, may also be present. The carbohydrate component of the feedstock may be in the form of a raffinate stream from a glucose epimerization.

Abstract: Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose (HMHEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC), carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC), guar, starch, xanthan, hydroxypropylguar (HP Guar) or carboxymethylhydroxypropylguar (CMHP Guar) are stepwise or continuously reacted with hydrogen peroxide to produce aqueous compositions with a solids content greater than 5% by weight at a viscosity at 25.degree. C. below 9500 mPa.s. It is preferred to use 30 to 50% hydrogen peroxide to depolymerize the polysaccharide.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing purified xanthan gum, which comprises (i) adding a hydrophilic organic solvent to an aqueous solution containing crude xanthan gum with pH 0.5 to 2.5, and (ii) neutralizing the mixture with a base to precipitate the xanthan gum. The xanthan gum thus obtained has low contents of ash and remaining organic solvent, as well as a high quality with little impurities, and can advantageously be used in the fields of foods, cosmetics, medicaments and the like.

Abstract: Water soluble quaternary ammonium ethers of polysaccharides or polyols wherein the quaternary ammonium ether substituents correspond to the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a monohydroxylated or polyhydroxylated alkyl group containing between about one and about six carbon atoms; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently, alkyl groups containing between about one and about six carbon atoms; R.sub.4 is an alkyl group containing between about six and about 24 carbon atoms; and X is a halide, wherein the degree of substitution of said ethers ranges from about 0.001 to about 0.5. is provided. The composition have multiple uses as thickeners and are particularly suited for use in personal care products.

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: A method and apparatus for the modification of the physical properties of polymers through pressure processing techniques. The apparatus is comprised of a piston device which acts on the polymer substrate charged within the confines of a compression chamber. The piston delivers an abrupt pressure change to the substrate for the purpose of effecting the desired modification of physical properties including altered thermal, viscosity, solubility, turbidity and hardness profiles. Predictable characteristics may be imparted to the substrate through variation of pressure duration and intensity as well as the number of piston strokes applied. Modification of the physical properties of starch and gum arabic, in particular, is disclosed.

Abstract: Mineral acid slurries of benzidine derivatives having high stability are provided by incorporating into such slurries a polysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the unexpected discovery that xanthan gum can be produced from filtered whey or milk products, including whey permeates and milk permeates, by a fermentation process which uses organisms which are capable of converting lactose to xanthan gum.

Abstract: An agent for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, which comprises a polysaccharide having a .beta.-1,3-glucoside bond in the main chain as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: There is disclosed liquid nutritionals with improved physical stability. The nutritionals are pourable yet able to hold minerals in suspension without sedimentation or sag. The invention comprises the use of iota-carrageenan of a concentration of between 50-1500 parts per million. The nutritional may also comprise kappa carrageenan at a concentration of less than 25% of the total concentration of iota- and kappa-carrageenan. There is further disclosed a method for preparing the liquid nutritional through the use of ultra-high temperature heat treatment.

Abstract: A modified xanthan gum has a viscosity of not less than 800 cP as determined on a 0.5% by weight solution thereof in a 12% by weight aqueous sodium chloride solution at 20.degree. C. and a ratio of this viscosity to that determined on a 0.5% by weight solution thereof in distilled water of not less than 1.5. The modified xanthan gum can be prepared by a method comprising the steps of mixing an organic solvent which does not dissolve xanthan gum and is hydrophilic with an aqueous solution of xanthan gum in a mixer, cutting, into fine fibrous materials, deposites formed in the mixed solution together with the mixed solution with a cutter, separating and recovering the suspended fine fibrous materials from the mixed solution and then drying the materials at a temperature of not more than 80.degree. C. The modified xanthan gum can directly be dissolved in aqueous solutions of salts such as common salt even at room temperature and can thus easily show a desired effect of thickening the aqueous salt solutions.