Abstract: This invention pertains to foamed algal plastics and products made therefrom, and methods for making algal plastics. The invention also pertains to algal plastic resin precursors for generating the foamed algal plastics and algal plastic products. The foamed algal plastics comprise a foamed and stabilized algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. The foamed algal plastics can be used, for instance, to generate packing materials, such as molded packings or foamed particles packings (e.g. packing peanuts).

Abstract: Mixed polysaccharide compositions, well adopted for flocculating/precipitating solid particulates from liquid dispersions thereof and for the shaping of insulating articles therefrom, comprise (i) at least one succinoglycan polysaccharide, the basic recurring structural unit of which comprising glucose, galactose and succinyl moieties, and (ii) at least one natural polysaccharide or derivative thereof.

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

Abstract: A method for the culturing of gum-secreting plant cells, recovery of the gum from the medium and use of the plant gum in food products is described. In particular, the plant gum product of cultured Pyrus, Prunus avium and Rosa cells can be used in food products as comprising complex carbohydrates and glycoproteins, for example, an emulsifying agent, an emulsion stabilizer, a thickening agent or a texture modifier.

Abstract: A method of modifying salts of alginic acid in situ for prevention and treatment of various intra-articular and extra-articular (spine) complications modifies the alginate in situ to an insoluble gel. This in situ modification provides a final product which can be compressed within the intra-articular space thus remaining localized. The modified material can have varied mechanical strengths and thus varied degradation times and can serve as a matrix for localizing and slowly releasing therapeutic agents. The modified material is biocompatible and biodegradable, thus requiring no reoperation for removal.

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: A process for producing alginate capsules comprises slowly introducing an aqueous alginate solution into crosslinking solution of a polyvalent metal salt. The aqueous alginate solution has mannuronic units (M) and guluronic units (G) in a molar ratio between 0.4 and 1.9 and preferably an amount of (G) blocks greater than 50%. Preferably, the alginate is a sodium alginate having a viscosity, in a 0.5% solution in water at 25.degree. C., lower than 20 mPa.s measured with a TV Contraves viscosimeter having a No. 1 measurement body in the presence of a calcium chelate. The alginate concentration is between 0.2 and 2 weight percent. The polyvalent metal salt concentration in solution is from 3.4.times.10.sup.-3 to 6.8.times.10.sup.-2 M. The alginate capsules are employed in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material and method for the stimulation of the production of cytokines. Several polysaccharides, including polymers of different size of .sym.1-4 linked D-mannuronic acid (poly-M and M-blocks), chitosan and cellulose oxidized in C-6 position C60XY) induce human monocytes to produce the cytokines. Preferably, the molecular weights of poly-M and chitosan are above 50,000 and 20,000 respectively. Pretreatment of the monocytes with IFN-.gamma. increases the cytokine production from monocytes stimulated with all polysaccharides tested. The subject polysaccharides worked in vivo and in vitro.The present invention has therapeutic utility as vaccine adjuvants and components. Therapeutic compositions comprising biologically active quantities of the compositions of the present invention may be employed to potentiate antibody production in response to vaccine antigens. Anti-tumor, anti-bacteriological, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects may be expected.

Abstract: A composition and its method of use are disclosed for controlling rheology of an aqueous dye, which composition comprises 1-30 parts of a gum selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, rhamsan gum, welan gum and mixtures thereof and 70-99 parts of a water soluble polysaccharide having aliginate equivalent rheology, preferably an alginate. Also disclosed is a color imparting composition for fabric or carpet printing which comprises 99-99% of an aqueous dye component and 1-10% of the rheology control component. The polysaccharide is preferably an alginate, starch, cellulosic polymer or guar gum or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Total esters of alginic acid with aliphatic and araliphatic alcohols possess important bioplastic and pharmaceutical qualities and are useful in various fields including the sanitary and surgical fields.

Abstract: There are disclosed a body fluid purifying material which comprises a water-insoluble compound obtained by allowing one or more kinds of a polymeric compound having hydroxyl groups to react with a compound having at least one isocyanate group, and a method for purifying a body fluid which comprises using a water-insoluble polymeric compound obtained by allowing one or more kinds of a polymeric compound having hydroxyl groups to react with a compound having at least one isocyanate compound.

