Abstract: A novel solvent-free method for the cationization of a legume starch, and uses of the cationic starches thus obtained, in aqueous compositions and the paper industry, including the folding carton or paper thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides novel chemical entities based on sugar alcohols. These new chemical entities are biocompatible and biodegradable. The molecules can be made in a single and pure form. The molecular weights of these molecules range from small (<1000 Da) to large (1000-120,000 Da). The sugar alcohol-based molecules can have functional groups throughout the molecule for crosslinking compounds, such as the preparation of antibody-drug conjugates, or to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic proteins, peptides, siRNA, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Also provided are new conjugate entities prepared through sugar alcohol molecules. Methods of synthesizing sugar alcohol-based molecules and conjugates are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, methods and kits for purifying a serine protease and serine proteases purified with the compounds, compositions and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, methods and kits for purifying a serine protease and serine proteases purified with the compounds, compositions and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates an absorbent material consisting of a molecular network of starch molecules, the starch molecules comprising an amylopectin content of at least 90% (w/w). The molecular network can either be comprised of self-entangled starches or cross-linked starches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coupling low-molecular weight substances to a starch-derived modified polysaccharide. The binding interaction between the modified polysaccharide and the low-molecular weight substance is based on a covalent bond which is the result of a coupling reaction between the terminal aldehyde group or a functional group of the modified polysaccharide molecule resulting from the chemical reaction of this aldehyde group and a functional group of the low-molecular weight substance which reacts with this aldehyde group or with the resulting functional group of the polysaccharide molecule. The bond directly resulting from the coupling reaction can be optionally modified by a further reaction to the aforementioned covalent bond. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise conjugates formed in this coupling process and to the use of said conjugates and compositions for the prophylaxis or therapy of the human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent comprising a modified starch which contains dietary fibers in an amount not more than 5% by mass measured by Prosky's method and a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber in an amount not less than 25% by mass. The water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent contains a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber, and does not deteriorate the mouthfeel of the food obtained using the same.

Abstract: Polymeric emulsifiers include polysaccharides modified with at least one cross-linking reagent and with from about 1 mol % to about 10 mol % of at least one ionic reagent, methods for preparing the same, and emulsions including the polymeric emulsifiers.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanical degradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amount of a crosslinking reagent. Methods and devices for enhancing the body's own efforts to stabilize discs in scoliotic and other progressively deforming spines by increasing collagen crosslinks. This stability enhancement is caused by reducing the bending hysteresis and increasing the elasticity and bending stiffness of progressively deforming spines, by injecting non-toxic crosslinking reagents into the convex side of discs involved in the potential or progressing deformity curve. Alternatively, contact between the tissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-release delivery system directly into or onto the target tissue.

Abstract: Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided.

Abstract: Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing starch networks. The method may include preparing a basic starch and preparing a networking starch. The method may further include manufacturing an initial product including the basic starch and the networking starch, and processing the initial product to yield the starch networks, such that the starch networks are at least partially heterocrystallized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coupling proteins to a starch-derived modified polysaccharide. The binding interaction between the modified polysaccharide and the protein is based on a covalent bond which is the result of a coupling reaction between the terminal aldehyde group or a functional group of the modified polysaccharide molecule resulting from the chemical reaction of this aldehyde group and a functional group of the protein which reacts with the aldehyde group or with the resulting functional group of the polysaccharide molecule. The bond directly resulting from the coupling reaction can be optionally modified by a further reaction to the aforementioned covalent bond. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise conjugates formed in this coupling process and to the use of conjugates and compositions for the prophylaxis or therapy of the human or animal body.

Abstract: A process for expression of a protein product in Aspergillus oryzae is disclosed. The process comprises transforming Aspergillus oryzae with a vector system comprising DNA-sequences encoding functions facilitating gene expression, a suitable marker for selection of transformants, and a DNA-sequence encoding the desired protein product. The process enables industrial production of many different polypeptides and proteins in A. oryzae. Examples of such products are chymosin or prochymosin other rennets, proteases, lipases and amylases. Also disclosed is an effective promoter for expression of a protein in Aspergillus. A preferred promoter is the TAKA-amylase promoter or functional parts thereof. There is also provided a process for the production of a recombinant Humicola lipase. The recombinant Humicola lipase from A. oryzae differs from the native lipase in having a greater glycosylation and in exhibiting an improved thermostability.

