Abstract: A diabetic nutrition and weight loss drink powder composition comprising a major amount of isolated soy protein, milk protein isolate, and fructose; a minor amount of inulin, guar gum, potassium chloride, microcrystalline cellulose, and flavoring selected from the group of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate; and a minute amount of a 24 vitamin and mineral mixture, D,L-methionine, magnesium oxide, a dried cream extract, coloring, precipitated silicon dioxide, and acesulfame potassium salt; whereby addition of the composition to water results in a tasteful, nutritious drink for diabetic people.

Abstract: The invention concerns cellulose microfibrils with modified surface, characterised in that the hydroxyl functions present at the surface of the microfibrils are etherified with at least an organic compound comprising at least a function capable of reacting with said hydroxyl functions, and the degree of surface substitution (DSs) is at least 0.05. The invention also concerns a method for obtaining said microfibrils and their use as agent for modifying viscosity, texture and/or as reinforcing filler.

Abstract: Disclosed are multi-functional markers for use on various products, particularly products which have one or more visually indistinguishable characteristics, for identifying and/or providing information about such products, and to processes and materials for making and using such markers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellulose triacetate which exhibits a satisfactory filtration performance Thus, the present invention provides a cellulose triacetate whose occlusion constant (K) determined by the following method is 70 or less. Method: the cellulose triacetate is dissolved in a solvent mixture of methylene chloride/methanol (9/1 w/w) to form a 16% by weight (as a solid concentration) solution, which is then filtered under a constant pressure at the filtration pressure of 3 kg/cm2 and the temperature of 25° C. using a muslin filter to determine a filtered volume with the lapse of time, from which the slope of a linear curve represented by t/V−t (wherein t is a filtration time (sec) and V is a filtered volume (ml)) is calculated to obtain an occlusion constant (K) where K=slope×2×104.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a homogeneous cellulose solution which is capable of, forming a mixture where a cellulose pulp powder is mixed and swollen with a liquid NMMO hydrate solvent supercooled under a melting point and subjecting the mixture to a dissolution treatment, thereby producing a homogeneous cellulose solution having a substantially low decomposition characteristic. The process produces a cellulose pulp mixing powder that is first swollen in a liquid NMMO solvent supercooled under a melting point by minimizing the dissolution of cellulose by the liquid NMMO solvent and maximizing the swelling thereof by the liquid NMMO solvent, thereby resulting in a maximum homogeneity of the solution and maintains the minimized decomposition states of the cellulose and the NMMO solvent, thereby resulting in the improvement of productivity and the simplicity of the process.

Abstract: Process for producing regular porous pearl cellulose with a particle size in the range from 2 to 1,000 &mgr;m, comprising the steps: a) a cellulose having a degree of polymerisation in the range from 150 to 2,000 is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution of 0.5 to 25% by mass, b) the cellulose solution is finely divided and dispersed in a dispersant which is immiscible with said solution and has a viscosity in the range from 10 to 80,000 mPa·s, c) the dispersed solution particles are solidified to regular pearl particles by precipitating with a liquid precipitating agent miscible with the solvent (1) after cooling the dispersion to below the melting temperature of the cellulose solution and separating the frozen particles of the cellulose solution from the dispersant or (2) directly in the dispersion, and d) the pearl particles are separated from the liquid mixture of solvent, precipitating agent and possibly dispersant.

Abstract: A description is given of a process for the industrial preparation of methylhydroxyalkylcelluloses (MHACs) by reaction of cellulose with alkali metal hydroxide and subsequent reaction with an alkyl halide and hydroxyalkylating agent, characterized in that the reaction is carried out batchwise in a reactor which has an L/D ratio of less than 2.5 and in which the unmixed regions are minimized and the batch reactor is preceded at the inlet by a continuously operated cellulose milling facility and is followed at the outlet by a continuously running plant for milling and drying the products, with the product being transported by action of gravity. An apparatus for carrying out this process and the methylhydroxyalkylcellulose obtainable by the process are also described.

