Abstract: Disclosed is a polyuronic acid having an average degree of polymerization less than 20. The method of the present invention comprises the steps: (a) providing a solution containing 5 wt. % or more of a high molecular weight polyuronic acid predominantly as its lithium salt; (b) adding hydrogen peroxide and a ferrous salt to the solution prepared in step (a) to oxidatively degrade the high molecular weight polyuronic acid; and (c) isolating a polyuronic acid having an average degree of polymerization less than 20 obtained in step (b).

Abstract: Disease conditions which are dependent upon or moderated by angiogenesis are controlled by the use of a therapeutic material which interacts with cell surface galectins. Particular therapeutic materials comprise a polymeric backbone having side chains terminating in a sugar dependent therefrom. Disclosed are specific therapeutic materials in which the polymeric backbone is based upon polygalacturonic acid, and the side chains terminate in arabinose or galactose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for depolymerizing galactomannan and derivatives thereof. The present invention relates to compositions comprising galactomannan and derivatives thereof prepared according to the methods of this invention and uses for the compositions. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising hydroxypropylgalactomannan having a specific polydispersity index, weight average molecular weight and viscosity in solution.

Abstract: This invention provides a soluble inclusion complex formed of a water-insoluble lipophilic compound and an amphiphilic polymer and which demonstrated improved solubility and stability. The lipophilic compound within the inclusion complex may consist of pharmaceutical compounds, food additives, cosmetics, agricultural products and veterinary products. The invention also provides novel methods for preparing the inclusion complex, as well as a novel chemical reactor for forming the inclusion complex.

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

Abstract: A process for chemically bonding an odor-encapsulating agent to textiles includes reacting a cyclodextrin with a cross-linking agent capable of forming ether bonds with the cyclodextrin and with the textile material, and curing the textile material treated with a mixture of the cyclodextrin and cross-linking agent. Preferably, the cross-linking agent is imidazolidone, which forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cyclodextrin and with a hydroxyl group. In textile materials containing cellulose, imidazolidone forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cellulose. An active agent can be complexed with the cyclodextrin for release. Textiles formed by such a process can comprise an article of clothing adapted to trap odors emanating from a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is related to polysaccharide esters of N-derivatives of glutamic acid (N-GA derivatives). These polysaccharidic esters have antiproliferative activity and are characterized by a low systemic toxicity. The esters of the invention are used in the prevention and therapy of diseases caused by cellular hyperproliferation, particularly psoriasis, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, or intestinal inflammatory pathologies.

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

Abstract: For extending the uses of a compound represented by, Chemical formula 1, the object of the present invention is to provide a derivative of cyclic tetrasaccharide whose physicochemical properties are changed from those of cyclic tetrasaccaride, a composition comprising the same, and a process for producing the same. The present invention solves the above object by providing a derivative of cyclic tetrasaccharide, which is produced by the steps of reacting a compound represented by Chemical formula 1 with a reactive reagent and substituting one ore more hydroxyl groups with substituents except hydroxyl group and O-glycosyl group; a composition comprising the same; and a process for producing the derivative of cyclic tetrasaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing inulin by bringing inulin synthase into contact with sucrose, wherein: (1) the average polymerization degree of inulin is regulated by controlling the sucrose concentration; (2) the average polymerization degree of inulin is regulated by controlling the temperature upon the above contact; and/or (3) at a stage when the above sucrose is consumed by the above inulin synthase and the reaction reaches an equilibrium state, sucrose is additionally added, and the reaction for generating inulin is further continued. Furthermore, the present invention relates to inulin having a predetermined average polymerization degree, which is obtained by the production method.

Abstract: The present invention dicloses an antineoplastic sterile lyophilized powder of lentinan and the process of preparation thereof. The lyophilized powder of lentinan is essentially consisted of 0.50-1.40 parts of lentinan and 50-140 parts of excipient for lyophilization, based on weight. It has good stability. It has improved safety as it does not contain dextran which may cause allergic side effect.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining a C-polysaccharide cell wall antigen containing not more than about 10% protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The antigen thus obtained is conjugated to a spacer molecule, and the free end of the latter is then conjugated to a chromatographic affinity column. The column is then utilized to purify raw antibodies to S. pneumonia bacteria, thereby producing antigen-specific antibodies. A portion of such antibodies is conjugated to a labeling agent which displays a visible color change upon reaction of the antibodies with their antigenic binding partner and embedded in a first zone of an immunochromatographic assay device. Another portion of such antibodies is bound to the reaction zone of the device which has a view window.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel glycosyl derivative of cyclotetrasaccharide represented by cyclo{→6)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-&agr;-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: A novel microorganism producing a nontoxic, non-antigenic exopolysaccharide is taught. The exopolysaccharide has neutral sugars migrating at the same rate as mannose, fucose, fructose and galactose, acidic sugars migrating at the same rate as fucose and amine sugars migrating at the same rate as glucose and fucose, and wherein the ratio of galactose:fucose:glucose:mannose is about 1:2:3:6. The microbe and the exopolysaccharide have uses as a biofilm in geologic applications and have several consumer uses as food and drug polymers and use as a plasma extender.