Abstract: Starch dispersions comprising discrete particles of crosslinked cationic starch in an aqueous liquid can be used in papermaking. They can be used as a wet-end additive or in surface coating. The starch dispersions can be prepared by a process comprising: (a) obtaining a mixture of cationic starch and an aqueous liquid, (b) processing the mixture using shear forces in the presence of a crosslinker: and (c) adding and mixing in a hydroxylic liquid to obtain the starch dispersions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing protoplasts of cassava or closely related species, which protoplasts are capable of regeneration into plants. The method comprises producing friable embryogenic callus from explants of cassava or closely related species and isolating protoplasts from said friable embryogenic callus. The invention also concerns protoplasts obtainable by said method. The invention further relates to a method for transforming such a protoplast of cassava or closely related species, and transformed protoplasts obtainable thereby. In addition, the invention concerns a method for regenerating plants from these protoplasts and a cassava plant or closely related species obtainable thereby. Starch isolated from tubers of such cassava plants have an increased amylopectin content. The starch and a method for isolating it from said plants also forms part of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide having functional groups, wherein said groups are aldehyde groups formed at positions C2 and/or C3 as well as at position C6 of the anhydroglucose units of the polysaccharide chain. Preferably the polysaccharide is a cellulosic fibrous material whose primary and secondary hydroxyl groups of the cellulose are oxidized into aldehyde groups at least in part by means of TEMPO oxidation and periodate oxidation. The invention also concerns a paper or nonwoven comprising the above polysacaride. According to the invention a relative wet strength of more than 10% can be achieved.

Abstract: This invention discloses compositions and methods for preparing biocleavable or biodegradable micelle compositions for carrying and releasing drugs and other active agents for therapeutic or other medical uses. Methods are also disclosed for preparing biocleavable cyclodextrin micelle carriers that release drugs under controlled conditions. The invention also discloses biocleavable or biodegradable micelle compositions that are coupled to biorecognition molecules for targeting the delivery of drugs to their site of action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a cross-linked starch, comprising the reaction of a starch material with a cross-linking agent at a low to moderate temperature. The method provides an economically attractive alternative to known processes. The present invention further relates to a cross-linked starch and to its use in various application areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide having functional groups, wherein said groups are aldehyde groups formed at positions C2 and/or C3 as well as at position C6 of the anhydroglucose units of the polysaccharide chain. Preferably the polysaccharide is a cellulosic fibrous material whose primary and secondary hydroxyl groups of the cellulose are oxidized into aldehyde groups at least in part by means of TEMPO oxidation and periodate oxidation. The invention also concerns a paper or nonwoven comprising the above polysaccharide. According to the invention a relative wet strength of more than 10% can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive composition comprising a derivative of a starch, which comprises at least 95 wt. % of amylopectin, based on dry substance of the starch, wherein the derivative is obtainable by cross-linking, etherification, esterification or a combination thereof, of the starch. The invention further relates to a process for preparing the adhesive composition and to the use thereof for adhering wallpaper or billposter to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a degradable polyurethane resin obtained by reacting 2,5-/2,6-diisocyanatomethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and/or a modified compound thereof with polyol comprising a single compound, mixture or copolycondensate selected from the group consisting of (A) polyhydroxycarboxylate polyol, (B) aliphatic polyester polyol and (C) saccharides, or (D) straight or branched polyol formed by condensation of (A) and/or (B) with aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having functionality of three or more, and the polyurethane resin has hydralyzability and biodegradability, is excellent in rigidity and elasticity in combination with flexibility as compared with conventionally known biodegradable resin, and can provide formed articles having outstandingly high elasticity and elongation and other unprecedented properties.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for modifying amylaceous (starchy) materials comprising a stage of chemical fluidification and a stage of stabilization, simultaneous or not simultaneous, these two stages being performed in the dry phase and by the use of a plycarboxylic organic acid. The acid can be chosen particularly from among citric acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid and their mixtures. The process is advantageously performed at a temperature between 90° C. and 170° C., at a pH below 4 and during a total period between 3 minutes and 8 hours. The starchy material subjected to fluidification and stabilization can be cationic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a malto-oligosaccharide derived glycoside. Generally, the method comprises providing a malto-oligosaccharide and glycosylating the malto-oligosaccharide with an alcohol or a thiol under conditions suitable to form a malto-oligosaccharide derived glycoside. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a mixture of malto-oligosaccharide derived glycosides by providing a mixture of malto-oligosaccharides and glycosylating the malto-oligosaccharides with an alcohol or a thiol under substantially anhydrous conditions to form a mixture of malto-oligosaccharide derived glycosides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a degraded, inhibited cationic starch for use in papermaking systems, which affords improved physical properties, particularly strength. Additionally these derivatives provide easy-to-prepare alternatives to traditional starches, and can even be added directly to the papermaking process without cooking. While the benefits of these starch compositions can be applied to any type of papermaking method, they are especially useful in high shear, high conductivity and recycle systems.

Abstract: The invention discloses a starch graft poly(meth)acrylate blast media which is effective in paint removal. The media is superior to a physical blend of the components (i.e., starch and acrylic polymers) and to either a starch polymer or an acrylic polymer used singly. The hardness of the media is between 65-90 Shore D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used.

Abstract: The use of amylopectin-type starch obtained from potato that has been subjected to a genetical engineering modification to suppress the formation of amylose-type starch, as a finishing agent in papermaking is described.

