Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing chitosan using pressures greater than 0 PSIG. The invention also provides fungal chitosan compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides prodrugs comprising a polymer conjugated to a metal chelator via a disulfide bond. For example, D-penicillamine may be conjugated to a polymer (e.g., gelatin, chitosan, polyglutamic acid) via a linker, such as SPDP. Thus, the cellular delivery and pharmacokinetics of D-penicillamine can be substantially improved. Methods for the treatment of cancer using compositions of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Naphthalimide compounds are used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bond tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polysaccharide prepared from the reaction between a polysaccharide comprising a plurality of monosaccharide subunits having at least one primary amino group, and an hydrophobic aldehyde. The aldehyde and the amino group form together an imine or amine group. The process for preparation and use in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industry of the modified polysaccharide is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a chitosan derivative having a high optical resolving power. Specifically provided is a chitosan derivative represented by the following Formula (I). wherein R1 represents an aliphatic group or an aromatic group having a carbon number of 1 to 30 which may have a substituent; R2 represents a substituent originating from an isocyanic acid derivative, carboxylic acid, ester, acid halide, acid amide compound, halide compound, aldehyde, or alcohol; and n is an integer of 5 or more.

Abstract: A carbon material suitable for the preparation of electrodes for electrochemical capacitors is obtained by single-stage carbonization of biopolymers with a large content of heteroatoms. Neither addition of an activating agent during carbonization nor subsequent gas phase activation is necessary. Several biopolymers which are available by extraction from seaweed are suitable precursors. Alternatively, the seaweed containing such biopolymers is carbonized directly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing chitosan using pressures greater than 0 PSIG. The invention also provides fungal chitosan compositions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to advanced hemorrhage control wound dressings, and methods of using a producing same. The subject wound dressing is constructed from a non-mammalian material for control of severe bleeding. The wound dressing is formed of a biomaterial comprising chitosan for controlling severe bleeding. The kind of severe, life-threatening bleeding contemplated by this invention is typically of the type not capable of being stanched when a conventional gauze wound dressing is applied with conventional pressure to the subject wound. The wound dressing being capable of substantially stanching the flow of the severe life-threatening bleeding from the wound by adhering to the wound site, to seal the wound, to accelerate blood clot formation at the wound site, to reinforce clot information at the wound site and prevent bleed out from the wound site, and to substantially prohibit the flow of blood out of the wound site.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthopaedic composition comprising porous chitosan particles suspended in a liquid medium wherein the liquid medium further comprises a biocompatible polymer. The invention also provides a process for preparing a solid or semi-solid orthopaedic material by drying the orthopaedic composition. The resulting solid or semi-solid orthopaedic material finds use as a bone-replacement material, a bone cement and a tissue scaffold. A process for preparing suitable porous chitosan particles for the present invention by incorporating a porogen capable of including crystallinity is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition to make the mucous membrane bulge during endoscopic surgery characterized in that it comprises a chitosan derivative containing carbohydrate chains. The use of the composition of the present invention as a liquid for bulging the mucous membrane during endoscopic surgery, maintain the bulge of the mucous membrane for a long period, and prevent perforation, resulting in the improved reliability of endoscopic surgery. The composition of the present invention also demonstrates prevention and inhibition of bleeding from the incised portion. The introduction of a photo-reactive group to the above chitosan derivative with carbohydrate chains allows the easy formation of a hydrogel through photo-crosslinking, leading to the further improvement in retention of the bulge and prevention of bleeding.

Abstract: The aqueous thermosetting neutralized chitosan composition, forming a phosphate-free transparent hydrogel at a temperature higher than 5° C., comprises 0.1 to 5.0 w/w %, based on the total composition, of a reacetylated chitosan having a molecular weight of not smaller than 100 kDa and a deacetylation degree of 40 to 70%, neutralized with an hydroxylated base, and 1 to 30 w/w %, based on the total composition, of a complexing agent selected from polyoses and polyols derived from polyoses. Said composition is useful for the preparation of an injectable formulation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to N-acetylated, N, O-carboxyalkylchitosans and methods for using the chitosans to treat disorders, such as cancer, nervous system disorders, urinary tract disorders, and reproductive tract disorders.