Abstract: Superswelling cross-linked alginate gels which can swell strongly with a controllable swelling time in water, aqueous solutions of salts, proteins or the like. Process for the preparation of the alginate gels comprises the transferring of a water soluble alginate to an alginate gel, followed by a cross-linking reaction, reintroduction of non-gelling ions and drying the thus prepared gel.

Abstract: Alginates capable of binding sodium and having ion exchanging capacity are used in conjunction with vitamin D for the treatment of hypertension. Such alginates may be acid extracted from seaweeds such as Asophylum nodosum. The acid-extracted alginate may be converted, for example, to potassium alginate prior to administration or mixing with vitamin D to form pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A process for producing alginate capsules comprises slowly introducing an aqueous alginate solution into crosslinking solution of a polyvalent metal salt. The aqueous alginate solution has mannuronic units (M) and guluronic units (G) in a molar ratio between 0.4 and 1.9 and preferably an amount of (G) blocks greater than 50%. Preferably, the alginate is a sodium alginate having a viscosity, in a 0.5% solution in water at 25.degree. C. lower than 20 mPa.s measured with a TV Contraves viscosimeter having a No. 1 measurement body in the presence of a calcium chelate. The alginate concentration is between 0.2 and 2 weight percent. The polyvalent metal salt concentration in solution is from 3.4.times.10.sup.-3 to 6.8.times.10.sup.-2 M.The alginate capsules are employed in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plant gum product which comprises the steps of culturing gum-secreting plant cells in tissue culture in the presence of a culture medium; and recovering the gum product secreted by the cells from the culture medium. The gum product may be used in a food product, for example, as an emulsifying or stabilizing agent.

Abstract: An alginate-based depot drug form for which the rate of release of the active substance in vitro can be adjusted very precisely is described.

Abstract: This invention is a catamenial pad or a tampon or a diaper which contains carboxymethylalginate (CMA) and alginic acid salt. The pad or diaper can be made from fibers composed of CMA alone or a mixture of CMA and alginic acid salt. CMA may be prepared by reacting chloroacetic acid, NaOH, and an alginic acid salt dispersed in a liquid aliphatic alcohol. More in detail, CMA can be prepared by a reaction in which sodium alginate is dispersed into ethanol, reacted with NaOH and chloroacetic acid at 40.degree.-50.degree.C. with agitation. The CMA can be spun into fibers and then it can be prepared into non-woven fabric. The fabric pad or diaper can be made into various designs. The fabric or the fiber has high absorbency, water-retentivity, stability, and coagulating ability against blood.

Abstract: A film forming composition useful as a paper size is described which includes 1-20 parts, preferably 2-15 parts, by weight of a gum selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, rhamsan gum, welan gum and mixtures thereof; 3-20 parts, preferably 5-17 parts, by weight of a water soluble alginate; and 60-100 parts, preferably 70-90 parts, by weight of starch, polyvinyl alcohol or carboxymethylcellulose, with the gum:alginate ratio being not greater than 1:1, preferably not greater than 1:2. The balance of the composition will primarily be water. Additives such as sodium hexametaphosphate may also be present.

Abstract: A method for forming agarose beads, which may incorporate biological material at least partially labile at above 40.degree. C., in which an aqueous agarose solution is formed into bead-size portions which are gelled by contacting the portions with a cooled atmosphere, gas, and/or smooth hydrophobic surface, and then collected.

Abstract: Organophilic polymer adducts which are effective fluid loss control additives for oil base well-working fluids are prepared from an anionic or cationic water soluble polymer and one or more phosphatides. Preferred phosphatides are phosphoglycerides obtained from vegetable oils, most preferably commercial lecithin. Preferred polymers comprise polysaccharides or derivatives thereof and synthetic polymers.

Abstract: A composition for application to a soil or plant locus which contains a major amount of water and a minor amount of an alkaline earth metal alginate gel uniformly dispersed through the water. The composition may include an active ingredient such as a herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, fertilizer or the like. The composition may also contain a suitable wetting agent to assist in spreading it on a surface to which it is applied. The composition, when it contains a foaming agent, has particular application for the control and extinguishing of forest fires.

