Abstract: Reactions are disclosed herein comprising water, alpha-glucose-1-phosphate (alpha-G1P), an acceptor molecule, and an alpha-1,4-glucan phosphorylase. Novel alpha-1,4-glucan phosphorylase enzymes are also disclosed. Additional disclosures herein regard sucrose phosphorylase enzymes and methods of use thereof to produce alpha-G1P.

Abstract: Treatment methods for reduction of (1?3)-?-D-glucan leachables from cellulose-containing filter materials are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prophylactic or therapeutic composition for a metabolic disorder, a composition for amplifying the amount of short-chain fatty acid in the intestine, or a composition for decreasing a ratio of bacteria belonging to the Firmicutes to bacteria belonging to the Bacteroidetes in the intestine, each containing an exopolysaccharide produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and further, a food, a pharmaceutical product, a feed and the like containing the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing yeast beta-D-glucan using a solubilization technology based on molecular assembly, comprising the following steps: (1) micro-fluidizing an enzymatic hydrolysate of yeast cell walls at 70 to 200 MPa, and then centrifuging to obtain a precipitate; (2) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (1) with a ionic liquid, then dispersing to obtain a solution; wherein the ionic liquid is 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate or 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride; (3) centrifuging the solution obtained in step (2), and then adding ethanol, centrifuging and collecting a precipitate; (4) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (3) with water, then centrifuging and collecting a supernatant. Preferably, the method further comprises (5): spray drying the supernatant obtained in step (4) to obtain a yeast beta-D-glucan powder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for making a poly alpha-1,3-glucan film. These films can be transparent or translucent and used in packaging applications.

Abstract: Nanoparticles composed of water insoluble glucans and films composed of tile above nanoparticles, in addition, there is disclosed a process for producing nanoparticles composed of water insoluble glucans. Furthermore, surfactant stabilized nanoparticles composed of water insoluble glucans and films composed of the above nanoparticles. In addition, a process for producing surfactant stabilized nanoparticles composed of water insoluble glucans.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for enhancing the taste of a food product, which includes the steps of culturing a submerged mycelial liquid tissue culture in a media, collecting the supernatant fluid of the submerged mycelial liquid tissue culture, and adding the collected supernatant fluid to a food product in an amount sufficient to enhance the food product's taste. In one embodiment, the mycelial liquid tissue culture comprises C. sinensis, and the culture step is carried out for between about one and sixty days. The food products include stevia plant parts, steviol glycoside, aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, carbohydrates, monk fruit, cacao, cacao liquor, tea, ginseng, pea protein, sugar alcohol, coffee, cranberry, grapefruit, pomegranate, coconut, wine, beer, liquor and spirits. The present invention also includes products made by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Compositions for improving the health of a subject comprise alpha-(1,2)-branched alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans, preferably with an average molecular weight between about 10 kDa and 70 kDa, between about 10% and 50% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains, and having at least partial indigestibility in the subject. Methods for improving the health of a subject comprise administering the composition to a subject in an amount effective to improve gut health, or to prevent or treat a gastrointestinal disorder, a cholesterol-related disorder, diabetes, or obesity. Methods for making oligodextrans having controlled size and controlled degree of branching comprise providing alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans having an average molecular weight between 0.5 and 100 kDa and introducing at least 10% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains onto the alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one protein extract of hibiscus and/or at least one beta glucan or a salt thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of said composition for the treatment of anal rhagades.

Abstract: Method for preparing a branched glucan having a chain comprising a plurality of glucose units linked by alpha 1,4-glycoside bonds and a plurality of side-groups linked to said chain via another type of glycoside bonding, which side-groups comprise one or more glucose units, the method comprising contacting a glucose source with a polysaccharide—which polysaccharide is a glucan comprising a plurality of glucose units linked by alpha 1,4-glycoside bonds and is essentially linear or branched to a lesser extent than the branched glucan that is to be prepared—in the presence of an acid catalyst under polycondensation conditions, thereby forming the branched glucan.

Abstract: A method of extracting lentinan from lentinan containing mushrooms comprising the step of contacting the mushrooms with an ionic liquid so as to obtain a lentinan rich ionic liquid solution.