Abstract: A polysaccharide of Echinacea angustifolia roots, having molecular weight of 1.3×105 Da and including rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid in ratio 0.5:2.5:1.75:10.25, is recovered from spontaneous or cultivated Echinacea angustifolia roots by means process including the following steps: a) depriving the roots of non polysaccharidic constituents by extraction with solvent; b)extracting the polysaccharidic fraction from the roots as directly obtained from the preceding step; c) isolating the polysaccharide by chromatography of the polysaccharidic fraction. Due to its immune-stimulating properties, the polysaccharide can be used for the preparation of medicaments, food supplements or nutraceutical compositions to administer whenever it is desirable to strenghthen the immune system body defenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fibres of polysaccharide polymers of natural origin, preferably of vegetal origin, such as for instance cellulose or cotton, or the use of yarns, non-woven fabrics (or felts), or fabrics obtained from said fibres in order to obtain pharmaceutical, cosmetic or hygienic products, or products to be used in the household or in the food industry. In particular, the polysaccharide polymers according to the invention can be used to obtain plasters, gauzes, sanitary cotton wool, vaginal and surgical tampons, bandages, gloves, stockings, masks, curtains, carpets and the like, or to obtain filters or wrappings for food.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to optionally substituted halogenated benzyl halides and the like. These compounds are useful as halogenated benzyl ether-based protecting groups for a variety of functional groups. Another aspect of the present invention relates to use of said protecting groups in an orthogonal protecting group strategy for the synthesis of complex molecules that comprise a number of suitable functional groups. Another aspect of the present invention relates to saccharides bearing various arrays of protecting groups of the present invention. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of synthesizing an oligosaccharide or glycoconjugate, comprising the steps of: using a saccharide bearing at least one protecting group of the present invention to glycosylate a second molecule to give a product comprising said saccharide; and removing a protecting group of the present invention from said product.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species present in iron-saccharidic complexes including sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function, based on separation of the iron-saccharidic complex from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilization. Separation of the iron-saccharidic complex permits its analytical quantification; further concentration or purification as a new and useful product; preparation of redesigned formulations for new and useful pharmaceuticals; and/or lyophilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microorganism and a method for producing fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides.

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: The present invention concerns a new epoxypolysaccharide-producing bacterium, the exopolysaccharide isolated from this bacterium and the use of the exopolysaccharide.

Abstract: A dry hydrocolloid powder with cold-gel capabilities is produced by: dissolving a hydrocolloid comprising polysaccharide chains in an aqueous solution; heating the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to induce a substantial alteration in the tertiary structure of the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid; cooling the dissolved hydrocolloid solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to substantially return the polysaccharide chains of the hydrocolloid to their original tertiary structure, wherein the polysaccharide chains form a gelling network; and drying the cooled hydrocolloid solution to form a dry powder. In some embodiments, the dry powder has a viscosity of between about 10 and 40 mPa-s when reconstituted in a 2% weight/weight solution at 25 degrees C. In other embodiments, the dry powder has a water absorption of greater than 20 g H2O/g powder.

Abstract: This invention relates to conjugates of the Vi polysaccharide of S. typhi with the carrier Pseudomonas aeruginosa recombinant exoprotein A (rEPA), and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in humans, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, S. typhi bacterial infections. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies againt S. typhi and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by S. typhi.

