Abstract: The present invention provides for a polysaccharide produced by subjecting a Sphingomonas bacterium modified with a S7c6 gene cluster or segment thereof to aerobic fermentation in a nutrient aqueous broth for a time sufficient to produce the polysaccharide dissolved therein, including L-Rhap, D-Glcp and 2-deoxy-&bgr;-D-arabino-HexpA in a molar ratio of 1:3:1, wherein the polysaccharide has at least 20% less glucose per repeat unit compared to a heteropolysaccharide S-7 produced by an unmodified Sphingomonas strain S7, and the segment includes at least the spsB and rhsACBD genes.

Abstract: In a homogeneous immunoassay, fluorophore-conjugated lipopolysaccharide derived bacterial antigens are reacted with antibodies specific for the antigens. Quantitative detection of the formation of an immune complex is obtained by measuring the change in fluorescence polarization after complex formation. The reaction occurs quickly (less than two minutes to equilibrium), and involves the addition of only one reagent to a diluted serum specimen. The absence of a solid phase separation step eliminates false positive results and increases throughput.

Abstract: A new adsorbent of a porous mineral oxide material with apatite crystals, preferably hydroxyapatite crystals, in the pores of the mineral oxide material is disclosed.

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 method of treating alginic acid to produce polyguluronic acids.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for clarifying an aqueous xanthan gum solution comprising treatment of the xanthan solution with at least one chelating agent, surfactant, organic acid, or a mixture thereof, and with a protease enzyme or a lysozyme and a protease enzyme. Also disclosed is a highly purified solid xanthan gum and compositions containing the same, wherein the gum is obtained from the clarified xanthan gum solution.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a synthetic construct comprising a linear core chain having two or more side chains pending directly from different points on the linear core chain. Each of the side chains comprises an epitopic site of an antigen or a peptide. The synthetic constructs are monomeric units that can be linked together or polymerized to form a polymer. In this embodiment the epitopic sites of the side chains may be the same or different. The linear core chain may be a linear sequence of amino acids having two or more of the same peptide pending directly from different points on the linear sequence. Another aspect of the present invention concerns a support having one or more of the above synthetic constructs or polymers coupled thereto. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to antibodies raised against the above synthetic constructs or polymers. The antibodies can be purified using the above mentioned supports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photoactivatable compound comprising a support molecule chosen from carbon-containing and/or sulfur-containing and/or nitrogen-containing and/or phosphorus-containing nonpolymer compounds, polymers and oligomers and to which are covalently bonded at least two species containing chemical groups which, after irradiation between 200 et 450 nm, are converted into reactive species capable of reacting with chemical groups belonging to other molecules. The invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising at least one photoactivatable compound according to the invention, and also to a cosmetic treatment process using this composition.

Abstract: A method for the separation of at least one glyco-containing entity, in which method said entity or entities dissolved/suspended in a liquid is/are contacted with a polymer, which has boronic acid covalently coupled to said polymer and previously has been equilibrated with said liquid, to form a boronate-glyco-complex whereafter the glyco-containing entity or entities is/are released from the boronate-modified polymer is disclosed, wherein said liquid contains one or more substances capable of forming complexes with boronic acids/boronate anions, which complexes are weaker than the boronate-glyco-complex but stronger than complexes formed by interactions others than glyco-boronate.

Abstract: Food or beverage where fucoidan which is derived from a fucoidan-containing substance is contained therein, added thereto and/or diluted therein. Food or beverage where fucoidan which is derived from a fucoidan-containing substance and where algins are reduced or eliminated, is contained therein. Apoptosis-inducing food or beverage where an effective amount of fucoidan having an apoptosis-inducing ability is contained therein.

Abstract: This invention provides a mutant Sphingomonas microorganism which produces a polysaccharide polymer comprising repeating tetramer units having a D-glucose:D-glucuronic acid:L-rhamnose ratio of about 2:1:1, wherein the D-glucose moieties are linked in a &bgr;-[1,4] configuration to the D-glucuronic acid moiety. One of the D-glucose moieties is linked to the L-rhamnose moiety in an &agr;-[1,3] configuration, the other glucose moiety is linked to the L-rhamnose moiety in a &bgr;-[1,4] configuration, wherein the polysaccharide polymer is substantially non-acetylated. This invention also provides the substantially non-acetylated polymer, as well as process for obtaining the substantially non-acetylated polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanes for the contamination-free purification or separation of biopolymers.

