Abstract: The disclosure relates to a maize plant, seed, variety, and hybrid. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a maize plant containing a Cal-1 allele, whose expression results in increased cell wall-derived glucan content in the maize plant. The disclosure also relates to crossing inbreds, varieties, and hybrids containing the Cal-1 allele to produce novel types and varieties of maize plants.

Abstract: A photocrosslinked polysaccharide pseudo-sponge exhibiting a low swelling property and a high degradation ability in vivo while retaining a suitable strength. The polysaccharide pseudo-sponge is produced by a crosslinking reaction of a photoreactive polysaccharide obtained by introducing a photoroactive group into a polysaccharide, and exhibits a low swelling property and a blue dextran-low dyaffinity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animal feed additives and detection thereof in feed products. Additionally, the present invention relates to yeast cell wall components, their methods of isolation, and compositions and methods for the immunological detection thereof.

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: 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: The present application discloses a molded article, and a process for preparing a molded article consisting essentially of (i) high molecular weight linear ?-1,4-glucan and (ii) low molecular weight linear ?-1,4-glucan, wherein the process comprises the step of: adding the low molecular weight linear ?-1,4-glucan to a solution comprising the high molecular weight linear ?-1,4-glucan to gel the solution, wherein the low molecular weight linear ?-1,4-glucan has a degree of polymerization of greater than or equal to 180 and less than 620, and has a molecular weight distribution of not greater than 1.25 and, the high molecular weight linear ?-1,4-glucan has a degree of polymerization of greater than or equal to 620 and less than 37000, and has a molecular weight distribution of not greater than 1.25.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making porous crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel coated structures. The methods include impregnating a porous substrate with a room temperature stable aqueous polysaccharide solution containing, water, a polysaccharide having a concentration in the aqueous solution from about 0.1% to about 20%, a gel-inhibiting agent having a concentration in the aqueous solution from about 18 to about 54%, and an anionic fluorosurfactant having a concentration in the aqueous solution from about 0.001% to about 10% by total weight of the aqueous solution. Followed by evaporating the water from the polysaccharide coating; and exposing the dehydrated polysaccharide coating to a gelling agent form a porous polysaccharide hydrogel coated substrate. The hydrogel coated substrate is exposed to a crosslinking agent to form a porous crosslinked polysaccharide hydrogel coated substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alternan-carboxylic acid esters, to processes for the preparation of alternan-carboxylic acid esters, and to compositions comprising alternan-carboxylic acid esters and to the use of alternan-carboxylic acid esters. The invention relates to alternan-carboxylic acid esters which are emulsifiers.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of using beta glucans to treat conditions associated with bone loss or low bone density as well as methods for promoting bone growth in situations where enhanced bone growth is desirable. In the invention methods beta glucans are administered so as to enhance the development of osteoblasts and the inhibition of the development and recruitment of osteoclasts. The inhibition of the recruitment and development of osteoclasts, coupled with the enhancement of osteoblast maturation by beta glucans leads to decreased bone resorption and increased bone formation, making beta glucans ideal agents for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone resorption diseases.

Abstract: A novel anionic polysaccharides functionalized by at least one hydrophobic acid derivative. These novel anionic polysaccharides including hydrophobic groups have good biocompatibility and their hydrophobicity can be easily adjusted without detrimentally affecting the biocompatibility or the stability. A method of synthesis which makes it possible to produce them and to pharmaceutical compositions including them.

Abstract: Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan for use as a slimming aid or in weight loss or for the treatment of obesity.

Abstract: Manufactured hyaluronic acid products are used in numerous surgical applications including viscoelastic supplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis, however, traditional sterilization techniques result in the breakdown of such high molecular weight viscoelastic biopolymers and are thus unsuitable. Disclosed are processes for obtaining concentrated sterile solutions of high molecular weight biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid. The processes include filter sterilization with a dilute preparation of the biopolymer, and concentration of the dilute filter sterilized biopolymer by ultrafiltration to a desired concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition that contains one or more compounds of the ?-(1,3)-glucuronane or ?-(1,3)-glucoglucuronane type as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and to the use of this composition and these compounds for various cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cellulose based optical film material with the following structure: wherein R1 is —H or —C(O)R4, R4 is alkyl or aryl; R2 is —C(O)R5, R5 is alkyl or aryl; R3 comprises one of the group consisting of: phosphinate based group, phosphonate based group, phosphonamide based group, phosphate based group, phosphoramide based group, carbamate based group, carbonate based group, and ester based group. Further, this invention also discloses a method for forming the cellulose based optical film material.