Abstract: The present invention describes two novel proteins having fructosyltransferase activity. Both enzymes are derived from lactobacilli, which are food-grade micro-organisms with the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. One of these proteins produces an inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides, while the other produces a levan and fructo-oligosaccharides. According to the invention lactobacilli capable of producing an inulin and/or a levan and/or fructo-oligosaccharides using one or both of the fructosyltransferases can be used as a probiotic or a symbiotic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein having &bgr;1,3-galactosyltransferase activity, a DNA encoding the protein, a transformant comprising the DNA, a process for producing the protein using the transformant, and a process for producing a galactose-containing complex carbohydrate using the transformant.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing plant material by adding water to form a mixture, heating the mixture, and separating a liquid component from a solid-comprising component. At least one of the liquid component and the solid-comprising component undergoes additional processing. Processing of the solid-comprising component produces oils, and processing of the liquid component produces one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention includes a process of forming glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol from plant matter by adding water, heating and filtering the plant matter. The filtrate containing starch, starch fragments, hemicellulose and fragments of hemicellulose is treated to form linear poly-alcohols which are then cleaved to produce one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention also includes a method of producing free and/or complexed sterols and stanols from plant material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds and their pharmaceutical or diagnostic use, or use as a pharmacological target. More particularly, the present invention describes the identification of partners of the FE65 protein and the use of these partners, or of any compound which is capable of modulating, at least partially, their interaction with FE65, for regulating the activity of FE65, and in particular the phenomenon of intracellular transport or of endocytosis of the APP.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a polypeptide which can be used to produce a saccharide having the structure of cyclo{→6)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→}, a DNA encoding the polypeptide, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing oligosaccharides, comprising [[of]] selecting a gene which codes for an enzyme which is capable of converting sucrose into an oligosaccharide; linking the gene to suitable transcription-initiation and transcription-termination signals in order to provide an expression construct; transforming a suitable plant cell with the expression construct; regenerating a transgenic plant from the transformed plant cell; culturing the transgenic plant under conditions enabling the expression and activity of the enzyme; and isolating the oligosaccharides from the transgenic plant. The invention further relates to the product obtained by means of the method and to the use thereof, in addition to transgenic plants and parts thereof which are capable of producing oligosaccharides.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide an industrially useful process for the manufacture of polyguluronic acids having degrees of polymerization less than 20 and substantially free of mannuronic acid contamination. Alginate salts of organic bases are quite soluble in aqueous solution, and remain soluble in aqueous solution throughout a hydrolysis reaction in the range of pH values at which the acidic hydrolysis is effected at a reasonably fast rate. Based on this finding, a solution containing 5 wt. % or more of alginic acid prepared by dissolving alginic acid in water by neutralization with an organic base is provided and then hydrolyzed under acidic conditions, followed by selective precipitation of polyguluronic acids under acidic conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for extracting hemicellulose from fiber, such as corn fiber. The process comprises agitating at least fiber, caustic and optional added water at a moisture content from about 10% to about 60% at high speeds in a highly fluidized state. The process substantially instantaneously extracts the hemicellulose from the fiber. Heat may be applied in the process to extract and dry the hemicellulose substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced from biomass by the process of a heated aqueous solution containing 20 to 40 percent alkali metal hydroxide to break the lignin-cellulose bond. Then the biomass is heated further to remove carbon dioxide from the cellulose and lignin to produce a mixture of carbohydrates, modified sodium lignin, micro-cellulose, lignin-cellulose resinous products and sodium carbonate. Water is added to the mixture and most of the mixture is water soluble. An acidic salt forming compound is added to the aqueous solution until a pH of 3-7 is obtained. The lignin is precipitated. The lignin-cellulose resinous products float to the top and is skimmed off. The solution containing the carbohydrates and salt is decanted off the lignin and is concentrated by evaporating off water. The carbohydrates crystalizes from the solution and the water and salt is filtered off. Water is added to the carbohydrates then it is fermented to form ethanol. The ethanol is recovered from the water by evaporation.

Abstract: An ammonium-based &bgr;-elimination cleavage of linked oligosaccharides from glycoproteins is described. The method enables the isolation of glycoprotein-derived oligosaccharides having a reducing end which enables subsequent derivatization for chromatographic and/or mass spectral analysis. The described glycoprotein cleavage protocol enables structural investigations using low microgram quantities of glycoproteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing microspherical crystallites with a uniform spherical shape and an extremely narrow size distribution. Said crystallites consist wholly or partially of a linear water-insoluble polysaccharide, preferably of 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucane, have a degree of crystallinity of >80% and can contain additional polymers and/or active ingredients, which are in particular biodegradable. They are particularly suitable for the controlled release of active ingredients. They are produced by fusing 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucane or the polysaccharide in water, introducing the fusion into a precipitant, cooling the mixture and separating the particles that have formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture of non-sulfated fucose-based oligosaccharides, characterized in that it comprises oligosaccharides of less than 13 saccharide units, comprising at least one fucose unit in a non-reducing end position, and in that at least it is capable of being obtained by means of a process that comprises at least one step of degradation of a polysaccharide from a microorganism of the gender Klebsiella pneumoiae subsp. pneumoniae. This new mixture presents significant activities on different components of the skin, providing a clearly visible anti-aging result, specially by an excellent thickening of the skin.

