Abstract: The invention relates to compounds capable of releasing nitric oxide wherein the compounds comprise a saccharide and at least one nitric oxide-releasing diazeniumdiolate [N2O2] functional group, which is bonded directly to a carbon atom of the saccharide, and methods for preparing the same. The invention further comprises the treatment of biological disorders treatable by the administration of nitric oxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of (1-3),(1-4)-?-glucan derived from barley capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject.

Abstract: Chemically modified dicarboxy polysaccharides are described. The modified polysaccharides are useful as a carrier for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary products and the like. The modified polysaccharides can provide a timed release of active ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention refers to gene expression cassettes encoding enzymes involved in the metabolic pathway for the biosynthesis of hemicelluloses, cellulose and/or uronic acids, and to a method for genetic transformation of plant cells through the introduction of one or more gene expression cassettes from the present invention, and the overexpression and repression of these genes in plants. More particularly, the present invention refers to a method for introducing expression cassettes in plants. Additionally, the present invention refers to genetically modified plants. The present invention also refers to the attainment of the genetically modified plant, its derived plants and seeds, as well as the wood, paper and cellulose from this plant.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising: a complex of a polysaccharide covalently bonded with an antibiotic. A medical device having an antimicrobial composition comprising: a complex of an oxidized regenerated cellulose covalently bonded with gentamicin.

Abstract: A cellulosic substance composition contains a cellulosic substance having an aliphatic acyl group containing a branched structure having from 5 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film is provided that includes a cellulose acylate that satisfies the degrees of substitution below, and a hydrolysis-condensation product of a hydrolyzable and polycondensable reactive metal compound. 2.5?A+B?3.0 0?A?2.95 (In the expressions, A denotes the degree of substitution by acetyl, and B denotes the total of the degrees of substitution by acyl groups other than acetyl). There is also provided a process for producing the cellulose acylate film, the process including a step of preparing a solution that includes the cellulose acylate above, an oligomeric hydrolysis-condensation product of a hydrolyzable and polycondensable reactive metal compound, and a solvent, a step of casting the solution on a support, and a step of forming a film by removing the solvent and drying.

Abstract: A cellulose compound composition includes a cellulose compound that includes (A) an aliphatic acyl group having a carbon number of 5 to 30 and (B) an acyl group containing an aromatic group.

Abstract: Polysaccharide derivatives, more particularly heteropolysaccharide derivatives, especially hemicellulose derivatives, methods for making same and structures employing same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material based on (a) a cellulose- or lignocellulose-containing material and (b) a composite as a binder, the composite resulting from the reaction of at least the components (i) a glycidyloxypropylalkoxysilane, (ii) an aqueous silica sol having a solids content of >20% by weight, (iii) an organic acid as a hydrolysis catalyst and (iv) n-propyl zirconate, butyl titanate or titanium acetylacetonate as a crosslinking agent. The present invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of said composite materials and the use of a composite (b) as a binder for the production of wood-based materials.

Abstract: A terminating agent and a method for preparing an anionic polymer are provided. The terminating agent includes a carbohydrate, which is a solid substantially insoluble in a solvent and is used for terminating an anionic polymerization of a polymer. Another aspect of the method includes steps which provide an initiator for initiating an anionic polymerization, adding a terminating agent for terminating the anionic polymerization and forming a complex, wherein the terminating agent is a carbohydrate, and an alkali metal ion is removed by a solid-liquid separation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the controlled oxidation of oligo- and/or polysaccharides containing free —CH2OH primary hydroxyl groups, using an oxidising agent. The invention is characterised in that the oxidation reaction is performed in a densified fluid which is inert in relation to the oxidising agents employed. The invention is suitable for use, for example, in the food, paint, paper, textile, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, in the medical, biomedical or paramedical fields, in the surgical field, in the cosmetic industry and as agents for the complexing or sequestering of metal ions, heavy metals and radioactive elements in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds represented by the structure of the general formula (A): wherein L is a lipid or a phospholipid, Z is either nothing, ethanolamine, serine, inositol, choline, or glycerol, Y is either nothing or a spacer group ranging in length from 2 to 30 atoms, X is a physiologically acceptable monomer, dimer, oligomer, or polymer, wherein X is a glycosaminoglycan; and n is a number from 1 to 1000, wherein any bond between L, Z, Y and X is either an amide or an esteric bond.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose acylate film formed through melt casting that is capable of being built in liquid-crystal display devices to solve the display trouble at the time of black level of display. That is a cellulose acylate film formed through melt casting, in which the number of polarizing minor impurities is from 0 to 10/mm2 and the number of black impurities is from 0 to 10/mm2, and which has a transmittance at 450 nm (T450) of from 90 to 100%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for modifying a substrate, including the following steps: the substrate is contacted with at least one amino-cellulose derivative and/or with at least one NH2-(organo)polysiloxane derivative; a composite substrate material is formed from the substrate and the amino-cellulose derivative and/or the substrate and the NH2-(organo)polysiloxane derivative. Said method enables a customized structural substrate design to be obtained. The resulting composite substrate material can be used to produce implants, detectors and scanning probe tips.