Abstract: The present invention related to low-chloride alkylated cyclodextrin compositions, along with processes for preparing and using the same. The processes of the present invention provide alkylated cyclodextrins with low levels of drug-degrading agents and chloride.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of purified ?-(1,3)-D-glucans, comprising the steps of providing an aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution having a to pH of above 11.0, filtering the aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution to obtain a ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate, adjusting the pH of the ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate with an acid to a pH of below 5.0 to obtain an acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution, and heating the acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution to a temperature in the range of 60 to 160° C.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of purified ?-(1,3)-D-glucans, comprising the steps of providing an aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution having a pH of above 11.0, filtering the aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution to obtain a ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate, adjusting the pH of the ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate with an acid to a pH of below 5.0 to obtain an acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution, and heating the acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution to a temperature in the range of 60 to 160° C.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of purified ?-(1,3)-D-glucans, comprising the steps of providing an aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution having a pH of above 11.0, filtering the aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution to obtain a ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate, adjusting the pH of the ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate with an acid to a pH of below 5.0 to obtain an acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution, and heating the acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution to a temperature in the range of 60 to 160° C.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of purified ?-(1,3)-D-glucans, comprising the steps of providing an aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution having a pH of above 11.0, filtering the aqueous ?-(1,3)-D-glucan initial solution to obtain a ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate, adjusting the pH of the ?-(1,3)-D-glucan containing filtrate with an acid to a pH of below 5.0 to obtain an acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution, and heating the acidic ?-(1,3)-D-glucan solution to a temperature in the range of 60 to 160° C.

Abstract: Hydrophobic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers with enhanced degradation properties are described. Between the ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymeric portion and the hydrophobic portion exists a linker portion having a silyl ether chemistry that facilitates degradation of the polymer. Biodegradable matrices can be formed from these polymers, and the matrices can be used for the preparation of implantable and injectable medical devices wherein the matrix is capable of degrading in vivo at an increased rate. Matrices including and capable of releasing a bioactive agent in vivo are also described.

Abstract: Compositions for improving the health of a subject comprise alpha-(1,2)-branched alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans, preferably with an average molecular weight between about 10 kDa and 70 kDa, between about 10% and 50% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains, and having at least partial indigestibility in the subject. Methods for improving the health of a subject comprise administering the composition to a subject in an amount effective to improve gut health, or to prevent or treat a gastrointestinal disorder, a cholesterol-related disorder, diabetes, or obesity. Methods for making oligodextrans having controlled size and controlled degree of branching comprise providing alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans having an average molecular weight between 0.5 and 100 kDa and introducing at least 10% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains onto the alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans.

Abstract: A method of treating an ulcer comprising applying to the ulcer a preparation comprising a water-soluble ?-(1,3) glucan with ?-(1,6) linked side-chains, where the side-chains comprise ?-(1,3) linkages or up to four consecutive ?-(1,6) linkages a active ingredients.

Abstract: A modified starch material for biocompatible hemostasis, biocompatible adhesion prevention, tissue healing promotion, absorbable surgical wound sealing and tissue bonding, when applied as a biocompatible modified starch to the tissue of animals. The modified starch material produces hemostasis, reduces bleeding of the wound, extravasation of blood and tissue exudation, preserves the wound surface or the wound in relative wetness or dryness, inhibits the growth of bacteria and inflammatory response, minimizes tissue inflammation, and relieves patient pain. Any excess modified starch not involved in hemostatic activity is readily dissolved and rinsed away through saline irrigation during operation. After treatment of surgical wounds, combat wounds, trauma and emergency wounds, the modified starch hemostatic material is rapidly absorbed by the body without the complications associated with gauze and bandage removal.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions including xyloglucans as an active ingredient useful in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders or of disorders originating from the gastro-intestinal system and transferred to other systems, such as the genitourinary system. The compositions may have xyloglucans or an extract containing xyloglucans, and may further include other active ingredients.