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori-binding substances comprising Gal&bgr;3GlcNAc or Gal&bgr;3GalNAc are described, as well as use thereof in pharmaceutical compositions and food-stuff, and methods for treatment of conditions due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Also use of said substance for the identification of bacterial adhesions, for the production of a vaccine against Helicobacter pylori, for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infections, for typing of Helicobacter pylori, for identification of Helicobacter pylori binding substances and for inhibition of the binding of Helicobacter pylori is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding modified polypeptides with fructosyl transferase activity, vectors containing this nucleic acid for the expression of the modified fructosyl transferase in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, host cells and/or transgenic plants containing these vectors, methods for producing high-molecular polyfructans with primarily &bgr;-1,2 bonds and a very low degree of branching, in particular inulin, method for producing fructooligosaccharides using the inulin produced according to the invention or using saccharose, as well as methods for producing difructose dianhydrides using the inulin produced according to the invention or using saccharose, as well as the use of the inulin produced according to the invention for the production of inulin ethers and inulin esters, and the use of fructooligosaccharides or hydrogenated fructooligosaccharides and difructose dianhydrides as a food additive, in particular as a dietetic food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for efficiently producing oligosaccharide for use in pharmaceutical drugs, medicals, glyco chips and the like from cells, said method comprising giving saccharide primers to human cells, plant cells, or yeast, or giving saccharide primers to cells cultured using a high-density culture method.

Abstract: A process for producing a polysaccharide sponge comprises the steps of (A) freezing a photoreactive polysaccharide solution, and (B) irradiating the frozen photoreactive polysaccharide solution with light to crosslink the photoreactive polysaccharide, thereby obtaining the polysaccharide sponge. The process includes simplified steps requiring no removal of solvent, and has such an advantage that impurities are easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Sphingomonas bacteria and a method of producing exopolysaccharides by culturing a Shingomonas bacteria in a fermentation broth for a time and temperature effective for providing a sphingan exopolysaccharide in a slime form.

Abstract: This invention includes a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a sequence for a fructosyltransferase capable of producing a novel fructan, a method for producing transgenic plants exhibiting a novel fructan, transformed plants and plant parts comprising said novel fructan, and products prepared therefrom.

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: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having Family 74 xyloglucanase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

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 present invention is in the field of fructan producing plants. Furthermore the present invention is directed to the production of at least 3 degree of polymermization. Additionally, the present invention is more specifically directed to non fructan producing plant which are transformed or crossed to contain at least two genes of the three fructosyltransferase.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: According to the present invention, &agr;1,2-fucosyltransferase can be expressed in a large amount by using Escherichia coli. Also, a fucose-containing complex carbohydrate can be economically produced in a large amount by contacting the Escherichia coli expressing the &agr;1,2-fucosyltransferase and a microorganism capable of producing GDP-fucose from a sugar and GTP, a microorganism capable of producing GTP from a precursor and an acceptor complex carbohydrate in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and health care food comprise a lower alcohol-insoluble extract of Hovenia dulcis var. Koreana NAKAI or a polysaccharide isolated therefrom having a potent hepatoprotective activity.

Abstract: A modified S7 polysaccharide is disclosed. The polysaccharide contains 20% less glucose that S7. An S7c6 gene cluster is disclosed. A mutated Sphingomonas is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a producibility improver for poultry, comprising a polymannose having a molecular weight distribution in which a polymannose having the molecular weights ranging from 1.8×103 to 1.8×105 accounts for 70% or more; the producibility improver for poultry further comprising a polyphenol compound; the producibility improver for poultry further comprising a delipidated rice bran; and a method of improving producibility for laying hens or edible chicken, using any one of the producibility improvers. According to the present invention, the improvement of producibility for poultry can be made at low costs.