Abstract: A method for depolymerizing polysaccharides containing into saccharide fragments using ozonolysis is described.

Abstract: A polymeric composite material contains a biodegradable polymeric material that can be biologically decomposed in soil. More specifically, it contains bacterial cellulose including ribbon-shaped micro-fibrils that can be biologically decomposed by microbes in addition to the biodegradable polymeric material and shows improved physical properties including tensile strength. Such a polymeric composite material can be prepared by a method including steps of causing predetermined microbes cultured in a liquid culture medium to produce bacterial cellulose, collecting and drying the produced bacterial cellulose into a powdery state and mixing the powdery bacterial cellulose and a biodegradable polymeric material to produce a composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds comprising one or several oligosides, each of said oligosides being fixed in a covalent manner on one or many molecules, matrixs or particles, specifically one, two or three, via an intermediary molecule possessing a nitrogen atom carried by a carbon in &agr; of a C═O group and one or many functional groups, specifically one, two or three, the covalent bond between said intermediary molecule and the oligoside being done by the intermediary of said nitrogen atom, and the covalent bond between said intermediary molecule and said molecule, said matrix, said particle, or said molecules, said matrixs, said particles being done by the intermediary of the said functional groups of said intermediary molecule and appropriate functional groups to the molecule(s), the matrix(ces) or the particle(s).

Abstract: A procedure to isolate large quantities of capsular poly saccharides (CPS) from culture supernatants as well as bacterial cells of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria using base extraction is described. The procedure is simple, rapid, reproducible and applicable to a variety of bacterial species. The method also yields novel CPS characterized by their lack of covalent attachment to extraneous peptidoglycan. Vaccines and methods of immunization against bacterial infection using the CPS obtained by the process of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides versatile sialic acid C-glycoside precursors that are useful for preparing C-glycoside analogs of Gangliosides, peptides, and proteins, as well as synthetic intermediates useful for the preparation of the precursors, and synthetic methods useful for preparing the precursors and the intermediates. The invention also provides gangliosides, peptides, and proteins that comprise sialic acid C-glycoside components, as well as synthetic methods useful for the preparation of such compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides reduced molecular weight gellan gums. The reduced molecular weight gellan gums of this invention generally have a weight average molecular weight less than about 1.7×106, and typically in a range of about 1.2×106 to about 9.3×105. This invention also provides compositions, e.g., solutions and gels, comprising reduced molecular weight gellan gums. The reduced molecular weight gellan gums of this invention may be prepared by any method which reduces the molecular weight of polymers. Such methods include homogenization, sonication, radiation, oxidation and hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safe and effective inhibitor of Helicobacter pylori colonization in the stomach and a food containing the inhibitor. The inhibitor of the present invention comprises as an active ingredient a mucin, especially a mucin from milk of a cow or a mucin from albumen of an egg and is useful for the prevention or treatment of diseases caused by infection of Helicobacter pylori such as peptic ulcers.

Abstract: A glycosaminoglycan derivative is disclosed wherein a first amino group of a spacer compound (NH2—Y—NH2) is bonded to an aldehyde formed by reducing and partially oxidizing a reducing end sugar of a glycosaminoglycan, via an aminoalkyl bond, or a lactone formed by oxidizing and cyclodehydrating the reducing end sugar of a glycosaminoglycan, via an acid amide bond, and further a hydrocarbon compound having a allyl group at one end and a functional group at another end which is bonded to the second amino group of the spacer compound. This derivative is useful as a substrate in a process for identifying a glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzyme that gives good reproducibility and sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to organosilicon compounds modified with mono- or polyhydroxylated hydrocarbon radicals or carbohydrate derivatives and containing units of the general formula (I) AaRbSiXcO(4-a-b-c)/2  (I), in which R is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon radical, X is chlorine, or an alkoxy radical, A is a hydroxylated hydrocarbon, preferably a mono-, oligo-, or polysaccharide, and the sum of a, b, and c≦4. The organosilicon compounds are interface-active.

Abstract: A novel method for making palatinitol comprising a first step of epimerising isomaltose under conditions enabling a mixture of &agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-D-mannose and isomaltose to be achieved, a second step of catalytically hydrogenating the mixture, and a third step of chromatographically depleting the isomaltitol in the hydrogenated mixture to give a roughly equimolecular mixture of &agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-D-sorbitol and &agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-D-mannitol.

