Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regulating a porous structure and texture property of a freeze-dried pectin aerogel, which comprises the following steps of step 1: preparation of pectin/starch solution by mixing pectin powder and a gelatinized starch solution to form a stable pectin/starch mixed solution, a concentration of the pectin being 0.05% to 0.2% (w/v); step 2: induction of gel reaction by adding D-(+)-Glucono-?-lactone and calcium carbonate into the stable pectin-starch mixed solution; and step 3: vacuum freeze of the starch/pectin composite gel subjected to the gel reaction to obtain the freeze-dried pectin/starch aerogel with an adjustable porous structure and an improved texture characteristic. Controllable regulation of the porous structure of the freeze-dried pectin aerogel is achieved by the method without complex pretreatment. Raw material ingredients applied in the method are cheap, easy-to-access, and has low-toxicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant strains of the genus Sphingomonas which have a mutation in at least one gene encoding a protein involved in polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”) synthesis that allows the mutant strains to produce PHB-deficient Sphingans. The invention is also directed to a process for preparing a clarified Sphingan solution comprising heating aqueous Sphingan solution, in particular PHB-deficient Sphingan solution, to a clarification temperature of about 30° C. to about 70° C., and treating the solution with a clarification agent and enzymes. In addition, the invention is directed to a food or industrial product comprising a PHB-deficient and/or clarified Sphingan. One particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a clarified, PHB-deficient high-acyl gellan and the processes of making thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one cationic polysaccharide to hydrophilize a hard surface and/or to provide anti-deposition, anti-adhesion and anti-soil properties to said surface. The invention also relates to a hard cleaning composition comprising such cationic polysaccharide and a method for hydrophilizing a hard surface having a hydrophobic surface, comprising treating at least a portion of such hydrophobic surface with the cationic polysaccharide as such.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cationically and hydrophobically modified polygalactomannan having repeating units with a D-mannosyl to D-galactosyl residue ratio of at least 5 to 1 and to compositions containing same. A portion of the hydrogen atoms of hydroxyl groups situated on the mannosyl and galactosyl residues of the galactomannan are replaced with a hydrophobic substituent and a cationic substituent.

Abstract: Acid polysaccharides characterized by the concomitant presence of partial esters with non-polysaccharide carboxylic acids and esters between the acid groups of the initial polysaccharide and the alcohol groups of the repetitive units, with the formation of crosslinking among the polysaccharide chains.

Abstract: The invention provides a functionalised compound of formula (II), which functionalised compound comprises n carbene precursor groups which are the same or different, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 3: wherein x is 1, E is a group which is capable of being converted into a carbene reactive intermediate group, Q is a core moiety, a polymer or a dendrimer, and each of the [R]x-E-L- groups, which are the same or different, is independently selected from a group of formula (Ie) and a group of formula (Ia): wherein L is a single bond or a linker group as defined herein, R is a terminal group as defined herein, and R1 is as defined herein. Further provided is the use of the functionalised compound as an agent for producing a chemically-bound three-dimensional network on or within a substrate.

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: Cationic hydrophobically modified galactomannan ethers having a cationic degree of substitution (DSC) from 0.01 to 0.5 and hydrophobic degree of substitution (DSH) below 0.001 are readily soluble in aqueous systems and useful to thicken, stabilize and condition cosmetics, detergent compositions and household cleaning products; they further improve the deposition of other ingredients on the treated surface (skin, hair or fabric).

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant strains of the genus Sphingomonas which have a mutation in at least one gene encoding a protein involved in polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”) synthesis that allows the mutant strains to produce PHB-deficient sphingans. The invention is also directed to a process for preparing a clarified sphingan solution comprising heating aqueous sphingan solution, in particular PHB-deficient sphingan solution, to a clarification temperature of about 30° C. to about 70° C., and treating the solution with a clarification agent and enzymes. In addition, the invention is directed to a food or industrial product comprising a PHB-deficient and/or clarified sphingan. One particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a clarified, PHB-deficient high-acyl gellan and the processes of making thereof.

