Abstract: This invention relates to a process of manufacturing a cellulose molding, a plant component extracting apparatus and a process of manufacturing cellulose acetate. In one embodiment of the invention, the process of manufacturing a cellulose molding comprises steaming corncob meal at a temperature of 150 to 250° C. and a pressure of 20 to 29 MPa, filtering the steamed corncob meal with a filtering device to obtain a solid and molding the solid.

Abstract: Methods for recovering valuable compounds and substances from plants after distillation of oils are disclosed. The methods involve various aqueous and non-aqueous solvent extraction of plant material from which oils have been distilled previously.

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 present invention relates to an improved process for extracting and subsequently isolating components from biological material, in particular sugar beets.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel clarified hydrocolloids which substantially retain the physical properties of unclarified hydrocolloids. The invention also pertains to a novel process for making the clarified hydrocolloids. A process of producing a hydrocolloid which, when hydrated, forms a clear sol comprising: (a) soaking a hydrocolloid containing material dispersed in water until the hydrocolloid is hydrated; (b) stirring the hydrated hydrocolloid until a homogenous particulate containing sol is obtained; (c) removing insoluble particulates to produce a clarified sol; (d) removing remaining particulates in the clarified sol by filtration; and (e) recovering the clarified hydrocolloid from the filtrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing an extract comprising a mixture of madecassoside, terminoloside and optionally asiaticoside, an extract of Centella asiatica comprising more than 75 wt % of a mixture of madecassoside, terminoloside and asiaticoside, relative to the extract total weight, an extract of Centella asiatica comprising more than 95 wt. % of a mixture of madecassoside and terminoloside relative to the extract total weight and their use for regulating inflammatory mechanisms.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I286394. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I286394, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I286394 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I286394 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I286394.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new, particularly economical process for preparing particulate water-soluble cellulose derivatives. The process involves forming a feed composition of swollen and/or dissolved cellulose derivative, and water. The feed composition is contacted with a superheated gas mixture, in a sieve-free high rotational speed gas jet impact mill, and the cellulose derivative of the feed composition is converted into a solid state form of finely particulate particles. The superheated gas mixture, with which the feed composition is contacted, is selected from: (i) a superheated gaseous mixture of steam and an inert gas; and (ii) a superheated gas mixture of steam and air. The superheated gas mixture has a steam content of 40 wt. % to 99 wt. %, based on the total weight of the superheated gas mixture.

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: Isoflavone concentrates are described, which contain at least about ten to about twenty weight parts of polysorbate to one weight part of isoflavone containing a genistein, and/or daidcein, and/or glycitein. Further, a method for the production of an isoflavone concentrate is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating hemicelluloses from a biomass containing hemicelluloses. The method includes the steps of: a) extracting the hemicelluloses from the biomass containing hemicelluloses by treating them with a complex compound in an aqueous solution, and forming a soluble hemicellulose complex, and b) separating the complexed hemicelluloses from the biomass. The method is especially suitable for producing high-quality chemical conversion pulp from raw cellulose. The products produced with the method of the invention have a high degree of purity, and the method is extremely economical and causes few emissions. Hemicelluloses in a pure form can be obtained as by-products of the method.

Abstract: The present invention herein provides a chitosan-containing polysaccharide and a method for the preparation thereof as well as a medicine and a food containing the polysaccharide. The chitosan-containing polysaccharide is prepared by a method comprising the steps of heat-treating a fungus in a concentrated aqueous caustic alkali solution; subjecting the resulting solution to a solid-liquid separation treatment; dissolving the resulting solid contents in an aqueous organic acid solution; adding, to the resulting solution, an alcohol or a caustic alkali to thus form precipitates; washing the resulting precipitates; and then drying them. This chitosan-containing polysaccharide is a compound in which homopolymers of glucosamine are linked with glucan through covalent bonds; it has a molar ratio of glucosamine and glucose constituting the polysaccharide ranging from 1:5 to 5:1; it has a molecular weight of about 150,000; and it does not contain any ?(1?3) bonds, but comprises ?(1?4) bonds and ?(1?6) bonds.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention prepare carrageenan products from processed seaweed material having a solids content of less than 25% by weight solids, using shear stress treatment. The carrageenan products comprise at least about 60% by weight of carrageenan and at least about 2% by weight of acid insoluble material. The carrageenan products of the present invention are useful as components in food products, such as, dairy products, meats, and dessert gels as well as non-food products, such as, toothpaste formulations, cosmetics, paints, films and delivery capsules.