Abstract: Libraries are synthesized with oligomeric carbopeptoids and carbonucleotoids. Carbopeptides are oligosaccharides having carbohydrate subunits linked to one another by amide bonds. Carbonucleotoids are oligosaccharides having carbohydrate subunits linked to one another by phosphodiester bonds. Carbopeptide libraries may be fabricated using automated polypeptide synthesizers.

Abstract: A process for saline-solution soluble xanthan gum which comprises the steps of precipitating xanthan gum by mixing, with stirring, an aqueous solution of xanthan gum with an organic solvent which is a non-solvent to xanthan gum but is hydrophilic, removing liquid from the precipitated xanthan gum to a liquid content of at most 50%, disintegrating the cake of xanthan gum after the liquid removal to an average grain size of from 0.3 to 2 cm in diameter, and drying the disintegrated xanthan gum by fluidizing the same at a temperature not exceeding 80° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions and their use in the treatment of inflammatory responses. Specifically, the invention is directed to novel synthetic oligosaccharide constructs and their use to block lymphocyte binding to correspondent oligosaccharides on the endothelial surface, and thus reduce or otherwise ameliorate an undesired inflammatory response. The invention is further directed to the use of such constructs in other disease states characterized by selectin binding, such as bacterial infections and metastatic cancers.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of carbohydrate analysis. More particularly, this invention relates to a simple and inexpensive method for analyzing carbohydrates which can be used to separate mono-, di-, tri- and even poly-saccharides. More specifically, this invention relates to a quantitative and qualitative method for analyzing carbohydrates that may be present in a biological sample by employing a visible dye or chromophore and high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: Methods for syntheses of polyvalent carbohydrate molecules by glycosylations of partially protected polysaccharides with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of glycosylating agents(i.e., a combinatorial library) are disclosed. An alternate method utilizes a glycoside, the aglycon of which carries a halogen which can be under strong alkaline conditions linked with a partially protected polysaccharide by an ether linkage. The product of the latter reaction can be subjected to further glycosylation with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of such agents (=library). The novel resulting polyvalent carbohydrate molecules may be used as antiinfective agents (antibacterial, antiparasital), both for prevention and treatment of diseases, and as agents either for preventing the formation of, or disrupting, biofilms.

Abstract: Solid phase synthetic methods of forming sulfur-linked disaccharides and oligosaccharides are described, wherein a saccharide or oligosaccharide bearing a protected thiol-group at the anomeric carbon is immobilized onto a solid support at any position other than the anomeric carbon atom of the reducing sugar. The resultant immobilized thiol, or a derivative thereof, undergoes nuclcophilic saccharide addition to provide a di- or oligosaccharide.

Abstract: A cement pumpability-enhancing additive which confers good pumpability on cementitious compositions such as concrete consists essentially of(a) polyethylene glycol;(b) diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and/or a derivative thereof;(c) polysaccharide; and(d) a thickening polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid derivatives, polyacrylic amide derivatives, cellulose ethers, polyphenyl ethers and polyalkylene glycol fatty acid esters;the weight solids proportions of (a), (b), (c), and (d) in the additive being respectively 5-55%, 10-80%, 1-20% and 1-20%. The additive is preferably used with a cement dispersing agent.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a high yield process for producing high quality corn fiber gum by hydrogen peroxide treatment of corn fiber during alkaline extraction and/or after obtaining the alkaline extract of milled corn fiber. This process comprises the steps:a) mixing corn fiber with an alkaline solution to form a slurry and extract hemicellulose;b) treating the slurry with hydrogen peroxide at a pH of about 10.0 to 12.5; andc) separating out the insoluble fractions from the corn fiber slurry to yield corn fiber gum.The corn fiber gum produced by this process is highly soluble in water and provides low viscosity solutions which are nearly devoid of color over a wide pH range. The corn fiber gum lacks objectionable flavor and aroma. The corn fiber gum is useful for a variety of applications, including film formation and to thicken, emulsify, stabilize and/or extend aqueous solutions and suspensions.