Abstract: A mixed polymer fiber, comprising a crosslinked polymer fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A method for making mixed polymer composite fibers containing cellulose fibers in which cellulose fibers are dispersed in an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water to provide an aqueous fiber dispersion; the aqueous dispersion treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide composite fibers; and the composite fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.

Abstract: A method for making crosslinked fibers containing cellulose fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; cellulose fibers are added to the mixed polymer fibers; and these fibers are treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.

Abstract: Novel cross-linked gels comprised of alkoxyetheramides grafted to polysaccharides that have superior viscosity properties have been made. By controlling the chain length of the alkoxyetheramides and the hydrophobic nature of the gel, these materials are ideal for many uses such as in hydraulic fracturing of oil-bearing geological formations, in the paint and dye industries, as dispersants, in personal care products and for carriers in controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of wounds and skin injuries are described. The compositions, which include gellan gum, increases in viscosity once applied to the wound to form an immobile gel. The composition may be in sprayable form or dispersed in an aqueous solution. Methods of making and using the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Nutritional solutions and methods of making same are disclosed. The solutions include protein, lipid, and a carbohydrate source including high amylose starch and guar gum.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-residual-solvent containing excipients with residual solvent less than <3000 ppm. Most of the excipients are required to first be modified to become more water absorbing such as by attaching a water absorbing radical, e.g., (—CH2COONa) to the carbinol groups (—CH2OH) of the excipients to form a —CH2—O—CH2COONa linkage. The linkage of the water-absorbing groups to e excipients improves the water absorbing property of the excipients, which facilitates the replacing residual solvent with water. The residual solvent can be extracted from the excipient by way of mixing with a solvent/water solution containing (1) about 75-95% (v/v) isopropanol and about 5-25% water (v/v); (2) about 65-95% acetone and about 5-35% water; and (3) about 60-85% methanol and about 15-40% water.

Abstract: Finely divided polysacharide derivatives are described. The finely divided polysacharide derivatives are prepared by a process comprising: a) forming an aqueous composition comprising a polysaccharide derivative and water, in which the polysaccharide derivative is soaked or dissolved; b) converting the polysaccharide derivative of the aqueous composition into finely divided solid particles by, (i) contacting the aqueous composition with superheated water vapor in a dryer-pulverizer; or (ii) causing the polysaccharide derivative of the aqueous composition to flocculate; and c) optionally drying the finely divided solid particles of step b). The primary structures of the polysaccharide starting material are largely removed, and the product has a shape factor of less than 5 and greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified gellan gum in which the total acyl content as well as the ratio of acyl substituent groups to glycerate substituent groups per linear saccharide repeat unit is altered to be higher than 1. The invention further relates to a process for the modification of a gellan gum to alter its acyl content in which the gum is treated with a weak base such as sodium or potassium carbonate or a suitable phosphate. The process enables “tailor made” gums having appropriate setting temperatures and theological properties to be made. Novel compositions containing them are also claimed.

Abstract: Compositions for the treatment of wounds and skin injuries are described. The compositions, which include gellan gum, increases in viscosity once applied to the wound to form an immobile gel. The composition may be in sprayable form or dispersed in an aqueous solution. Methods of making and using the compositions are also described.

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 describes improvements in or relating to the production of polysaccharide derivatives; more particularly it relates to a method of converting insoluble polysaccharides to a form in which they form part of an anhydrous system in which they may be used as chemical intermediates in the production of derivatives.

Abstract: Cellobiuronic acid may be prepared by hydrolysis of gellan. The method provides embodiments expressed in terms of amounts of cellobiuronic acid produced, amounts of gellan gum hydrolyzed and amounts of cellobiuronic acid present in fractions of a hydrolysate The method may further include isolation of a separated fraction of the hydrolysate where the separated fraction comprises cellobiuronic acid. A preferred embodiment of the method includes hydrolyzing gellan gum with a protic acid under reaction conditions that convert at least 95 wt.% of the gellan gum to a hydrolysate comprised of cellobiuronic acid and monosaccharides and isolating a separated fraction of the hydrolysate where cellobiuronic acid comprises at least a 95 wt.% of saccharides in the separated fraction.