Abstract: A process of preparing alkylhydroxyalkylcellulose (e.g., methylhydroxyethylcellulose and methylhydroxypropylcellulose) by reaction of cellulose in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide with an alkylating agent and a hydroxyalkylating agent is described. The process includes: (a) alkalizing cellulose by means of 0.9 to 2.9 equivalents of an alkali metal hydroxide I/AGU of the cellulose in the form of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution, in the presence of a suspension medium containing at least 0.2 equivalents of an alkylating agent I/AGU of the cellulose; (b) reacting the alkalized cellulose of step (a) with alkylating agent I and a hydroxyalkylating agent at a temperature above 65° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (1) like (CAD1L) polypeptides. CAD1L polypeptides are produced in a plant in the same organs and the same developmental stages and processes of CAD1 and are likely to be involved in the same developmental processes as CAD enzymes. CAD1L-like sequences are also disclosed. They can be used for modification of, for example, lignification, cellulose, degradation, plant cell walls or plant defence response.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alignment layer with improved adhesion to liquid crystal (LC) films, to a precursor material used for the preparation of such a layer, to a laminate comprising such a layer and at least one LC polymer film, and to the use of the alignment layer and the laminate for optical, electrooptical, decorative or security uses and devices, wherein the alignment layer and the precursor material comprise at least one reactive mesogen in monomeric, oligomeric or polymeric form.

Abstract: The invention relates to substantially photochemically or thermally cross-linked polysaccharide derivatives in which the OH groups as OR groups have been esterified or converted into carbamate (urethane) or mixtures thereof and that do not contain photopolymerisable functional groups prior to the cross-linking. They can be used as carrier materials for the chromatographic separation of enantiomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel amphoteric polysaccharide compounds containing sulfonate function(s) corresponding to the formula (I) in which P represents a polysaccharide chain; X, Y and Z each represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, optionally hydroxylated C1-C12 divalent hydrocarbon-based group optionally comprising at least one ether and/or amine function in the hydrocarbon-based chain, or a group —Si(R)2—[O—Si(R)2]q-A-; r is 0 or 1; An represents an anionic group chosen from formula (II) CAT represents a quaternary ammonium group or a cationic polymer chain obtained by grafting and polymerization of ethylenic monomers bearing a quaternary ammonium function, Sulfo represents a sulfonic or sulfonate group; and n, m and p are such that the total degree of substitution of the polysaccharide does not exceed 2. The invention also relates to compositions comprising them and to their use in cosmetics.

Abstract: Novel antenna polymers characterized by a polymeric background of a biodegradable water soluble polymer and chromophores chemically bonded to the polymeric background have been found to be useful as photocatalysts in aqueous media. On completion of the desired photochemical reaction, the residual medium can safely be discharged to the natural environment as the catalyst residues undergo biodegradation to form environmentally harmless products.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced building material in one embodiment incorporates cellulose fibers that are chemically treated with a dispersant to impart improved dispersibility to the fibers. The fibers are treated with a dispersant which deactivates the hydroxyl sites of the fiber surfaces and in some cases, making the fiber surface more hydrophobic. The dispersant inhibits the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose fiber surface from bonding with hydroxyl groups of other fibers and from bonding with hydroxyl groups of the same fiber, thereby significantly reducing inter-fiber and intra-fiber hydrogen bonding. The treated fibers can be readily dispersed and uniformly distributed throughout a mixture without re-clustering or reclumping once the mechanical mixing action stops.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of carbohydrate with UV light. The process comprises the steps of providing a carbohydrate, combining the carbohydrate with an oxidant and exposing the combined carbohydrate and oxidant to ultraviolet light. The process occurs at alkaline conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing a cellulose acylate composition, which comprises filtering a solution in which cellulose acylate satisfying the following formulae 1 to 3 and having an M/S defined by following formula 4 of 0.5 to 2 is dissolved in a solvent through a filter having a retention particle size of 0.1 to 40 ?m, and mixing the filtered solution with a poor solvent to reprecipitate cellulose acylate: 1.5?A+B?3 Formula 1 0?A?1.8 Formula 2 1.2?B?3 Formula 3 where A is a substitution degree for an acetyl group of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose, and B is a substitution degree for an acyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms of a hydrogen atom which constitutes a hydroxyl group of cellulose, M/S={(a molar content of alkali metal)/2+(a molar content of alkali earth metal)/2}/(a molar content of sulfur).

