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: The present invention relates to fluorinated and paramagnetic polyuronides (Formulas I-IV) and proteins useful as imaging probes, diagnostic agents and contrast agents. Additionally, the present invention relates to imaging methods employing the present compounds of Formulas I-IV.

Abstract: A process for the production of a porous cross-linked polysaccharide gel and a gel obtainable by the following steps: a) preparing a solution or dispersion of the polysaccharide; b) adding a bifunctional cross-linking agent having one active site and one inactive site to the solution or dispersion from step a); c) reacting hydroxylgroups of the polysaccharide with the active site of the cross-linking agent; d) forming a polysaccharide gel; e) activating the inactive site of the cross-linking agent; f) reacting the activated site from step e) with hydroxylgroups of the polysaccharide gel, whereby cross-linking of the gel takes place. The cross-linked polysaccharide gel obtained can further be cross-linked by conventional methods, one or several times.

Abstract: Agar composition is provided with excellent water retention, sufficient gelling ability and no pasty eating texture. The agar composition comprises agar having an average molecular weight of 10,000-200,000; and a thickening agent containing at least one or more of locust bean gum, tara gum, konjak mannan and cassia gum.

Abstract: A nucleic acid coating composition including a polyanion bound, directly or through one or more intermediates, to a medical device surface, with a condensate comprising a polycation and nucleic acid bound to the polyanion, devices incorporating such coating compositions, and methods for making. In one embodiment, a silyl-heparin complex is provided, bound to a medical device surface by hydrophobic interaction with the silyl moiety, with a polycation and nucleic acid condensate bound to the heparin by electrostatic interaction.

Abstract: Improved immunogenic compositions and methods for producing antibodies to low molecular weight analytes are presented. In one series of embodiments particularly useful for production of antibodies having specificity for metal ions, nonimmunogenic polymers having natural metal ion-binding activity, typically alginates, are used, after contact with metal ions, as an immunogenic composition. In another series of embodiments, immunogens are enmeshed in a crosslinked protein network to create a potent immunogenic composition. In the latter embodiments, gelatins of cold-water fish prove surprisingly efficacious.

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: The invention provides oxidized alginates that are bioresorbable. The oxidized alginates are prepared by controlled oxidation of alginates with nitrogen tetroxide or the like, The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, wound dressings, surgical implants and prostheses comprising the oxidized alginate derivatives.

Abstract: The use of G-block polysaccharides as a modulator for the rheology in a mixture in which a gelling, water-soluble polysaccharide is a component to give the final product a changed viscosity, stability, elasticity, rigidity or similar.

Abstract: Shaped-medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for delivering a virus vector to an animal. The compositions include compositions which comprise a hydrogel matrix (e.g. a collagen matrix which can comprise a poloxamer or an alginate) containing a virus vector therein in a transfectious form. The invention also includes methods of making such hydrogel precursor mixtures and hydrogel matrices, including particles, devices, bulk materials, and other objects which comprise, consist of, or are coated with such mixtures or matrices. The invention further relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel precursor mixture having a virus vector suspended therein, which, when administered to an animal, gel to form a hydrogel matrix containing a virus vector therein in a transfectious form. Methods of delivering a virus vector to an animal tissue are also described.