Abstract: Methods to rapidly produce and identify polysaccharides, and other sugar structures, having enhanced activities, have been developed. The methods include producing a molecule, e.g., a therapeutic molecule, which includes a first, non-saccharide moiety (e.g., a protein, polypeptide, peptide, amino acid or lipid) and a second, polysaccharide, moiety. The method includes: determining the chemical composition and structure of all or a portion of the second moiety, modifying the structure of the second moiety to provide a modified second moiety, and evaluating or screening the molecule having the modified second moiety, e.g., for a biological activity or other chemical or physical property. In some embodiments, the step of determining the chemical structure and composition of the second moiety includes a comparison of one or more properties of the second moiety with a database, e.g., a database which correlates such one or more properties with structure or function of a polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of fucanes for obtaining medicines for modulating metalloprotease and inhibiting leukocytic elastase. Said medicines help activate collagen synthesis inhibit proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, and activate proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. They are useful in particular for treating periodontal pathologies and dermal lesions.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide sequences of Aspegillus fumigatus that encode proteins which exhibit enzyme activities. Vectors, expression constructs, and host cells comprising the nucleotide sequences of the enzyme genes are also provided. The invention further provides methods for producing the enzymes, and methods for modifying the enzymes in order to improve their desirable characteristics. The activities displayed by the enzymes of the invention include those of a tannase, cellulase, glucose oxidase, glucoamylase, phytase, &bgr;-galactosidases, invertase, lipase, &agr;-amylase, laccase, polygalacturonase or xylanase. The enzymes of the invention can be used in a variety of industrial processes. Enzymatically active compositions in various forms as well as antibodies to the enzymes and fragments thereof, are also provided.

Abstract: Modified polysaccharides (such as starches, gums, chitosans, celluloses, alginates, sugars, etc.), which are commonly used in the paper industry as strengthening agents, surface sizes, coating binders, emulsifiers and adhesives, can be combined into a single molecule with amphiphilic hydrocarbons (e.g. surface active agents) which are commonly utilized in the paper industry to control absorbency, improve softness, enhance surface feel and function as dispersants. The resulting molecule is a modified polysaccharide having surface active moieties which can provide several potential benefits, depending on the specific combination employed, including: (a) strength aids that do not impart stiffness; (b) softeners that do not reduce strength; (c) wet strength with improved wet/dry strength ratio; (d) debonders with reduced tinting and sloughing; (e) strength aids with controlled absorbency; and (g) surface sizing agents with improved tactile properties.

Abstract: A process for preparing beta-fructofuranosidase enzyme and a process for producing fructooligosaccharides, in which the preparation of the enzyme is obtained by cultivating the fungus Aspergillus niger, either wild or mutated, in a preferably semi-solid culture medium, in order to produce an extracellular enzyme, which is submitted to transfructosylation for producing fructooligosaccharides comprising sugars which are formed by one unit of sacrose and by two, three and four units of fructose.

Abstract: Stable microdispersed polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof contain in their polymeric chain from 8 to 30 percent by weight of carboxyl groups, at least 80 percent by weight of these groups being of the uronic type, at most 5 percent by weight of carbonyl groups including intra- and inter-molecular 2,6 and 3,6 hemiacetals, 2,4-hemialdals and C2 and C3 aldehydes. The molecular mass of the polymeric chain is from 1×103 to 3×105 Daltons. The microdispersed products are prepared by subjecting a polyanhydroglucuronic acid-containing material to partial or complete hydrolysis and neutralisation in an oxidative environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer-linked composition having the structure: wherein RA and RB are each independently a linear or branched chain alkyl or an aryl group; wherein is a polymeric support; wherein L is a linker selected from the group consisting of a single bond; a saturated or unsaturated oligomethylene chain, etc., a 1,4-phenylene; or a 1,4-phenylenemethylene moiety, said moiety being optionally substituted by at least one linear or branched alkyl, alkoxy group etc.; and wherein RC is a linear or branched acyclic, cyclic or multicyclic moiety, said moiety being optionally unsaturated and/or substituted by at least one hydrogen, ORi, alkyl, etc.; wherein Ri is hydrogen, CHO, COORii, or a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain alkyl, etc.; wherein if RC is cyclic, said moiety is optionally aromatic and/or heterocyclic; or if multicyclic, said moiety is optionally a fused multicyclic, fully or partially aromatic and/or heterocyclic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of perbenzylated 1-O-glycosides of general formula I or salts thereof in which sugar1 is a monosaccharide that is functionalized in 1-OH-position, R represents benzyl, n means 2, 3 or 4, means —O—, —S—, —COO— or —NH— and L means a straight-chain, branched, saturated or unsaturated C1-C30 carbon chain, which optionally is interrupted or substituted by groups. The process according to the invention starts from economical starting materials, provides good yields and allows the production of perbenzylated saccharides with 1-O-functionalized side chains on an enlarged scale.

