Abstract: One method for purifying a chitosan starting material includes contacting it with at least one treatment agent selected from a protein-complexing agent, a metal-chelating agent, and a metal-complexing agent under pH conditions effective for forming a water insoluble chitosan precipitate and at least one water soluble material selected from a water soluble protein complex, a water soluble metal chelate, and a water soluble metal complex. Another variant involves solubilizing the chitosan starting material in an aqueous solution to produce an intermediate chitosan material. The intermediate chitosan material is contacted with a deproteinization agent and/or a demetallization agent under pH conditions effective for forming a water insoluble chitosan precipitate and at least one water soluble material that includes the pre-existing impurity. In both methods, the water insoluble chitosan precipitate and the water soluble material are separated resulting in a purified chitosan material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting cellular and protein attachment to substrates by applying a composition containing an effective amount of adherent N,O-carboxymethylchitosan to a substrate with such that cellular and protein attachment are prevented or greatly reduced.

Abstract: A chitosan having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000-140,000 g/mole and a degree of deacetylation of 85-95%. Also disclosed are a method of preparing a chitosan from a fungus, and a method of using a chitosan for treating breast or cervical cancer.

Abstract: Finely divided polysacharide derivatives are described. The finely divided polysacharide derivatives are prepared by a process comprising: a) forming an aqueous composition comprising a polysaccharide derivative and water, in which the polysaccharide derivative is soaked or dissolved; b) converting the polysaccharide derivative of the aqueous composition into finely divided solid particles by, (i) contacting the aqueous composition with superheated water vapor in a dryer-pulverizer; or (ii) causing the polysaccharide derivative of the aqueous composition to flocculate; and c) optionally drying the finely divided solid particles of step b). The primary structures of the polysaccharide starting material are largely removed, and the product has a shape factor of less than 5 and greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, nursing pads and baby diapers, having a breathable backsheet, and comprising a chitosan material. Absorbent articles are provided that deliver not only initial high performing breathability but also maintain effective breathability in use as well as high protection level while delivering also effective odor control towards odor associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Sugar-modified SIN-1 compositions are provided. The compositions are useful for generating NO in response to hydrolytic activity of a glycosidase specific for the O-glycosidic bond between the sugar and SIN-1 moieties. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the sugar-modified SIN-1 compositions and methods of using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-?-1?4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in ?-1?4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

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: Use of an aqueous composition, which has been prepared by dissolving (A) dihydroxypropylchitosan and (B) 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (B) in an aqueous medium, makes it possible to provide articles excellent in hydrophilicity, antibacterial and deodorant activities, touch feeling, antifogging property, paper strength, dyeability, waterproofness, antifouling property and/or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing polysaccharide fibres (8), wherein the polysaccharide is dissolved and the solution is sprayed into a bath (7) which contains a water-miscible organic solvent and a cross-linker. The invention also relates to a polysaccharide fibre (8) produced by the method, and to an absorbent article which includes the polysaccharide fibre (8).

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: 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 acetylation of chitosan, which enables acetylated chitosan of a desired acetylation degree to be produced. The method comprises producing a crude reactant solution using chitosan or chitosan oligosaccharide produced by decomposition and deacetylation of chitin as a raw material; and passing the crude reactant solution through an inline mixer while sequentially continuously a pH-adjusting agent and acetic acid anhydride into the inline mixer, so that the crude reactant solution is subjected to acetylation reaction.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a recombinant fungal strain, capable of expressing chitin deacetylase, which includes an expression vector that contains a nucleic acid molecule encoding chitin deacetylase, a suitable promoter and a transcription terminator. In particular, the present invention provides a recombinant Aspergillus oryzae strain capable of expressing chitin deacetylase obtained from Mucor rouxii. The present invention also relates to a method for producing chitin deacetylase by a recombinant fungal strain. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a recombinant yeast strain, capable of expressing chitin deacetylase, which includes an expression vector that contains a nucleic acid molecule encoding chitin deacetylase, a suitable promoter and a transcription terminator. In particular, the present invention provides a recombinant Pichia pastoris strain capable of expressing chitin deacetylase obtained from Mucor rouxii.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of chitosan which process comprises swelling particulate chitin with an aqueous solution for a period of at least 36 hours, and subsequently reacting the resultant swollen particulate chitin with an alkaline solution at an elevated temperature whereby to cause a deacetylation to occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug delivery devices for moist tissue, in particular mucosal tissue and tissue in the serous cavities, as well as a method of its use. The devices, which contain NOCC, are adherent to the mucosal tissue, allowing localized drug delivery. The devices are particularly useful in vaginal, buccal and ocular devices.