Abstract: Stable, cold water soluble, ready for use starch aldehyde compositions and the method of preparation of such compositions wherein an aqueous dispersion of a converted starch acetal is hydrolyzed under acidic conditions to form the starch aldehyde which is then spray dried into a cold water soluble starch aldehyde powder.

Abstract: The Invention pertains to a process for the amidation of a material having at least one carboxyl-containing polysaccharide. The provided process involves a first step in which the carboxyl groups are reacted with an ammonium donor of the general formula >NH to form the corresponding polysaccharide carboxyl ammonium salt, and a second step in which the polysaccharide carboxyl ammonium salt is heated so as to convert the ammonium groups into the corresponding amido groups. The invention also pertains to fatty amide modified carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, and particularly to fatty amide modified carboxymethyl cellulose. The products in accordance with the invention can be widely employed, e.g. in the field of biodegradable plastics, as anti-redeposition agents for synthetic fibers, as polymeric emulsifiers, as pigment dispersing agents, in cosmetic applications, as thickeners, as oil drilling fluids, as superabsorbers, and in mineral processing.

Abstract: Water-soluble polysaccharides which containa) substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, carboxyalkyl and sulfoalkyl,b) N,N-disubstituted aminoalkyl groups,are prepared by alkylation of a polysaccharide in the presence of a base with one or more alkylation reagents, selected from the group consisting of compounds transferring alkyl groups, compounds transferring hydroxyalkyl groups, compounds transferring carboxyalkyl groups and compounds transferring sulfoalkyl groups, and also with an N,N-disubstituted amino-alkylsulfuric acid ester. The modified polysaccharides are used in paper production and waste-water purification and also in cosmetics.

Abstract: Aldehyde cationic derivatives of galactose containing polysaccharides which are obtained by oxidizing galactose containing polysaccharides with the enzyme galactose oxidase. The enzyme oxidized products have an aldehyde function at a specific position of the polysaccharide, i.e., the C.sub.6 position, of the galactose unit, and the cationic derivatives thereof have unexpected and significantly improved properties when used as paper strength additives.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein: each of R.sub.1, R.sub.1 ', R.sub.2 and R.sub.2 ' independent of each other is a substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear C.sub.1-12 alkyl, alkene or alkyne group, R.sub.3 is OH, OCH.sub.3, CH.sub.2 COOH or ##STR2## wherein each of R.sub.2" and R.sub.2 '41 independent of each other is a substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear C.sub.1-12 alkyl, alkene or alkyne group and:A=NH.sub.2, X=P(OH), Y=Z=C, B=OCH.sub.3, orA=OH, X=P(OH), X=Z=C, B (if present)=OCH.sub.3, orA=OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.n NH.sub.2, X=P(OH), Y=Z=C, B=OCH.sub.3,wherein n=1-10, orA=OH, X=P(OH), Y=Z=C, B=O(CH.sub.2).sub.n CO.sub.2 H, wherein n=1-10, orA=OH, X=P(OH), Y=Z=C, B=(CH.sub.2).sub.n CO.sub.2 H, wherein n=1-10, orA=NH.sub.2, X=Z=C, Y=P(OH), B=OCH.sub.3, orA=OH, X=Z=C, Y=P(OH), B (if present)=OCH.sub.3, orA=OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.n NH.sub.2, X=Z=C, Y=P(OH), B=OCH.sub.3, wherein n=1-10, orA=OH, X=Z=C, Y=P(OH), B=O(CH.sub.2).sub.n CO.sub.2 H, wherein n=1-10, orA=OH, X=Z=C, Y=P(OH), B=(CH.

Abstract: Aldehyde cationic derivatives of galactose containing polysaccharides which are obtained by oxidizing galactose containing polysaccharides with the enzyme galactose oxidase. The enzyme oxidized products have an aldehyde function at a specific position of the polysaccharide, i.e., the C.sub.6 position, of the galactose unit, and the cationic derivatives thereof have unexpected and significantly improved properties when used as paper strength additives.