Abstract: A nutraceutical composition containing 0.01-99% by weight polysaccharides enriched from an extract of beans of Glycine max (L.) Merr. Also disclosed are a method of enriching polysaccharides from pulverized beans of Glycine max (L.) Merr.; a polysaccharide having a backbone of &agr;-(1,6)-linked glucose residues, and one or more galactose or mannose residues are bonded to the C-3 or C-4 position of one or more of the glucose residues by a (1,3)- or a (1,4)-linkage; and a method of treating a subject with such polysaccharides to increase blood cell counts.

Abstract: The reactivity of a number of p-methylphenyl thioglycoside (STol) donors which are either fully protected or have one hydroxyl group exposed has been quantitatively determined by HPLC in conjunction with the development of a broadly applicable approach for a facile one-pot synthesis of oligosaccharides. The influence on reactivity of the structural effects of different monosaccharide cores and different protecting groups on each glycoside donor is characterized and quantified. In addition, a correlation between glycosyl donor reactivity and the chemical shift of the anomeric proton by 1H NMR has been established. A database of thioglycosides as glycosyl donors has been created using this reactivity data. The utility is demonstrated by the easy and rapid one-pot assembly of various linear and branched oligosaccharide structures.

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

Abstract: 6-tert-Butyl-1,1-dimethylindane derivatives which are unsaturated in the 4-position of formula: X represents: (i) either a radical of formula: (a)  and Y represents a radical of formula: (b) (ii) or a radical of formula: (c)  and Y represents either a radical of formula (b) or a radical of formula: Z being —O—, —S— or R1 represents —CH3, —(CH2)p—OR4, —(CH2)p—COR5 or —S(O)t—R6, p being 0, 1, 2 or 3, t being 0, 1 or 2, R2 represents H or lower alkyl, R3 represents H, lower alkyl or —COR7, R4 represents H, lower alkyl, —COR7, aryl, aralkyl, mono- or polyhydroxyalkyl, or a polyether radical, R5 represents H, lower alkyl, —OR8 or —N(r′)(r″), R6 represents H or lower alkyl, R7 represents lower alkyl, R8 represents H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, mono- or polyhydroxyalkyl, a sugar residu

Abstract: A method of producing biosynthetic copolymers comprising glucose and glucose analogs is provided. Glucose:glucose analog copolymers such as glucose:glucosamine, glucose:N-acetylglucosamine and glucose:glucosamine:N-acetylglucosamine are also provided.

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: A process for preparing functional sugar polymers comprising transferring a monosaccharide or oligosaccharide to an acceptor, removing by-products, separating polymers which have not achieved the desired chain length and recycling these underdeveloped polymers, and an apparatus for producing same.

Abstract: Process for bulk autoclaving of polysaccharides, wherein the process includes: a) dissolving the polysaccharides in an aqueous solution and mixing until a homogeneous solution is obtained; b) filling the resulting solution in at least one container; c) placing the filled container(s) including the solution in an autoclave; d) placing a sensor in at least one of the containers; and e) autoclaving the filled containers.