Abstract: Novel cross-linked gels comprised of alkoxyetheramides grafted to polysaccharides that have superior viscosity properties have been made. By controlling the chain length of the alkoxyetheramides and the hydrophobic nature of the gel, these materials are ideal for many uses such as in hydraulic fracturing of oil-bearing geological formations, in the paint and dye industries, as dispersants, in personal care products and for carriers in controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: Chitosan is a natural product having wide range of applications in the food and cosmetic industries. Food and commodity grade chitosan are laden with pyrogens, such as endotoxins and proteins which limit its applicability in the biological and medical arenas, as minute amounts of endotoxins may induce adaptive and innate responses when contacted with mammalian tissue, pharmaceuticals and biomedical devices. Due to chitosan's ability to avidly bind endotoxin and other pyrogens, they are difficult to remove. The present invention is directed to methods for purifying chitosan from shells, food and commodity grade chitosan into ultra-pure, low endotoxin chitosan having biological and medical applicability. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to a method of determining the pyrogenicity of the ultra-pure low endotoxin chitosan.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing a porous chitosan scaffold, the method including: providing an aqueous acidic solution having chitosan and a solvent which does not dissolve the chitosan; and freeze-drying the aqueous acidic solution, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of a C3-C8 aliphatic alcohol having one hydroxy group, ethylene glycol monoethylether, ethylene glycol monobutylether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylcarbonate, acetone and acetonitrile, and a chitosan scaffold produced using the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new hydrogel functionalized with a polymerizable moiety, the polymerized hydrogels, films and gels comprising the same and their use for cells, proteins, DNA or other molecules encapsulation, including use as biosensors or bioreactors.

Abstract: A highly deacetylated chitosan obtained from microbial biomass, a method of obtaining chitosan from microbial biomass, and biomass for making chitosan are disclosed. The method includes providing chitin-containing biomass; reacting the chitin-containing biomass in a caustic solution of greater than 25 percent alkali at a reaction temperature greater than 95° C. for a reaction period of at least 10 hours to convert the chitin in the biomass to chitosan; and separating the chitosan from the caustic solution.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating myocardial dysfunction or inflammation are described. The methods of the invention involve administering an agent that can inhibit lysozyme to an animal in need thereof. Preferred lysozyme inhibitors include TAC and chitobiose.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds represented by the structure of the general formula (A): wherein L is a lipid or a phospholipid, Z is either nothing, ethanolamine, serine, inositol, choline, or glycerol, Y is either nothing or a spacer group ranging in length from 2 to 30 atoms, X is a physiologically acceptable monomer, dimer, oligomer, or polymer, wherein X is a glycosaminoglycan; and n is a number from 1 to 1000, wherein any bond between L, Z, Y and X is either an amide or an esteric bond.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing water-treatment particles comprises respectively preparing a particle-fabricating solution that comprises chitinous composition and a forming solution first. Next, a complex solution is prepared by adding calcium sulfite into the particle-fabricating solution. Finally, the complex solution is pumped into the forming solution to form water-treatment particles. In addition, water-treatment particles manufactured by the method above are also disclosed in the specification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-natural amino acids and polypeptides that include at least one non-natural amino acid, and methods for making such non-natural amino acids and polypeptides. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as a part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of possible functionalities, but typical have at least one oxime, carbonyl, dicarbonyl, and/or hydroxylamine group. Also disclosed herein are non-natural amino acid polypeptides that are further modified post-translationally, methods for effecting such modifications, and methods for purifying such polypeptides. Typically, the modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides include at least one oxime, carbonyl, dicarbonyl, and/or hydroxylamine group. Further disclosed are methods for using such non-natural amino acid polypeptides and modified non-natural amino acid polypeptides, including therapeutic, diagnostic, and other biotechnology uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel chitin derivatives and their use in medical treatments of plastic surgery, dermocosmesis and therapy, in particular it relates to natural chitin derivatives, like chitin in nanofibrillar form, oxychitin and other chemical derivatives of chitin, chitosan-hyaluronate and associations for use as subcutaneous fillers or skin protectants.