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: Disclosed and claimed are: a composition including at least one glycosaminoglycan, e.g., CIS, and at least one alginate, e.g., sodium alginate, wherein: the at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or the algninate are cross-linked or polymerized, e.g., the alginate is cross-linked or polymerized, for instance by addition of an inorganic salt, such as a calcium salt; or the at least one glycosaminoglycan and the alginate are covalently bound, e.g., by means of a coupling reaction involving a linker molecule such as DVS; or the at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or the algninate are cross-linked or polymerized, e.g., the alginate is cross-linked or polymerized, for instance by addition of an inorganic salt, such as a calcium salt, and the at least one glycosaminoglycan and the alginate are covalently bound, e.g.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional powdered alginate impression material is improved by the admixture of flavoring in powdered form, rather than liquid form. By utilizing a powdered flavoring, rather than a liquid flavoring, the components of the dental impression material can remain totally in powdered form until mixed with water in an orthodontic office immediately prior to taking a dental impression. By providing the flavoring for the powdered alginate material in powdered form, the shipment of any component of the alginate impression material in liquid form is avoided. As a consequence, the powdered flavoring material for the alginate impression composition is not susceptible to liquid leakage and does not create a disagreeable, sticky mess even if the container is broken during shipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and identifying mycobacterial species which comprises steps of amplifying 342 bp of rpoB gene fragments from clinically isolated mycobacterial using mycobacterial rpoB-specific PCR primers; sequencing 306 bp regions of the amplified 342 bp of rpoB gene fragments except the primer regions; and, inferring a phylogenetic tree with reference species. In accordance with the present invention, it was found that rpoB sequences from 44 mycobacterial species provide a basis for systematic phylogenetic relationship which can be used to identify clinically isolated mycobacteria that are pathogenic or potentially so. Accordingly, the amplification of rpoB DNA followed by automated sequencing and the analysis of phylogenetic relationships with the reference species can be used efficiently to detect and identify clinical isolates of mycobacteria which have not been identified by the conventional methods.

Abstract: Shaped medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding method characterized by kneading a binder comprising an agar having an average molecular weight of 30,000 to 150,000 with a metal powder, a ceramic powder, or a mixed powder thereof, injection-molding the thus obtained molding composition into a green body, removing at least the water from the green body, and then sintering the green body to obtain a molded product.

Abstract: A new procedure for producing block fractions from alginate, mainly G block alginate or M block alginate, by selective fractionated release of the M block fraction from the solid phase. MG block fractions can also be isolated.

Abstract: Proposed is a mitogen-free substance comprising cross-linked copolymers including 10 to 90 mole % of guluronic acid, the balance being made up of mannuronic acid. The substance has a molecular weight of from 10,000 to 500,000 Daltons. Also proposed are methods for preparing such substances and their use.

Abstract: Sucrose ester and ether products, useful as food or beverage bulking agents, reduced calorie sweeteners, fat replacement agents, stabilizing agents, thickening agents and emulsifying agents; adhesives; biodegradable plastics and films; sizing agents for paper and textiles; ethical pharmaceuticals and new fibers are prepared by using a two-phase reaction system in which sucrose is dissolved in an alkaline, aqueous solution and an acidic reagent such as a bifunctional acid dichloride or epoxide is added to the sucrose in a water-immiscible organic solvent. Several types of products are produced: water-insoluble sucrose ester (ether) copolymers; water-soluble sucrose ester (ether) copolymers; sucrose ester (ether) dimers; and intramolecular, cyclic sucrose esters (ethers). These products can be further varied by using different kinds of acid dichlorides or epoxides that contain different kinds of functional groups.

Abstract: Shaped medical devices, e.g. stents, having improved mechanical properties and structural integrity are disclosed. The devices comprise shaped polymeric hydrogels which are both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked and which exhibit improved structural integrity after selective removal of the crosslinking ions. Process for making such devices are also disclosed wherein an ionically crosslinkable polymer is both ionically and non-ionically crosslinked to form a shaped medical device. When implanted in the body, selective in-vivo stripping of the crosslinking ions produces a softer, more flexible implant having improved structural integrity.

Abstract: A process for fractionating agaroid compositions by dissolving the agaroid in a glycol, precipitating a first fraction by cooling and precipitating a second fraction by incorporating a nonsolvent to form two fractions substantially more soluble in water than the initial agaroid. Optionally the solubility of either fraction can be converted to conventional solubilities.

Abstract: Provided are active esters of carboxy polysaccharides and semisynthetic derivatives of carboxy polysaccharides, wherein all or part of the carboxy groups thereof are esterified with an aromatic alcohol, a substituted aromatic alcohol, an aromatic heterocyclic alcohol, a substituted aromatic heterocyclic alcohol, an N-hydroxylamine, or a combination thereof. Also provided is a process for producing such active esters. These active esters can be used for the preparation of modified carboxy polysaccharides or modified semisynthetic derivatives of such carboxy polysaccharides, in the form of esters, thioesters, or amides. Such active esters, modified polysaccharides, and modified semisynthetic derivatives of carboxy polysaccharides can be used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields to prepare, for example, cosmetic articles, health care articles, surgical articles, and diagnostic kits.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound and an ionic polysaccharide are ideal materials for the formation of a protective contact lens over the cornea of the eye of a mammal.