Abstract: A method for producing an N-acetyllactosamine oligosaccharide, comprising the steps of:adjusting a sulfate group content of keratan sulfate;allowing an enzyme having an ability to cleave a glycosidic linkage of keratan sulfate to act on the keratan sulfate with the adjusted sulfate group content to obtain a sulfated N-acetyllactosamine oligosaccharide; andcompletely desulfating said sulfated N-acetyllactosamine oligosaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and efficient method for the preparation and isolation of biologically active polysaccharides from Aloe. The present invention includes the activated mixture of polysaccharides (referred to herein as "Immuno-10"), produced by the methods of the invention. The invention also includes the use of the polysaccharides as immunostimulating, immunomodulating and wound healing agents. The resulting immunomodulatory complex has a higher activity and is more stable than bulk carbohydrates isolated using prior art alcohol precipitation schemes.

Abstract: Capsular polysaccharides containing multiple sialic acid residues, particularly the Group B polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis, are modified by chemical reaction to randomly introduce pendant reactive residues of heterobifunctional linker molecules to the polysaccharide backbone. The capsular polysaccharide is deacetylated and the heterobifunctional linker molecule is reacted with the deacetylated material and any residual amino groups are blocked by reaction with alkyl acid anhydride. The introduction of the linker molecules to the polysaccharide chain between the termini enables the polysaccharide to be linked to a carrier molecule, such as a protein, to enhance the immunogenicity of the polysaccharide. The conjugate molecule may be formulated as an immunogenic composition for raising antibodies in a host to the polysaccharide.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided comprising:(1) an agent selected from a medicinal agent and a therapeutic agent and combinations thereof in a therapeutically effective amount to treat a disease or condition in humans who will benefit from the treatment with the agent; and(2) hyaluronic acid and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and/or fragments, and subunits of hyaluronic acid, characterized in that said composition(a) is in a dosage form which is suitable for administration in humans; and(b) is in a form in which (i) component (1) is in an effective dosage amount to treat said disease or condition by penetration at the site to be treated; and (ii) component (2) is immediately available to transport component (1) at the site to be treated, and which component (2) is in an effective non-toxic amount to facilitate the transport of component (1) upon administration, through the tissue including scar tissue, at the site to be treated and through the cell membranes or the individual cells to be

Abstract: The aging of swellable starch maleates is reduced by reacting with one or more singly and/or multiply functional nucleophiles as in a Michael condensation reaction. Mixtures of mercaptoethanol and 1,2-bis-(2-mercaptoethoxy)-ethane or mixtures of sodium bisulfite and pentaerythrite-tetrakis-(2-mercaptoacetate) are preferred. The decrease of the retention capacity [SRV] in the reaction products after 100 days is preferably <10%. The products find use as biodegradable, non-aging superabsorbers.

Abstract: Carrageenan compostions comprising from about from about 79 mol % to about 95 mol % iota carrageenan and from about 0.1 mol % to about 10 mol % nu carrageenan, and carrageenan and compositions which exhibit elastic modulus, G'--1 Hz at 5.degree. C., of greater than about 200 Pa, elastic modulus, G'--1 Hz at 25.degree. C., of less than about 200 Pa, viscous modulus, G"--0.2 Hz at 5.degree. C., of from about 5 Pa to about 25 Pa, and melting point of less than 60.degree. C., in a 1.2 wt % aqueous gel, and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: A novel endo-fucoidan-lyase and a novel microorganism useful in the production of sugar compounds. Sugar compounds represented by the following general formula (1), wherein at least one of alcoholic hydroxyl group has been sulfated, or salts thereof: ##STR1## wherein Y represents hydrogen or a group represented by the following formula (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new isolated polysaccharide originating from Streptococcus thermophilus comprising the following repeat structure, and which may be use for the preparation of a food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition intended for inhibiting .beta.-galactoside specific lectins.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronate esters and salts thereof are sulfated such that the number of sulfate groups per monomeric unit is in the range of from 0.5 to 3.5. The sulfated derivatives exhibit anticoagulant and cell adhesion reduction properties, and may be used to prepare biomaterials.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that retrograded starch having more than 55% resistant starch with >50% chains of DP 10-35 gives rise to a significantly higher amount of n-butyrate production under conditions simulating the human colon. It is expected that such an increased n-butyrate production will diminish the development of colon diseases notably of colon cancer.