Abstract: Solid, free-flowing and nondusting porous biopolymer, e.g., xanthan gum, granules are produced in fluidized bed and are quickly dispersed/dissolved in aqueous media for use as thickening agents for a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A method is shown for separating water from an oil-water system. A separator composition is blended from cactus extract, and activator and a carrier liquid. The separator composition causes separation of the oil and water into distinct layers which allows the water to be drawn off.

Abstract: A method for modification of alginates or other uronic acid containing compounds to give improved physical properties, wherein the alginates in solid form are treated with CO.sub.2 under supercritical conditions thereby achieving at least partial epimerization of said uronic acid containing compound. The critical point of CO.sub.2 is pcrit=73.83 bar and tcrit=31.degree. C.

Abstract: Purified agarose is recovered from agar or impure agarose by dissolving the agar or agarose in a lower alkylene glycol at elevated temperature, cooling the agar- or agarose-containing glycol solution to induce precipitation of a purified agarose product, and recovering the precipitated agarose product.

Abstract: Purified agarose suitable for rapid electrophoresis, characterized by a sulfate content of less than 0.2 wt % but greater than zero, a pyruvate content of 0-0.1 wt %, and a nitrogen content of 0-0.02 wt %. Gels prepared from the agarose exhibit a gel strength at 1.0 wt % concentration of at least 1200 g/cm.sup.2, substantial absence of DNA binding in 0.07 M or less tris acetate buffer, and an electroendosmosis (EEO) at 1.0 wt % concentration of 0.05 or less. Agaroses are purified to provide the low EEO material by dissolving agarose or alkali-modified agar in an aqueous medium buffered at a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 and containing no more than 2.0 nM salt as chloride, and precipitating the agarose by contact with a lower alkanol.

Abstract: A chlorhexidine complex is prepared by complexing chlorhexidine (a divalent, cationic antiseptic) with an anionic polymer such as algin or carboxymethylcellulose. The complex is insoluble but can be granulated or crushed to a fine powder. In powdered form the complex forms stable aqueous dispersions. The chlorhexidine complex is suitable for inclusion in oral hygiene compositions such as dentrifrices, and in other antibacterial compositions such as opthalmic under-eye-lid treatment capsules topical preparations and ocular solutions.

Abstract: Partially esterified oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (PEPs) of the formula [P--O--R).sub.x ].sub.n, where P is a polysaccharide having n=3-50 (preferably 3-10) C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 saccharide units, y is 0-4 (preferably 1 or 2), R is H or a C.sub.3 -C.sub.28 acyl group, and x is the degree of esterification ranging from 1-80 percent. The PEPs are used as indigestible fat substitutes (fat mimetics). They have non-caloric food values, with good organoleptic characteristics, are substantially resistant to intestinal absorption and do not appreciably hydrolyze in the digestive tract. Suitable polysaccharides are preferably selected from xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, aliginates, cellulose hydrolysis products, hydroxypropyl cellulose, starch hydrolysis products, casein, Karaya gum and pectin. C.sub.5 and C.sub.6 oligosaccharides of n=3-10 units are preferred. The polysaccharides are transesterified with fatty acid methyl esters to create PEPs of a degree of esterification determined for each polysaccharide.

Abstract: A fungicidal and bactericidal method of imparting fungicidal and bactericidal properties to an article by coating or impregnating the article with a solution of a quaternary ammonium salt of alginic acid or carboxymethyl cellulose (which is insoluble or sparingly soluble in water) in an organic solvent and thereafter removing the solvent from the article.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation is disclosed which is made up of a micelle or a vesicle each consisting of a cationic tenside with a monovalent ion and a hydrophobic cyclic or linear peptide, dispersed in a solvent whose pH value lies between pH 7-pH 8, the critical micellization concentration (cmc) lying in the range of 1.0 . 10.sup.-7 to 7.0 . 10.sup.-5 mol/liter. The preparation disclosed have in particular the advantage that by the increasing of the hydrophobicity of the alkyl or aryl chain or the radical at the N.sup.+ tenside both the membrane permeability is increased and furthermore the pharmaceutical active substance, in particular linear and cyclic tyrocidines (A-E), can be transferred actively into the cytosol. They thus act on the transcription level. In addition, linear and cyclic tyrocidines in particular have antiviral effects.

