Abstract: A free amino microcrystalline chitin preferably in solid form is obtained. The process may involve the following steps of (1) treating particulate chitin at elevated temperature with phosphoric acid diluted with a lower aliphatic alcohol, (2) treating the resulting chitin with an alkali, (3) washing the chitin to remove the alkali from the chitin emulsion, (4) subjecting the chitin during at least one of the preceding steps to high speed shearing action to convert the processed chitin to the microcrystalline form, and (5) subjecting the resulting microcrystalline chitin emulsion from step 3 to the cycle of freezing and thawing, thereby separating the chitin as a solid from the liquid of the emulsion.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions useful for treatment of hair or skin contain macromolecular glyceryl-chitosan having(a) 4-40 Mol-% units of the Formula (I) ##STR1## and (b) 60-96 Mol-% units of the Formula (II) ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and are ##STR3## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are the same or different and are ##STR4## wherein either X=H and Y=CH.sub.2 OH, or Y=H and X=CH.sub.2 OH and n=2 to 5, with the proviso that for at least half of the units of the formula II, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are not uniformly H, or their salts with organic or inorganic acids, in a suitable cosmetic carrier. Also disclosed are the compounds per se and a process for their production wherein chitosan composed of 60-96% entacetylated chitin is reacted with glycidol.

Abstract: A novel crosslinked polymeric substance and a process for preparing the novel crosslinked polymeric substance are disclosed, the novel crosslinked polymeric substance being prepared from natural chitin or regenerated chitin and the polymeric substance having an amphoteric capability.

Abstract: A method of contraception comprising placing in the uterine cavity a contraceptively effective amount of chitosan, advantageously in a carrier, and retaining the chitosan in the uterine cavity for a prolonged period of time to kill or inactivate mammalian spermatazoa.

Abstract: Aminopolysaccharides and copolymers thereof, primarily those of N-acetyl-D-glucosamines and derivatives and various monomers, is described.

Abstract: A new polysaccharide constituted by units of D-glucosammonium salts, prepared from natural chitin. The new product has strong hypocholesterolemic activity.

Abstract: Derivatives have been formed from chitins and chitosans in which the amine residues on the polyglucosamine have been modified to form the groups:(a) --N.dbd.CHR or --NHCH.sub.2 R(b) --NHR'(c) --NHR" and(d) --NH--CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H or --NH--glycerylwhereR is an aromatic moiety having at least one hydroxyl or carboxyl group, or a macrocyclic ligandR' is an aldose or ketose residue, and,R" is an organometallic aldehyde residue.These derivatives are useful in chelating metals, in pharmaceutical formulations, in cosmetics, in chromatographic separations, in enzyme immobilization, as catalysts, etc. Galactomannans having selected amine-containing side chains have also been prepared by reductive amination.

Abstract: Polymeric polydonor complexons having more than six sites in a structural unit are described. The complexons are of the formulae: ##STR1## wherein P is a linear or three-dimensional polymeric skeleton, x is oxygen or an ##STR2## group wherein R is hydrogen, an alkyl group of 1-6 carbon atoms, a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group. The described complexons are obtained by reaction of a polymeric compound of the formula P --XH wherein P and X are as defined above with a dianhydride of the corresponding complexon in the presence of a tertiary amine and, optionally, an inert solvent.

Abstract: A shaped material is described having at least a surface layer which consists essentially of an acylated mixture of two or more kinds of chitin derivatives represented by the following formula (1):[(C.sub.6 H.sub.8 O.sub.3 .multidot.(NH.sub.2).sub.x .multidot.(NHCOCH.sub.3).sub.y .multidot.(OR).sub.b ].sub.n (1)wherein R represents a carboxyalkyl group with two to four carbon atoms, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a dihydroxypropyl group or an alkyl group with one to three carbon atoms, x is a number of 0.1 to 1.0, y=1.0-x, a is a number of 0 to 1.0, and b=1.0-a,or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel shaped material of a derivative of chitin obtainable by partially acylating or partially acid-treating a cross-linked ionic chitin derivatives, which is excellent for use as the material for capsules, as material for dialysis carriers and/or as an ion-exchanger resin.

Abstract: A novel crosslinked polymeric substance and a process for preparing the novel crosslinked polymeric substance are disclosed, the novel crosslinked polymeric substance being prepared from natural chitin or regenerated chitin and the polymeric substance having an amphoteric capability.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chitosan-glucan complex is disclosed, which comprises the steps of subjecting filamentary fungal masses from certain fungal species such as Allomyces, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Phycomyces, Choanephora, Zygorrhynchus and like fungi, to a treatment with a concentrated aqueous solution of a strong alkali brought to its boiling point and for a time of from 4 to 6 hours. This treatment removes a number of undesirable components since a deacetylation of chitin occurs, the soluble components being concurrently removed.Foaming substances, if present, may be removed by a preliminary treatment with a solution of strong alkalies, with a lower concentration than that of the solution used for chitin deacetylation.The products thus obtained lend themselves well to the preparation of columns capable of retaining certain compounds or elements, e.g. transition metal ions and can be used for flocculation reaction, in chromatographic reactions and many other uses.