Abstract: Reaction at the interface of an organic solution containing an acidic reactant and an aqueous alkaline solution containing nonreducing carbohydrates such as sucrose, sugar alcohols, cyclodextrins, and polysaccharides imparts a specificity to the reaction for one or more of the primary alcohol groups of the carbohydrate reactant. The resulting activated, nonreducing carbohydrate intermediate can then be converted to a series of substantially pure, low molecular weight reaction products, including a sucrose trimer and dianhydrosucrose, and to a series of substantially pure, higher molecular weight reaction products, including 6-O-sucro cyclodextrins and poly-6-O-sucro amylose.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the preparation of sialyl galactosides. The methods use sialyl transferase cycle in which the reaction conditions are optimized to provide increased yields.

Abstract: A method for depolymerizing polysaccharides containing into saccharide fragments using ozonolysis is described.

Abstract: A method for obtaining sulphated polysaccharides using the free radical depolymerization of a fucan from Phaeophyceae in the presence of a metal catalyst and of hydrogen peroxide is described. The method of the invention provides polysaccharide fractions with a molecular weight of 10,000 g/mol or less, with anticoagulant properties.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by a bacteria selected from the group consisting of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, H. parainfluenza, Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia, and a mixture thereof, comprising a binding inhibiting effective amount of the compound of Formula I, ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is H, (.beta.-1)GalNAc-, SO.sub.3 B (where B is H or a cation) or a sialic acid of Formula II; ##STR2## where R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, and R.sub.10 are each independently H, C.sub.1-6 acyl, lactyl, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, sulfate, phosphate, anhydro, a sialic acid of Formula II, (.alpha.-1)Fuc, (.beta.-1)Glc or (.beta.-1)Gal;R.sub.9 is NH--C.sub.1-6 acyl, glycolylamido, amino or hydroxyl; andA is H or a cation;R.sub.2 is H or (.alpha.-1)Fuc-;R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently OH or NHAc;R.sub.5 is H, SO.sub.

Abstract: A thermostable trehalose phosphorylase which is obtainable from microorganisms of the genus Thermoanaerobium and which hydrolyzes trehalose in the presence of an inorganic phosphoric acid to form D-glucose and .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid. The trehalose phosphorylase can be also prepared by recombinant DNA technology. When the enzyme is allowed to contact with .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid as a saccharide donor in the presence of other saccharides, glucosyl-transferred saccharides including glucosyl-D-galactoside, which are conventionally known but scarcely obtainable, can be produced on an industrial-scale and in a relatively-low cost.

Abstract: The invention provides an excellent vascular intimal hyperplasia-inhibitory composition which comprises a sea cucumber-derived sulfated polysaccharide as an active ingredient and which causes no hemorrhagic symptoms and is useful particularly in the prevention of post-PTCA restenosis of the coronary arteries.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a humectant, antistatic agent, film-forming agent or dispersant comprising an effective amount of a polysaccharide produced by two strains of Kliebsiella composed of D-glucuronic acid, L-rhamnose, D-galactose and D-glucose in a molar ratio of D-glucuronic acid:L-rhamnose:D-galactose:D-glucose=0.8-1.2:2.4-3.6:0.8-1.2:0.8-1.2.

Abstract: Conjugates between one or more repeated subunits of an antigen and a carbohydrate polymer are desired. Also described are immunogenic vaccines against disease states which contain the conjugates and methods for inducing cell-mediated immune responses. The conjugates may especially contain polymers of the carbohydrate mannose and one or more repeated subunits of human mucin.

Abstract: A cosmetic or pharmaceutical, particularly dermatological, composition including an effective amount of laminarin or laminarin-derived oligosaccharides as the active ingredient. It has been discovered that laminarin, oligosaccharides derived therefrom and compositions containing same have stimulating, regenerating, conditioning and energising effects on human dermis fibroblasts and human epidermis keratinocytes. Said composition is useful in cosmetics and pharmacology.

Abstract: Novel polysaccharide compounds are disclosed for decorating biomolecular surfaces to increase isotropic size and mask antigenicity. The oligosaccharides may be synthesized as repeating disaccharide units, or may be derived by acid hydrolysis of naturally occurring polysaccharides. Such natural sources include chondroitins obtained from shark cartilage, or hyaluronic acid. The polyanionic sulfate groups contained in the sugar moieties impart negative charges which repel the molecules from the negatively charged wall of capillaries, to lengthen retention times of decorated drug molecules, such as crosslinked hemoglobin, in the peripheral circulation.