Abstract: Compounds that are modified polysaccharides having pendant aldehyde functionalities are disclosed. Each of the aldehyde functionalities is attached through a linker to a position corresponding to a hydrogen atom of a different hydroxyl group of unmodified polysaccharide. Also disclosed is a method for introducing an amine-reactive functionality into a dextran. The method comprises (a) reacting the dextran with an alkylating agent having a functionality that reacts with an hydroxyl group of the dextran thereby forming an alkylated dextran wherein the alkylating agent has an olefin group and (b) treating the alkylated dextran to convert the olefin group to an amine-reactive functionality. A polysaccharide can be conjugated to a biomolecule by carrying out the above method and reacting the amine-reactive functionality with an amine functionality on the biomolecule to produce polysaccharide conjugated to the biomolecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of modulating capsular polysaccharide production in pneumococci such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention further relates to methods of alleviating pneumococcal infections in animals, and to methods of identifying both agents capable of modulating pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis and agents useful for alleviating pneumococcal infections in animals.

Abstract: This invention provides glycoside polymers or glycosides which are useful as a material for functional foods, biodegradable fibers or medicaments, said glycoside polymers being produced efficiently by subjecting a compound of the formula (1): wherein R1 is —OH, R2 is —OH or —NHCOCH3, R3 is —CH2OH, —COOH or —CH3, to a melt polymerization or a solution polymerization in the presence of a solid superacid, and said glycosides being produced by reacting the compound (1) with a saturated or unsaturated alcohol in the presence of a solid superacid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a heteropolysaccharide (HP) characterised in that it is obtainable by fermenting in a medium comprising at least an Agrobacterium radiobacter I-2001 (or DSM 12095) strain, one of its recombinants, or one of its mutants, and a carbon source capable of being assimilated by said strain, one of its recombinants or one of its mutants. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said heteropolysaccharide and its use as thickening and/or gelling agent.

Abstract: Conjugate molecules comprising a ligand bonded to a polymer are disclosed. One such conjugate molecule comprises a ligand bonded to a polymer, a chelating agent bonded to the polymer, and a radioisotope chelated to the chelating agent. The conjugate molecules may be useful in detecting and/or treating tumors or biological receptors. These conjugate molecules may be synthesized without the necessity of preactivation of the ligand using an SCN-polymer-chelating agent precursor. Conjugate molecules incorporating an annexin V ligand are particularly useful for visualizing apoptotic cells. Conjugate molecules incorporating a C225 ligand are particularly useful for targeting tumors expressing EGFR.

Abstract: A method for the laboratory determination of prosthetic infections is described. This method, performed on biological fluids isolated from patients, is based on the detection of antibodies specific for the polysaccharides produced by bacteria colonizing prosthetic devices.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide molecular compounds useful in the fields of state-of-the-art materials, such as formulations, waste water treatments, energy transducers, conductors and bio-model reactions, in a way that interaction points and forces working inside polymer assemblies are fixed as well as controlled so that constituent polymers are aligned and modified. It is also an object of the present invention to provide methods for aligning and/or modifying polymers having hydrogen bond sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic composition which includes at least one polysaccharide derived from bacteria of hydrothermal origin. This polysaccharide can consist of an exopolysaccharide which is derived from fermenting the said bacteria. This composition can be applied, in particular, to everyday care products for all types of skin.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for the protection, treatment and repair of connective tissue in mammals and a method for the treatment of connective tissue in mammals by the administration of the composition. The composition includes glucosamine and preferably chondroitin sulfate or fragments thereof. The composition optionally includes manganese ascorbate which catalyzes the production of collagen and proteoglycans from the glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing modified polysaccharide in contact with a sugar group transferring enzyme and a sugar group donor. The result of the method is modified polysaccharides, which can be used for different food and non-food applications.

Abstract: Molecules having potential biological activity, particularly peptoids, that are conjugated to solid phase supports, spacer groups, and/or ligation moieties, and methods of their preparation, are described. In some instances, the molecules of the invention are made entirely by solid phase synthesis. In other instances, the spacer groups are hydrophilic and compositions containing them, and to solid phase synthesis of varied structure peptoids using chemoselective ligation moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds and their uses, in particular their pharmaceutical or diagnostic uses or their use as pharmacological targets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel protein, referred to as PAP1, as well as to novel peptides and compounds which are capable of modulating, at least partially, the activity of parkin.