Abstract: Polysaccharides, which are widely used as an anticoagulation drugs, especially heparin, are clinically administered only by intravenous or subcutaneous injection because of their strong hydrophilicity and high negative charge. Amphiphilic heparin derivatives were synthesized by conjugation to bile acids, sterols, and alkanoic acids, respectively. These heparin derivatives were slightly hydrophobic, exhibited good solubility in water, and have high anticoagulation activity. These slightly hydrophobic heparin derivatives are efficiently absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and can be used in oral dosage forms. Methods of using these amphiphilic heparin derivatives and similarly modified macromolecules for oral administration are also disclosed.

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 relates to low solution viscosity cellulose triacetate and methods of making thereof. The invention also relates to films prepared from the low solution viscosity cellulose triacetate and articles containing the low solution viscosity cellulose triacetate.

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 relates to a wound dressing comprising a microbial-derived cellulose for treatment of specific types of chronic wounds, including pressure sores, venous and diabetic ulcers. The wound dressing is capable of donating liquid to dry substrates is also capable of absorbing exudating wounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suspension of a water-soluble, nonionic cellulose ether having a fairly low content of an electrolytic salt exhibiting a high stability and a low viscosity. The suspension having a pH-value of below 8.0, contains 10-30% by weight of a water-soluble, nonionic cellulose ether, and 10-22% by weight of an electrolytic salt, wherein the electrolytic salt contains a) 10-90% by weight of a salt of polyphosphate having 3-12 phosphate groups, and b) 10-90% by weight of a salt selected from the group consisting of ortophosphate, pyrophosphate, sulphate, carbonate and a mixture thereof. The suspension is advantageously produced by adding a dry blend containing the water-soluble cellulose ether in cross-linked form and the electrolytic salt to water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorinated biopolymer and polymer derivatives useful as imaging probes, diagnostic agents and contrast agents and to imaging methods employing the fluorinated biopolymers and polymers.

Abstract: Cellulose particles are described that have cationic groups in their interior. In one aspect, at least 10%, and preferably 50% or more, of the cationic groups are present within the particle interior. Also disclosed are particular combinations of such cellulose particles with certain water-soluble polymers that are well suited for use in the papermaking industry.

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: Disclosed is a process for producing water-insoluble cellulose fibers having high carboxyl content by reacting cellulose fiber in suspension with dicarboxylic acid anhydride or chloride in the presence of a basic catalyst. The fibers produced possess a unique combination of high carboxyl content in the range of 100 to 4000 meq/kg, and high average viscosity, in the range of 0.5 to 12 dl/g. The carboxylated cellulose fibers according the invention can be made with a combination of carboxyl content and average viscosity which are suitable for use in numerous applications, including absorbent products, health care products, specialty papers, adhesives, detergents, biodegradable fibers, precursors for aqueous coatings and ion exchange fibers.

Abstract: A hydrophobically modified anionic cellulose ether obtainable by a process comprising reacting an alkali metal cellulose with at least three alkylating reagents A, B, and C. Reagent A is selected from the group of haloacetic acids, alkali metal haloacetates, alkali metal vinyl sulfonates, and vinyl sulfonic acid. Reagent B has the formula R1—(OCH2CH(R2))n—P, wherein R1 represents a C2-C7 group, R2 is hydrogen or a methyl group, n is 0-2, and P represents a glycidyl ether group, a 3-halo-2-hydroxypropyl ether group, a 1,2-epoxy group, or a halide, and reagent C has the formula R3—(OCH2CH(R2))m—P, wherein R3 represents a C8-C30 group, m is 0-10, and R2 and P have the meaning as described above.

Abstract: This invention provides a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 160 to 1000 nm or a bacterial cellulose comprising ribbon-shaped microfibrils having a thickness of 10 to 100 nm and a width of 50 to 70 nm. The former bacterial cellulose can be produced by culturing cellulose-producing bacteria in a culture medium containing a cell division inhibitor, and the latter can be produced by culturing the bacterium in a culture medium containing an organic reducing agent. The bacterial cellulose is modified from conventional bacterial cellulose in the major axis, and is improved in Young's modulus, etc.