Abstract: A process of making a coated paper comprises the following steps: 1) providing a paper layer composed of a blend of pulp fibers and particulate material containing polyvalent metal cations, 2) applying a acidified alginate solution of a material selected from salts and derivatives of alginic acid to cover at least a portion of the paper, 3) reacting the salts and/or derivatives of alginic acid with polyvalent metal cations in the paper to form a polymer coating, and 4) drying the paper and polymer coating. The permeability of the coated paper is generally at least about 75 percent less than the permeability of an identical uncoated portion of the paper. The solution of alginate material may be partially cross-linked. The alginate solution may be deposited utilizing gravure printing techniques. Also disclosed is a coated paper and a wrapper for a smoking article.

Abstract: Absorbents of the present invention can be obtained by reacting the vicinity of the surface of (A) polysaccharide particles with a (B) crosslinking agent having at least two functional groups which can react with the polysaccharides such as polyglycidyl ether compounds, polyhydric alcohol compounds or polyamine compounds by means of treating the (A) polysaccharide particles with the (B) crosslinking agent and an aqueous solution of a (C) water soluble compound while heated. The obtained absorbents exhibit excellent absorbing ability even to a high concentrated salt solution and also are well biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful for encapsulating fats, oils or solids, comprising gluten and polysaccharides that contains uronic acid residues.

Abstract: Method of making compositions comprising gluten and polysaccharides that contain uronic acid residues encapsulating fats, oils and solids comprising double emulsion techniques.

Abstract: Copolymers of low molecular weight polysaccharides and cationic monomers, their method of production and method of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. Preferably the copolymer comprises alginic acid and methyl chloride quaternary salt of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A method for the isolation and sorting of biological materials has been developed. Biological material includes chromosomes, segments of chromosomes, cell organelles, or other minute cellular components. The biological material is separated from the cellular milieu, if necessary, and anchored to a support. Examples of a support are glass coverslips, glass or polymer beads. The anchoring is by means of a reversible polymer and cross-linking system. The supported biological material may then be labelled with compositions capable of binding to said material, and with magnetic particles. Examples of the binding material include nucleic acid probes and antibodies. An example of the antibodies would be those directed to histones. Other labels, for example, fluorescein-biotin-avidin may be used. The material may be released from the support and sorted by a magnetic force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene derived from Pseudomonas chlororaphis B23 strain which encodes a polypeptide having nitrile hydratase activity being capable of hydrating nitriles to amides. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA containing the gene, and a transformant transformed with the recombinant DNA. The present invention further relates to a method of producing nitrile hydratase using the transformant and of amides using nitrile hydratase.

Abstract: An electrostatic process for coating a biological material with a uniform, continuous polymer layer by discharging a suspension of the biological material in a gellable coating polymer solution in a continuous stream through an orifice. The stream is attenuated to form droplets by maintaining an electrostatic voltage between the needle and the gelling solution which is sufficient to maintain an attraction of at least 1.times.10.sup.6 newtons on the stream of liquid leaving the needle, and the droplets are collected in a gelling solution. A preferred product is pancreatic islets having a continuous, smooth coating of high polymannuronate non-fibrogenic alginate having a thickness of at least 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: Particles, preparation methods therefor, and compositions containing same. The particles include at least one esterified polysaccharide and at least one polyamine, as well as at least one gellable polysaccharide when neither the esterified polysaccharide nor the polyamine can be gelled under the selected operating conditions. Said particle includes, at least on its surface, a membrane consisting of the product of the transacylation reaction between the esterified polysaccharide and said polyamine within an optionally gellable gel, said reaction causing the formation of covalent amide bonds. Such particles may be used to encapsulated various active principles useful in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and agri-foodstuffs, enzymes, cells and micro-organisms.