Abstract: Polysaccharide including carboxyl functional groups. The polysaccharide being chosen from the group of anionic synthetic polysaccharides including 1,6 bonds obtained from neutral polysaccharides of which at least one of a carboxyl functional groups is esterified by a hydrophobic alcohol (-Ah) (residue of a hydrophobic alcohol). The hydrophobic alcohol (Ah) being grafted or bonded to the anionic polysaccharide by a function F (ester function), which results from coupling between the carboxylate function of the anionic polysaccharide and hydroxyl function of the hydrophobic alcohol. Carboxyl functions of anionic polysaccharide, which are not substituted, are in the form of carboxylate of a cation. The polysaccharide including carboxyl functional groups are amphiphilic at neutral pH. It also relates to its use for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polysaccharide and at least one active principle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a complex which comprises a carbon nanotube and a modified polysaccharide having a backbone chain with the side thereof being introduced with monosaccharide or oligosaccharide residues. The polysaccharide is preferably ?-1,3-glucan. The complex is prepared by admixing a solution of the modified polysaccharide dissolved in an aprotic polar solvent or a strong alkali solution with an aqueous dispersion of the carbon nanotube, and incubating the mixture.

Abstract: Synthetic polysaccharides are disclosed containing 8-24 monosaccharide units made up of a concatenation of disaccharides consisting of a uronic acid and a hexose, wherein the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharides are etherified with a C1-6 alkyl group or esterified in the form of a sulpho group, each disaccharide being at least monoetherified; and salts thereof, are disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to a method for producing a glucan product substantially free of endotoxin contamination.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for treatment of cancer in a mammal is disclosed. The composition comprises an effective amount of a glucan composition which is suitable for oral administration and for absorption through the gastrointestinal tract of the mammal, and at least one antibody for the cancer. A method of treating cancer in a mammal is also disclosed. The method comprises administering a suitable orally administered glucan and at least one antibody for the treatment of cancer to the mammal. In addition a composition for delivery of peptide, protein, RNA, DNA or plasmid comprising effective amount of a beta-glucan is 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: Glucans having exclusively or mainly ?-1,3 linkages are used as immunogens. These comprise ?-1,3-linked glucose residues. Optionally, they may include ?-1,6-linked glucose residues, provided that the ratio of ?-1,3-linked residues to ?-1,6-linked residues is at least 8:1 and/or there are one or more sequences of at least five adjacent non-terminal residues linked to other residues only by ?-1,3 linkages. The glucans will usually be used in conjugated form. A preferred glucan source is curdlan, which may be hydrolysed to a suitable form prior to conjugation.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of an immunostimulant by submerged cultivation of Lentinus edodes in which mycelium from agar plates or a fermentation broth is added to a liquid medium in a shake flask or a bioreactor containing nutrients such as malt extract, yeast extract, peptone and glucose having access to air or to which air is added, and which is kept in constant movement at approx. 28° C. At the proper conditions, there will be an increase in the production of extracellular lentinan, which is shown to be a better immunostimulant than intracellular lentinan. The extracellular product is precipitated from the growth medium by means of methods for the precipitation of microbial polysaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sterilizing glucan, the method comprising subjecting the glucan to dry heat sterilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of degrading plant-based ?-glucan into a controlled molecular size by hydrolyzing ?-glucan in a closed space under pressure by means of an acid at an elevated temperature. The invention also relates to a degraded ?-glucan product. The ?-glucan product obtained is useful in foodstuffs applications, such as beverages.

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: Described are a hydroxyethylstarch, a process for the preparation thereof, a pharmaceutical formulation containing such a hydroxyethylstarch, and the use of the pharmaceutical formulation for the preparation of a volume replacement, a plasma replacement or a plasma volume expander, as well as the use of the pharmaceutical formulation for maintaining normovolemia and/or for improving the macro- and microcirculation and/or for improving the nutritive oxygen supply and/or for stabilizing hemodynamics and/or for improving the volume efficiency and/or for reducing the plasma viscosity and/or for increasing anemia tolerance and/or for hemodilution, especially for therapeutic hemodilution in disturbed blood supply and arterial, especially peripheral arterial, occlusive diseases.

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 chemistry that facilitates degradation of the polymer. Diester and carbonate ester linker chemistries are exemplified. 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: Provided herein are compositions and kits comprising carbohydrate-based inhibitors that bind GNBP and/or inhibit ?(1,3)-glucanase activity. Also provided are methods of using such inhibitors to protect against or treat pest infestation, as are compositions and kits comprising subparts of the carbohydrate-based inhibitors.