Abstract: This invention is directed to advanced hemorrhage control wound dressings, and methods of using and producing same. The subject wound dressing is constructed from a non-mammalian material for control of severe bleeding. The wound dressing for controlling severe bleeding is formed of a biomaterial comprising chitosan, a hydrophilic polymer, a polyacrylic polymer or a combination thereof. The kind of severe, life-threatening bleeding contemplated by this invention is typically of the type not capable of being stanched when a conventional gauze wound dressing is applied with conventional pressure to the subject wound. The wound dressing being capable of substantially stanching the flow of the severe life-threatening bleeding from the wound by adhering to the wound site, to seal the wound, to accelerate blood clot formation at the wound site, to reinforce clot formation at the wound site and prevent bleed out from the wound site, and to substantially prohibit the flow of blood out of the wound site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing chito-oligosaccharide material by the enzymatic hydrolysis of chitinous materials, such as chitin, chitosan, and squid pen. The results of cell experiment showed that the oligosaccharide material of the invention causes a decrease in survival rate of U937 cell (a human leukemia cell line) to 69-57%; and of CT26 (a mouse rectal carcinoma cell line) to 69-57%. The product of the invention is preferably in form of tablet, capsule, powder, and granules. It may be added to any kind of foods as a nutriment, which is administered orally as an anti-tumor auxiliary.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of water-soluble chitosan with high purity and biological activity includes steps of: reacting chitosan oligo sugar acid salt, covalently bonded to an organic or inorganic acid, with trialkylamine in phosphate buffered saline followed by addition of an organic solvent to remove acid salt at C-2 position; adding the thus obtained reaction mixture to an inorganic acid to remove trialkylamine salt at C-6 position; and passing the thus obtained free amine chitosan through an activated carbon/ion exchange resin. The free amine chitosan is water-soluble and has a high bioavailability for application to the medicine and food industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a chitosancontaining salt having the function of lowering blood pressure. The method comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving an acid-soluble chitosan in organic acid, or dissolving a water-soluble chitosan derivative in water, to prepare a chitosan solution; (b) spraying the chitosan solution on salt particles to bind the chitosan to the salt particles; and (c) drying the chitosan-bound salt particles. According to the present invention, the chitosan or its derivative is bound to the salt particles by spraying or mixing such that the chitosan-containing salt can be produced without performing a recrystallizing step. Thus, the production cost of the chitosan-containing salt can be significantly decreased.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing absorbent has function of suppression leakage of formaldehyde. The method includes adding chitosan into a solvent, adding acid into the obtained chitosan solution and adding a phenol solution into the chitosan solution having acid in it. The obtained absorbent has the function of absorbing formaldehyde, so as to increase security to workmen.

Abstract: A process for producing a chitin derivative and/or a chitosan derivative that have a crosslinked structure, which comprises irradiating a paste of a mixture consisting of 100 parts by weight of a chitin derivative and/or a chitosan derivative and 3˜1,000 parts by weight of purified water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to homogeneous phase enzyme-catalyzed processes for producing modified chitosan polymers or oligomers. An enzyme is reacted with a phenolic substrate in the presence of a chitosan polymer or oligomer to produce a modified chitosan polymer or oligomer. The invention also includes modified chitosan polymers or oligomers produced by the novel processes, in particular modified chitosan polymers or oligomers having useful functional properties, such as base solubility and/or high viscosity.

