Abstract: Ulcer is a serious oxidative stress induced disease with complex pathologic events including upregulation of H+K+ ATPase of parietal cell (PC) membrane, damage of mucin layer around PC, PC-DNA damage etc. The polysaccharide (GRPP) fraction and antioxidant extract (GRAOX) of ginger was examined for their ability to inhibit H+ K+ ATPase. Results indicated that the inhibition of H+ K+ ATPase activity which causes acidity in the lumen of the stomach, also exhibited better H+K+ ATPase inhibition (PPI) at the IC50 of 27.2 ?g (GRPP) and 16.5 ?g GAE (AOX) respectively than the known antiulcer proton pump blocker Lansoprazole (19.3 ?g). Further the antioxidant activity in antioxidant extract (GRAOX) by various assay systems was examined such as Reducing power, Free radical scavenging (FRS), DNA and cytoprotection systems etc. GRAOX exhibited concentration dependent reducing power ability at 5-25 ?g equivalent of phenol. FRS activity with IC50 of 6.8 ?g equivalent of phenol etc. At 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is gluten having good dispersibility in water. Also disclosed is a method for producing active gluten, a gluten-containing food or a gluten gel efficiently by using a gluten dispersion solution. Further disclosed is a method for producing a gluten hydrolysate efficiently by preparing a gluten dispersion solution in a simple manner and hydrolyzing the dispersion solution. Gluten, which normally forms an aggregate in water, can be dispersed readily by mixing gluten with a water-soluble polysaccharide containing galacturonic acid. The gluten dispersion solution thus prepared can be used to produce active gluten, a gluten-containing food or a gluten gel efficiently, and can be also used to prepare a gluten hydrolysate in a simple manner, efficiently and stably.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for engineering plants to have reduced levels of acetylation by decreasing expression of one or more Cas1L genes. Such plants can be used, e.g., to increase yield for biofuel production.

Abstract: The invention concerns lake compositions based on natural macromolecules (gelatin, chitosan, pectine etc.) with possible additions of vinyl polymers, metal-alcoxides etc., characterized by a barrier effect modulated in situ, in particular as a function of the relative humidity in the exterior ambient.

Abstract: Described herein are composites useful in tissue and organ engineering. In one aspect, the composite comprises the reaction product between a macromolecule comprising at least one thiol group and a gold nanoparticle. The thiolated macro-molecule crosslinks with the gold nanoparticle to produce a composite that is useful in anchoring cells. The composites can be used to form multi-layer 3-D structures, where the cells in each layer can aggregate and fuse with one another to form tissues and organs.

Abstract: The present invention provides sugar beet pectin (modified sugar beet pectin) having improved or enhanced emulsifying properties and emulsion stability, compared to natural sugar beet pectin. Also provided is a method for producing the modified sugar beet pectin. The modified sugar beet pectin contains a water-insoluble component, and has a higher molecular weight after high-pressure homogenization than ordinary sugar beet pectin. The water-insoluble component absorbs water to form a hydrogel when the modified sugar beet pectin is dispersed in water at 25° C. to a final concentration of 0.1 mass %.

Abstract: A new method to produce formulations of bacterial cellulose that exhibit improved viscosity-modifying properties particularly with low energy applied to effectuate viscosity changes therewith is provided. Such a method includes the novel co-precipitation with a water soluble co-agent that permits precipitation in the presence of excess alcohol to form an insoluble fiber that can than be utilized as a thickener or suspension aid without the need to introduce high energy mixing. Such bacterial cellulose properties have been available in the past but only through highly labor and energy intensive processes. Such an inventive method as now proposed thus provides a bacterial cellulose-containing formulation that exhibits not only properties that are as effective as those for previous bacterial celluloses, but, in some ways, improvements to such previous types. Certain end-use compositions and applications including these novel bacterial cellulose-containing formulations are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for spray drying uronic acid oligosaccharides and to a powder compositions thus obtained. Typically the powder composition comprises between 25 and 100 wt.% uronic acid oligosaccharide with a DP between 2 and 50 based on total weight of uronic acid, with and an average particle size between 20 ?m and 100 ?m.