Abstract: Hydrocolloid/salt blends are prepared which controllably release ions into solution. The blends are especially useful in alginate print paste compositions.

Abstract: Bipyridinium quaternary salt compositions are prepared which are dry, free-flowing, wettable powders. The solid compositions are complexes of the bipyridinium salts and algin.

Abstract: A chemically modified and activated, hydroxyl-group-containing, natural or synthetic, polymeric solid body surface is disclosed, as well as a process for the activation of such solid body surfaces by means of organo-silanes and, if necessary, homo- or heterobifunctional reagent. The surfaces are used for the stable, simple and economical binding of proteins, nucleic acids, low-molecular ligands, cells, microorganisms and other biological materials, in biology, biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract: The permeability of the walls of chitosan alginate capsules is adjusted by substituting with esterified alginic acid a portion of the metal alginate normally used in the fabrication of such capsules.

Abstract: A process for making agar-agar from algae extraction juices and comprising: (a) placing the extraction juice in the presence of a cationic ion exchange resin conditioned into the Na.sup.+ form, then placing it (b) in the presence of an anion exchange resin conditioned into the Cl.sup.- and/or SO.sup.--.sub.4 form, then (c) optionally placing the juice in the presence of a cation ion exchange resin conditioned into the OH.sup.- form, (d) thereupon gelling the juice, (e) extracting the agar-agar from the obtained gel, and where called for (f) treating the obtained powder by placing it in contact with an ozone-loaded carrier gas. Such a process allows producing at reduced costs high-grade agar-agar, useful in particular in the medical, pharmaceutical and bioengineering fields.

Abstract: Heavy metals can be fixed to solid carriers to which an .alpha.-amino- or an .alpha.-iminohydroxamate ligand has been covalently bound. The ligand can have the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent H or an alkyl, or may be a compound of two or more hydroxamate substituents. The carrier can be formed of polysaccharides, polygalactanes, polyacrylates or silica dioxide. The adsorbent is prepared by an .alpha.-aminohydroxamate in an aqueous solution having a pH value of 4-9 being brought into contact with an aldehyde derivative of a carrier, followed by reduction with sodiumborohydride or sodiumcyanoborohydride.

Abstract: Hydrocolloid/salt blends are prepared which controllably release ions into solution. The blends are especially useful in alginate print paste compositions.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product is disclosed which contains at least a calcium salt or a calcium mixed salt of a natural or chemically modified polymeric, anionic carboxylic acid and/or an ester of sulfuric acid, and additive materials and/or an ester of sulfuric acid, and additive materials and/or carrier materials. There are further disclosed calcium salts, and methods of preparation thereof, comprised of polymannuronic acid, polygalacturonic acid, polyglucuronic acid, polyguluronic acid, the oxidation products of homoglycans, the oxidation products of heteroglycans, or their mixtures, for controlling the levels of phosphate, calcium and iron in patients with chronic uraemia and/or the control of the oxalate and/or phosphate of the blood in kidney stone prophylaxis.

Abstract: A process for producing polysaccharide consisting of a partially acetylated variable block copolymer of D-mannuronic and L-guluronic acid residues comprises growing a biologically pure culture of a Pseudomonas mendocina microorganism selected from the group consisting of NCIB 11687, 11688, and 11689 in an aqueous nutrient medium by submerged aerobic fermentation of an assimilable carbon source and recovering the polysaccharide. Biologically pure cultures of the organisms are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the 2-hydroxyalkylation of a polysaccharide which comprises contacting a polysaccharide with an alkylene carbonate in the presence of a catalytic amount of a quaternary ammonium halide under conditions such that the polysaccharide undergoes hydroxyalkylation.

Abstract: Conformable hydrogel molds or forms are adapted for the casting of polyelectrolytic materials whereby an irreversibly gelled, three dimensional article faithfully reproduces the interior topography of the mold.