Abstract: A controlled chemical method to produce oxidized cellulose in high yields (75-95%) and different levels of oxidation (carboxyl content <25.6%, w/w), suitable for use as an immobilizing matrix or carrier for drugs, chemicals, and biological macromolecules, has been developed by reacting a cellulose material with a mixture of phosphoric acid and nitric acid and a small but adequate amounts of sodium nitrite at room temperature for a period until the desired oxidation level is obtained.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulose acetate by acetylation reaction with cellulose as a raw material, wherein acetate is used as an acetylating agent.

Abstract: Esterified polysaccharides and the process of making such products are disclosed. The process can be enzymatic where an enzyme is used as a catalyst for the reaction. The process can also be chemical where no enzyme is used. Novel Products are obtained through lipase-catalyzed &bgr;-lactone ring opening alcoholysis of ketene dimers and the process of making such compositions containing products.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for the regeneration and recovery of periodate from a spent iodate solution, by reacting the iodate with at least an equimolar amount of peroxosulfate. The regenerated periodate is especially suitable for oxidizing carbohydrates to dialdehyde carbohydrates. The oxidation and regeneration can also be carried out in a single stage using a catalytic amount of periodate only.

Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the separation of cellulose fibers from the other constituents of lignocellulosic biomass such as found in trees, grasses, agricultural waste, and waste paper with application in the preparation of feedstocks for use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other chemicals. This process minimizes waste disposal problems since it uses only steam, water, and oxygen at elevated temperature in the range of 180° C. to 240° C. for 1 to 10 minutes plus a small amount of chemical reagents to maintain pH in the range 8 to 13. An energy recuperation function is important to the economic viability of the process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for the production of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose wherein, in the formation of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose particles, a granular material obtained by granulating the reaction product is neutralized with an acid to form neutralization-precipitated particles of low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose which can reduce the treating time as compared with conventional processes and, moreover, permit its ash content to be easily decreased in a subsequent washing step. Specifically, the reaction product of an alkali cellulose with a hydroxypropylating agent is granulated, and the resulting granular material is neutralized with an acid.

Abstract: A solvent dehydrated microbially-derived cellulose material is described for use as an implantable material in general and plastic surgery.

Abstract: A method of making cellulose polymer solution comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer raw material in a chlorine-free organic solvent system under a high temperature and a high pressure condition belonging to the nearcritical or the supercritical region of the system. By removing the solvent from the thus obtained cellulose polymer solution, cellulose polymer powders are also produced.

Abstract: Cellulose solvents, cellulose compositions, and methods of making and using the same. For example, a cellulose composition including cellulose dissolved in the following solvent: an amine-based composition, provided however, the amine-based composition is not ammonia; and a salt selected from the group including a thiocyanate salt, a halide salt, and a nitrate salt. Representative amine-based compositions include hydrazine, hydrazine hydrate, and ethylenediamine.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention is disclosed a process for the production of microcrystalline cellulose comprising

Abstract: Formulations for enhanced mucosal absorption of heparin are disclosed. In one embodiment, a powdered heparin composition is made by dissolving an amphiphilic heparin derivative including heparin covalently bonded to a hydrophobic agent in a water phase, dispersing the water phase in an organic phase such that an emulsion is formed, and drying the emulsion. In another embodiment, an amorphiphilic heparin derivative dispersed in an oil phase is made by dissolving the amphiphilic heparin derivative in water or a water/organic co-solvent, dispersing the water or co-solvent in the oil phase, and evaporating the water or co-solvent. In another embodiment, heparin-containing nanoparticles having surfactant molecules associated with a hydrophobic agent on the outside of the nanoparticles are made by dissolving the amphiphilic heparin derivative in an aqueous solvent, mixing the surfactant with the aqueous solvent, and disrupting nanoparticles of the amphiphilic heparin derivative.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of preparing a cellulose carbamate solution by dissolving cellulose carbamate in sodium hydroxide solution at temperatures of <10° C., wherein an 8% to 15% cellulose carbamate solution with a sodium hydroxide concentration of 7% to 12% is prepared in a first step, and then the solution is adjusted to a sodium hydroxide concentration of <9% by diluting with dilute sodium hydroxide solution and/or water in a second step, with the provision that the weight ratio of cellulose carbamate to sodium hydroxide in both steps is >1.