Abstract: A composition for sweetening foodstuffs comprises at least one sweetening agent (e.g., polyol, monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, and combinations thereof), and inulin, which comprises at least about 25 percent by weight of the combination of sweetening agent and inulin. A foodstuff comprises a sweetening composition comprising at least one sweetening agent (e.g., polyol, monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide, and combinations thereof), and inulin, which comprises at least about 25 percent by weight of the combination of sweetening agent and inulin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing a substrate for the transglycosylase enzymes of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. The chemical synthesis makes available a sustainable and substantially pure source of supply of lipid II, including analogs thereof, that may be used in the identification of new therapeutic agents capable of disrupting steps in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel saponin tigogenin penta glycoside isolated from the aerial parts of Chlorophytum nimonii and a process for the isolation thereof as well as its use in anti-hyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

Abstract: A composition containing at least one polyol and certain amounts of inulin relative to the at least one polyol, characterized by a reduced tendency of the at least one polyol to induce acute diarrhea. The at least one polyol may be, for example: xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, isomalt, isomaltitol, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH), glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, galactitol and combinations thereof. The composition also contains inulin in amounts sufficient to at least partially reduce, or eliminate, the tendency of the polyol to induce acute diarrhea. Foodstuffs, including drinks and beverages, contain said compositions.

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: Three enzymes degrading sulfated glucuronofucan; processes for producing these enzymes; activators for these enzymes; glucuronofucan sulfate and degradation products thereof; and a novel microorganism.

Abstract: A process for obtaining purified hemicellulose, cellulose and cellulose-hemicellulose complexes comprising the steps of adding alcohol to caustic liquor from alkali extraction of fiber to precipitate the hemicellulose and the simultaneous, or about simultaneous, density separation of hemicellulose from the caustic liquor. The alcohol transforms the soluble high molecular weight hemicellulose into a light precipitate which floats on top of the caustic liquor solution. The caustic liquor can be subjected to a second separation step whereby the insoluble components (e.g. cellulose and cellulose-hemicellulose complexes) can be removed from the caustic liquor.

Abstract: A process for enriching the relative concentration of genistin from a mixture of isoflavones is described. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the process comprises providing a material containing a mixture of isoflavones, extracting the material with an aqueous organic solvent solution, adding calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide to the extract to form calcium-isoflavone complexes and separating precipitated calcium-isoflavone complexes from the extract. The precipitated calcium-isoflavone complexes contain a higher concentration of genistin complexes than daidzin and glycitin complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of inexpensive semi-refined kappa carrageenan as a seaweed polysaccharide in preparation of tough, biodegradable films exhibiting improved performance over films obtained from refined kappa carrageenan. The formulation requires no gelling salt and the only other essential components of the film are glycerol and water, the former being used as plasticizer as reported in the prior art. The films can be recycled and reprocessed if required. The performance of the films can be further enhanced by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol that lends toughness and clarity as also natural rubber latex that imparts greater elasticity and barrier properties. Films of optimum composition can be pulse heat sealed immediately after casting and used for preparation of soft capsules and pouches. It is possible to store solvents and oils in the pouches.

Abstract: A non-synthetic biodegradable starch-based composition is described comprising starch, plasticizer, reinforcing filler, binder, in the presence or absence of alkali or salt, and water. The starch-based composition is subjected to transformation process to produce various foam-liked products, having closed cell structure with dense skin layer. These products are particularly suitable for use as disposal or single-used food packages or containers. These products are to substitute the shape bodies currently used made of plastic or plastic foam. A transformation process of the non-synthetic biodegradable starch-based composition into various foam-liked products is also described. The process is either injecting or compressing the starch-based composition and forming a desired shape in a closed mould at a temperature ranging from 150 to 300 degree Celcius until the gelatinization of starch has been accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new fractionated polydisperse carbohydrate composition having the following definition: an av. DP which is significantly higher than the av. DP of a native polydisperse carbohydrate composition, significantly free of low molecular monomers, dimmers, and oligomers, significantly free of impurities chosen among the group consisting of colourings, salts, proteins and organic acids, significantly free of technological aids such as solubility affecting products. The present invention concerns also the preparation process of the composition according to the invention.

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: Sweetener compositions containing granulated artificial and/or intense sweeteners, and water-soluble/water miscible fractions of inulin. The water soluble/water miscible fractions of inulin comprise polysaccharides in which at least 5 grams of said fractions are soluble in 100 ml. of water at temperatures of about 25° C., and below.

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: Processes are disclosed for the purification and recovery of polysaccharide gums from an aqueous solution, particularly xanthan gum from a fermentation broth. An aqueous solution of at least one polysaccharide gum is mixed with a non-solvent stream comprising water and a subprecipitant level of a non-solvent of the polysaccharide gum. The mixture is concentrated to increase the polysaccharide gum concentration, and optionally undergoes a heat treatment. Additional non-solvent is added to the concentrated mixture to precipitate the polysaccharide gum. The precipitated gum is dried after being separated from the liquid component of the mixture. The removed liquid component can be recycled to the earlier step in the process in which the polysaccharide gum solution is mixed with the non-solvent stream.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for isolating phenolic compounds, particularly isoflavones, from aqueous extracts of plant materials that contain such compounds. The process comprising: (a) providing an aqueous plant extract at a first pH less than 10, the aqueous plant extract comprising a plurality of phenolic compounds; (b) extracting the aqueous plant extract with a first organic solvent to yield a first organic extract; (c) extracting the first organic extract with an aqueous phase of pH greater than 10 to yield a phenol rich aqueous phase; (d) adjusting the pH of the phenol rich aqueous phase to a pH of less than 9; and (e) isolating the phenolic compounds from the phenol rich aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method comprising a multistep process for recovering one or more monosaccharides from a solution containing at least two monosaccharides selected from the group consisting of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose and mixtures thereof by using chromatographic separation comprising at least one step, where a weak acid cation exchange resin is used for the chromatographic separation.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for manufacturing at low cost cellulose acetate, which is useful as a biodegradable plastic, using corncob meal which has hitherto been thrown away as a raw material. More specifically, the invention provides a process for manufacturing cellulose acetate, which comprises the steps of: steaming corncob meal at a temperature of 150 to 250° C. and a pressure of 20 to 29 MPa; filtering the steamed corncob meal to obtain a solid product; and dehydrating and acetylating by adding acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid to the solid product. The steaming is preferably carried out by using a pressure vessel and the filtering is preferably carried out by using a filtering device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for the separation of a triglycoalkaloid in which the triglycoside portion comprises ?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2gal)-O-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3gal)-?-D-galactopyranose (or 6-deoxy-?-L-mannopyranosyl-(1?2)-O-[?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1?3)]-?-D-galactopyranoside) (‘an rhamnose-glucose-galactose triglycoalkaloid’) from a triglycoalkaloid in which the triglycoside portion is ?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2glu)-O-?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?4glu)-?-D-glucopyranose (‘a rhamnose-rhamnose-glucose triglycoalkaloid’) in a mixture containing both, the method comprising the steps of: Combining the mixture with a portion of alcoholic solvent; Causing or allowing a substantial portion of the rhamnose-rhamnose-glucose triglycoalkaloid to dissolve, thereby generating an alcoholic solution substantially of the rhamnose-rhamnose-glucose triglycoalkaloid, and a solid substantially comprising the rhamnose-glucose-galactose triglycoalkaloid; and Separating the solid substantially com

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 invention relates to a method for producing protoplasts of cassava or closely related species, which protoplasts are capable of regeneration into plants. The method comprises producing friable embryogenic callus from explants of cassava or closely related species and isolating protoplasts from said friable embryogenic callus. The invention also concerns protoplasts obtainable by said method. The invention further relates to a method for transforming such a protoplast of cassava or closely related species, and transformed protoplasts obtainable thereby. In addition, the invention concerns a method for regenerating plants from these protoplasts and a cassava plant or closely related species obtainable thereby. Starch isolated from tubers of such cassava plants have an increased amylopectin content. The starch and a method for isolating it from said plants also forms part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rubber latex comprising an amount of starch, which rubber latex has a reduced allergen activity as compared to the same rubber latex without starch. In addition, the invention relates to the use of modified starch as donning powder for surgical gloves, wherein the used starch is a granular, low crystalline, preferably a non-crystalline starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of isolation of bioactive eupalitin (3-O-O-D-galactopyranoside) of formula 1 possessing anti-osteoporosis activity by extraction of powdered leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa, with better yield:

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrolyzed fermented medium containing microorganisms includes providing at least one solid plant product reduced to small pieces and mixed with sugar and biocompatible liquid such as milk for fermentation at a temperature of between 35 and 58 degrees C. until the acidity of the medium reaches the range of 300 to 900 in Terner degrees. Alternatively, the medium is prepared by mixing in predetermined amounts of sprouted grains, biocompatible liquid inoculated with at least one of a variety of non-pathogenic microorganisms, vegetables, fruits, berries, high protein products, herbs, sugar, and a chemical element such as potassium. The mixture is then fermented at a selected temperature for a specified length of time to reach high acidity and high concentration of products of bacterial metabolism. A liquid phase is separated from a solid sediment phase and can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases.

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: The present invention relates to a process for the production of xylitol. The process utilises ribulose for the preparation of xylitol and involves several different conversion reactions, such as reduction, epimerisation and/or isomerisation. The present invention also relates to the use of ribulose for the preparation of xylitol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of xylitol. In particular, processes utilising L-xylose as an intermediate for xylitol production are described. The present invention also relates to process for the preparation or L-xylose, as an intermediate, by-product or end-product to be used per se.

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: Processes are disclosed for the purification and recovery of polysaccharide gums from an aqueous solution, particularly xanthan gum from a fermentation broth. An aqueous solution of at least one polysaccharide gum is mixed with a non-solvent stream comprising water and a subprecipitant level of a non-solvent of the polysaccharide gum. The mixture is concentrated to increase the polysaccharide gum concentration, and optionally undergoes a heat treatment. Additional non-solvent is added to the concentrated mixture to precipitate the polysaccharide gum. The precipitated gum is dried after being separated from the liquid component of the mixture. The removed liquid component can be recycled to the earlier step in the process in which the polysaccharide gum solution is mixed with the non-solvent stream.

Abstract: A method for extracting proteins from the intercellular space of plants is provided. The method is applicable to the large scale isolation of many active proteins of interest synthesized by plant cells. The method may be used commercially to recover recombinantly produced proteins from plant hosts thereby making the large scale use of plants as sources for recombinant protein production feasible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing reactive cellulose for use in the manufacture of cellulose acetate having superior clarity by mercerizing hardwood cellulosic material and reacting it with an hydroxyalkylating agent to a degree of molar substitution ranging from 0.04 to 0.15 per anhydroglucose unit in cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention describes isolated Fagopyritol A1, isolated Fagopyritol A3, and isolated Fagopyritol B3. Compositions which include two or more of Fagopyritol A1, Fagopyritol A2, Fagopyritol A3, Fagopyritol B1, Fagopyritol B2, Fagopyritol B3, and D-chiro-inositol, at least one of which is an isolated Fagopyritol A1, isolated Fagopyritol A3, or isolated Fagopyritol B3, are also disclosed. Methods for preparing substantially pure Fagopyritol A1, Fagopyritol A3, Fagopyritol B3, or mixtures thereof from buckwheat are also described. The fagopyritols can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions, the administration of which can be used to treat diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nucleotide sequence encoding an effective portion of a class A starch branching enzyme (SBE) obtainable from potato plants, or a functional equivalent thereof, together with, inter alia, a corresponding polypeptide, a method of altering the characteristics of a plant, a plant having altered characteristics; and starch, particularly starch obtained from a potato plant, having novel properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing xylose from lignocellulosic feedstock. The method comprises disrupting lignocellulosic feedstock; leaching the lignocellulosic feedstock by contacting the feedstock with at least one aqueous solution for a period greater than about 2 minutes to produce a leached feedstock and a leachate; removing the leachate from the leached feedstock; acidifying the leached feedstock to a pH between about 0.5 and about 3 to produce an acidified feedstock, and; reacting the acidified feedstock under conditions which disrupt fiber structure and hydrolyze a portion of hemicellulose and cellulose of the acidified feedstock, to produce a composition comprising xylose and a pretreated feedstock. The xylose may be purified from the pretreated feedstock or it may be converted to ethanol with the pretreated feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatographic separation process of recovering mannose with high purity. The invention is based on the use of a chromatographic separation resin including a resin which is at least partly in a Ba2+ form resin and a resin which is in other than Ba2+ form.