Abstract: Soluble polysaccharides such as pectin and carrageenan are extracted from vegetable matter by passing an extraction fluid through a fixed bed of the polysaccharide-containing vegetable material to simultaneously hydrolyze and extract the polysaccharide from the vegetable material and separate the polysaccharide-containing solution from the remaining solid vegetable material. No separate filtration step is required. A filler can optionally be added to the vegetable material to increase the rate of percolation of the extraction fluid through the bed.

Abstract: The invention is an alginate-bioactive agent conjugate connected via an acid labile biodegradable spacer linkage. The conjugate is effective for delivering bioactive agents to targets existing in low-pH environments, either at the target surface or in the target interior.

Abstract: Described is a method for preparing a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble material. The method involves forming a first solution containing a water-soluble phycocolloid. The first solution is then added to a second solution containing an ion capable of rendering the water-soluble phycocolloid substantially water insoluble. The phycocolloid material is then removed from the second solution and subjected to a solvent exchange to remove water present in the phycocolloid material. Hollow particles can be formed by including a gelation-retarding agent in the first solution. Also described is a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble particle defining an interior void. The particle comprises an outer shell formed from a water-insoluble phycocolloid. The outer shell defines an interior void which contains a phycocolloid.

Abstract: The invention is a gel comprising water, sodium ions, calcium ions, and about 0.3 and 4% alginate, wherein the ratio of sodium ions to calcium ions is between about 15:1 to about 45:1. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alginate comprises mannuronic acid and guluronic acid in a weight ratio of between about 2:1 and 0.35:1.

Abstract: There is disclosed water soluble algin fibers and such fibers which have antibiotics immobilized thereto. The water soluble algin fibers are produced by extruding an aqueous dope which contains water soluble algin therein into a large quantity of a hydrophilic organic solvent exemplified by acetone. The water soluble algin fibers which have antibiotics immobilized thereto are produced in the same manner by using a dope containing antibiotics.

Abstract: Described is a method for preparing a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble material. The method involves forming a first solution containing a water-soluble phycocolloid. The first solution is then added to a second solution containing an ion capable of rendering the water-soluble phycocolloid substantially water insoluble. The phycocolloid material is then removed from the second solution and subjected to a solvent exchange to remove water present in the phycocolloid material. Hollow particles can be formed by including a gelation-retarding agent in the first solution. Also described is a water-swellable, substantially water-insoluble particle defining an interior void. The particle comprises an outer shell formed from a water-insoluble phycocolloid. The outer shell defines an interior void which contains a phycocolloid.

Abstract: Sapphyrins are provided having appended functional groups that render the sapphyrin water-soluble. Such water-soluble sapphyrins are useful for photodynamic therapy, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides:(1) a polysaccharide derivative having hydrophilic functional groups and nitrate groups per one repeating unit in the following range:0.2.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.1.5, 0.4.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.2.2, X+Y<3;wherein X and Y represent the number of hydrophilic functional groups and nitrate groups, respectively;(2) the neutralized polysaccharide derivative;(3) the composition used as a binder containing the neutralized polysaccharide and water; and(4) the composition used as a vehicle containing the neutralized polysaccharide, a resin, an organic solvent and water.The vehicle composition has excellent properties such as drying characteristic, pigment dispersibility, compatibility with water soluble resins and thixotropic property, and it can form a clear continuous film having excellent heat resistance and blocking resistance.

Abstract: This invention provides alginate oligosaccharides comprising calcium alginate oligosaccharide, which is obtained by treating potassium alginate and/or sodium alginate with a polysaccharide-decomposing enzyme (alginate lyase) produced by a microorganism and substituting potassium ion or sodium ion in the potassium alginate oligosaccharide or sodium alginate oligosaccharide thus obtained with calcium ion, and potassium-enriched potassium alginate oligosaccharide, which is obtained by substituting sodium ion in said oligosaccharide with potassium ion, and a method for producing the same. The present invention further provides a food which contains the above-mentioned alginate oligosaccharide and exhibits an antihypertensive action.