Abstract: Nerve process growth modulation can be achieved using derivatized cyclodextrins. Processes for making sulfated and aminated .beta.-cyclodextrin derivatives are also described in which a compound of the formula R".sub.2 NCH X'.sup.+ X'.sup.- where R.sup.- is an alkyl containing 1-5 carbon atoms and X is selected from bromine and iodine is used to halogenate the cydodextrin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cationic polysaccharide, preferably in fibrous form, having superabsorbent characteristics. The polysaccharides are substituted by quaternary ammonium groups, have a ds of at least 0.5, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 and are cross-linked to a sufficient extent that it remains insufficient in water. The polysaccharide is preferably cellulose. An increased number of functional groups in the product improves superabsorbent properties, whereas use of a cross-linking agent makes it possible to control the gel strength of the product and makes it easier to tailor the characteristics of the product to those which are required.

Abstract: The invention discloses a starch graft poly(meth)acrylate blast media which is effective in paint removal. The media is superior to a physical blend of the components (i.e., starch and acrylic polymers) and to either a starch polymer or an acrylic polymer used singly. The hardness of the media is between 65-90 Shore D.

Abstract: A method of making paper in an alkaline or acid system wherein a selected crosslinked, cationized or amphoteric starch is added to the system, said starch being crosslinked by adding enough crosslinking agent to provide a starch having a breakdown viscosity of from about 2 to 85% and wherein the crosslinked, cationized or amphoteric starch is jet cooked under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of from about 195.degree. to 325.degree. F.

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: Method of crosslinking carboxyl-containing polysaccharides in that the polysaccharide is at first activated with a bi- or polyfunctional reagent, and then after removal of any potential excess of activating reagent the crosslinking is performed during drying. The invention also comprises a material produced according to this method.

Abstract: A process whereby a gelatinized starch having a cationic reagent chemically bound to the starch backbone and a reduced viscosity is prepared by (1) gelatinizing starch and substantially simultaneous with gelatinization reacting said treated starch with an alkyl or alkenyl amine and a water soluble oxidant or (2) simultaneously reacting an alkyl or alkenyl amine and a water soluble oxidant with a gelatinized starch. The process is conducive to the on-site preparation of a thinned cationic starch derivative which can be utilized without additional treatment as a papermaking additive, textile size, waste water treatment, tailing flocculent, etc.

Abstract: A highly absorbent material, especially suitable for use in absorbent disposable products such as sanitary towels and tampons, consisting of a substantially water-insoluble cross-linked gelatinized starch, in which the degree of substitution of the cross-linking groups is from 0.001 to 0.04, which is substituted by ionic groups which are associated with mono- or di-valent counterions, and which has a urine retention value of at least 6 g/g.

Abstract: A water-insoluble immunological reagent being formed from discrete particles of a latex carrier to which a water-soluble polyhydroxy compound is covalently bound having condensed thereto through a covalent link an immunologically active material; process for the manufacture of said reagent; a kit containing said reagent and the use of said reagent in immunological determinations.

Abstract: Crosslinked starch is reacted with an epihalohydrin in the presence of a strong acid catalyst to produce the 3-halo-2-hydroxypropyl ether. Substitution of the halogen with nitrogen-containing compounds enables the preparation of novel water-insoluble cationic, anionic, and chelating starch ethers, as well as starch ethers having degrees of substitution heretofore unattainable in the prior art.

Abstract: A novel class of reactive derivatives of polymers containing HS-groups is disclosed in which derivatives a number of the HS-groups are converted to a disulphide group of the formula -S-S-A-Z, where A is a hydrocarbon residue having 1-10 carbon atoms and Z is a group ##STR1## or acid addition salts of the last mentioned group, where n is 2 or 3, R.sup.1 is 2-pyridyl, 5-nitro-2-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl and R.sup.2 is methyl or ethyl. The novel derivatives may be used, for example, as thiolating agents or as carriers for e.g. enzymes or other proteins etc.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for producing modified starch products. In the method of the invention, a slurry of starch is continuously moved at elevated temperature and pressure through a tubular heating zone and the hot fluid mass emerging from the heating zone is forced through a flow restricting zone within which the fluid mass is highly compressed. This highly compressed fluid material emerges from the confining zone into a tubular reaction zone with a sudden release of energy in the form of a fine spray or mist. The compressive forces followed by the sudden energy release act on the starch molecules to temporarily greatly increase the reactivity of the starch within the reaction zone, whereby modified starch products are quickly formed.

Abstract: Enlarged granule starch useful as a protective stilt material in microencapsulated coatings to prevent premature rupture of the microcapsules. Starch granules are increased in size by alkali-swelling of the granules in aqueous slurry. The enlarged granules are then crosslinked to aid in preserving the enlarged granular form through subsequent aqueous coating applications and thermal drying steps. A combination of hydrocyclone starch granule sizing and granule treatment employing alkali-swelling and crosslinking substantially improves the yield of usable large granule stilt materials obtainable from prime grade wheat starch, and other bimodal granular starches such as barley and rye.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of finely-powdered, water-soluble without formation of lumps, high-molecular weight compounds, preferably modified natural polymers, comprising dry mixing the finely-powdered high-molecular weight compounds to be treated with from 0.2% to 5% by weight of polyglyoxal, heating said dry mixture to from 50.degree. to 150.degree. C, and recovering a product which is finely-powdered and water-soluble without formation of lumps.