Abstract: Provided is a complex comprising a hydrophobic cluster compound and a ?-1,3-1,6-D-glucan having a degree of branching (a ratio of ?-1,6 linkages to ?-1,3 linkages) of 50 to 100%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include functionalized polysaccharides and compositions and structures including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent delivery composition including a polysaccharide functionalized with a coupling group, wherein the polysaccharide lacks charged groups at a pH of between 6 and 8; and a complex comprising a nucleic acid and a transfection agent. In an embodiment, the invention includes an active agent delivery structure including a matrix comprising a polysaccharide covalently cross-linked through the residue of a coupling group on the polysaccharide, the polysaccharide lacking charged groups at a pH of between 6 and 8; and a nucleic acid delivery complex disposed within the active agent delivery structure. In an embodiment, the invention includes a material for medical applications including glycogen functionalized with coupling groups at a degree of substitution of between about 0.01 and 0.5. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an allergy inhibitor using the efficacy of amorphous paramylon which is a substance obtained by changing the crystalline structure of paramylon. The present invention relates to a substance for inhibiting allergic diseases. Amorphous paramylon of the present invention is an allergy inhibitor comprising amorphous paramylon which is obtained by amorphosizing crystalline paramylon derived from Euglena, and has a relative crystallinity of 20% or lower to the crystallinity of crystalline paramylon, determined by an X-ray diffractometry. This allergy inhibitor enables efficacious inhibition of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, pollinosis, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to broadly protect the military and the public from injury from biological warfare weapons, particularly infective agents such as anthrax. Beta (1,3)-glucans, particularly whole glucan particles, PGG-Glucan, and microparticulate glucan, provide general immune enhancement, thereby increasing the body's ability to defend against a wide variety of biological threats. Beta (1,3)-glucans have been shown to increase the resistance to infection by anthrax and other infectious organisms when administered before and after infection. The anti-infective mechanism of ?(1,3)-glucan appears to involve stimulation of the innate immune system through increased cytokine release and CR3 receptor activation. Beta (1,3)-glucan is pharmaceutically stable, relatively compact, and can also be used without significant side effects. Beta (1,3)-glucan can also enhance the effectiveness of other medical countermeasures such as antibiotics, vaccines, and immune antibodies.

Abstract: A composite glucan is disclosed. The composite glucan of the present invention includes a mushroom glucan synthesized from a culture medium containing trehalose and mannose. The composite glucan of the present invention has great moisture retention and can be used in eye drops for alleviating xerophthalmia. A method for preparing a composite glucan is also disclosed.

Abstract: Particulate ?-glucan is solubilized at elevated pressure and temperature to form particulate-soluble ?-glucan. The particulate-soluble ?-glucan is capable of being dried to a powder form and subsequently re-solubilized.

Abstract: A particulate SAE-CD composition is provided. The SAE-CD composition has an advantageous combination of physical properties not found in known solid forms of SAE-CD. In particular, the SAE-CD composition possesses an advantageous physicochemical and morphological property profile such that it can be tailored to particular uses. The SAE-CD composition of the invention has improved flow and dissolution performance as compared to known compositions of SAE-CD.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to CDP-taxane conjugates are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives with the degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 22. The alginate oligosaccharide is composed of ?-D-mannuronic acid linked by 1,4 glycosidic bonds. The derivatives with the reduced terminal in position 1 of carboxyl radical can be prepared by oxidative degradation. The present invention also provides a process for preparing the alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives, which includes the procedures that an alginate solution is reacted for 2 to 6 h in an autoclave at pH 2-6 and the temperature of 100-120° C., and pH is adjusted to 7 after the reaction is stopped, after which the resultant oligosaccharide is oxidized in the presence of an oxidant to obtain an oxidative degradation product. The alginate oligosaccharide and its derivatives of the invention can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and treatment of AD and diabetes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates carbonaceous materials and to methods of using such carbonaceous materials for purifying oligomers produced from depolymerized biomass, such as lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to overcome conventional demerits of pullulan powders prepared by conventional techniques, i.e., they could not be homogeneously mixed with non-reducing saccharides composed of glucose units when mixed together, and the resulting mixtures do not easily dissolve in water; and to provide a pullulan-containing powder with an improved rate of water dissolution, as well as to provide preparations and uses thereof. The present invention solves the above object by providing a pullulan-containing powder which uniformly comprises pullulan as a main ingredient and a non-reducing saccharide, and their process and uses; wherein the pullulan-containing powder is prepared by the steps of preparing a solution dissolving pullulan and a non-reducing saccharide homogeneously, pulverizing the solution, and collecting the resulting pullulan-containing powder.

