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

Abstract: Chemotherapeutic antineoplastic method comprising administration of an effective amount of an antineoplastic agent in conjunction with an effective amount of a ?-1,3 glucan.

Abstract: Cosmetic or dermatological preparations are based upon vitamin F, and the vitamin F is present in the form of a complex with a cyclodextrin which includes alpha-cylodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, and gamma-cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The invention relates to new amphiphilic linear block copolymers of polysaccharides and polymers. The amphiphilic linear block copolymers do not form a true solution in water and are able to form micelles in selective solvents. Also disclosed are particles, each of which has a shell and a core, and a diameter of about 1 to 1,000 nanometers, and methods of delivering agents or removing substances, e.g., undesirable substances, from a subject or environment, by using these particles.

Abstract: SAE-CD compositions are provided, along with methods of making and using the same. The SAE-CD composition comprises a sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin and less than 100 ppm of a phosphate, wherein the SAE-CD composition has an absorption of less than 0.5 A.U. due to a drug-degrading agent, as determined by UV/vis spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 245 nm to 270 nm for an aqueous solution containing 300 mg of the SAE-CD composition per mL of solution in a cell having a 1 cm path length.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for the reduction of an oligosaccharide mixture and an oligosaccharide mixture prepared thereby. In accordance with the disclosed invention, a mixture of oligosaccharides having a given DP profile is reduced to a DE of essentially zero by catalytically hydrogenating the mixture under reaction conditions sufficient to preserve the DP profile of the mixture, which reaction conditions typically include a reaction temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 150° C. and a reaction pressure ranging up to about 1500 psi. Surprisingly, when the mixture is a malto-oligosaccharide mixture, the reduced mixture will have a superior color-fastness and thermal stability as compared to a similar unreduced mixture of malto-oligosaccharides, and also low reactivity towards nitrogen-containing species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing ?-(3-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan from a cellular source comprising the steps of alkali extraction of the cellular source; water extraction; acid extraction; and water extraction, where at least one step of water extraction includes pasteurization by steam injection to a temperature of about 100° C. for 15 to about 30 minutes. The solid component produced comprises at least ?-70% 1 (1,3/1,6)-D-glucan by dry weight. The present invention also provides a process of producing mannan and manno-protein complexes comprising the steps of collecting a liquid phase obtained in one an alkali extraction step of the ?(3-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan process; adjusting the pH of the liquid phase to about 5.0-8.0 with an acid; pasteurizing the liquid phase by steam injection to a temperature of about 100° C. for 15 to about 30 minutes; and isolating the mannans and manno-proteins complexes from the pasteurized liquid phase.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble ?-glucan composition comprising ?-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).

Abstract: Disclosed are gene carriers utilizing ?-1,3-glucan and methods of preparing the same. The ?-1,3-glucan has at least one 1,6-glucopyranoside branch and is chemically modified through periodate oxidation and reductive amination so as to impart nucleic acid-binding functional groups (for example, cationic functional groups) to at least some of the 1,6-glucopyranoside branches thereof. Triple helix ?-1,3-glucan is dissolved in a polar organic solvent to form single-stranded ?-1,3-glucan. By replacing, in the presence of a nucleic acid, the polar organic solvent for the solution containing the chemically modified single-stranded ?-1,3-glucan by water, a complex (gene carrier) is formed in which the nucleic acid is bound to double-stranded ?-1,3-glucan.

Abstract: A biodegradable aliphatic polyester, such as polylactic acid, is mixed with a monomer having allyl and molded into a molding having the crosslinking degree of the biodegradable aliphatic polyester increased. Thereafter, the molding is exposed to ionizing radiation to thereby obtain a molding excelling in heat resistance. Triallyl isocyanurate or triallyl cyanurate is used as the monomer having allyl.

Abstract: A polysaccharide conjugate comprising from 10% to 98%, by weight, of at least one water insoluble fabric care benefit agent which comprises a solid non-silicone fabric lubricant and from 2% to 20%, by weight, of at least one delivery enhancing agent that is a cationic polysaccharide having a backbone comprising ?1-4 linkages is useful as a fabric softening agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of (1-3)-?-glucan derived from barley 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.

Abstract: The object is to provide a novel heparin alternative material, which is excellent in safety and in vivo degradability. Disclosed are: a novel heparin alternative material, which comprises an enzymatically synthesized ?-1,4-glucan derivative and has functions substituting those of heparin, such as an anticoagulation activity and functions of a material for storage or sustained release of a heparin-binding growth factor; a method for production of the substitute material; and a preparation or article for medical applications or a cosmetic produced using the heparin alternative material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the preparation of low-molecular weight beta-glucan by irradiation. The low-molecular weight beta-glucan prepared by irradiation shows a random distribution of all beta-glucan structures, low viscosity and high water solubility, and acts as an excellent antioxidant and to activate immune cells, finding useful application in many fields including the food, medical and cosmetics industries.