Abstract: A crosslinked, highly porous body derived from a water-soluble, hydrogel polymer, wherein the porous body is characterized in that it has an open-celled 3-dimensional lattice structure, a density of less than about 1.0 g/cm.sup.3 a surface area of equal to or greater than about 30 m.sup.2 /g, a compression strength of equal to or less than about 10% yield at 10 psi, and an average pore diameter of less than about 1000 Angstroms.When the hydrogel polymer used is guar gum, the resulting product is particularly useful for thermal insulation applications.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a treated polyuronic acid. The process involves heating an aqueous dispersion of a polyuronic acid, such as a pectin, at a temperature above about 100.degree. C. for an amount of time sufficient to obtain a hydrolyzed, or treated, polyuronic acid mixture which separates upon standing and cooling into a clear solution, which is the hydrolyzed polyuronic acid phase, and a precipitate. The hydrolyzed polyuronic acid phase includes at least 25% of the polyuronic acid substance polymers having a degree of polymerization (DP) in the range of about DP1 to about DP20. The hydrolyzed polyuronic acid, or the treated polyuronic acid, then is recovered for use in a food product.

Abstract: The invention provides alginate gels which have the form of a fibrous paste and which particularly have an alginate content (expressed as alginic acid) in the range 2 to 11 percent by weight. The gels may be prepared by treating a water-insoluble or water-swellable alginate fiber, for example calcium alginate fiber, with an aqueous solution of a solubilizing salt, for example sodium chloride. The new gels are easier to handle than known alginate gels and are useful in wound dressing applications.

Abstract: This invention provides alginate oligosaccharides comprising calcium alginate oligosaccharide, which is obtained by treating potassium alginate and/or sodium alginate with a polysaccharide-decomposing enzyme (alginate lyase) produced by a microorganism and substituting potassium ion or sodium ion in the potassium alginate oligosaccharide or sodium alginate oligosaccharide thus obtained with calcium ion, and potassium-enriched potassium alginate oligosaccharide, which is obtained by substituting sodium ion in said oligosaccharide with potassium ion, and a method for producing the same. The present invention further provides a food which contains the above-mentioned alginate oligosaccharide and exhibits an antihypertensive action.

Abstract: A novel method of biosynthetically acetylating seaweed alginates by modification with certain Pseudomonas syringae, such as P. syringae subsp. phaseolicola, is disclosed. The acetylated seaweed alginates thus produced are also novel. Acetylation occurs almost entirely in the O-2 and O-3 positions of the mannuronic acid residues. The acetylated alginates have several desirable properties. For example, acetylation increases the polymers' viscosity; it increases the flexibility of their gels; and it can produce a strong, thermoreversible-gel network. Acetylation increases the viscosity of the polymer, decreases ion-binding capacity, and decreases the ability to gel with calcium. The degree of acetylation can be controlled by controlling the exposure time, which allows the properties of the resulting polymer to be custom-made. Thus the properties of the polymer can be tailored to the intended end-use.

Abstract: Partial esters of alginic acid and salts thereof possess important bioplastic and pharmaceutical qualities and are useful in various fields including medical, surgical, cosmetics and foods.

Abstract: Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates for fighting polar and non-polar fuel and solvent fires, comprising hydrocarbon solvents, hydrocarbon surfactants, fluorosurfactants, high molecular weight polysaccharides, alginates, salts of aryl or alkylaryl sulfonates and water, and method for modifying the viscosity of the AFFF concentrates.

Abstract: Porous, distensible, gel-like membranes which in tubular form are suitable as implants, e.g., vascular prostheses and a process for the preparation thereof is described. The membranes are formed by a spraying, phase-inversion technique which employs thermodynamically unstable polymer solutions and is accomplished by separately spraying the unstable solution and a nonsolvent onto a rotating surface. Prostheses from the highly porous tubular membranes have shown a high degree of patency and completeness of the healing process and are useful for direct implantation in the body or for extracorporeal vascular accesses.