Abstract: A purified form of a gel-forming component of psyllium seed husks is disclosed, along with a process for obtaining the gel-forming fraction from psyllium seed husks. Methods of using this gel-forming fraction as a laxative and hypocholesterolemic agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to prepare new or unexpected polymorphs of materials which have not been observed, or to obtain a known polymorph under different conditions than those in which it is usually made, by using a laser to cause nucleation and crystal growth to occur in a supersaturated solution in such a way as to obtain a crystal structure which would not normally appear without the use of the laser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymannuronate composition including polymannuronate having molecular weight from about 4,000 to about 500,000 in a high purity. The composition can be used in producing nutritional compositions such as functional foods and health aids. Also, the composition can be used in a pharmaceutical composition along with a pharmaceutical carrier. The composition has various effects, including controlling serum lipids, preventing hyperlipidemia, preventing obesity, preventing diabetes, enhancing functions of liver, expelling heavy metals from a body, etc. Further disclosed is a process to producing the polymannuronate composition, in which alginate is hydrolyzed and then the polymannuronate components are isolated. Further disclosed herein is a composition produced by that process. In the hydrolysis, an organic acid is preferably used, and the isolation of the polymannuronate involves adjustment of pH of the resulting mixture of the hydrolysis.

Abstract: This invention describes improvements in or relating to the production of polysaccharide derivatives; more particularly it relates to a method of converting insoluble polysaccharides to a form in which they form part of an anhydrous system in which they may be used as chemical intermediates in the production of derivatives.

Abstract: Emulsifiers based on the reaction product of hydrocolloid and dicarboxylic anhydrides, especially useful in the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions.

Abstract: Disclosed are derivatized malto-oligosaccharides and methods for the preparation thereof. In accordance with the disclosed invention, a malto-oligosaccharide is hydrogenated to thereby obtain a hydrogenated malto-oligosaccharide, and the resulting hydrogenated malto-oligosaccharide is derivatized, such as via oxidation, esterification, etherification, or enzymatic modification. The derivatization of such hydrogenated malto-oligosaccharides results in a surprisingly low level of a formation of by-products and products of degradation. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a mixture of malto-oligosaccharides is catalytically hydrogenated under reaction conditions suitable to substantially preserve the degree of polymerization (DP) profile of the mixture. The resulting malto-oligosaccharide mixture then is derivatized to form a derivatized malto-oligosaccharide mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is an enzyme-decomposable polymer compound having recyclable decomposition products. The polymeric compound is a glycopolymer of a saccharide having only glucopyranose rings and a second component. In addition, the glycopolymer may contain molecular chains having at least one type of repeating unit, which chains are crosslinked by a saccharide having only glucopyranose rings.

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 relates to simplified synthesis, new carbohydrate-based products and practical use of different carbohydrate-based products. Examples of these are (Gal&agr;1-3Gal), GlcNAc&bgr;1-3Gal, &agr;- or &bgr;-glycosides thereof, Gal&agr;1-3Gal- containing tri-, or higher oligosaccharides, &agr;- or &bgr;-glycosides thereof, GlcNAc&bgr;1-3Gal containing tri-, tetra-, or higher oligosaccharides, and derivatives and/or &agr;- or &bgr;-glycosides thereof, Gal&agr;1-3GalGlcNAc&bgr;1-3Gal, &agr;- or &bgr;-glycosides thereof, Gal&agr;1-3Gal&bgr;1-4GlcNAc&bgr;1-3Gal&bgr;1-4Glc, or other higher oligosaccharides containing the Gal&agr;1-3Gal-structure, &agr;- or &bgr;-glycosides thereof, modified carbohydrates, di-, tri-, oligo-, or polyfunctional products containing carbohydrate structures, and the use of the products for synthesis, affinity purification, diagnostic applications and therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Enterobacter sp. isolated from the root bark of Chinese elm, which produces immunostimulating exopolysaccharides with anticancer activity, a process for preparing the exopolysaccharides by fermenting the said microorganism in a culture medium, exopolysaccharides prepared by the process and their uses thereof. The exopolysaccharides of the invention have a molecular weight of 100,000 to 1,000,000 and consist of 40-75% of total sugar, 5-15% of total acidic sugar and 10-25% of total protein. The exopolysaccharides exhibits a high immunoenhancing activity in immune cell proliferation, direct mitogenicity and mixed lymphocyte reaction, and further a high anticancer activity in vivo by virtue of immunostimulation. Moreover, the production of the exopolysaccharides by fermentation of a microorganism, makes it possible to provide the exopolysaccharides with a uniform quality and mass production without destruction of the plant species.