Abstract: Methods for syntheses of polyvalent carbohydrate molecules by glycosylations of partially protected polysaccharides with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of glycosylating agents (i.e., a combinatorial library) are disclosed. An alternate method utilizes a glycoside, the aglycon of which carries a halogen which can be under strong alkaline conditions linked with a partially protected polysaccharide by an ether linkage. The product of the latter reaction can be subjected to further glycosylation with a single glycosylating agent or a mixture of such agents (=library). The novel resulting polyvalent carbohydrate molecules may be used as antiinfective agents (antibacterial, antiparasital), both for prevention and treatment of diseases, and as agents either for preventing the formation of, or disrupting, biofilms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new isolated exo-polysaccharide originating from Streptococcus thermophilus consisting of essentially D-galactose, L-rhamnose and D-glucose in a molar ratio of 3:2:1, and optionally consisting of the following repeat structure. This polysaccharide may be used in flavor reactions, and for the preparation of a food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition intended for inhibiting .beta.-galactoside specific lectins.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a carbohydrate or a glycoconjugate without forming any hydrolytic product of the remodeled sugar chain.A process for producing a carbohydrate or a glycoconjugate by a remodeling reaction in the presence of a glycosidase which performs the remodeling reaction in an aqueous medium containing a water-soluble ketone and/or dioxane. Examples of the glycosidase include endoglycosidases such as Endo-A. Examples of the ketone include acetone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new branched natural soluble polysaccharide comprising a main chain having repeating side chains which are only made of lactose units, possibly substituted.The present invention also concerns the microorganism by which this branched polysaccharide may be obtained and the food composition, the cosmetical composition and the pharmaceutical composition comprising said branched polysaccharide and/or microorganism.

Abstract: A .beta.-fructofuranosidase with a molecular weight of 49,000.+-.5,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE, an isoelectric point of 4.6.+-.0.5, an optimum pH of about 5.5-6.0, and an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. in the presence of calcium ion. The enzyme acts on saccharides with a .beta.-fructofuranosidic linkage and other substances including other saccharides, sugar alcohols, and alcohols to produce fructosyl-transferred saccharides in a relatively high yield.

Abstract: A vaccine comprising purified outer-polysaccharide (OPS) is effective for protection against brucellosis. The vaccine is derived from Brucella or a variety of cross reactive bacteria. The vaccine can be administered by different routes (intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, orally). The vaccine is effective in protecting against other infectious bacteria, aside from Brucella. It is likely that the vaccine can be given after infection to reduce illness.

Abstract: Water-soluble polysaccharide polymers are provided including a polymer composed of repeating pentamer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:2:1, and a polymer composed of repeating tetramer units having a D-glucose:D-mannose:D-glucuronic acid ratio of about 2:1:1. The D-glucose moieties are linked in a beta-?1,4! configuration. The inner D-mannose moieties are linked in an alpha-?1,3! configuration, generally to alternate glucose moieties. The D-glucuronic acid moieties are linked in a beta-?1,2! configuration to the inner mannose moieties. The outer mannose moieties are linked to the glucuronic acid moieties in a beta-?1,4! configuration. Also an isolated acetylase deficient mutant of Xanthomonas is used in a process to produce the polysaccharide.

Abstract: Fucans with low molecular weight having anticoagulant, antithrombinic and antithrombotic activity.Fucan sulfates having molecular weight between 14000 and 29000 Dalton show a remarkable anticoagulant activity both in the global coagulation mechanism (APTT) and in the last phase of coagulation (antithrombinic activity). These compounds are useful also as antithrombotic drugs.

Abstract: A keratan sulfate oligosaccharide which comprises from two to five sugar units and has sulfated N-acetylglucosamine at the reducing end and in a molecule of which at least two hydroxyl groups are sulfated, preferably, which contains at least disaccharide represented by the formula Gal(6S)-GlcNAc(6S) (in the formula, Gal, GlcN, Ac, and 6S represent a galactose, a glucosamine, an acetyl group, and a 6-O-sulfate ester, respectively) as a constitutional ingredient, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are used as active ingredients of anti-inflammatory agents, antiallergic agents, immunomodulators, cell differentiation inducers, and apoptosis inducers.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluoroalkyl derivatives of uronic acids of the formula: ##STR1## and the corresponding lactones, as well as a process for the preparation of the said compounds, which comprises reacting a glycosiduronic acid or a glycosiduronolactone with an alcohol of formula R.sub.1 OH, which process may also include steps of basiciation and acidification. The compounds according to the invention may be used in particular as surfactants.