Abstract: The invention related to the use of oligo-apiogalacturonan compounds, particularly extracted from aquatic plants of the Lemna or Zostera Genus, as an agent for stimulating the defence and resistance reactions in a plant, in particular an ornamental plant or a plant of agricultural interest, against biotic an/or abiotic stresses. The invention further relates to a method for stimulating the natural defence reactions of a plant or a portion or a plant against biotic and/or abiotic stresses that includes applying at least one oligo-apiogalacturonan compound in a liquid or solid composition on said plant or a portion of a plant or in the environment of said plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hatching of hatchery eggs comprising: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition comprising a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur; wherein the yield of hatching of said hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). The invention additionally relates to a composition for treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation, wherein said composition comprising a coating agent, and wherein said composition improves the hatching yield of said hatchery eggs.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here has several key elements: direct probe-on-sensor detection, mesh probe, and mesh reporter. Furthermore, the mesh probe and reporter shall have some physical cross-linking between the polymer backbone(s), either covalently or non-covalently. In combination, this invention enables one to build an ultra-sensitive, low-cost, and highly portable system for molecular detection. Among its many potential applications is a direct detection of nucleic acids in crude lysate in a multiplex format, without the requirements for nucleic acids extraction and amplification. Such an improvement is likely to change the practice of genotyping and gene expression profiling done in a clinic setting. Another application is an ultrasensitive ELIZA assay in a multiplex format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, preferably in the form of a powder and/or granules, which contain resveratrol and pectin, and a process for the manufacture of such compositions.

Abstract: The invention concerns multiparticulate galenic formulations for oral administration and designed for colon targeted delivery of active principles selected from the group comprising enzymes capable of inactivating macrolides and the like, enzymes capable of inactivating quinolones and ?-lactamases.

Abstract: Thermosetting polymeric compositions, such as polyurethane compositions, and related methods are provided. The invention relates to coating and polymer compositions and related methods derived from a biodegradable natural polysaccharide compound such as chitosan, pectin, heparin, and combinations thereof reacted to a cyclic oxide compound, such as an oxetane, oxolane or oxepane compound. The compositions and methods of the present invention exhibit self-repairing properties upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used in many coating applications, such as the transportation, packaging, fashion, and biomedical industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a fibre-containing pectin product from a plant material. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a plant material comprising pectin, where said pectin is having a degree of esterification of 55% or less, (ii) adding an acidic aqueous solution to the pectin containing plant material obtained in step (i) and providing a suspension of the plant material, where the suspended plant material provides an in situ system by swelling the plant material under conditions where the pectin is kept within the plant material, and (iii) obtaining the fibre-containing pectin product from the suspension provided in step (ii), wherein the plant material is substantially depleted from divalent cations.

Abstract: Pectins having a combination of unexpectedly high molecular weights and low degrees of methylation have been isolated from Aloe vera plants, are superior gel pectins for forming calcium cross-lined gels. Such pectins can be obtained by extracting homogenized Aloe Vera plants or portions thereof. These pectins can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions comprising pharmacological agents for application to animals and humans, so as to provide controlled release of the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: Pectins having a combination of unexpectedly high molecular weights and low degrees of methylation have been isolated. These high molecular weight, low degree of methylation pectins form gels at unexpectedly low concentrations. Such pectins can be obtained by extracting homogenized Aloe Vera plants or portions thereof. These pectins can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions comprising pharmacological agents encapsulated in a pectin gel, for application to animals and humans so as to provide controlled release of the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to percarboxylated polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of gellan, carboxymethylcellulose, pectic acid, pectin and hyaluronic acid derivatives; the process for their preparation and their use in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, surgical and healthcare fields.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flavonoid bioabsorption-promoting composition or food/beverage which can improve the bioabsorption of quercetin or other flavonoids having antioxidant effect and therefore are expected to be effective for the prevention of various diseases. It is found that ingestion of apple pectin can improve the bioabsorption of quercetin and other flavonoids by about 2 times and shows higher physiological activity compared to the case where apple pectin is not ingested. Based on this finding, a flavonoid bioabsorption-promoting composition or food/beverage can be provided, which contains apple pectin as an active ingredient and therefore can improve the bioabsorbability of a flavonoid and show a flavonoid bioabsorption-promoting activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adjuvants of the glycolipid type and their uses in pharmaceutical compositions, like in vaccines. In particular, the present invention provides new uses of compounds useful as adjuvants for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumours and allergies. The compounds are particularly useful not only as systemic, but preferably as mucosal adjuvants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high molecular weight pectin-like polysaccharide from fruit pods of okra. The high molecular weight pectin-like polysaccharide, when dissolved in a buffer, exhibit viscoelastic properties, and is very useful in applications such as ophthalmic surgery, dermatology and orthopedics.

Abstract: This invention modifies pectin, and improves, by the use of the modified pectin, physical properties of a subject composition, such as dispersion stability, emulsifying activity/emulsion stability, water holding property (syneresis inhibiting property), texture, viscosity development property, and gelling property. Pectin is modified by heating a raw material pectin in the form of a powder at 50 to 150° C. for 1 minute to 48 hours. Preferably, as a raw material pectin to be heated, pectin whose loss upon drying is 20% (w/w) or lower is used. More preferably, the raw material pectin is heated at 50 to 150° C. for 1 minute to 48 hours at a relative humidity of 20 to 90% (w/w) and/or under a reduced pressure.

Abstract: There is described a method for obtaining pectin from a pectin-containing material that involves treating the pectin-containing material with an enzyme that causes the pectin to be released from the pectin-containing material. Suitable enzymes include, but are not limited to, cellulase enzymes, hemicellulase enzymes, and mixtures thereof. Ethanol and isopropanol are typical alcohols utilized in recovering the pectin. Also decarbohydrates scribed is the pectin produced by the method, and the use of the pectin in foods and beverages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of an assay of genomic nucleic acid. Additionally, this invention relates to various methods to detect or screen for designated genetic sequences or portion thereof derived from a biological sample. More particularly, this invention relates to the use of magnetically responsive magnetic particles that function to reversibly bind genomic nucleic acid. A portion of the purified genomic nucleic acid is detected in solution by a variety of methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for surface colouration of paper web by application of the dye grafted binder to the paper surface, followed by treatment of the dyed substrate with a fixing agent, in addition to certain water soluble or ready to use aqueous dispersions of a reactive dye grafted binders, a process for the preparation thereof and use thereof in the paper surface colouration process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pectin derived from an acerola fruit or a hydrolysate thereof, comprising a complex formed of Aceronidin, which is a novel polyphenol compound. The pectin of the present invention can be used as an active ingredient of an antioxidant or a skin-whitening agent.