Abstract: Aminopolysaccharides and copolymers thereof, primarily those of N-acetyl-D-glucosamines and derivatives and various monomers, is described.

Abstract: Methods and preparations for treating hyperbilirubinemia utilizing chitosan salts as the active agent. A method of preparing the chitosan salts for oral administration in a liquid carrier is disclosed.

Abstract: A spherically shaped material at least the surface layer of which comprises an acylated product of de-N-acetylated chitin. The spherical material is insoluble in water, acids, alkaline solutions and organic solvents. The materials can be employed to separate materials on a column, as a base material on which enzyme is immobilized and as an adsorbent, etc.

Abstract: Osmium carbohydrate complexes prepared by reacting osmium compounds and carbohydrates and their utilization as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning and arthritis in mammals. The osmium carbohydrate complexes may also be utilized in X-ray diagnostic procedures as contrast enhancing agents.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous shaped material of acylated chitin derivative wherein a soluble derivative of chitin is acylated, characterized in that an aqueous solution of the derivative of chitin containing a diluent, a porosity-regulating agent and a surfactant is added into a solution of an organic acid anhydride containing a surfactant.

Abstract: A process for recovering polyol fatty acid polyesters from the crude reaction product in which it is produced by contacting with an aqueous washing medium in the presence of an emulsion decreasing organic solvent so that the alkali metal fatty acid soaps and the color-forming bodies are taken into the aqueous phase, and upon settling the phases are separated from each other.

Abstract: Renatured chitosan having an optical rotation in solution that is at least 20% more negative than that of untreated chitosan and the process of making same. The process for preparing such renatured chitosan is accomplished by aging a solution of chitosan in an aqueous acid at a pH of about 2.0 to 5.5. It is preferred to age the solution at room temperature for about 2 to 14 days until the optical activity shifts toward the negative by at least about 20%.

Abstract: A shaped material at the least of which surface layer comprises a denatured chitin obtained by acylation of de-N-acetylated etherified chitin represented by the following general formula:[C.sub.6 H.sub.8 O.sub.3 (NH.sub.2).sub.x (NHCOCH.sub.3).sub.y (OR).sub.a (OH).sub.b ].sub.nwherein R represents a carboxyalkyl group with two to four carbon atoms, a hydroxyethyl group, a hydroxypropyl group, a dihydroxypropyl group or an alkyl group with one to three carbon atoms, x is a number of 0.1 to 1.0, y=1.0-x, a is a number of 0.1 to 1.0, and b=1.0-a,or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a method for preparing carboxyalkylated chitin from chitin and a method for preparing a de-acetylated substance of the carboxyalkylated chitin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a poly-ion complex comprising chitin or N-acylchitosan derivative having carboxymethyl and polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: Active chitin is recovered from shellfish waste in a mechanical process without chemical additives. Shellfish waste is subjected to drying followed by grinding and treatment in an air classifier to separate the same into two major components, one being predominately active chitin and the other being a heavier component of predominately protein and calcium carbonate, which is an enhanced protein meal. A screening process for the first major component further separates most of the calcium salts from the active chitin, and all components are then packaged and stored for further use.

Abstract: A friable, dispersible microcrystalline chitin powder and a process of making same by treating particulate chitin at an elevated temperature with phosphoric acid, particularly with phosphoric acid diluted with a lower aliphatic alcohol, separating the treated chitin and subjecting same to shearing in an inert liquid medium until a uniform dispersion is obtained, thereafter separating the sheared chitin and drying and grinding same to a fine powder.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chitosan-glucan complex is disclosed, which comprises the steps of subjecting filamentary fungal masses from certain fungal species such as Allomyces, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor, Phycomyces, Choanephora, Zygorrhynchus and like fungi, to a treatment with a concentrated aqueous solution of a strong alkali brought to its boiling point and for a time of from 4 to 6 hours. This treatment removes a number of undesirable components since a deacetylation of chitin occurs, the soluble components being concurrently removed.Foaming substances, if present, may be removed by a preliminary treatment with a solution of strong alkalies, with a lower concentration than that of the solution used for chitin deacetylation.The products thus obtained lend themselves well to the preparation of columns capable of retaining certain compounds or elements, e.g. transition metal ions and can be used for flocculation reaction, in chromatographic reactions and many other uses.