Abstract: A biologically active conjugate is disclosed comprising a biopolymer and a therapeutic agent joined by a disulfide bond. The conjugate, when formulated in a pharmaceutical composition with a suitable carrier, has improved in vivo stability and activity, and can be targeted to a variety of cells, tissues and organs.

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: 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: A chitosan-containing powder which contains chitosan particles formed by dissolving chitosan in an edible organic acid and spray-drying the solution. The molar ratio of the amount of the chitosan to that of the edible organic acid to be used for dissolving the chitosan may be about from 1/0.9 to 1/0.8. The molecular weight of the chitosan to be dissolved in the edible organic acid may be about 10,000 to 300,000. The degree of deacetylation of the chitosan to be dissolved in the edible organic acid may be about 90% or higher. The chitosan-containing powder has a higher chitosan content than conventional ones.

Abstract: The present invention describes a class of new regioselectively reticulated polysaccharides. A process to obtain these polysaccharides, starting from naturally occurring, possibly substituted polysaccharides, is also described. The products can be used in the medical filed and in other industrial sectors.

Abstract: A chitosan having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000-140,000 g/mole and a degree of deacetylation of 85-95%. Also disclosed are a method of preparing a chitosan from a fungus, and a method of using a chitosan for treating breast or cervical cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosan and a method of preparing the same under high shear conditions which eliminates the use of solvents and excessive amounts of aqueous liquids. Also provided are organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosans containing an inorganic basic material which enhances the aging stability thereof. The invention also provides fluids useful in various well drilling and servicing operations comprising an alkaline aqueous liquid containing an organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosan, as well as a method of drilling wells therewith.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of disorders due to abnormal lipid metabolism, such as hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidaemia and obesity, and which can therefore take the form of a dietary supplement or of an actual medicine, comprising as characterising active ingredients: (a) propionyl L-carnitine or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, and (b) chitosan or its derivatives and congeners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the processing of shellfish waste meal. More particularly, to increasing the crude protein while decreasing calcium and phosphorus levels of shellfish waste meal. The method significantly reduces the percent calcium and phosphorus in shellfish waste meal by introducing a strong acid while lowering the ratio of calcium to phosphorus and raising or maintaining protein levels of the shellfish waste meal at a neutral pH level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a well treatment fluid that contains water, an oxidized chitosan-based compound, and a water-soluble compound having carbonyl groups, wherein the oxidized chitosan-based compound has the property of being soluble in water up to about 2 wt % while maintaining a viscosity of less than about 1000 cp. The water used for the well treatment fluid is selected from the group consisting of fresh water, seawater, natural brine, formulated brine, 2% KCl solution, and any mixtures in any proportion thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising the steps of: (a) forming the well treatment fluid, and (b) contacting the subterranean formation with the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble natural film and its preparing method. More particularly, the present invention relates to water-soluble natural film manufactured by dissolving as an active ingredient a water-soluble chitosan prepared in such a manner that chitin/chitosan decomposed with lysozyme is rinsed with ethanol, subjected to electric adjustment and sonication in a saline solution and to ion-exchange to obtain water-soluble &bgr;-glucosamine fibrin followed by nano-sized coating the &bgr;-glucosamine fibrin with immunoglobulin (&ggr;-globulin), and seaweeds and functional ingredients in distilled water and gelatinating. The water-soluble natural film according to the present invention, unlike the conventional film containing chitosan, comprises, at a predetermined content ratio, chitosan with improved water solubility and immunity, seaweeds and functional ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water soluble, randomly substituted partial N-, partial O-acetylated chitosans or chitosan derivatives and methods of preparing water soluble, randomly substituted partial N-, partial O-acetylated chitosans or chitosan derivatives comprising the steps of dissolving the chitosan or chitosan derivative into an aqueous acidic solution and reacting the chitosan or chitosan derivative with an acetylating agent in the presence of a phase transfer reagent. The present invention is further directed to a pharmaceutical preserving composition comprising: (a) at least one chitosan or chitosan derivative and (b) at least one buffer solution, as well as methods of preserving contact lens solutions and disinfecting contact lens using such composition.

Abstract: Preparations containing glycated chitosan in a physiologically compatible carrier are described. Viscoelastic preparations comprise 1.0-12.0 percent by weight of glycated chitosan in an aqueous solution while lower viscosity solutions possess 0.1-0.5 percent by weight glycated chitosan. The otherwise free amino groups of the chitosan polymer are preferably 30-90% glycated and possess an average molecular weight of between 100,000 and 2,000,000 Daltons, and, most preferably between 100,000 and 1,000,000 Daltons.

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: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-&bgr;-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a &bgr;-1→4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

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: Disclosed is a process for producing particles of the modified carbohydrate polymer chitosan. Such chitosan particles are “activated” as a consequence of the specific steps used in the process. The process involves precipitation of dissolved chitosan from an acid solution thereof by the step-wise addition of neutralizing agent to the solution. A partial neutralization is carried out under shear agitation to form a continuous gel phase having a pH within the range of 5.0 to 6.9. This partially neutralized chitosan gel phase is then further subjected to shear agitation for at least 10 seconds to homogenize the gel phase. The homogenized gel phase is then further neutralized under shear agitation to a pH of above 6.9 to form a gel-like suspension of discrete chitosan particles. Chitosan particles in this form are useful in a number of contexts including, in particular, in the area of plant care.

Abstract: A process for decreasing skin irritation caused by shaving involving contacting the skin with a composition containing chitosan.

Abstract: This invention relates to in-situ preparation, and stable topical delivery systems of ascorbic acid salts of organic bases that provide skin beneficial properties, including reduction in signs of skin aging, anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant, and photo-protection from UV and sunlight. The formulation avoids the use of oils, minimizes the importance of the pH of the formulation, allows the incorporation of an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid or alkali metal salts of ascorbic acid in the formulation, does not require packaging the formulation in air tight containers, allows the use of large amounts of ascorbic acid, its salts, and its derivatives, and does not require the use of expensive coatings. Moreover, several ascorbic acid derivatives of different chemical composition can be made in a stable topical formulation by the in-situ combination of readily available starting materials in a water solution, despite the understanding well known in the prior art that such compositions in water are inherently unstable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water soluble, randomly substituted partial N-, partial O-acetylated chitosans or chitosan derivatives and methods of preparing water soluble, randomly substituted partial N-, partial O-acetylated chitosans or chitosan derivatives comprising the steps of dissolving the chitosan or chitosan derivative into an aqueous acidic solution and reacting the chitosan or chitosan derivative with an acetylating agent in the presence of a phase transfer reagent. The present invention is further directed to a pharmaceutical preserving composition comprising: (a) at least one chitosan or chitosan derivative and (b) at least one buffer solution, as well as methods of preserving contact lens solutions and disinfecting contact lens using such composition.

Abstract: A composition and process for inhibiting the corrosion of metallic substrates is revealed. The process utilizes an aqueous treatment solution comprising chitosan which has been reacted with an additive selected from the group consisting of phosphorus-containing compounds and sulfur-containing compounds and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the phosphorus-containing compound is a phosphonic acid and the sulfur-containing compound is a mercapto, thio, or thienyl containing compound or a mercapto functional silane. The composition and process are particularly useful in providing corrosion protection for aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy heat exchanger having excellent hydrophilicity and resistance to absorption or impregnation of tobacco odorous components has an organic hydrophilic coating layer formed on at least a portion of a base body of the heat exchanger and containing (A) at least one chitosan compound, (B) at least one two or more carboxyl group-containing organic compound and (C) at least one hydrophilic polymeric substance different from the components (A) and (B), in which the total solid content of components (A) and (B) is 20 mass % or more and the solid content of component (C) is 0.1 to 10 mass %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite sponge wound dressing and method for producing the same. Chitosan and &bgr;-Chitin is mixed in a specific ratio for forming the sponge for wound repairing. Particularly, when said ratio is between 0.1˜1, the composite sponge wound dressing has a better absorption and tensile strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-&bgr;-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a &bgr;-1→4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosan containing a polar additive comprising water soluble compounds containing one or more hydroxyl groups or one or more amino groups, including compounds containing both hydroxyl and amine groups, having a molecular weight less than about 2000, preferably less than about 1000. The invention also provides fluids useful in various well drilling and servicing operations comprising an alkaline aqueous liquid containing an organic diacid anhydride, chitosan, and the polar additive therein, as well as a method of drilling wells therewith.

Abstract: A method of preparing conjugates by means of covalent coupling of a polysaccharide selected from heparin, heparin derivatives, at least partially deacerylated dermatan sulphate and dextran sulphate and a solid substance containing primary amino groups, said method comprising the following steps: a) reduction of the saccharide so that its terminal monosaccharide unit is converted to an alditol; b) periodate oxidation of the alditol formed in step a) to the formation of a terminal aldehyde group under cleavage of the monosaccharide unit between two vicinal groups selected from hydroxyl and amino groups; and c) reductive coupling of the alditol via the aldehyde group to the amino group of the solid substrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for reversibly binding chitin binding domain (CBD) to a chitin or equivalent substrate under non denaturing conditions. CBD is modified preferably by a mutation to achieve this change in properties. In one embodiment, an aromatic amino acid residue located in the binding cleft of the CBD was altered resulting in reversible binding affinity for substrate in select conditions. Creating a modified CBD with an altered binding affinity for substrate provides new uses for CBD not previously possible with unmodified CBD which binds irreversibly to chitin.

Abstract: Compositions comprising chitosan in the form of a network of nano-sized fibres. There is also provided a process for making such compositions. The compositions have improved solubility and activity. The compositions are useful in hair care, skin care, odour control, wound care, blood management, sanitary compositions, oral care, film formation, hard surface treatment, fabric treatment, release of hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials, plant care, water purification and drug delivery.

Abstract: Stable salts of S-adenosyl-1-methionine with polycations such as chitosan are described. The salts according to the invention are very stable and are valuable for use as active constituents in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Chitin is extracted from the shells of exoskeletal animals such as crab, shrimp, crayfish, and lobster, by a primarily physical process comprising the step of cutting the shells in a wet state to approximately uniform particles. The resultant mass is then diluted and mixed to form a pumpable slurry. The slurry is separated to remove most unwanted materials, after which the particle size of the concentrated chitinous residue is further reduced. The once-washed, finely-cut chitinous slurry is again separated, resulting in a chitin end product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical complexes consisting of cysteine or derivatives of cysteine and an aminosugar as well as pharmaceutical compositions and dietary supplements comprising such complexes. The invention further relates to the use of such compositions or complexes for the preparation of a medicament or a dietary supplement in the suppression of hypersensitivity and inflammatory reactions such as rheumatic or dermatological disorders or to a method of treating such diseases by administering such compositions and complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified, easily produced poly-&bgr;-1→4-N-acetylglucosamine (p-GlcNAc) polysaccharide species. The p-GlcNAc of the invention is a polymer of high molecular weight whose constituent monosaccharide sugars are attached in a &bgr;-1→4 conformation, and which is free of proteins, and substantially free of single amino acids, and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In addition, derivatives and reformulations of p-GlcNAc are described. The present invention further relates to methods for the purification of the p-GlcNAc of the invention from microalgae, preferably diatom, starting sources. Still further, the invention relates to methods for the derivatization and reformulation of the p-GlcNAc. Additionally, the present invention relates to the uses of pure p-GlcNAc, its derivatives, and/or its reformulations.

Abstract: A composition and process for inhibiting the corrosion of metallic substrates is revealed. The process utilizes an aqueous treatment solution comprising chitosan which has been reacted with an additive selected from the group consisting of phosphorus-containing compounds and sulfur-containing compounds and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the phosphorus-containing compound is a phosphonic acid and the sulfur-containing compound is a mercapto, thio, or thienyl containing compound or a mercapto functional silane. The composition and process are particularly useful in providing corrosion protection for aluminum and aluminum alloys.