Abstract: A composition which can significantly accelerate equol production is provided. When formulated in a pharmaceutical preparation or a food or drink, this composition exerts effects of preventing a vascular disease by the cholesterol lowering function, preventing breast cancer or prostatic cancer, and preventing and/or treating osteoporosis. Also, when formulated in a feed or a pet food, the bone density is enhanced, so that it exerts effects to prevent weak legs of a pig, to strengthen egg shell of a laying hen, to prevent osteoporosis in a dog etc., and the like. It is a composition which comprises lactobionic acid, a salt of lactobionic acid or lactobionolactone as an active ingredient and a food or drink, a feed, a pet food or a pharmaceutical preparation, which contains the composition, and have effects to prevent and treat osteoporosis, an function to increase bone density, an effect to prevent breast cancer or prostatic cancer, and a cholesterol lowering function.

Abstract: Compositions for improving the health of a subject comprise alpha-(1,2)-branched alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans, preferably with an average molecular weight between about 10 kDa and 70 kDa, between about 10% and 50% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains, and having at least partial indigestibility in the subject. Methods for improving the health of a subject comprise administering the composition to a subject in an amount effective to improve gut health, or to prevent or treat a gastrointestinal disorder, a cholesterol-related disorder, diabetes, or obesity. Methods for making oligodextrans having controlled size and controlled degree of branching comprise providing alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans having an average molecular weight between 0.5 and 100 kDa and introducing at least 10% alpha-(1,2)-osidic side chains onto the alpha-(1,6) oligodextrans.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to conjugates for targeting bacteria and related uses. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of transferring a molecule of interest into bacteria comprising mixing bacteria with a non-naturally occurring conjugate under conditions such that the conjugate is transported across the bacterial cell wall. Typically, the conjugate comprises an oligosaccharide and a molecule of interest. In certain embodiments, the molecule of interest may be a tracer or an antibiotic.

Abstract: This application concerns a method for preparing glucan from Aspergillus niger, characterised in that it comprises (i) the at least partial deacetylation of the mycelium of A. niger; (ii) acid treatment of the (partially) deacetylated mycelium, preferably following purification and/or washing, to obtain insoluble glucan and soluble chitosane, which acid treatment comprises placing the deacetylated mycelium in contact with an acidic solution; (iii) the separation of the soluble chitosan on the one hand, and the insoluble glucan on the other; (iv) alkaline treatment of the glucan comprising placing the glucan in contact with an alkaline solution to cause the glucans to flocculate; and (v) drying the flocculated glucans to obtain glucan powder. This invention further concerns the glucans thus obtained, compositions comprising them, and their uses. The glucans of the invention may be used as immunostimulants.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of vaccines. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject comprising administrating the above pharmaceutical composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of natural antibodies. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing host immunity. This invention also provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing the action of an agent in preventing tissue rejection.

Abstract: A malleable compound according to the invention for use as a disinfectant comprises water, 25 to 40% by weight of a solvent component comprising low-molecular, water-miscible alcohols, 1 to 10% by weight of an active bactericidal component, 3 to 6% by weight hydroxypropylated polygalactomannan with an etherification level of between 0.3 and 1.5 and 0.1 to 0.5% by weight boracic acid or an equivalent amount of boron ions.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that include isolated opsonized soluble ?-glucan, methods of making those compositions and methods of using those compositions.