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: Disclosed are glucoside alkyl urethanes composed of units of the formula: A(O—CO—NH—R)3 wherein A represents a glucosyl unit of a starch hydrolysate molecule, the starch hydrolysate having a Dextrose Equivalent (D.E.) ranging from 1 to 47, (O—CO—NH—R) represents an N-alkyl aminocarbonyloxy group replacing a hydroxyl group of the glucosyl unit A, and wherein R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing from 3 to 22 carbon atoms, and s represents the number of alkyl carbamate groups per glucosyl unit which number is expressed as degree of substitution (DS) with said DS value ranging from about 0.01 to about 2.0 which are useful as surface-active agents. Also disclosed are a method for their manufacture and compositions containing one or more glucoside alkyl urethanes. The glucoside alkyl urethanes have good to excellent tensio-active properties in combination with good biodegrability and they are suitable as surfactants for use in household and industrial applications, e.g.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to establish a volatile sulfide production inhibitor that can inhibit the production of volatile sulfides from a composition and to provide a method for inhibiting the production of volatile sulfides from a composition by using the inhibitor. The object are solved by providing a volatile sulfide production inhibitor comprising L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside as an effective ingredient and a method for inhibiting the production of volatile sulfides from a composition by incorporating the volatile sulfide production inhibitor into the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to polysaccharide synthases. More particularly, the present invention relates to (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan synthases. The present invention provides, among other things, methods for influencing the level of (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan produced by a cell and nucleic acid and amino acid sequences which encode (1,3;1,4)-beta-D-glucan synthases.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of (1-3),(1-4)-?-glucan derived from barley 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.

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: The subject invention concerns a novel polysaccharide. RR1 is an ?-D-glucan polysaccharide composed of a (1?4) linked back bone and (1?6) linked branches, which has been isolated from a medicinal herb, Tinospora cordifolia. RR1 exhibits unique immune-stimulating properties, is non-cytotoxic, and non-proliferating to normal lymphocytes, as well as tumor cell lines. The subject invention also concerns compositions containing an RR1 compound and methods for modulating an immune response in a subject using RR1 compounds. The present invention also provides methods for the use of an RR1 compound in conjunction with an antigen to stimulate an immune response, the RR1 compound providing an adjuvant-like activity in the generation of a Th1-type immune response to the antigen.

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 object of the present invention is to provide an embolizing material which is easily handleable and stable in quality and is solved by providing an embolizing material comprising an ester derivative of a polysaccharide having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-500,000 daltons and an average substitution degree of acyl group of over two; an embolizing agent for arteriovenous aneurysm, which comprises the embolizing material and an appropriate physiologically acceptable water-soluble organic acid; and a method of producing an embolizing agent, which comprises a step of dissolving the embolizing material in an appropriate physiologically acceptable water-soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for adsorbing or trapping an undesired material, wherein the composition comprises a functional ?-1,4-glucan as an active ingredient. Specifically, ?-1,4-glucan is allowed to be functionalized to provide said composition for adsorbing or trapping an undesired material. There are provided a composition comprising a functional ?-1,4-glucan, all or a part of which is in a form of V-type crystal or an amorphous form, as well as an article comprising the composition as a functional material.

Abstract: ?-(1-6)-Glucanase treatment of glucan from yeast cells, pure or feed grade especially yeast from the family Saccharomyces and particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae, provides a novel glucan product suitable for use in enhancing the stimulation of host animal immune systems. Solubilization of such yeast cell glucan is further disclosed to extend the usefulness of yeast cell glucan as an adjuvant.

Abstract: This invention involves a type of oligosacoharides and its their sulfate derivatives. The backbone of the oligosaccharides consists of 4 to 14 glucose residues, while the side chains contain 0 to 4 glucose residues. There are at least one 1->3? linkage and ?-(1->3)-Iinkage or ?-(1->4) linkage in the backbone. These oligosaccharides, and their sulfates have immune enhancing, antitumor, and antiviral activities. They can be used in immune enhancing, antitumor, and antiviral medicine compounds that would be used as therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: Low molecular weight hydrophobic derivatives of non-cyclic ?(1?4)glucopyranose polymers and non-reducing polysaccharides are described. The derivates can be used to form matrices in various forms, including body members of implantable articles, coatings, and consumer items, which have desirable properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral formulations of Sulodexide for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with both insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Oral formulations containing doses adapted for administration to obtain a reduction in albumin excretion in patients with both micro and macro albuminuria and to produce lasting improvement in albumin excretion rate are provided. Methods of treating diabetic nephropathy using these formulations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the preparation of composite biomaterials constituted by hyaluronic acid and the derivatives thereof in combination with polymers that have electrically conductive properties. In particular, the methods of preparing biomedical devices formed by a two- or three-dimensional polysaccharide matrix and by an electrically conductive membrane. The matrix is constituted by hyaluronic acid derivatives in the form of membranes, woven fabrics, nonwoven felts, meshes, gauzes, guide channels or sponges, while the electrically conductive membrane is constituted by a film of polypyrrole (polymer conductor) in combination with hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof (doping agent).