Abstract: A method for controlling bacterial and fungal diseases in plants which includes applying a chitosan metal chelate complex having at least two metal ion species to the plant. Chitosan metal complexes for application to control bacterial and fingal diseases in plants are also disclosed.

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 relates to a ligand-modified cellulose product comprising cellulose ether, calcium salt and at least one ligand as a chelating agent. The product can be used e.g. in drilling fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled release pharmaceutical composition comprising a polydextrose, a drug that is complexed with the polydextrose, and a polymer matrix having the drug complexed with the polydextrose, wherein the polymer matrix and the polydextrose provide for a time release of the drug. A method of therapeutically treating a patient for an illness employing the controlled release pharmaceutical composition is also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a commercially acceptable pharmaceutical grade microcrystalline cellulose which comprises: a) repulping a pulp, the pulp having a composition, b) pressing the pulp obtained in a; c) decompacting of the pulp obtained in b; d) feeding the pulp obtained in c) into a pre-heated reactor; e) cooking the pulp in the reactor until the pulp obtains a desired degree of polymerization, said cooking being performed at a temperature, a time, and a pressure which is a function of the desired degree of polymerization and the composition of the pulp, the cooked pulp being hydrolyzed cellulose; f) partially depressurizing the reactor; g) injecting water into the reactor; h) discharging the hydrolyzed cellulose from the reactor, i) filtrating the hydrolyzed cellulose; j) deaggregating the hydrolyzed cellulose of step i; and k) drying the hydrolyzed cellulose to form microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to polysaccharide derivatives comprising a) at least one hydrophobic and b) at least one nitrogen-containing substituent; in particular, the derivative is a cellulose ether which, as substituent a), has a trialkylsilyl and, as substituent b), an aminoalkyl group. Furthermore, it relates to a process for immobilizing biomolecules on a coated sheet-like carrier material in which the biomolecules are attached at or in the coating and the coated sheet-like carrier material comprises within or outside the coating at least one such polysaccharide derivative. Additionally, in the process for preparing the mixed cellulose ether a solution of trialkylsilylcellulose in an organic solvent is admixed with a reactive aminoalkane derivative which is insoluble or only sparingly soluble in this solvent, the reaction is carried out and the end product is isolated.

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 producing method of a cellulose polymer powder is provided, which comprises dissolving a cellulose polymer by exposure to an organic solvent containing, as the main component, an ester-based solvent having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, a ketone-based solvent having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms, or an alcohol-based solvent having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and carbon dioxide, and then removing the carbon dioxide and the organic solvent from the solution. A producing method of an organic solvent solution of a cellulose polymer is also provided.