Abstract: A terminating agent and a method for preparing an anionic polymer are provided. The terminating agent includes a carbohydrate, which is a solid substantially insoluble in a solvent and is used for terminating an anionic polymerization of a polymer. Another aspect of the method includes steps which provide an initiator for initiating an anionic polymerization, adding a terminating agent for terminating the anionic polymerization and forming a complex, wherein the terminating agent is a carbohydrate, and an alkali metal ion is removed by a solid-liquid separation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pectin having an internal viscosity of about 3 dl/g to about 8 dl/g, preferably about 4 dl/g to about 5 dl/g, a molecular weight of about 185 kDa to about 240 kDa, and a degree of esterification of about 35% to about 40%, more preferably about 37% to about 39%.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hyperbranched amylopectin which has an average branch degree of between >10 and 25 mol % and a molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 40.000-800.000 Dalton and the derivatives thereof in methods for surgical or therapeutic treatment of human or animal bodies or in a diagnostic method, preferably as a plasma volume expander. Plasma volume expanders based on hydroxy-ethylated amylopectin have, as a result of hydroxy ethylation, hitherto exhibited the disadvantage of incomplete metabolism and thus temporary tissue storage which is linked to side-effects. According to the invention, novel plasma expanders based on polysaccharides which do not exhibit the same disadvantages as the former are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel amphoteric polysaccharide compounds containing sulfonate function(s) corresponding to the formula (I) in which P represents a polysaccharide chain; X, Y and Z each represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally hydroxylated C1-C12 divalent hydrocarbon-based group optionally comprising at least one ether and/or amine function in the hydrocarbon-based chain, or a group —Si(R)2—[O—Si(R)2]q-A-; r is 0 or 1; An represents an anionic group chosen from formula (II) CAT represents a quaternary ammonium group or a cationic polymer chain obtained by grafting and polymerization of ethylenic monomers bearing a quaternary ammonium function, Sulfo represents a sulfonic or sulfonate group; and n, m and p are such that the total degree of substitution of the polysaccharide does not exceed 2. The invention also relates to compositions comprising them and to their use in cosmetics.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of carbohydrate with UV light. The process comprises the steps of providing a carbohydrate, combining the carbohydrate with an oxidant and exposing the combined carbohydrate and oxidant to ultraviolet light. The process occurs at alkaline conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysaccharide conjugates that comprise: a polysaccharide that binds to surface-receptors present on Antigen Presenting Cells, conjugated to one or more compounds having stable carbonyl groups covalently attached, either directly or via a bifunctional linker. The conjugates are useful as immuno-stimulants and adjuvants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of blunting the postprandial glycemic response to a meal by feeding a dual induced viscosity fiber system. The first component of the induced viscosity fiber system is soluble fiber. The second component of the induced viscosity fiber system is water-insoluble, acid-soluble multivalent cations. The third component of the induced viscosity fiber system in lightly hydrolyzed starch. The fiber system will typically be incorporated into a meal replacement nutritional. The present invention also refers to a method of delivering soluble fiber to diabetics and to persons needing to lose weight. Additionally, the invention refers to a method of promoting the feeling of fullness and satiety by feeding a nutritional product containing the induced viscosity fiber system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of blunting the postprandial glycemic response in a human by feeding an induced viscosity fiber system. The invention also relates to an induced viscosity fiber system and the liquid products that incorporate the induced viscosity fiber system. Further, the invention relates to a method of incorporating soluble fiber into a liquid product without the typical negative organoleptic or physical stability issues. The invention also relates to a method of inducing the feeling of fullness and satiety by feeding the induced viscosity fiber system.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to compositions for the sustained release of pharmacological agents comprising pectins having a combination of both a high molecular weight and a low degree of methoxylation.

Abstract: Disease conditions which are dependent upon or moderated by angiogenesis are controlled by the use of a therapeutic material which interacts with cell surface galectins. Particular therapeutic materials comprise a polymeric backbone having side chains terminating in a sugar dependent therefrom. Disclosed are specific therapeutic materials in which the polymeric backbone is based upon polygalacturonic acid, and the side chains terminate in arabinose or galactose.

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

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing the effect of vaccines in animals, such as domestic, sport, or pet species, and humans are disclosed. More particularly, vaccine compositions comprising ribavirin and an antigen, preferably an antigen that has an epitope present in Hepatitis C virus (HCV), are disclosed for use in treating and preventing disease, preferably HCV infection.

Abstract: The invention is a compound and method for enhancing the immune system. The compound is extensin or a combination of (a) pectin or polysaccharides found in the pectic molecule and (b) extensin. The method for cytotoxic enhancement of lymphocytes requires ingesting a therapeutically effective amount of extensin or a combination of pectin or polysaccharides found in the pectic molecule and extensin to enhance the activity of the immune system. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a therapeutically effective pharmaceutical for the cytotoxic enhancement of lymphocytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hyperbranched amylopectin which has an average branch degree of between >10 and 25 mol % and a molecular weight (Mw) ranging from 40.000-800.000 Dalton and the derivatives thereof in methods for surgical or therapeutic treatment of human or animal bodies or in a diagnostic method, preferably as a plasma volume expander. Plasma volume expanders based on hydroxy-ethylated amylopectin have, as a result of hydroxy ethylation, hitherto exhibited the disadvantage of incomplete metabolism and thus temporary tissue storage which is linked to side-effects. According to the invention, novel plasma expanders based on polysaccharides which do not exhibit the same disadvantages as the former are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polygalacturonides as food additives, said polygalacturonides being obtainable via the following process steps:

Abstract: Low methoxyl pectins that display pseudoplasticity and substantially no phase separation in aqueous solutions comprising at least one polyvalent cation, and processes for producing the same. Low methoxyl pectins prepared from non-calcium sensitive pectins. Processes for suspending particulates using low methoxyl pectins prepared from pectins which are not sensitive to polyvalent cations such as calcium, and in particular using low methoxyl pectins prepared from non-calcium sensitive pectins (NCSP). Stabilized aqueous systems containing low methoxyl pectins prepared from non-calcium sensitive pectins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production method of &agr;-amylase resistant polysaccharides with high RS content, comprising the following steps: a) producing a paste of water-insoluble poly-(1,4-&agr;-D-glucan) and water; b) heating the paste; c) cooling off and retrogradation of the past at a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the heated paste and d) optionally drying the resulting product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polygalacturonides as food additives, said polygalacturonides being obtainable via the following process steps: a) a pectinous plant material is subjected to a pectin extraction in aqueous solution; b) the solids are removed from the suspension obtained in step a), consisting of liquid phase including dissolved pectin and solids from the plant material; c) the pectin is precipitated from the liquid phase obtained in step b); d) the pectin obtained in step c) is dissolved in an aqueous solution and cleaved with purified endo-polygalacturonase; e) the polygalacturonides obtained in step d) are processed into a polygalacturonide preparation without using an additional separation step and without hydrolyzing ester groups that are present.

Abstract: The efficacy of conventional cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation is enhanced by the use of a therapeutic material which binds to and interacts with galectins. The therapeutic material can enhance apoptosis thereby increasing the effectiveness of oncolytic agents. It can also inhibit angiogenesis thereby moderating tumor growth and/or metastasis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of simultaneous purification and separation of pectin and pectic sugars/oligomers from sugar beet pulp using a multi-step process in an aqueous solution. The method comprises hydrolysis of the sugar beet pulp, solids separation from the sugar beet pulp hydrolysate as well as fractionation and desalting of the aqueous solution of the sugar beet pulp hydrolysate thus obtained into a desalted solution enriched in pectin and a desalted solution enriched in pectic sugars/oligomers. The process may also comprise optional further steps, such as clarification, adsorption, concentration and further chromatographic treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to chromatographic fractionation of pectin-containing vegetable material, such as sugar beet pulp. In the method of the invention, a pectin-containing hydrolysate is chromatographically separated into a pectin fraction, a salt fraction and a sugar fraction. The method is carried out by using a cation exchange resin, which is preferably in the form of a multivalent metal.

Abstract: Pectins having a combination of unexpectedly high molecular weights and low degrees of methylation have been isolated. These high molecular weight, low degree of methylation pectins form gels at unexpectedly low concentrations. Such pectins can be obtained by extracting homogenized Aloe Vera plants or portions thereof. These pectins can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions comprising pharmacological agents encapsulated in a pectin gel, for application to animals and humans so as to provide controlled release of the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to percarboxylated polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of gellan, carboxymethylcellulose, pectic acid, pectin and hyaluronic acid derivatives; the process for their preparation and their use in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, surgical and healthcare fields.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a starch ester, in particular a starch acetate, wherein a starch-based feedstock is reacted with an organic carboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction of the starch-based feedstock and the anhydride is performed at an excess pressure of about 0.1 to 50 bar in an essentially anhydrous medium containing 10% by weight of water at the most. As catalyst, sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide or sulphuric acid is used, and as the reaction medium, acetic acid or excess acetanhydride is used. By means of the invention, the duration of the esterification reaction can be significantly shortened, the separation of the product can be facilitated, and the recirculation of the waste solutions can be rendered more efficient.