Abstract: A composite glucan is disclosed. The composite glucan of the present invention includes a mushroom glucan synthesized from a culture medium containing trehalose and mannose. The composite glucan of the present invention has great moisture retention and can be used in eye drops for alleviating xerophthalmia. A method for preparing a composite glucan is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to ?-1-6-glucans, compositions and devices comprising the same, and methods of use thereof in modulating immune responses. The ?-1-6-glucans of certain embodiments of the invention are enriched for O-acetylated groups and/or conjugated to a solid support or linked to a targeting moiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel clathrate complexes of cyclodextrin or arabinogalactan with 9-phenyl-sym-octahydroselenoxanthene, possibly in ?-crystalline form, The clathrate complex may be in crystalline form, possibly in the form of nano-particles. In the clathrate complex, cyclodextrin is selected from ?-, ?-, ?- or hydroxypropyl-?-cyclodextrin, primarily ?-cyclodextrin. The proposed clathrate complexes make it possible to increase the water-solubility of the active compound, to improve the bioavailability, to reduce the dosage of the drug and, consequently, to reduce the toxic effect of 9-phenyl-sym-octahydroselenoxanthene. The complexes exhibit cytoradioprotective activity. The invention also relates to a liquid-phase and solid-phase methods for producing clathrate complexes, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions and drugs thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of vaccines. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject comprising administrating the above pharmaceutical composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of natural antibodies. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing host immunity. This invention also provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing the action of an agent in preventing tissue rejection.

Abstract: The present application describes a dilute two-loop method for treating biomass in the production of biofuels such as ethanol. The method involves washing the biomass to dissolve sugars that are associated with the biomass, and separating the washed biomass into a solids phase and a liquids phase. The solids phase is pretreated to render the biomass more susceptible to hydrolysis under conditions that do not produce substantial amounts of sugars. The pretreated biomass is separated into a second solids phase and second liquid phase, and the second solids phase is saccharified and fermented. The first and second liquid phases are recycled to dilute the biomass at various stages of the process.

Abstract: Provided are polymer particles which can be used at a high flow rate when used as a filler for chromatography, that is, has excellent resistance flow rate appropriate for processing in large quantities, and also has a high binding capacity for target molecules such as proteins when an appropriate ligand is contained in the particles, and a method for producing the polymer particles; specifically, crosslinked polymer particles and a method for producing the crosslinked polymer particles, polysaccharide composite particles and a method for producing the polysaccharide composite particles, a filler for chromatography using the polymer particles, and an adsorbent for antibody purification. Disclosed are: A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beta-glucan-based scaffold for biological tissue engineering using radiation fusion technology, and to a production method therefor. According to the production method of the present invention for beta-glucan-based scaffold, radiation fusion tissue engineering, a beta-glucan-aqueous solution is cast and is then irradiated in a crosslinking reaction in such a way as to form a gel or solid scaffold, thereby facilitating cell attachment and making it easy to create a biomimetic environment coinductive to the growth and differentiation of stem cells. Consequently, the beta-glucan-based scaffold according to the present invention can be usefully employed as a filler for tissue regeneration, cell culturing and plastic surgery, as a filler for voids in biological tissue, as a scaffold for reconstructive and corrective plastic surgery, and for cell transplantation and drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for precipitating beta-glucan (?-glucan) by using high-molecular polyethylene glycol (PEG) and re-dissolving the precipitated ?-glucan in a suitable medium. The novel method of the present invention may also include drying the precipitated ?-glucan and/or swelling the precipitated b-glucan in a suitable solution before re-dissolving the ?-glucan.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a glucosamine-containing glucan, a modified product and a conjugate thereof. The glucosamine-containing glucan of the present invention is a glucosamine-containing glucan wherein the glucan has a plurality of non-reducing ends and at least one glucosamine residue is bound via an ?-1,4-bond to each of two or more non-reducing ends of the branched ?-1,4-glucan, but no glucosamine residue is present at a position other than the non-reducing ends of the branched ?-1,4-glucan, wherein the degree of polymerization of the glucan is 15 or more and 4×105 or less. The glucosamine-containing glucan of the present invention can be provided by allowing an ?-glucan phosphorylase to act on an aqueous solution comprising a branched ?-1,4-glucan and glucosamine-1-phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition containing a unit dose of a diclofenac compound effective to induce analgesia; and a beta-cyclodextrin compound; wherein the dose of the diclofenac compound is less than 10 mg. The present invention is also directed to methods of treating a subject in need of analgesia with the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Novel aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharide compositions containing pendant dialdehyde groups are described that are more stable in aqueous solution than oxidized polysaccharides. The aldehyde-functionalized polysaccharides may be reacted with various amine-containing polymers to form hydrogel tissue adhesives and sealants that may be useful for medical applications such as wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, preventing leakage of fluids such as blood, bile, gastrointestinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, and preventing post-surgical adhesions.