Abstract: The invention is directed to modified xylanases having increased stability in harsh industrial environments, such as increased pH and/or temperature.

Abstract: A fresh aqueous cement composition suitable for building purposes is described. It contains, besides a hydraulic cement, a methyl ethyl cellulose ether having a DS methyl of 0.4-2.2, a DS ethyl of 0.05-0.8 and a MS hydroxy-(C2-C3)-alkyl of 0-2. The celulose ether imparts excellent rheology properties, including a high water-retention combined with a long open time, to the cement composition. A dry blend and a rheology additive containing the cellulose ether are also described.

Abstract: This application describes a bioresorbable biocellulose suitable for medical and surgical applications. In particular, the invention describes periodate oxidized microbial cellulose that can be produced to have any mechanical and degradation profile, depending on the desired application of the oxidized cellulose.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to hemostatic materials made of water-soluble cellulose ether derivatives, such as methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of carboxymethylcellulose, especially to hemostatic materials made of water-soluble cellulose ether derivatives capable of being absorbed in live body. The present invention also relates to the use of water-soluble cellulose hemostatic materials for the preparation of internal and external hemostatic articles and pharmaceutical compositions, and hemostatic articles and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Polysaccharide aldehydes are prepared using selective oxidation involving the use of nitroxyl radical mediated aqueous oxidation with a limited amount of oxidant and defined reaction conditions. These polysaccharide aldehyde derivatives having maximum effective aldehyde and minimal carboxylic acid levels making them especially useful as wet, temporary wet and dry strength additives for paper.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with film-forming compositions containing hydrolysates of the exopolysaccharide YAS34 for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard capsules.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative, which includes irradiating, with radioactive rays, a mixture of a starting alkyl cellulose derivative (the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is 1 through 3, the alkyl group may be substituted by a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group, and the carboxyl group may form a salt) (100 parts by weight) and water (5–2,000 parts by weight), and thus obtained self-cross-linking alkyl cellulose derivative has an improved biodegradability and excellent water-absorbability.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continually producing a suspension of cellulose in an aqueous tertiary amine oxide. The method includes (a) mixing cellulose and an amine oxide-free aqueous phase to form a cellulose suspension in a mass ratio in the range of 1:3 to 1:40, (b) dehydrating the cellulose suspension, wherein the dehydrated cellulose suspension has a cellulose content in the range of 20 to 80 percent-by-mass; (c) mixing the cellulose suspension with an aqueous amine oxide while the cellulose suspension is falling through a vertical fall zone to obtain an aqueous amine oxide-cellulose suspension with an amine oxide content in the range of 70 to 80 percent-by-mass; and (d) conveying the aqueous amine oxide-cellulose suspension through a horizontal shear zone. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A method of making a carboxylated carbohydrate is disclosed, cellulose being a preferred carbohydrate material. Carboxylated cellulose fibers can be produced whose fiber strength and degree of polymerization is not significantly sacrificed. The method involves the use of a catalytic amount of a hindered cyclic oxammonium compounds as a primary oxidant and chlorine dioxide as a secondary oxidant in an aqueous environment. The oxammonium compounds may be formed in situ from their corresponding amine, hydroxylamine, or nitroxyl compounds. The oxidized cellulose may be stabilized against D.P. loss and color reversion by further treatment with an oxidant such as sodium chlorite or a chlorine dioxide/hydrogen peroxide mixture. Alternatively it may be treated with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride. In the case of cellulose the method results in a high percentage of carboxyl groups located at the fiber surface.

Abstract: A process for obtaining purified hemicellulose, cellulose and cellulose-hemicellulose complexes comprising the steps of adding alcohol to caustic liquor from alkali extraction of fiber to precipitate the hemicellulose and the simultaneous, or about simultaneous, density separation of hemicellulose from the caustic liquor. The alcohol transforms the soluble high molecular weight hemicellulose into a light precipitate which floats on top of the caustic liquor solution. The caustic liquor can be subjected to a second separation step whereby the insoluble components (e.g. cellulose and cellulose-hemicellulose complexes) can be removed from the caustic liquor.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a spray pack for use in forming a uniform, stable spray coating, comprising a spray container device and, packed therein, a spraying composition comprising a liquid dispersion medium and, dispersed therein, particulate cellulose having an average degree of polymerization (DP) of not more than 300 and an average particle diameter of not more than 10 ?m, wherein the composition has a cellulose content of from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, and wherein the composition exhibits a maximum viscosity value (?max) of 1×103 mPa·s or more in the viscosity-shear stress curve obtained, with respect to the composition, using a cone-plate type rotating viscometer in a shear rate region of from 1×10?3 s?1 to 1×102 s?1 and at 25° C. A method for forming a uniform, stable spray coating by using the above-mentioned spray pack is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for extracting hemicellulose from fiber, such as corn fiber. The process comprises agitating at least fiber, caustic and optional added water at a moisture content from about 10% to about 60% at high speeds in a highly fluidized state. The process substantially instantaneously extracts the hemicellulose from the fiber. Heat may be applied in the process to extract and dry the hemicellulose substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purification method of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate, more particularly to a method of preparing high-purity hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate through a simple crushing process which comprises: increasing fluidity of reaction product mixture by adding fluidization solvent as a post-treatment process; and spraying it into water through a spray nozzle. As a result, formation of fine granular hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose phthalate particles prevents inter-particle coagulation during the a post-treatment process, and phthalic anhydride reactant, free phthalic acid and remaining acetic acid solvent can be removed effectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one GHB moiety bonded to at least one physiologically compatible carrier molecule. The compositions can enhance the uptake of the drug, deliver effective therapeutic doses in a time-delayed fashion, or can target specific organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chiral esters of polysaccharides, preferably of cellulose, amylose, ?-cyclodextrin or amylopectin, obtained by reacting, in basic medium, polysaccharides (polyhydroxylated compounds) with racemic or enriched acid chlorides bearing a hydrogen and an aromatic group on their a carbon. This acid precursor (I) may be ?-phenylpropionic acid, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or naproxen and, more generally, any acid derivative which may lead to a reactive form of ketene type. These novel asymmetric esters of polyhydroxylated compounds may be used as means of chiral enrichment, as medicinal systems with sustained and controlled release of enriched chiral active principles, these active principles consisting of the acyl parts of the esters grafted onto the hydroxyls (or even onto the amines) of the polyhydroxylated compounds, or alternatively as chiral stationary phases (CSPs).

Abstract: A process for preparing cellulose ethers having delayed dissolution in water is described. The process comprises: (a) treating a moist cellulose ether with a solution comprising a dialdehyde; (b) adding an aqueous salt solution to the moist cellulose ether, such that said cellulose ether has a pH of from 6.0 to 8.0, the aqueous salt addition being performed at least one of, (i) prior to step (a), (ii) concurrently with step (a), and (iii) subsequent to step (a); and (c) drying and comminuting the treated cellulose ether of step (b). The cellulose ether, or mixtures of cellulose ethers, prepared by the method of the present invention may be used as protective colloids, thickeners and adhesives.

Abstract: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose comprised of the steps of contacting a paper grade pulp with an alkali hydrolysis agent, washing the hydrolyzed pulp and contacting the hydrolyzed pulp with an acid hydrolysis agent and washing the acid hydrolyzed product.

Abstract: Wheat starch of the present invention is obtained from endosperm of a seed of wheat which is modified to lack starch granule protein-1 (SGP-1). The wheat starch has an apparent amylose content of about 35% or more. Wheat flour of the present invention is obtained from endosperm of a seed of wheat which is modified to lack SGP-1. Wheat of the present invention is modified to lack SGP-1. The wheat flour and the wheat comprise wheat starch which has an apparent amylose content of about 35% or more.

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: A process for producing microcrystalline cellulose. The process comprising the following steps: a) preparation of a pulp by repulping, b) pressing of the pulp obtained in a), c) decompaction of the pulp obtained in b), d) feeding of the pulp obtained in c) into a pre-heated reactor, e) cooking of the pulp at a temperature, a time and a pressure allowing to obtain a pulp having a desired degree of polymerization, f) cooling and partial controlled depressurization of the reactor by purging the reactor, followed by a water injection into the jacket and directly into the reactor, g) filtering the pulp obtained in f), h) bleaching of the pulp obtained in g), and i) drying the pulp obtained in h). The process allows the application of a controlled depressurization in step f), which in turn allows to keep the natural texture of the fibers and to obtain a cellulose having a low degree of polymerization.