Abstract: Derivatized guar gum which demonstrates greater than 75% light transmission at a wavelength of from about 500-600 nanometers when dispersed in water in the amount of 0.5 parts per 100 parts water and the process for producing such guar gum is disclosed.

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: Water soluble quaternary ammonium ethers of polysaccharides or polyols wherein the quaternary ammonium ether substituents correspond to the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a monohydroxylated or polyhydroxylated alkyl group containing between about one and about six carbon atoms; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently, alkyl groups containing between about one and about six carbon atoms; R.sub.4 is an alkyl group containing between about six and about 24 carbon atoms; and X is a halide, wherein the degree of substitution of said ethers ranges from about 0.001 to about 0.5. is provided. The composition have multiple uses as thickeners and are particularly suited for use in personal care products.

Abstract: Mineral acid slurries of benzidine derivatives having high stability are provided by incorporating into such slurries a polysaccharide.

Abstract: There is disclosed liquid nutritionals with improved physical stability. The nutritionals are pourable yet able to hold minerals in suspension without sedimentation or sag. The invention comprises the use of iota-carrageenan of a concentration of between 50-1500 parts per million. The nutritional may also comprise kappa carrageenan at a concentration of less than 25% of the total concentration of iota- and kappa-carrageenan. There is further disclosed a method for preparing the liquid nutritional through the use of ultra-high temperature heat treatment.

Abstract: Water soluble quaternary ammonium ethers of polysaccharides or polyols wherein the quaternary ammonium ether substituents correspond to the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a monohydroxylated or polyhydroxylated alkyl group containing between about one and about six carbon atoms; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently, alkyl groups containing between about one and about six carbon atoms; R.sub.4 is an alkyl group containing between about six and about 24 carbon atoms; and X is a halide, wherein the degree of substitution of said ethers ranges from about 0.001 to about 0.5. is provided. The composition have multiple uses as thickeners and are particularly suited for use in personal care products.

Abstract: Cationic polysaccharide derivatives are prepared by reacting a polysaccharide with a polycationic reagent having one polysaccharide reactive group and at least two cationic groups. Suitable reagents include polycationic alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic amines, some of which are novel compositions. The polycationic polysaccharide derivatives prepared from these reagents are useful in the manufacture of paper.

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: Water-soluble, polymer viscosifiers of aqueous solutions, also known as gelling agents, can be suspended in a hydrocarbon carrier fluid, such as, diesel to prepare a liquid gel concentrate. When a liquid gel concentrate is added to an aqueous solution the gelling agent disperses into it and viscosifies it. To make an improved performance admixture for preparation of liquid gel concentrates and render the gelling agent suspendable in the hydrocarbon carrier fluid, it is first coated with a mixture of an oil-compatible polymer suspending agent, such as a polymer suspension, comprising a branched chain alkyl acrylate monomer copolymerized with a minor amount of hydrophilic monomer such as acrylic acid with an appropriate amount of internal crosslinking agent to control polymer particle size, and a surfactant such as a nonylphenol reacted with several moles of ethylene oxide, styrenated phenol ethoxylate, or a phosphate ester of styrenated phenol ethoxylate.

Abstract: Cationic polysaccharide derivatives are prepared by reacting a polysaccharide with a polycationic reagent having one polysaccharide reactive group and at least two cationic groups. Suitable reagents include polycationic alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, cycloaliphatic, or heterocyclic amines, some of which are novel compositions. The polycationic polysaccharide derivatives prepared from these reagents are useful in the manufacture of paper.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the purification of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and chimeric proteins containing an IL-2 moiety from a wide variety of sources, including synthetic mixtures, cell culture conditioned medium and mammalian and bacterial recombinant expression systems. The methods of the invention employ IL-2 receptor-affinity adsorbents in which soluble IL-2 receptors have been immobilized on solid supports. Through the use of these affinity adsorbents, highly purified IL-2 and chimeric proteins containing an IL-2 moiety can be produced in a single step from bacterial extracts or conditioned medium. The proteins thus purified are largely free of aggregated forms, which are often present when other purification methods are used.

