Abstract: Bismuth-containing compounds include bismuth and a biologically active agent coordinated to the bismuth. The biologically active agent includes at least one heteroatom configured for coordination with the bismuth. Coordination polymers include a polymer matrix that contains a bismuth-containing compound. Methods for modulating a pharmacokinetic property of a biologically active agent include coordinating the biologically active agent to bismuth to form a bismuth-containing compound, and administering the bismuth-containing compound orally to a patient. Methods for treating Parkinson's disease, methods for treating hypothyroidism, methods for treating ulcerative colitis, and methods for treating cancer each include administering a bismuth-containing compound to a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are aerosol-mediated methods for synthesizing particles for biomedical and drug delivery applications. The method is based on the production of particles from sprayed polymeric micro or nano-droplets obtained by, for example, an air-jet nebulization process that is followed by gelation and/or hardening in a crosslinking fluid, non-solvent, precipitating solvent, or supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A plasma coating device for treating a wound comprises a plasma chamber having: one or more electrodes, a gas supply inlet, a plasma outlet exposed to ambient pressure, and an ignition system operatively connected to the electrodes for providing a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within the plasma chamber. An aerosol delivery system is operable to introduce a bioresorbable material as an aerosol into the plasma, to produce a coating on the wound surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds and medical devices activated with a solvophobic material functionalized with a first reactive member and methods of making such compounds and devices.

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: There is provided a purified alginic acid or a salt thereof having a low degree of coloration and a process for producing the same. A depolymerized alginic acid or a salt thereof having a weight-average molecular weight of 300,000 or lower, wherein a degree of coloration, which is defined as the difference in absorbance between 420 nm and 720 nm when a 5% by weight aqueous solution of the alginic acid or a salt thereof is subjected to absorption spectrophotometry using a 1-cm cell, is 0.040 or lower.

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: This present invention relates to a method for forming alginate microbeads. The method includes using a needle connected to a vibrator to continuously spot tiny alginate microdroplets in an oil layer. Subsequently, the temporarily formed alginate microdroplets sink into a CaCl2 solution to become gelled microbeads. As a whole, the method has opened up a route to perform alginate-microbead formation in a simple, continuous, controllable, uniform, cell-friendly, and less-contaminated manner.

Abstract: Methods for mass producing bacterial alginate, bacterial cultures for producing alginate, and pharmaceutical compositions containing bacterial alginate are contemplated.

Abstract: A novel anionic polysaccharides functionalized by at least one hydrophobic acid derivative. These novel anionic polysaccharides including hydrophobic groups have good biocompatibility and their hydrophobicity can be easily adjusted without detrimentally affecting the biocompatibility or the stability. A method of synthesis which makes it possible to produce them and to pharmaceutical compositions including them.

Abstract: Manufactured hyaluronic acid products are used in numerous surgical applications including viscoelastic supplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis, however, traditional sterilization techniques result in the breakdown of such high molecular weight viscoelastic biopolymers and are thus unsuitable. Disclosed are processes for obtaining concentrated sterile solutions of high molecular weight biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid. The processes include filter sterilization with a dilute preparation of the biopolymer, and concentration of the dilute filter sterilized biopolymer by ultrafiltration to a desired concentration.

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: This invention concerns a manufacturing process for nanoparticles composted of biodegradable polymers and active ingredients with therapeutic, cosmetic, veterinary, and alimentary applications, and a composition which contains said nanoparticles, which are used in products for animals, including humans. The process consists of emulsifying the hydrosoluble substances to form a w/o emulsion; dissolving the non-emulsionable substances, liposoluble polymer or polymer/compounds in organic solvents; mixing the w/o emulsion and the organic solution of the hydrophobics to form a pre-emulsioned mixture; adding the pre-emulsioned mixture, with the assistance of an injector system, to an aqueous emulsifier solution under ultradispersion to form the final emulsion; leading the final emulsion to evaporation, then centrifuge, freeze, and lyophilize.

Abstract: The invention features sublingual formulations of apomorphine and apomorphine prodrugs, and methods of treating Parkinson's disease, sexual dysfunction, and depressive disorders therewith.