Abstract: Non-crosslinked derivatives of oligo/polysaccharides of formula I, wherein: X is OH, OM, NH—R1, O—R1; M is an alkaline or alkaline-earth metal, transition metal, or cation containing a quaternary nitrogen atom; Y is H or R2; R1: the residue of an oligo/polysaccharide; R2: the residue of a C1-C4 linear chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or citric acid; provided that at least one X is NH—R1 or O—R1, while the other two X are present in acid (OH) or salified form (OM).

Abstract: The invention relates to a polysaccharide comprising carboxyl functional groups, one at least of which is substituted by a derivative of a hydrophobic alcohol. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one of the polysaccharides according to the invention and at least one active principle. It also relates to a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the active principle is chosen from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, peptides and nonpeptide therapeutic molecules. The invention also relates to the use of the functionalized polysaccharides according to the invention in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one compound of formula (I) or (II), in which R1 is H and n is an integer from 2 to 10, for the preparation of a medicament for treating diseases chosen from the group comprising tumour, cancer, viral disease, bacterial disease, fungal disease, disease of the immune system, auto-immune disease or disease linked to a deficiency in immunostimulation, in human beings and warm-blooded animals. The invention also relates to new products having a mannose or mannitol termination as well as a method for preparing them.

Abstract: A simplified method for producing an immunopotentiating agent from cell walls of yeast, other fungi or bacteria is provided and its use as an additive to animal feed to increase resistance to various infections and to potentiate the effect of vaccines is described.

Abstract: There are described novel cross-linked polymers based on bis-silane, bis-thioether, bis-sulphoxide, bis-sulphone and butane-di-yl derivatives of polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, their shaping as support materials useful for the separation or preparation of enantiomers; a process for preparing the said cross-linked polymer compounds, a process for preparing balls of support materials containing the said cross-linked polymer compounds; a method of obtaining balls of support materials useful in chromatography or in organic synthesis; and the use of the said support materials containing the cross-linked polymer compounds in separation or in preparation of enantiomers, through employment in chromatography or organic synthesis processes in a heterogeneous medium; and the use of the said cross-linked polymer compounds in the form of membranes in processes using percolation through membranes for the separation or the preparation of enantiomers.

Abstract: The use of beta-glucans as antigens for immunising against fungi is known. According to the invention, the beta-glucans are administered together with an adjuvant. The adjuvant improves the immune response. The glucan will usually be conjugated to a carrier. Suitable glucans include laminarin and curdlan.

Abstract: A process for forming polysaccharide structures such as beads, gel films and porous coatings on porous substrates by forming a room temperature gel-inhibited solution of a polysaccharide, one or more gel-inhibiting agent(s) and a solvent such as water, heating the mixture until all the components are dissolved, cooling the mixture as a solution to about room temperature, forming a three dimensional structure with the solution and adding the structure to a gelling agent to form a polysaccharide gel. Optionally, the solution can be added to a porous structure such as a non-woven fabric or a porous membrane and the solution is allowed to dry before being subjected to the gelling agent. Porous structures having a polysaccharide coating and being capable of convective flow through the pores of the structure and diffusive flow through the coating can be formed.

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: This invention provides a method for introducing substances into cells comprising contacting a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan with said cells. This invention also provides a method for introducing substances into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above compositions. The substance which could be delivered orally includes but is not limited to peptides, proteins, RNAs, DNAs, chemotherapeutic agents, biologically active agents, plasmids, and other small molecules and compounds. Finally, this invention provides a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of IgM and different uses of the said composition.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of using beta glucans to treat conditions associated with bone loss or low bone density as well as methods for promoting bone growth in situations where enhanced bone growth is desirable. In the invention methods beta glucans are administered so as to enhance the development of osteoblasts and the inhibition of the development and recruitment of osteoclasts. The inhibition of the recruitment and development of osteoclasts, coupled with the enhancement of osteoblast maturation by beta glucans leads to decreased bone resorption and increased bone formation, making beta glucans ideal agents for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone resorption diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using glucan compositions, comprising water insoluble microparticulate glucans, in the treatment of bone injuries. The water insoluble microparticulate glucans used in the compositions comprise branched ?-(1.3)(1.6) glucan. The glucan compositions used in the present invention are essentially free of unbranched ?-(1.3)(1.6) glucan and non-glucan components.