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: Silated polysaccharides having 0.005 to 2.0 silyl molar substitution per anhydrosaccharide unit form water resistant films when cast from aqueous solution and dried in the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide. These films are soluble in aqueous caustic. A preferred water soluble polymer is a cellulose ether with 0.005 to 1.0 silyl substitution.A method for preparation involves:(1) reaction in a caustic medium;(2) recovering a neutralized silated polysaccharide; and(3) washing to remove impurities.

Abstract: Silated polysaccharides having 0.005 to 2.0 silyl molar substitution per anhydrosaccharide unit form water resistant films when cast from aqueous solution and dried in the presence of atmospheric cabron dioxide. These films are soluble in aqueous caustic. A preferred water soluble polymer is a cellulose ether with 0.005 to 1.0 silyl substitution.

Abstract: Cationized derivatives of natural polysaccharides having a polyglucoside structure with 50-5000 monomer units and one or more side chains bonded to the glucoside nucleus by a nitrogen or oxygen atom or an amide group, said side chains having one or more quaternary nitrogen atoms so that each monomer unit has a cation charge density exceeding two. The new compounds are particularly active as hypocholesterolemic agents.

Abstract: A polysaccharide derivative having the structure Sacch--O--Z--Ar--CH.dbd.N--Y or ##STR1## where Sacch--O-- represents a polysaccharide molecule; Z is --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -- or ##STR2## Ar is a divalent aromatic group; Y is (a) a monovalent group derived from a water-soluble substituted or unsubstituted aromatic compound containing only one free primary amine group, or (b) a monovalent group derived from a water-soluble substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or cycloaliphatic compound containing only one primary amine group, or (c) a multivalent group derived from a water-soluble protein containing more than one primary amine group; n is one or greater; and m is zero or greater, is prepared by first modifying the polysaccharide with a reagent to introduce free aromatic aldehyde groups and then reacting with a suitable amine-containing reagent. The siloxane-containing starch derivaties are useful in glass forming size compositions.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to guar flour formulations, to be ingested, wherein the formulations contain natural guar flour having a particle size diameter or 50 .mu.m to 1500 .mu.m and neither containing nor having been treated with any additive which substantially affects its form or consistency or which substantially delays or reduces the swelling ability of the flour.

Abstract: The invention pertains to aqueous gels, gel-forming compositions and composites containing the same, comprising carrageenan and a cation of such a type and in such a concentration that the gel has a transition midpoint temperature below 45.degree. C. and a yield stress of at least 0.5 kN/m.sup.2 at 5.degree. C. The gels or gel-forming compositions can advantageously be used in food and toiletry products.

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: Quaternary ammonium salts of polysaccharides possessing hypochlolesterolemic activity and having the following general formula: ##STR1## in which A represents the monomer unit of a natural polysaccharide, m is a whole number between 100 and 1000, n is a whole number between 0 and 4, B is O or S or NH or NR, R is a linear alkyl radical of 1-4 carbon atoms, and X.sup.(-) is an anion such as Cl.sup.-, Br.sup.-, I.sup.-, HSO.sub.4.sup.-, CH.sub.3 O--SO.sub.3.sup.-.Said salts are prepared by reacting a pretreated natural polysaccharide with a a quaternary ammonium salt functionalized at one of its ends with an epoxy group.

Abstract: New amines and amides of carboxylated polysaccharides having the nitrogen of the amido and amino groups directly attached to the polysaccharides and method of making same, based on reacting in solution a material having carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, with ammonium donors having the general formula >NH such as primary and secondary amine reagents and with or without a reducing agent to obtain amides or amines. These products may be used for instance in biological separations, for the immobilization of proteins, for the removal of metal ions, as thickeners, and as suspension agents.

Abstract: A process and composition is provided for a hydratable, alloy gum composition of Cassia gum and another gelling and thickening agent which composition is capable of forming a clear, stable colloidal solution. The compositions are usually more easily dispersed in an aqueous solution than either component alone. An alloy gum composition of Cassia gum and xanthan gum is particularly useful for absorbing an aqueous medium.