Abstract: The invention is concerned with film-forming compositions containing hydrolysates of the exopolysaccharide YAS34 for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard capsules.

Abstract: A first method for producing glucan comprises the step of allowing a reaction solution containing sucrose, a primer, inorganic phosphate or glucose-1-phosphate, sucrose phosphorylase, and glucan phosphorylase to react to produce glucans. The maximum value of the sucrose-phosphate ratio of the reaction solution from the start of the reaction to the end of the reaction is no more than about 17. A second method for producing glucan comprises the step of allowing a reaction solution containing sucrose, a primer, inorganic phosphate or glucose-1-phosphate, sucrose phosphorylase, and glucan phosphorylase to react to produce glucans. The reaction is conducted at a temperature of about 40 C to about 70 C.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel glycosyl derivative of cyclotetrasaccharide represented by cyclo{?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?6)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?}, and it is solved by providing a branched cyclotetrasaccharide, wherein one or more hydrogen atoms in the hydroxyl groups of cyclotetrasaccharide are replaced with an optionally substituted glycosyl group, with the proviso that, when only one hydrogen atom in the C-6 hydroxyl group among the above hydrogen atoms is substituted with an optionally-substituted glycosyl group, the substituted glycosyl group is one selected from those excluding D-glucosyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysaccharide conjugates that comprise: a polysaccharide that binds to surface-receptors present on Antigen Presenting Cells, conjugated to one or more compounds having stable carbonyl groups covalently attached, either directly or via a bifunctional linker. The conjugates are useful as immuno-stimulants and adjuvants.

Abstract: A process for obtaining ?-glucan from cereal grain, such as barley and oats. A ?-glucan product obtained by the process. Uses of the ?-glucan product as a food ingredient and for treating various diseases or disorders. The process includes the steps of forming flour from the cereal grain, mixing the flour with water to form a slurry of a process for obtaining ?-glucan from cereal grain including forming flour from the cereal grain, mixing the flour with water to form a slurry of an aqueous solution of ?-glucan and a solid residue, separating the aqueous solution from the solid residue, and removing water from the aqueous solution by evaporation or ultrafiltration or combinations thereof to form a ?-glucan containing gel or solid.

Abstract: The present invention provides glucan-based compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against mutans streptococci components and vaccines and methods for the treatment and prevention of dental caries. In a preferred embodiment, a glucan polymer, preferably WSG, is covalently bound to one or more T cell-dependent antigens to form a conjugate vaccine. The T cell-dependent antigen preferably contains epitopes of one or more mutans streptococcal proteins, such as a glucosyltransferase. Moreover, one or more moieties, including haptens, may be conjugated to the glucan-T cell-dependent composition. In a preferred embodiment, these moieties are peptides which contain immunogenic epitopes corresponding to components of a mutans streptococcus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spray pack for use in forming a uniform, stable spray coating, comprising a spray container device and, packed therein, a spraying composition comprising a liquid dispersion medium and, dispersed therein, particulate cellulose having an average degree of polymerization (DP) of not more than 300 and an average particle diameter of not more than 10 ?m, wherein the composition has a cellulose content of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, and wherein the composition exhibits a maximum viscosity value (?max) of 1×103 mPa·s or more in the viscosity-shear stress curve obtained, with respect to the composition, using a cone-plate type rotating viscometer in a shear rate region of from 1×10?3 s?1 to 1×102 s?1 and at 25° C. A method for forming a uniform, stable spray coating by using the above-mentioned spray pack is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition adapted for use as a spermicide, the composition comprising a gel-microemulsion comprising an oil-in-water microemulsion and a polymeric hydrogel. The gel-microemulsion can be used in a spermicidal method. Also, a gel-microemulsion pharmaceutical composition adapted for use as a formulation base for additional therapeutic agents. Examples of additional agents include, anti-microbial agents and spermicidal agents. Such gel-microemulsions with additional therapeutic agents can be used in methods for appropriate therapeutic treatment. Also, a gel-microemulsion pharmaceutical composition that is adapted for use as both a spermicide and formulation base for anti-microbial agents to provide a dual function contraceptive/anti-microbial formulation. Method of using such a composition as a dual function contraceptive/anti-microbial formulation are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low and medium molecular weight isoflavone-?-D-glucan produced by submerged liquid culture of Agaricus blazei, a method of producing the isoflavone-?-D-glucan using autolysis enzyme of Agaricus blazei mycelia, and use of the isoflavone-?-D-glucan for anti-cancer and immunoenhancing effect.