Abstract: An electrophoretic gel of the type comprising a polysaccharide. The electrophoretic gel is characterized in that it further comprises either an acid polysaccharide and salts thereof, wherein the acid moiety of the acid polysaccharide comprises at least one carboxyl group and/or a galatomannan polysaccharide.An improved electrophoretic technique for assaying the relative distribution of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes of the type wherein a sample to be assayed is applied to an electrophoretic gel and the electrophoretic gel is electrophoresed. The electrophoretic technique is characterized in that the above described electrophoretic gel is employed therein.

Abstract: An electrophoretic gel of the type comprising a polysaccharide. The electrophoretic gel is characterized in that it further comprises an acid polysaccharide and salts thereof, wherein the acid moiety of the acid polysaccharide comprises at least one carboxyl group.An improved electrophoretic technique for assaying the relative distribution of proteins of the type wherein a sample to be assayed is applied to an electrophoretic gel and the electrophoretic gel is electrophoresed. The electrophoretic technique is characterized in that the above described electrophoretic gel is employed therein.

Abstract: Conformable hydrogel molds or forms are adapted for the casting of polyelectrolytic materials whereby an irreversibly gelled, three dimensional article faithfully reproduces the interior topography of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chloral derivative having the general formula ##STR1## in which Y' is a polysaccharide consisting of a chain of anhydroglucose, modified anhydroglucose or uronic acid units as substituent group and in which R is selected from --H, --COCH.sub.2 OH, --[(CH.sub.2).sub.n 0].sub..chi. --H in which n is 2 to 5 and .chi. is 1 to 7; --CH.sub.2 OSO.sub.2 X' or --CH.sub.2 COOX' in which X' is NH.sub.4 or a single equivalent of a non-toxic metallic cation, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n H where n is 1 to 7, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n (OH).sub..chi. Y where Y is --H or --CH.sub.3 n is 1 to 7, .chi. is 1 to 12 and the --OH groups are attached to any or all of the carbon atoms by substitution and wherein when Y.sup.1 is a chain of unmodified anhydroglucose units, these units have the following configurations:.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl units having a predominantly 1-4 linkage.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl units having a predominantly 1-4 linkage and/or.beta.

Abstract: A plant viral disease preventive composition contains an alginate, as active ingredient, having properties of:(a) neutralization degree of 10 to 30%, said neutralization degree (wt %) being given from: ##EQU1## where (C.sub.5 H.sub.7 O.sub.4 COOH).sub.n is the molecular formula of the alginate, m is the number of the carboxylate groups in one molecule of the alginate, and M is an alkali metal or ammonium group; and/or(b) viscosity in a 1 wt % aqueous solution at 20.degree. C. is 2 to 10 centipoises.

Abstract: Sustained flavor release compositions are disclosed which comprise polymer backbones having pendant flavor groups thereon. Such compositions can be used, for example, in chewing gums. Release of the flavor can be accomplished by hydrolysis upon mastication of the chewing gum.In one embodiment, aldehyde flavors are reacted with polymers having hydroxy groups thereon to produce a polymer backbone with pendant acetal or hemi-acetal flavor groups. An example is the reaction product of cinnamic aldehyde and partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate. In a like manner, ketone flavors can be reacted with similar polymers to form pendant ketal flavor groups. Also, alcohol flavors can be reacted with polymers having aldehyde or ketone groups to provide polymer backbones with pendant acetal or ketal moieties thereon.

Abstract: Dry granular silicon acid, an organic polyol and a silicon tetrahalide are mixed simultaneously to produce an organic halosilicon acid resinous product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing an iron complex with polymeric polyhydroxy compounds such as dextran, hydrogenated dextran, dextrin, carboxyalkyl dextran, carboxyalkyl cellulose, alginates and the like, and therapeutic preparations thereof. The invention also relates to the products obtained, and to their administration to warm-blooded mammals.

Abstract: A polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol containing a mixture of nitrite ester groups with sulfate or nitrate ester groups with the mixture of ester groups being substantially uniformly distributed among the polymer units of the polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol.A nitrite ester of a polysaccharide alcohol having a degree of substitution of less than about 2.0. A nitrite ester of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of substitution of 1.0 or less.