Abstract: Sulfation or sulfonation of biopolymers such as starch, chitosan, dextrins, gums and the like is conducted in an ionic liquid such as a quaternary ammonium salt. Detergent compositions containing the sulfated or sulfonated reaction product are suitable for fabric cleansing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biomaterial comprising an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition wherein the polysaccharide may be succinochitosan glutamate. This invention also relates to a biomaterial comprising an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition in which resorbable particles may be in suspension, the said particles comprising or consisting essentially of chitin and/or chitosan, which may be free of any additional formulation modifying agents, and a process for manufacturing the same. This invention also relates to a medical device including said biomaterial and to a method of repair or treatment including the filling of cavities in the human face or body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agriculture. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of increasing photosynthesis of a plant and more particularly of crop plants. In addition, the invention relates to a method of increasing photosynthesis and/or yield in crop plants, comprising an exposure thereof to lipo-chitooligosaccharides, and compositions therefor. Further, the invention relates to an agricultural composition for enhancing a plant crop photosynthetic rate and/or growth thereof comprising a photosynthetic rate-promoting amount of at least one lipo chitooligosaccharide (LCO) together with an agriculturally suitable carrier and methods using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a cationic polysaccharide, typically chitin-based material and/or chitosan material, and an acidic pH buffering means. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance even upon prolonged wearing time of the articles.

Abstract: Therapeutic 5-aminosalicylic acid derivative compositions having general formula (I), wherein R is a 1-deoxy sugar residue or a poly(ethylene glycol) chain-containing residue, are provided. The compositions enable topical delivery of 5-aminosalicylic acid to the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration in pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: Gels and polymers comprising a polypeptide bound to a polysaccharide are disclosed. Specific polypeptides include, but are not limited to, polypeptides that comprise glutamine or tyrosine residues. Specific polysaccharides include, but are not limited to, chitosan. Gels and polymers of the invention can be used for the in vitro and in situ formation of protein-polysaccharide conjugates. Methods of making polypeptide/polysaccharide gels and polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water-soluble chitosan having a low concentration of endotoxin is disclosed. Products containing the water-soluble chitosan are also disclosed. Methods of making and using water-soluble chitosan having a low concentration of endotoxin are further disclosed.

Abstract: A functional chitosan derivative which comprises a chitin/chitosan, which is a natural polysaccharide, and incorporated therein at least one of a carbohydrate, a photo-reactive functional group, an amphipathic group, e.g. a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, and a glycosaminoglycan and which, due to the incorporation, has solubility in a neutral medium, self-crosslinking ability, the property of highly containing water or healing wounds, and antithrombotic properties. Namely, the derivative has various properties required of health care materials such as medical products and cosmetics.

Abstract: Water-soluble chitosan-indole-3-propionic acid conjugates useful as active constituents in pharmaceutical as well as cosmeceutical and agricultural applications are described.

Abstract: An effective prophylactic mucosal gene expression vaccine (GXV), made up of a cocktail of at least 4 different plasmid DNAs encoding corresponding RSV antigens, coacervated with chitosan to formulate nanospheres. In a murine model of RSV infection, intranasal administration with GXV results in significant induction of RSV-specific antibodies, nasal IgA antibodies, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and IFN-? production in the lung and splenocytes. A single dose of GXV induces a drastic reduction of viral titers.