Abstract: A glucan extracted by oxidation treatment of microorganism cells belonging to the genus Aspergillus under alkaline conditions; a glucan obtained by dissolving an aqueous solvent-insoluble fraction of the glucan in an aprotic polar solvent; a glucan obtained by dissolving the glucan in a urea solution; methods for obtaining the glucan; a method for measuring an amount of (1?3)-?-D-glucan in a sample using the glucan; and a (1?3)-?-D-glucan measuring kit containing the glucan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating overweight persons or patients with obesity using a food composition able to control the release of glucose into the patient's blood. This is achieved by the introduction into the food composition of a therapeutically effective amount of an additive, such as propylene glycol alginate (PGA) or other hydrophilic agent or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which reduces the cooking losses and enhances the starch cell wall membrane to thereby slow the enzymatic hydrolysis of the starch by insulin. The result is a steady state release of glucose and a net reduction in the release of blood glucose (glycemic index) relative to release of glucose observed in an overweight or obese patient having consumed a food composition without propylene glycol alginate, whereby the patient experiences a loss in body weight.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.

Abstract: Provided is a composition and a method for increasing cellular uptake of bioactive agents, particularly those compounds termed “small molecules” into the cells of mammalian tissue, such as the epithelial cells of the mucosa.

Abstract: The invention relates to the recovery of deoxy sugars, such as fucose from biomass-derived solutions, such as spent liquors obtained from pulping processes. The invention is based on the use of chromatographic fractionation with specific column packing materials and combinations thereof. The deoxy sugar product obtained from the chromatographic fractionation may be further purified by crystallization. The invention also provides a novel crystalline fucose product and a novel process for the crystallization of fucose.

Abstract: A method for producing a purified Auricularia auricula Polysaccharide (AP) extract of Auricularia auricula (AA). A hydrated predetermined amount of AA is filtered and extracted, producing a first pre-extract. A plurality of additional hydrated predetermined amounts of AA is separately filtered and extracted to produce a plurality of additional pre-extracts. The pre-extracts are combined to form a first extract. The first extract is concentrated and suspended, forming a precipitate. The precipitate is purified to form a first filtrate, and repurified to form a second filtrate. The first and second filtrates are combined to form a first combined filtrate, which is concentrated, purified and dried to form a concentrated extract. The concentrated extract is purified to form a third filtrate, and repurified to form a fourth filtrate.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and therapeutic and prophylatic methods for treating/preventing infections in an animal or human by administering a soluble ?-glucan composition comprising ?-glucan molecules having an average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 daltons, as determined by multi-angle laser light scattering (VHMW-glucan).

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: This invention pertains to novel fibers made of ?(1?;3) polysaccharides, and a process for their production. The fibers of the invention have “cotton-like” properties but can be produced as continuous filaments on a year-round basis. The fibers are useful in textile applications.

Abstract: Aureobasidium ?-1,3-1,6 glucans and compositions containing such glucans, as well as methods of their preparation. Aureobasidium medium that contains ?-1,3-1,6 glucans, particularly medium produced by Aureobasidium strain FERM P-18099. The ?-glucans of the present invention have a variety of industrial and commercial uses, including applications in pharmaceutical or medical products or treatments, for the removal or control of environmental or microbiological contaminants, in cosmetics, and in nutritional products and foods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of chemically preparing functionalized derivatives of ?-(1,3)-glucans, enabling obtaining oligosaccharides which are free or which comprise specific groups such as, for example, sulphate, phosphate, methyl, in pre-defined positions. This method includes a reaction between a glycosyl donor of formula (Ia) or (Ib) and a glycosyl acceptor of formula (II), defined in the claims. Application: Preparation of biologically active compounds which can be used in the agricultural, cosmetic or pharmaceutical fields.

Abstract: This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm. The former bacterial cellulose can be produced by culturing cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium containing a cell division inhibitor, and the latter can be produced by culturing the bacterium in a culture medium containing an organic reducing agent. The bacterial cellulose is modified from conventional bacterial cellulose in the major axis, and is improved in Young's modulus, etc. This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 1 to 9 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm.