Abstract: A particle which is capable of removing heavy metal ions from aqueous solution, which comprises chitin having formed thereon a layer of chitosan, wherein the particle has a size of from 0.2 to 1.5 cm, and the chitosan layer on the surface thereof has a depth of form 0.01 microns to 10% of the particle diameter.

Abstract: The association of chitin or chitosan with soy saponins in an orally administered composition has appetite moderating and antigastritis activity. The objectionable side effects of the two active ingredients are also eliminated in the composition.

Abstract: A water-soluble acylated chitosan having a degree of acylation of 35 to 65% is prepared by dissolving a water-insoluble chitosan in the form of a random copolymer having a degree of deacetylation of at least 70% in an aqueous acid solution, diluting the solution with water or a water-miscible solvent such as methanol, and adding an acylation agent such as acetic anhydride to the diluted solution. The acylated chitosan is obtained in high yields within a few hours at about room temperature.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium salts of polysaccharides possessing hypochlolesterolemic activity and having the following general formula: ##STR1## in which A represents the monomer unit of a natural polysaccharide, m is a whole number between 100 and 1000, n is a whole number between 0 and 4, B is O or S or NH or NR, R is a linear alkyl radical of 1-4 carbon atoms, and X.sup.(-) is an anion such as Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, HSO.sub.4.sup.-, CH.sub.3 O--SO.sub.3.sup.-.Said salts are prepared by reacting a pretreated natural polysaccharide with a a quaternary ammonium salt functionalized at one of its ends with an epoxy group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to granulated compositions of thickening and viscosity-raising polysaccharides having few anionic groups, wherein the polysaccharide particles are coated with hydrolyzed gelatin.

Abstract: The cosmetic agent for the treatment of the hair and skin contains macromolecular surface-active, quaternary N-substituted chitosan derivatives having the formula (I)HO[C.sub.6 H.sub.11--x--y--z NO.sub.4 (R.sup.1).sub.x (R.sup.2).sub.y (R.sup.3).sub.z ].sub.p H (1)wherein x is from 0.04-0.4; y is from 0.04-0.92; z is from 0.04-0.92; (x+y+z).ltoreq.2; p is an integer from 100-100,000; R.sup.1 is acetyl; ##STR1## R.sup.4 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 -alkyl radical; X is Cl, Br, I or CH.sub.3 SO.sub.4 ; o is 1-5; n is 5-20. The present invention also comprises chitosan derivatives having the formula (I). The chitosan derivatives are distinguished particularly by their surface-active properties, for example, their foam-forming and emulisyfing properties, and by their hair-setting and hair-conditioning effect.

Abstract: A method for preparing granular porous chitosan which comprises dispersing an acidic aqueous solution of chitosan in a hydrophobic dispersing medium; and, evaporating water off while stirring the resulting dispersion.

Abstract: A process for preparing a low-molecular weight chitosan which comprises adding chitosan to water containing a monobasic acid to prepare an intimate chitosan-water mixture and treating said mixture with cellulase.

Abstract: Ester-stabilized chitin polymers which have been dissociated and purified from a naturally occurring calcified chitin/protein matrix, and which substantially retain the structural features of the chitin matrix in that they comprise elongated fibers which are rapidly and quantitatively recognized by enzymes specific for naturally occurring chitin. The chitin polymers are made by a method in which the naturally occurring matrix is first decalcified and deproteinized, and then the chitin is dispersed and stabilized in a cold dilute ester-forming acid before being recovered. The polymers are useful in processes requiring consistent, reproduceable structure. Polymers having these useful attributes are particularly identifiable by their ability to react with enzymes specific for naturally occurring chitin.

Abstract: A novel squid chitin formed material is disclosed. Squid chitin is prepared by pulverizing squid crust and treating the pulverized chitin with caustic soda and then with hydrochloric acid to remove proteins and ashes. Squid chitin formed material such as sheet or fiber is then prepared by a freeze-defrost treatment. The squid chitin sheet and fiber have better physical properties than conventional crab chitin formed materials in terms of strength and folding endurance.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a new pyrithione salt, namely chitosan pytighione, is produced. This composition is characterized by a combination of slow release from films and excellent antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity is equivalent to that of sodium pyrithione. These properties make chitosan pyrithione potentially useful as an antimicrobial agent in a variety of dermatological items, such as soaps, shampoos, and skin care medicaments.

Abstract: Wound filling compositions containing: (a) chitosan, (b) at least one compatible hydrocolloid material other than chitosan, and (c) water, exhibit a variety of properties desirable for use in filling large wound such as dermal ulcers, yet do not exhibit syneresis. Preferably compositions exhibit antimicrobial activity, would healing capability, a viscosity suitable to allow them to be applied to and remain in an open wound, and are able to absorb wound exudate.

Abstract: Nail polish is disclosed, based upon a film-former, a resin component and a solvent system, containing as film-former and/or resin component an O-benzyl-N-hydroxyalkyl chitosan fo the formula (I)HO[C.sub.6 H.sub.11-m-q NO.sub.4 (R.sup.1).sub.m (R.sup.2).sub.n (R.sup.3).sub.q ].sub.p H (I)(with m=0 to 0.6; n=0.1 to 10; q=0.1 to 4; p=an integer from 50 to 5,000; R.sup.1 =acetyl; R.sup.2 =hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl or 2-hydroxybutyl and R.sup.3 =benzyl).The polish film obtained with the nail polish possesses a high luster, outstanding adhesion, as well as an increased hardness compared to nail polishes based upon nitro-cellulose, with even more sufficient elasticity. Also included in the present invention are the new O-benzyl-N-hydroxyalkyl-chitosans of formula (I).

Abstract: Process for the depolymerization and sulfation of polysaccharides by reaction of said polysaccharides with a sulfuric acid/chlorosulfonic acid mixture.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition is disclosed for the treatment of hair or skin, based upon 0.05 to 10% by weight of chitosan, and characterized by a content of 0.05 to 20% by weight of an ampholytic copolymerizate of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein m=0.5 to 0.9, n=0.1 to 0.5, m+n=1 and p being such that the ampholytic copolymerizate has a molecular weight of from 1,000 to 3,000,000.wherein m=0.1 to 0.9 and n=0.5 to 0.9. The composition provides clear, smooth films, which are neither sticky in moist climate, nor brittle in dry climate. Also disclosed are new chitosan/polyampholyte salts, obtained by reaction of chitosan with an ampholytic copolymerizate of formula (I).

Abstract: The invention is directed to cosmetic compositions for the treatment of hair or skin characterized in that they contain new N-hydroxybutyl-chitosans, or their salts, consisting of(a) 4 to 40 mole percent monomer units of the formula (I) ##STR1## and (b) 60 to 96 mole percent monomer units of the formula (II) ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and designate hydrogen or the group ##STR3## with n being equal to an integer from 1 to 5, provided that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not simultaneously hydrogen in at least 50 percent of the units of formula (II). In addition, it is directed to new N-hydroxybutyl-chitosans and their salts and a process for producing these new compounds from butylene oxide and chitosan.

Abstract: Ground chitin is rendered dispersible in aqueous medium to form stable dispersions on mild shearing, by pretreating the chitin with an aqueous oxidizing bleach solution. the dispersions, and paper-like structures prepared from them by papermaking techniques, are useful for treating and binding wounds.Operable bleaches include peroxygen bleaches and labile halogen bleaches. Peroxygen bleaches include hydrogen and alkali metal peroxide, alkaline earth and alkali metal perborate, percarbonate, peroxymonosulfate, and bromate. The labile halogen bleaches include alkali metal and alkaline earth hypohalites, and dihalo-s-triazinetriones.

Abstract: Heterogeneous acid decrystallization of aminopolysaccharides, especially chitosen, using diluent, organic acid and water, provides novel salts and covalent derivatives useful in diverse applications including biomedicine, personal care and fluid separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic for the treatment of hair and skin which is characterized by a content of novel N-hydroxy-propyl-isopropyl ether chitosans consisting of (a) 4 to 40 mole percent of monomer units having the formula (I) ##STR1## and (b) 60 to 96 mole percent of monomer units having the formula (II) ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and represent hydrogen or the group ##STR3## wherein n equals 1 or 2, with the condition that in at least half the units having the formula (II) R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 do not simultaneously represent hydrogen. The present invention also relates to novel N-hydroxy-propyl-isopropyl ether chitosans.

Abstract: The quaternary chitosan derivatives useful in cosmetic compositions are made by a process comprising reacting a chitosan consisting of 50 to 100% deacetylized chitin or a structurally modified chitosan made by reprecipitating and deep freezing, with glycidyl trialkyl ammonium halogenide, particularly glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and, if necessary, with glycidol. The reaction mixture is advantageously stirred for several hours at 10.degree. to 100.degree. C. The reaction may be performed in the presence of an organic or inorganic acid or base in water.

Abstract: A new alkyl-substituted phenylcarbamate derivative of a polysaccharide, exclusive of cellulose, has an alkyl-substituted phenylcarbamoyl group for 80 to 100 percent of the hydroxyl groups attached to the polysaccharide and is useful to the optical resolution of racemic compounds.

Abstract: Agent for the removal of nucleic acids and/or endotoxin from a liquid containing the nucleic acids and/or endotoxin and further useful substances (e.g. proteins, hormones, etc.), which comprises as an active ingredient a chitosan having a low molecular weight, particularly that having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.01 to 5 (dl/g) and further a colloid equivalent of not less than 2 meq/g of evaporated residue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorbent composed of porous beads of uncrosslinked or crosslinked chitosan, wherein protein A or lectin is covalent-bonded trough a bonding group to the amino group of glucosamine constituting the chitosan in the case of uncrosslinked chitosan or to the amino group of glucosamine constituting the chitosan and an amino group of a crosslinking agent in the case of crosslinked chitosan. The adsorbent composed of the chitosan porous beads to which protein A is bonded through a bonding group is used for absorption removal of interleukin 2 inhibitor. The adsorbent composed of the chitosan porous beads to which lectin is bonded through a combination group is used as an adsorbent for affinity chromatography.An adsorbent composed of porous beads of uncrosslinked or crosslinked chitosan is used for adsorbing immunoglobulin. An adsorbent composed of uncrosslinked or crosslinked chitosan wherein an .omega.

Abstract: High strength chitosan fibers from chitin and chitosan derivatives and the process for making these fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: An alkyl-phenylcarbamate derivative of a polysaccharide has in 80 to 100 percent of hydrogen atoms of the amino and hydroxyl groups an alkylphenyl-carbamoyl group having the formula (I): ##STR1## in which (1) at least one of R1 to R5 is a straight alkyl having 4 to 8 or a branched alkyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms or at least two of R1 to R5 each are a straight alkyl having 1 to 3 when the polysaccharide is cellulose; (2) at least one of R1 to R5 is a straight alkyl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl having 3 to 8 carbon atoms when the polysaccharide is any one other than cellulose; and the other(s) of R1 to R5 is hydrogen. It is useful to optical separation of a racemic mixture.

Abstract: A seed colorant useful especially in coloring seeds to distinguish same from those to be used for foods is formed of an aqueous medium such as water, a dye and/or pigment of a desired hue, and a binder resin composed of the salt of chitosan and an organic acid. The seed colorant may additionally contain spherical resin particles.

Abstract: New alkyl-hydroxypropyl-chitosans of the formula IHO[C.sub.6 H.sub.11-m-q NO.sub.4 (R.sup.1).sub.m (R.sup.2).sub.n (R.sup.3).sub.q ].sub.p H (I)(m=0-0.6; n=0.5-10; q=0.5-4; p=50-5000; R.sup.1 =acetyl; ##STR1## R.sup.3 =C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl) and their salts with organic or inorganic acids. The invention is directed, in addition, to a process for producing the chitosan derivatives of the formula I, as well as cosmetic compositions for the treatment of hair or skin, particularly compositions for strengthening hair, comprising a content of these chitosan derivatives. The described alkyl-hydroxypropyl-chitosans are distinguished by their favorable solubility in organic solvents. Therefore, they can also be used, for example, in anhydrous hairsprays.

Abstract: Method of treatment of diseases caused by retroviruses which comprises administering therapeutically effective amount of a natural or synthetic oligo- or polysaccharide having at least one S-oxoacid group attached to the saccharic carbon atom through a linking group of lower molecular weight or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to a subject in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Glucans substituted by reacting oxo acids with the amino groups of a chitosan or of a polyglucosamine, reducing the imines thus formed and crosslinking the thus obtained compounds to yield gels having high adsorbing power and interaction selectivity with metal ions even in acid or highly saline medium.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are disclosed, for the treatment of skin or hair, with a content of new N-hydroxypropyl-chitosan derivatives, composed of (a) 4 to 40 Mol-% units of Formula (I) ##STR1## and (b) 60 to 96 Mol-% units of Formula (II) ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are each hydrogen or the group ##STR3## with n being equal to an integer from 1 to 5, with the proviso that in at least 50% of the units (II), R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not simultaneously hydrogen, or the salts thereof; along with new N-hydroxypropyl-chitosan derivatives and their salts as well a a process for the production of these new compounds from propylene oxide and chitosan.

Abstract: High tenacity chitin acetate/formate and chitosan acetate/formate fibers and the process for making such fibers are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing granular porous chitosan of extremely uniform particle size and having uniform fine pores on the spherical surface and cut cross sectional face. The process comprises dissolving a low molecular weight chitosan into an aqueous acidic solution, pouring the solution into a basic solution and thereby coagulating the product to precipitate porous chitosan.

Abstract: Methylated chitosans are used for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions having improved laxative properties over commonly used laxative.Said products are advantageouisly employed also in the preparation of ophtalmic solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic agents for treating of hairs or the skin which is characterized by a content of novel quaternary chitosan derivatives of the formulaHO[C.sub.6 H.sub.11-m NO.sub.4 (R.sup.1).sub.m (R.sup.2).sub.n (R.sup.3).sub.q ].sub.p H(m=0-0.5; n=0-6; q=0.005-3.0; p=10-50,000; R.sup.1 =acetyl; R.sup.2 =--CH.sub.2 CH(OH)--CH.sub.2 --O--, --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.2 OH)--O-- or --CH(CH.sub.2 OH)--CH.sub.2 --O--; R.sup.3 = ##STR1## with R.sup.4 =C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkyl and X=Cl, Br, or CH.sub.3 SO.sub.4.It relates in furtherance to the novel quaternary chitosan derivatives as well as processes for making the same. These chitosan derivatives have a good substantivity, among others, to hair keratin and show hair strengthening and hair conditioning characteristics.

Abstract: Chitosan derivatives in the form of coordinated complexes with ferrous ions in which coordinated bonds are established between the ferrous ion and the amino group and hydroxyl group present respectively in position 2 and position 3 of the chitosanglucosamine ring.Said chitosan derivatives are soluble in an aqueous medium and are able to release iron into the gastrointestinal tract in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A process to produce by covalent binding conjugates of a substance containing a 2-amino-2-deoxyglycopyranosyl residue the NH.sub.2 -function of which in its most stable conformation is equatorially oriented, and a substrate containing a primary amino group. This is done by subjecting the substrate to degradation by diazotation to form a substance fragment having a free terminal aldehyde group, said fragment through its aldehydo group being reacted with the amino group of the substrate to form a Schiffs base which is then by reduction converted to a secondary amine.The substance is preferably selected from oligo and polysaccharides containing glucosamine or galactose amine units. The substrate is suitably selected from surface-aminated plastic objects, aminated gels and proteins.The conjugate described consists of an 1-deoxy-2,5-anhydrohexitol unit which constitutes terminal unit in an oligo or polysaccharide and which in 1-position is covalently bound to an amino group associated with a substrate.

Abstract: The permeability of the walls of chitosan alginate capsules is adjusted by substituting with esterified alginic acid a portion of the metal alginate normally used in the fabrication of such capsules.

Abstract: Chitin from microbial biomass is converted to chitosan and recovered as an essentially glucan-free product. The method involves contacting the biomass with a strong alkali solution at a temperature within the range of from 60.degree. to 90.degree. C. for a period of at least 10 hours to form an insoluble chitosan/glucan residue. The chitosan is then recovered by adding dilute acid to the residue to dissolve it without dissolving the glucan which can then be recovered separately.

Abstract: Tetra-N-acetyl-chitotetraose, penta-N-acetylchitopentaose and hexa-N-acetyl-chitohexaose, ones of the water-soluble chitin-oligomers, may be obtained in improved yields, when finely ground chitin is quickly and intimately mixed with a concentrated hydrohalogenic acid containing a particular proportion of the hydrogen halide per a unit quantity of the chitin under the irradiation with ultrasonic waves and also under the agitation by mechanical stirrer, followed by hydrolyzing the chitin in the resulting homogeneous mixture comprising the chitin and the concentrated hydrohalogenic acid while said homogeneous mixture is further continuously irradiated with the ultrasonic waves and also agitated by the mechanical stirrer. From the aqueous phase of the hydrolyzed reaction mixture are recovered the desired water-soluble chitin-oligomers which are each useful as an immunopotentiating, antitumor agent or antifungal, antibacterial agent.

Abstract: A shampoo composition comprises a fatty acid ester of sucrose and a nonionic cellulose ether compound in addition to a shampoo base. It provides creamy foam and results in smooth combing and prevention of hair flying.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are disclosed, for the treatment of skin or hair, with a content of new N-hydroxypropyl-chitosan derivatives, composed of (a) 4 to 40 Mol-% units of Formula (I) ##STR1## and (b) 60 to 96 Mol-% units of Formula (II) ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are each hydrogen or the group ##STR3## with n being equal to an integer from 1 to 5, with the proviso that in at least 50% of the units of (II), R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not simultaneously hydrogen, or the salts thereof; along with new N-hydroxypropyl-chitosan derivatives and their salts as well as a process for the production of these new compounds from propylene oxide and chitosan.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are disclosed for the treatment of hair or skin, characterized by a content of new quaternary chitosan derivatives of the formula ##STR1## Also disclosed are the new quaternary chitosan derivatives per se as well as processes for their preparation. The chitosan derivatives have a good substantivity, particularly to hair keratin, and prove to have hair strengthening and hair conditioning characteristics.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are disclosed for the treatment of hair or skin, characterized by a content of new quaternary chitosan derivatives of the formulaHO[C.sub.6 H.sub.11-m NO.sub.4 (R.sup.1).sub.m (R.sub.2).sub.n (R.sup.3).sub.q ].sub.p H (1)(m=0-0.5; n=0.01-6; q=0.005-3; p=10-50,000 ##STR1## Also disclosed are the new quaternary chitosan derivatives per se as well as processes for their preparation. The chitosan derivatives have a good substantivity, particularly to hair keratin, and prove to have hair strengthening and hair conditioning characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing inner ester derivatives of gangliosides and pharmaceutical compositions containing such derivatives to be used in treating disorders of the nervous system. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention promote nerve regeneration by stimulating nerve sprouting.

Abstract: There are provided pharmaceutical compositions for topical application for preventing or at least substantially decreasing infections by yeasts of the genus Candida. These are based on a chitin soluble extract (CSE), which is obtained by the extraction of chitin by water with stirring. There are used ointments or lotions on a water-base.

Abstract: A chitosan-glycerol-water gel or gel-like membrane, useful as a carrier for medicaments to be applied to wounds, is prepared by dissolving chitosan in an acid-water-glycerol solution, which when neutralized, forms a gel upon standing.

Abstract: A novel chitosan derivative, having carboxymethyl substituents on some of both the amino and primary hydroxyl sites of the glucosamine units of the chitosan structure, is disclosed, together with methods for its preparation starting from either chitosan or chitin.

Abstract: A process to produce by covalent binding conjugates of a substance containing a 2-amino-2-deoxyglycopyranosyl residue the NH.sub.2 -function of which in its most stable conformation is equatorially oriented, and a substrate containing a primary amino group. This is done by subjecting the substance to degradation by diazotation to form a substance fragment having a free terminal aldehydo group, said fragment through its aldehydo group being reacted with the amino group of the substrate to form a Schiffs base which is then by reduction converted to a secondary amine.The substance is preferably selected from oligo and polysaccharides containing glucosamine or galactose amine units. The substrate is suitably selected from surface-aminated plastic objects, aminated gels and proteins.The conjugate described consists of a 1-deoxy-2,5-anhydrohexitol unit which constitutes terminal unit in an oligo or polysaccharide and which in 1-position is covalently bound to an amino group associated with a substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing dry, free-flowing chitosan-carboxylic acid complexes is taught wherein chitosan, containing free amino groups is dispersed in selected liquids and contacted with selected carboxylic acids. The complexes are recovered by filtration, decantation or centrifugation.

Abstract: A chitin-protein complex is prepared from chitin-containing biological waste material such as crustacean shells. The complex is different from both chitin and chitosan, and has useful nematostatic and nematocidal activity for agricultural and horticultural applications by admixing nematocidally effective amounts with a plant growth medium. The complex also provides a source of nitrogen in slow-release form, making it particularly suitable for combination with fertilizers, soil conditioners, etc.