Abstract: A process for producing a polysaccharide sponge comprises the steps of (A) freezing a photoreactive polysaccharide solution, and (B) irradiating the frozen photoreactive polysaccharide solution with light to crosslink the photoreactive polysaccharide, thereby obtaining the polysaccharide sponge. The process includes simplified steps requiring no removal of solvent, and has such an advantage that impurities are easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biofabricated Active Microfluidic Membrane (AMM) in a microfluidic network of a microfluidic device and a method for the in situ biofabrication of such a microfluidic network. More specifically, the invention relates to devices exhibiting (and methods of) positioning (i.e., erecting, modifying or removing a membrane matrix in situ in a microchannel of a microfluidic network of a microfluidic device. In one embodiment, the membrane comprises a single type of matrix constituent, such as chitosan, alginate, etc. Alternatively, the membrane may be composed of two or more matrix constituents, which may be integrated into one another or layered adjacent to one another.

Abstract: An oral, immunostimulating material for mammals, birds, and reptiles comprising an immunostimulating amount of an alginate having a M content of at least 40% and an acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing microparticles comprising mixing a first cross-linkable reagent in aerosol form with a second cross-linking reagent in aerosol form to thereby to form microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the production of alginate having a mannuronic acid-content of at least 80 mole %, wherein said alginate is produced by: a) adding algae or seaweed to water under stirring, in a ratio of 1:3 to 1:20 respectively, at a pH above about 2.3, while maintaining a temperature above 20° C. for at least 30 minutes, and b) separating said alginate from the solid material of the suspension in a) by a standard separation method such as filtration, and optionallyc) recovering said alginate from the solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polymer compounds binding with lipoamide produced by the reaction of the primary amine group of lipoamide with the carboxy group of polysaccharide compounds such as chondroitin sulfates, carboxymethyl celluloses, or hyaluronic acids; functional compounds such as peptides, proteins, growth factors; or drugs; or biocompatible polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide), poly(vinyl alcohol), or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). The present disclosure also provides their synthesis methods, products of hydrogels and films using the same as and methods for manufacturing the products.

Abstract: An oral, immunostimulating material for mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles comprising an immunostimulating amount of an alginate having a M content of at least 40% and an acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental composition comprising a hardenable powder to be used in a process for retraction of dental tissue. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising the dental composition comprising a hardenable powder, a hardening agent, optionally a handpiece of a powder jet device, optionally a powder jet device, and optionally retraction caps. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for retracting dental tissue comprising the steps of applying a dental composition comprising a hardenable powder with a powder jet device into the sulcus between soft and hard dental tissue, applying a composition comprising a hardening agent either before or after the previous step, leaving the dental composition in the sulcus for a time sufficient to effect retraction of the soft dental tissue and removing the dental composition from the sulcus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alginic acid and/or its salts with low molecular weight, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the alginic acid is from about 700 to about 4500 Daltons, and the molar ratio of guluronic acid to mannuronic acid in the alginic acid is from about 0.6 to about 19. The present invention also discloses the preparative method of making the alginic acid and/or its salts thereof, and the use of them for treating hypertension, chronic renal failure and postprandial hyperglycemia induced by glycosidase. The present invention further discloses pharmaceutical compositions and foods containing the alginic acid with low molecular weight and/or salts thereof as active component.

Abstract: Kits and compositions for producing an alginate gel are disclosed. The kits and compositions comprise soluble alginate and insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles. Methods for dispensing a self-gelling alginate dispersion are disclosed. The methods comprise forming a dispersion of insoluble alginate/gelling ion particles in a solution containing soluble alginate, and dispensing the dispersion whereby the dispersion forms an alginate gel matrix. The methods may include dispensing the dispersion into the body of an individual. An alginate gel having a thickness of greater than 5 mm and a homogenous alginate matrix network and homogenous alginate gels free of one or more of: sulfates citrates, phosphates, lactatates, EDTA or lipids are disclosed. Implantable devices comprising a homogenous alginate gel coating are disclosed. Methods of improving the viability of pancreatic islets, or other cellular aggregates or tissue, following isolation and during storage and transport are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex consisted of a polysaccharide and an HBP, said polysaccharide being consisted from glycoside bonds of (1,6) and/or (1,4) and/or (1,3) and/or (1,2) type and functionalized with at least one salifiable or salified tryptophan derivative. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a complex according to the invention and to the use of a polysaccharide consisted of glycoside bonds of (1,6) and/or (1,4) and/or (1,3) and/or (1,2) type and functionalized with at least one salifiable or salified tryptophan derivative, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation of stable HBPs.