Abstract: A process for chemically bonding an odor-encapsulating agent to textiles includes reacting a cyclodextrin with a cross-linking agent capable of forming ether bonds with the cyclodextrin and with the textile material, and curing the textile material treated with a mixture of the cyclodextrin and cross-linking agent. Preferably, the cross-linking agent is imidazolidone, which forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cyclodextrin and with a hydroxyl group. In textile materials containing cellulose, imidazolidone forms an ether bond with a hydroxyl group on the cellulose. An active agent can be complexed with the cyclodextrin for release. Textiles formed by such a process can comprise an article of clothing adapted to trap odors emanating from a wearer.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for treating disease based upon the medicinal use of lipids and phospholipids covalently bound to physiologically acceptable monomers or polymers. Phosphatidylethanolamine moieties conjugated to physiologically acceptable monomers and polymers (PE conjugates) manifest an unexpectedly wide range of pharmacological effects, including stabilizing cell membranes; limiting oxidative damage to cell and blood components; limiting cell proliferation, cell extravasation and (tumor) cell migratory behavior; suppressing immune responses; and attenuating physiological reactions to stress, as expressed in elevated chemokine levels.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a new composition and method for chemically modifying chitosan, including N-substituting or N-cross-linking, under homogeneous conditions by providing neutral aqueous chitosan solutions with enhanced reactivity. The method comprises the steps of i) preparing a clear aqueous solution of chitosan, said solution comprising 0.1 to 10% by weight of a chitosan, and 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one buffering agent having a pKa between 6.0 and 7.6, said solution having a pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.2; and ii) dissolving homogeneously at least one reagent into the solution of step a), said reagent being reactive toward amine groups of chitosan; and said reagent being at a concentration from 0.01 to 10% by weight. The chitosan in the aqueous solution is chemically modified or cross-linked by a selective substitution on the amino group of chitosan.

Abstract: A novel cell culture medium suitable for primary culture of insect cells, an insect-derived water-soluble chitin, and a process of preparing an insect culture cell line in a short period of time by using the insect primary culture medium and the insect-derived water-soluble chitin. The insect cell primary culture medium comprises lactalbumin hydrolysate, yeastolate, and tryptose phosphate broth as protein extracts, and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a viscosity-supplementing agent. The insect-derived water-soluble chitin is subjected to deacetylation as the sole chemical modification.

Abstract: By the reaction of chitosan with iminothiolactones such as 2-iminothiolane, thiol groups can be covalently immobilized on the polymer. The resulting chitosan derivatives exhibit thiol groups which are capable of forming inter- and intramolecular disulfide bonds. Because of this crosslinking process the viscosity of polymer solutions is strongly improved. Moreover, the cationic character of the polymer is strongly improved.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for treating disease based upon the medicinal use of lipids and phospholipids covalently bound to physiologically acceptable monomers or polymers. Phosphatidylethanolamine moieties conjugated to physiologically acceptable monomers and polymers (PE conjugates) manifest an unexpectedly wide range of pharmacological effects, including stabilizing cell membranes; limiting oxidative damage to cell and blood components; limiting cell proliferation, cell extravasation and (tumor) cell migratory behavior; suppressing immune responses; and attenuating physiological reactions to stress, as expressed in elevated chemokine levels.

Abstract: This invention provides modified biopolymers comprising biopolymers attached to at least one non-proteinaceous catalyst capable of dismutating superoxide in the biological system or precursor ligand thereof. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified biopolymer and therapeutic methods comprising administering the modified biopolymer to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A purified chitin has a total content of fatty acids and salts thereof not higher than 0.2 wt. % in terms of fatty acids. The purified chitin can be produced by washing a chitin with at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of organic solvent and water-containing organic solvents such that a total content of fatty acids and salts thereof is lowered at least to 0.2 wt. % in terms of fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles suitable for controlling odors, especially odors associated with bodily fluids, which comprise a cationic polysaccharide, preferably chitosan material, together with an odor controlling agent, preferably an odor absorbent agent and/or a chelating agent. This combination provides synergistic reduced odor control towards malodors associated with bodily fluids like menses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-insoluble, crosslinked amide derivatives of hyaluronic acid and manufacturing method thereof, where the amide derivatives of hyaluronic acid are characterized by crosslinking, of polymer or oligomer having two or more amine groups, with hyaluronic acid or its hyaluronate salts through amidation reaction. The water-insoluble, crosslinked amide derivatives of hyaluronic acid according to the present invention may be diversely used for prevention of adhesion after surgical operation, correction of facial wrinkles, dermal augmentation, tissue engineering, osteoarthritic viscosupplement etc.