Abstract: A novel chitosan-iodine adduct wherein iodine is included in chitosan molecule is useful as a deodorant, a sterilizer or a disinfectant since the adduct holds iodine in a stable form and can release active iodine gradually into the environment as occasion demands. Also, a disinfectant fiber can be produced by sticking the chitosan-iodine adduct onto a fiber.

Abstract: A saccharide derivative having ureido group having 100 to 1% of N-carbamoyl-D-glucosamine unit, 0 to 90% of D-glucosamine unit and 0 to 70% of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine unit. The saccharide derivatives having ureido group can be used as fabricated products, an adhesive agent, a bonding agent, a processing agent, a coating agent, a soil improver, a fertilizer coating material, a water swellable material and a water absorbent.

Abstract: Reaction products of tetrahydro-2-(nitromethylene)-2H-1,3-thiazine and certain oxidized polysaccharides, useful as insecticides.

Abstract: The use of chitosan as a food additive or as a pharmaceutical preparation to reduce the absorption of lipids is disclosed. The chitosan, as such or in the form of fatty acid complex, may be admixed with food in a minor quantity; for example, an amount of about 1 to 10 percent by weight may be incorporated in a pharmaceutical preparation or composition for oral administration in an effective amount to reduce lipid absorption.

Abstract: This invention deals with a novel process of manufacturing chitosan from chitin with reduced temperatures, increased reaction rates involving higher alkali-to-solids deacetylation ratios, and a quiescent air-expelled final deacetylation step. Recovery of the alkali is also attainable.

Abstract: Method for converting dextro rotatory chitin to levo rotatory chitin comprising dissolving chitin in a composition containing dimethyl acetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone or mixture thereof and lithium chloride.

Abstract: Hair setting lotion consisting of an aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic solution of a film-forming resin which contains a water soluble salt of chitosan.

Abstract: Superoxy-anion-forming metals, such as chromium, manganese, and the like, are removed from materials containing the same by contacting the material with an anionically-modified, nitrogen-containing polymer, such as sulfite-modified, sulfate-modified, or chloride-modified chitosan.

Abstract: The method for the processing of kriel to produce protein, lipids and chitin comprises emulsification of lipids by intensively stirring kriel in an aqueous medium. The resultant emulsion of lipids is separated from the kriel mass and from the kriel mass proteins are extracted at a pH of 10 to 12. The alkaline extract of proteins is separated from chitin integuments and protein is separated therefrom.

Abstract: Hydroxyalkyl ethers of hydroxyalkoxy polysaccharides are prepared by reacting the corresponding polysaccharide first with an epoxide in an aqueous alkaline medium, and then with an epoxide in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst in a nonaqueous, nonalcoholic organic solvent. The resulting products are hydrophobic and strongly lipophilic, and are outstanding substrates for liquid-gel chromatography.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the demineralization of crustacea shells and the like, before or after protein removal therefrom, with sulfurous acid, thus to convert the calcium carbonate of the shell to calcium bisulfite solution which may be separated from the solid residual shell, and regenerating sulfurous acid from the said solution for reuse in the process.

Abstract: New compositions of matter comprising complexes of chitin with lower molecular weight alcohols, aldehydes and ketones have been discovered. These complexes are useful in the solution and purification of chitin and in the preparation of modified chitins for fibers, films and plastics, and for pharmaceutical purposes.

Abstract: Natural or synthetic rubber surgical elements such as tubing, catheters, drains and gloves are "lubricated" so as to prevent sticking during storage, and permit easier emplacement, such as putting on the gloves by a surgeon or nurse, by applying to the surface of the rubber elementA finely divided biodegradable powder consisting essentially ofAn enzymatically degradable form of poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) selected from the group consisting ofPoly[N-acetyl-6-0-(carboxymethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-0-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-D-glucosamine],Poly[N-acetyl-6-0-(ethyl)-D-glucosamine], andPoly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) itselfThis powder is readily absorbed by living tissue without deleterious tissue reaction, thus minimizing tissue reaction from the transfer of the powder from the element such as a glove to internal sites in a subject. The gloves may be packaged in a strippable laminate package. The polymers are derived from chitin.

Abstract: Solutions of chitin in dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or mixtures of these in combination with a minor proportion of lithium chloride.

Abstract: A new method for producing high-strength films, fibers and other shaped articles from chitin has been discovered, whereby an anhydrous solution of chitin is made into the desired shape, the chitin is insolubilized with an organic non-solvent for the chitin and the resultant shaped article, if desired, is oriented, by cold drawing until its properties, such as tensile strength, are substantially enhanced. The films, fibers, and other shaped articles capable of being oriented or in oriented form, are novel and useful in such applications as food wrap and surgical sutures.

Abstract: A method of using chitin derivatives as defoggers for clear surfaces and as deodorizers is disclosed.