Abstract: A modified bioreactor support material having high surface area for removing a contaminant (16) from fluids can include a substrate (10) having a functionalized surface, The functionalized surface can have inorganic or organic non-living functional groups, such that the functional groups bind to or chemically alter the contaminant. A method for making a modified bioreactor support material can include activating a suitable substrate (10) and attaching a biologically-derived functional group carrier such as living microbes (18) or non-living materials (14) derived from living materials to the activated substrate (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a polysaccharide comprising carboxyl functional groups, one at least of which is substituted by a derivative of a hydrophobic alcohol. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one of the polysaccharides according to the invention and at least one active principle. It also relates to a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the active principle is chosen from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, peptides and nonpeptide therapeutic molecules. The invention also relates to the use of the functionalized polysaccharides according to the invention in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions as described above.

Abstract: Provided are an organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite, and a method for the fabrication thereof. The scaffold is fabricated by reacting an acid group present on a surface of nano-hydroxyapatite with a primary amine present on a surface of a polymer support in the presence of EDC (1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide) to immobilize nano-hydroxyapatite onto the surface of the polymer support. The surface of nano-hydroxyapatite is previously grafted with poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) (PolyEGMP) having phosphonic acid functionality or with a polymer having carboxylic acid functionality.

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: A sugar derivative derived from Aphanothece sacrum as a freshwater blue-green alga, having a mean molecular weight of 2,000,000 or more and a repeat structure of a sugar chain unit where a sugar constituent of a hexose structure and a sugar constituent of a pentose structure are conjugated together in a linear chain or a branched chain, containing a lactated, sulfated sugar as a constituent, where 2.7 or more hydroxyl groups per 100 hydroxyl groups are sulfated or sulfur element occupies 1.5% by weight or more of all of the elements, in the sugar chain unit. A sugar derivative with a novel polysaccharide structure as derived from Aphanothece sacrum is provided in such manner.

Abstract: A film comprising as a film-forming agent an alginate salt of monovalent cation or a mixture of alginate salts containing at least one alginate salt of monovalent cation, the film-forming agent being such that a 10% aqueous solution thereof at a temperature of 20° C. has a viscosity of 100-1000 mPas, as measured at a shear rate of 20 rpm by use of a Brookfield viscometer with a spindle No. 2. A method of preparing the film. The film is useful for delivery of active ingredients to a mammal.

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 present invention relates to method of manufacturing a sulphonate-functionalized (S-functionalized) cation exchanger, which method comprises reacting olefinic groups with bisulphite in the presence of at least one amine oxide, such as N-methyl morpholine oxide (NMO). The olefinic groups of the carrier may be allyl groups; which may be provided on extenders such as polyhydroxyfunctional polymers. In one embodiment, the carrier is made of agarose with improved flow pressure properties.

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: After adding water to the carboxymethyl carrageenan which is raw material and mixing them well, the ionizing radiation of more than fixed dose is irradiated to the obtained paste sample of fixed concentration. As a result, an excellent hydrogel in heat resistance which does not dissolve at 50° C. or more can be obtained. The manufactured gel can be used for many kinds of products. Because this gel has a biodegradation characteristic, it is possible to dispose by composting.

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: The present invention relates to improved methods for delivering bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions. Antiadhesion compositions can be made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then used as fluids, gels or foams. By providing a product bag, the compositions can be delivered as gels or as sprays. By dissolving propellant gases in the compositions, the materials can be delivered as foams, which have decreased density, and therefore can adhere to surfaces that previously have been difficult to coat with antiadhesion gels. Delivery systems can also provide mechanisms for expelling more product, and for directing the flow of materials leaving the delivery system. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion, and/or hemostatic compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions.

Abstract: This invention concerns the use of compounds selected among 1,4?-D-glucuronans, and/or glycuronic polysaccharides derived from polymers of formula (I), and whereof the number of saccharide units is less than about 30, and/or esters and/or ethers corresponding to polymers of formula (I) or said oligosccahride derivatives, as phytosanitary products in applications related to their activity for amplifying the 1,3?-D-glucanase enzyme, and/or the 1,4?-D-glucanase, and/or the xyloglucan endotransglycolase.

Abstract: The invention provides hemostatic compositions useful to promote hemostasis at active bleeding wound sites. The hemostatic compositions typically include an article containing cellulose, e.g., cotton gauze, and a polysaccharide covalently linked to the cellulose, or a polysaccharide ionically cross-linked and in association with the article. Methods of making and using the hemostatic compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: Modified alginic acid or alginic acid derivatives and anti-reflective coatings based on thereon are described.

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: The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and/or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as fluids or microspheres. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions.

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: Material characterized by that the material contains at least one biologically active di- or trisaccharide or higher oligosaccharide which is covalently bound via a spacer to cross-linked agarose.

Abstract: A hydrogel composition and methods of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The hydrogel composition comprises an oxidized polysaccharide, and a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and is provided in an amount to provide dangling cross-linkers. The method of preparing a hydrogel comprises the steps of providing an oxidized polysaccharide, and providing a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross-linker is mixed with the polysaccharide at a concentration of the cross-linker sufficient to form a hydrogel wherein the cross-linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and has dangling cross-linkers. The hydrogels are useful, for example, for tissue engineering, cell transplantation and drug delivery applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymannuronate composition including polymannuronate having molecular weight from about 4,000 to about 500,000 in a high purity. The composition can be used in producing nutritional compositions such as functional foods and health aids. Also, the composition can be used in a pharmaceutical composition along with a pharmaceutical carrier. The composition has various effects, including controlling serum lipids, preventing hyperlipidemia, preventing obesity, preventing diabetes, enhancing functions of liver, expelling heavy metals from a body, etc. Further disclosed is a process to producing the polymannuronate composition, in which alginate is hydrolyzed and then the polymannuronate components are isolated. Further disclosed herein is a composition produced by that process. In the hydrolysis, an organic acid is preferably used, and the isolation of the polymannuronate involves adjustment of pH of the resulting mixture of the hydrolysis.

Abstract: A method of reducing adhesion at a site of trauma includes forming a film from an alginate solution, contacting the film with a cross-linking solution to form a cross-linked mechanically stable sheet, and placing at least a portion of the sheet at the site of trauma. An anti-adhesion barrier includes a sheet of ionically cross-linked alginate having a thickness in a range of 0.25 mm to 10 mm. The sheet has a tear strength sufficient for suturing and repositioning. A drug delivery device includes a cross-linked alginate container that can be filled with a drug.

Abstract: A carrier and a method for preparing it are provided for use in the delivery of therapeutic agents. A polysaccharide is reacted with an oxidizing agent to open sugar rings on the polysaccharide to form aldehyde groups. The aldehyde groups are reacted to form covalent oxime linkages with a second polysaccharide and each of the first and second polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of hyaluronic acid, dextran, dextran sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate, heparan, heparan sulfate and alginate.

Abstract: Materials which contain polysaccharide chains, particularly alginate or modified alginate chains. The polysaccharide chains may be included as side chains or auxiliary chains from a backbone polymer chain, which may also be a polysaccharide. Further, the polysaccharide chains may be cross-linked between side chains, auxiliary chains and/or backbone chains. These materials and non-modified or otherwise modified alginate materials are advantageously modified by covalent bonding thereto of a biologically active molecule for cell adhesion or other cellular interaction. Processes for preparation of these alginate materials and methods for using them, particularly for cell transplantation and tissue engineering applications.