Abstract: Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides ATCC 13146 fermentation with a sucrose:maltose ratio of 2:1 have been discovered to be effective prebiotics in mixed cultures of microbial populations, including cultures from chicken ceca. Surprisingly in mixed microbial cultures this IMO composition proved as effective as FOS. Thus, these IMOs can be used as effective prebiotics for both birds and mammals. Moreover, the IMOs were discovered to be effective non-competitive inhibitors of ?-glucosidase. These IMOs also will be useful, as an ?-glucosidase inhibitor, in a therapeutic application for several diseases, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, pre-diabetes, gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, caries, cancer, viral disease such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and AIDS. A diet with 5-20% IMOs was also shown to reduce the abdominal fat tissue in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to treatment of iron-related conditions with iron carbohydrate complexes. One aspect of the invention is a method of treatment of iron-related conditions with a single unit dosage of at least about 0.6 grams of elemental iron via an iron carbohydrate complex. The method generally employs iron carbohydrate complexes with nearly neutral pH, physiological osmolarity, and stable and non-immunogenic carbohydrate components so as to rapidly administer high single unit doses of iron intravenously to patients in need thereof.

Abstract: Processes for oxidation of primary alcohols or aldehydes into the corresponding carboxylic acids are provided herein, including processes for the aerobic catalytic oxidation of a hydroxyl moiety pendant to a cyclic carbohydrate to a carboxylic acid in a manner that preserves the cyclic carbohydrate structure. The oxidation processes may be performed in the absence of a transition metal catalyst, halogenated solvent and a hypochlorite reagent. The processes and compositions with and without a bromide source are provided. A liquid reaction media comprising a carboxylic acid and a catalyst composition may be combined with the reactant alcohol substrate to form a reaction media which can be pressurized at constant volume with an oxygen-containing gas under conditions of temperature and constant pressure within a reaction vessel to selectively oxidize the reactant substrate to form a carboxylic acid product.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an enantiomeric isomer separating agent, which includes a polysaccharide derivative supported by particles of a support by chemical bonding, and has a concentration of eluted component (in terms of mass proportion) as determined through a liquid passing test under the following conditions of 20 ppm or lower: (liquid passing test) (1) the enantiomeric isomer separating agent is packed into a column having a diameter of 1 cm and a length of 25 cm by a slurry method, (2) an organic solvent in which the polysaccharide derivative is soluble is used as a solvent, and passing of this solvent whose temperature is set at 40° C.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an ?-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme, process of the same, cyclotetrasaccharide, and saccharide composition comprising the saccharide which are obtainable by using the enzyme; and is solved by establishing an ?-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme which forms a saccharide, having a glucose polymerization degree of at least three and having both the ?-1,6 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end and the ?-1,4 glucosidic linkage other than the linkage at the non-reducing end, by catalyzing the ?-glucosyl-transfer from a saccharide having a glucose polymerization degree of at least two and having the ?-1,4 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end without substantially increasing the reducing power; ?-isomaltosyl-transferring method using the enzyme; method for forming ?-isomaltosylglucosaccharide; process for producing a cyclotetrasaccharide having the structure of cyclo{66)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(163)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a glucan useful as water-soluble dietary fiber, its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a branched ?-glucan, which is constructed by glucose molecules and characterized by methylation analysis as follows: (1) Ratio of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol to 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is in the range of 1:0.6 to 1:4; (2) Total content of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol and 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is 60% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; (3) Content of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher but less than 10% in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; and (4) Content of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetraacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; a novel ?-glucosyltransferase which forms the branched ?-glucan, processes for producing them, and their uses.

Abstract: A novel process for producing isomaltose and uses thereof and comprising the steps of contacting saccharides, which have a glucose polymerization degree of at least two and ?-1,4 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end, with an ?-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme, in the presence or the absence of ?-isomaltosyl-transferring enzyme to form a-isomaltosylglucosaccharides, which have a glucose polymerization degree of at least three, ?-1,6 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end, and ?-1,4 glucosidic linkage as a linkage other than the non-reducing end, and/or to form cyclo{?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?}; contacting the saccharides so formed with isomaltose-releasing enzyme to release isomaltose; and collecting the released isomaltose; and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for introducing substances into cells comprising contacting a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan with said cells. This invention also provides a method for introducing substances into a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the above compositions. The substance, which could be delivered orally includes but is not limited to peptides, proteins, RNAs, DNAs, chemotherapeutic agents, biologically active agents, plasmids, and other small molecules and compounds. Finally, this invention provides a composition comprising orally administered beta-glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of IgM and different uses of the said composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing functionally valuable products, such as ?-glucan, protein, starch and lipid concentrates from oat. The invention also relates to products thus obtained and to the use thereof. The invention further relates to the use of non-heat-treated or slightly heat-treated oat fat-extracted with supercritical extraction for preparing said products by using dry milling, sieving and air classification.

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.