Abstract: Process for enriching the organic nitrogen content of commercial scale quantities of cellulosic materials which includes the steps of: a) placing substantially dry or unwetted cellulosic material in a pressurizable reactor; b) injecting an ammonia or ammonia-forming nitrogen solution into the reactor until the cellulosic material is approximately submerged; c) setting the temperature in the reactor to maintain a liquid temperature between about 80 and 200° C.; d) pressurizing the reactor to at least 750 psi; e) maintaining the temperature and pressure in the reactor for a period of time sufficient for the organically bound nitrogen content of the cellulosic material to exceed about 1.5%; and f) drying the cellulosic material to a moisture content sufficiently low to arrest microbial activity.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of compounds containing amide or imide type functional groups to increase the rate of nitroxide mediated oxidation of alcohols, particularly primary and secondary alcohols. While suitable for oxidation of alcohol groups on a variety of substrates, it is particularly useful to oxidize cellulose, cellulose pulp or cellulose fiber such that it is commercially compatible with the traditional paper making process. Such co-catalysts may be used to increase the absolute amount of aldehyde groups on cellulose, cellulose pulp or cellulose fiber, thereby further increasing the inherent wet strength, temporary wet strength, and dry strength of paper made with such cellulose, cellulose pulp or cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A cellulose dispersion which is a dispersion comprising a dispersing medium and a cellulose having a fraction of cellulose I type crystal component of not more than 0.1 and a fraction of cellulose II type crystal component of not more than 0.4 and in which the average particle diameter of the constitutive cellulose is not more than 5 &mgr;m. A cellulose particulate and a cellulose composite particulate which have an average particle diameter of 0.2 to 20 &mgr;m, a ratio of long diameter (L) to short diameter (D) observed through a scanning electron microscope (L/D) of not more than 1.2 and a coefficient of aggregation of 1.0 to 3.0. The present invention provides a cellulose dispersion which has an excellent effect such as dispersion stability or the like and is high in transparency. Moreover, it provides a cellulose particulate and a cellulose composite particulate which have such performances as no rough feel, excellent rolling properties, high dispersibility and the like.

Abstract: A method of producing biosynthetic copolymers comprising glucose and glucose analogs is provided. Glucose:glucose analog copolymers such as glucose:glucosamine, glucose:N-acetylglucosamine and glucose:glucosamine:N-acetylglucosamine are also provided.

Abstract: Novel cellulose-producing bacteria including one capable of producing of a bacterial cellulose having a weight-average degree of polymerization in terms of polystyrene of 1.6×104 or above, one capable of producing a bacterial cellulose containing a small amount of the fraction with low degrees of polymerization, one producing a Bingham polysaccharide as a by-product, and one producing a small amount of water-soluble polysaccharide; a method for the production of bacterial cellulose, which comprises culturing these cellulose-producing bacteria; and bacterial cellulose thus obtained.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibrids can be made by mixing together under turbulent conditions viscose and a coagulating and regenerating liquor containing preformed fibrids to form a suspension of fibrids in a spent liquor, and collecting the fibrids from the spent liquor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal charged iminodiacetic acid (IDA) cellulose for detecting a test sample having a histidine tag. The present invention also provides methods for determining cloned protein expression and function. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for the handling of denatured proteins with subsequent renaturation in situ (parenthetically after binding to metal charged IDA cellulose). A wide range of applications are contemplated for the metal charged IDA cellulose including two-dimensional high throughput screening of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer derived from a cellulosic, lignocellulosic, or polysaccharide material having superabsorbent properties. Methods for making the polymer and personal care absorbent products that incorporated the polymer are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for the translating two-dimensional microfabrication technology into the third dimension. Two-dimensional templates are fabricated using high-resolution molding processes. These templates are then bonded to form three-dimensional scaffold structures with closed lumens. These scaffolds can be formed by layering techniques, to interconnect flat template sheets to build up a full, vascularized organ. Alternatively, such scaffolds can be formed by rolling or folding the templates to form thick three-dimensional constructs.

Abstract: A cellulose ether that is predominantly substituted in the C3 position of the anhydroglucose unit of the cellulose is described. In an embodiment of the present invention, the partial degree of substitution in the C3 position of the cellulose ether is ≧60%, based on the total degree of substitution. Also described is a process for preparing the cellulose ether of the present invention. The process involves, reacting cellulose, dissolved in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide monohydrate (NMMNO) and optionally other inert organic solvents, with alkylation reagents. The reaction takes place in the presence of: (i) an insoluble solid phase catalyst, e.g., solid ion exchange resins based on polystyrene having quaternary ammonium groups; (ii) stabilizers, e.g., propyl gallate; and (iii) optionally additional soluble co-catalysts, e.g., trimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide.