Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a biosoluble coating or a biosoluble body structure comprising a polyelectrolyte and a counterion and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A method of producing a fine fiber, including treating a cellulose raw material with an enzyme; and fibrillating the treated cellulose raw material; treating with the enzyme under a condition where at least a ratio of endo-glucanase activity to cellobiohydrolase activity that is 0.06 or greater. The cellulose raw material may be a plant fiber. The method efficiently produces a fine fiber from a cellulose raw material at low cost and with a low environmental burden, a fine fiber, and a non-woven fabric.

Abstract: A process for producing a silane-modified cationized polymeric compound, the process including the steps of: (1) cationizing a water-soluble polymeric compound in a mixed solvent of a water-miscible organic solvent and water in the presence of an alkali to produce a slurry containing a cationized polymeric compound, (2) adding an aminosilane compound to the slurry or a cake produced therefrom, thereby treating the cationized polymeric compound with the aminosilane compound, (3) optionally adding an acid to the slurry obtained in step (1) or a product obtained in step (2), and (4) drying a product obtained in step (2) or a product obtained by performing step (3) after step (2), wherein the drying step (4) includes a primary drying treatment step of performing drying at a temperature of 50 to 140° C. under a degree of vacuum of 4.0 to 53.3 kPa, and a secondary drying treatment step of drying the product obtained following the primary drying treatment at a temperature of 90 to 155° C.

Abstract: Low-copper click chemistry, 1.3-dipolar cycloadditions, and Staudinger ligations for modifying biomolecules is provided. Compositions, methods, and kits relating to low-copper click chemistry, 1.3-dipolar cycloadditions, and Staudinger ligations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel production method of a cellulose nanofiber and a novel cellulose nanofiber. The method for producing a cellulose nanofiber comprises defibrating pulp by a single- or multi-screw kneader in the presence of water, the single or multi-screw kneader having a screw circumferential speed of 45 m/min. Or more.

Abstract: A method and a system for preparing xylan and calcium carbonate, xylan, a cellulose fibre, and precipitated calcium carbonate. The method includes extracting xylan from cellulose fibres with sodium hydroxide to form a mixture containing cellulose fibres and an extract solution containing xylan; removing the cellulose fibres from the mixture to isolate the extract solution; adding carbon dioxide to the isolated extract solution to form a mixture containing a liquid brightener and precipitated xylan; separating the brightener from the mixture to isolate the precipitated xylan; adding calcium hydroxide to the separated brightener to form a mixture of precipitated calcium carbonate and liquid sodium hydroxide; and removing the sodium hydroxide from the mixture to isolate the calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A paint composition includes microfibrillated cellulose, binder, and solvent. The microfibrillated cellulose may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the paint composition.

Abstract: There is described a method of isolating one or more of pectin, d-limonene, a flavour compound, a flavonoid, a soluble monosaccharide, a decomposition product of a monosaccharide and cellulose, from citrus material wherein said method comprises the microwave assisted hydrothermal low temperature treatment of citrus material.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing fibril cellulose, cellulose based fibre raw material is processed mechanically in a refining gap for separating fibrils. The fibres to be refined are subjected to the action of a surface roughness Ra provided by grits elevated from a refining surface delimiting the refining gap, said surface roughness being lower than 3 ?m, advantageously lower than 2 ?m. The refining surface is formed by spraying grits and binder onto a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-toxic process and system for pilot-scale production of cellulose products, and particularly to a process and system for pilot-scale production of cellulose products by using aqueous sodium hydroxide/urea solution pre-colled to lower than ?8° C., in which cellulose could dissolved rapidly. The said process and system can be used to produce fibers, films, chromatographic packings, or nonwovens of regenerated cellulose, as well as to produce a variety of high added-value products by adding other materials such as functional materials, nano-materials, etc.

Abstract: A method of decomposing an organic substrate includes identifying an organic substrate or its constituents having one or more desired or undesired properties; and contacting the organic substrate with an oxidizing agent and a catalyst selected from the group consisting of sterically hindered and electronically activated metallotetraphenylporphyrins, metallophthalocyanines and metallosalen complexes in an aqueous or aqueous-organic solution to produce a treated composition comprising one or more degradation products, wherein the degradation products have one or more desired properties and/or lack the undesired properties of the organic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and System for Separation of biomass components into individual components such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The present invention provides a process for separating lignin in its native form. The cellulose obtained by the process of the present invention is highly reactive for saccharification.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition containing a polyester resin, and a fine cellulose fiber composite having an average fiber diameter of from 0.1 to 200 nm, wherein the fine cellulose fiber composite contains fine cellulose fibers and hydrocarbon groups being connected thereto via an amide bond. The polyester resin composition of the present invention can be worked into a molded article by thermoforming or injection-molding, and is suitably used for various industrial applications, such as daily sundries, household electric appliance parts, packaging materials for household electric appliance parts, and automobile parts. In addition, the fine cellulose fiber composite has high dispersibility against various resins and can exhibit thickening effects, so that it is suitable as various thickeners or the like.

Abstract: A process comprising treating a lignocellulosic material preferably pulp in the presence of a transition metal catalyst with a oxidizing agent selected from a group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid and any combination thereof to form a treated lignocellulosic material having a viscosity equal to or less than about 17 cp and having reducing functional groups selected from the group consisting of aldehyde and aldehyde type functional groups at the C6 and C1 positions but predominating at the C1 position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diaminophenothiazinium derivatives of formula (I); in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and X? are as defined in Claim 1, and also the methods for labelling oligonucleotides using such a derivative, labeling substrates and the oligonucleotides which can be obtained by means of such methods or from such labelling substrates.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrosion inhibitor comprising cellulose nanocrystals. According to another aspect, there is provided a corrosion-inhibiting agent essentially consisting of a plurality of cellulose nanocrystals. The above set out cellulose nanocrystals may be in free form, such as acid-form cellulose nanocrystals, in one embodiment and added to a carrier. The cellulose nanocrystals may be effective in inhibiting ferrous and non-ferrous metals. According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a corrosion-inhibiting composition comprising a corrosion inhibitor and the above set out corrosion-inhibiting agent in an effective combination to inhibit corrosion of metals. The composition may be effective in inhibiting ferrous metals when the cellulose nanocrystals are in either salt or free form. The composition may be effective in inhibiting corrosion of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals when the cellulose nanocrystals are in free form.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing a very low viscosity cellulose ether having little or no discoloration and cellulose ether products resulting therefrom. The method includes contacting a cellulose ether with an oxidizing agent and an acid to form a mixture. The mixture is then heated and neutralized. The method includes adding a second oxidizing agent to the mixture and forming a very low viscosity cellulose ether having a viscosity from 1.2 cP to less than 2 cP. The very low viscosity ether may also have an APHA color value of 1 to 100.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a separation agent including fibril cellulose for phase separation, as well as to a method for the separation of at least one liquid phase from at least one phase selected from a second liquid phase, solid phase and semi-solid phase, where the method includes the steps of incorporating a separation agent including fibril cellulose to a mixture where separation of the phases is desired, followed by formation of phases and removing the phases.

Abstract: A bleached softwood kraft pulp fiber with high alpha cellulose content and improved anti-yellowing is provided. Methods for making the kraft pulp fiber and products from it are also described.

Abstract: Forming multifunctional materials and composites thereof includes contacting a first material having a plurality of oxygen-containing functional groups with a chalcogenide compound, and initiating a chemical reaction between the first material and the chalcogenide compound, thereby replacing oxygen in some of the oxygen-containing functional groups with chalcogen from the chalcogen-containing compound to yield a second material having chalcogen-containing functional groups and oxygen-containing functional groups. The first material is a carbonaceous material or a macromolecular material. A product including the second material is collected and may be processed further to yield a modified product or a composite.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing of nanocellulose. The method includes a first modification of the cellulose material, where the cellulose fibers are treated with an aqueous electrolyte-containing solution of an amphoteric cellulose derivative. The modification is followed by a mechanical treatment. By using this method for manufacturing nanocellulose, clogging of the mechanical apparatus is avoided. Also the nanocellulose is manufactured in accordance with the method and uses of the cellulose.

Abstract: A process for converting cellulose to glucose, said process comprising the steps of: providing a hydrated molten salt; contacting the hydrated molten salt with a cellulose-containing material to form dissolved glucose; removing the dissolved glucose from the hydrated molten salt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a reduced crystallinity cellulose comprising mixing cellulose with a fluid and a proppant; partially solvating the cellulose with the fluid to form a partially solvated cellulose; mixing the partially solvated cellulose with a supercritical fluid under conditions effective to maintain the supercritical fluid in a supercritical state; where the supercritical fluid is immiscible with the fluid; and changing the pressure so that the supercritical fluid is no longer in the supercritical state.

Abstract: Provided herein are bitter taste receptor ligands, related agents, combinations, compositions, methods and systems for modulating release of a metabolic hormone in vitro or in vivo from cells of the GI tract of an individual.

Abstract: A mask for skin care includes a fiber substrate, wherein the fiber substrate is woven or nonwoven, and includes modified fibers, and the modified fibers are cellulose fibers with at least one hydrophilic functional group grafted on. The grafted ratio of the modified fibers is in the range from 5% to 30%, and the modified fibers can effectively improve the moisture absorption and the moisture-retaining capacity of the mask for skin care.

Abstract: A composition includes an admixture of a cementitious component and a cellulosic component. The cellulosic component includes a cellulosic fibrous material and water. The admixture is suitable for mixing with a second amount of water to form a hardened material. A method includes reducing a cellulosic fiber material to produce a fiber fragment material, treating the fiber fragment material, and rinsing the treated fiber fragment product with water to form a rinsed fiber fragment material. Treating the fiber fragment material includes admixing the fiber fragment material and water to form an admixture, heating the admixture, agitating the admixture, and separating a treated fiber fragment product from the admixture. The method is effectively controlled so that the rinsed fiber fragment material is suitable for reacting with a cementitious component to form a hardened material.

Abstract: This invention relates to polysaccharide materials and more particularly to microbial-derived cellulose having the porosity and containing pores of the desired size making it suitable for cellular infiltration during implantation and other desirable properties for medical and surgical applications. The invention also relates to the use of porous microbial-derived cellulose as tissue engineering matrices, human tissue substitutes, and reinforcing scaffolds for regenerating injured tissues and augmenting surgical procedures. The invention outlines various methods during and after fermentation to create porous microbial cellulose capable of allowing cell infiltration while preserving the physical properties of the microbial-cellulose.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) involves providing a cellulosic material, contacting the cellulosic material with an inorganic persulfate at an elevated temperature to produce CNCs, and recovering the CNCs. The process permits one-step production of CNCs from vegetative biomasses such as flax and hemp. Cellulose nanocrystals produced by the process with carboxylic groups are more uniform and have higher aspect ratios than CNCs produced by prior art processes.

Abstract: A new method to control the dispersibility of dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) by controlling solution pH and ionic strength is provided; when stable, non-reswellable acid-form NCC (H-NCC) films are placed in concentrated sodium hydroxide solutions, they swell but do not disperse; while sodium-form NCC (Na-NCC) or other NCC films having neutral monovalent counterions readily disperse in pure water, Na-NCC films placed in hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride as well as sodium hydroxide solutions of sufficient ionic strength swell, but do not disperse; similar properties are observed for freeze-dried NCC products. The dispersibility of these NCC films is a function of the ionic strength and the identity of the electrolyte solutions to which they are exposed. NCC films are envisaged that have barrier properties in an electrolyte solution but that disintegrate or disperse when rinsed with pure water at the end of their useful lifespan.

Abstract: This invention describes nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) for use as a drug delivery excipient. NCC binds significant quantities of water soluble, ionizable drugs, e.g., tetratcycline and doxorubicin, which are released rapidly over a one day period. A surfactant such as cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) can bind to the surface of NCC and increase the zeta potential in a concentration-dependent manner from ?55 to 0 mV. NCC with CTAB modified surfaces can bind significant quantities of the hydrophobic drugs such as anticancer drugs docetaxel, paclitaxel and etoposide. These drugs were released in a controlled manner over a 2-day period. The NCC-CTAB nanocomplexes were found to bind to KU-7 cells and evidence of cellular uptake was observed.

Abstract: A process for chlorinating polysaccharides or oligosaccharides, which comprises A) dissolving a polysaccharide or oligosaccharide in a solvent system which comprises at least one ionic liquid and B) reacting the polysaccharides or oligosaccharides with a chlorinating agent.

Abstract: A method for concentrating fibril cellulose including subjecting aqueous fibril cellulose at a concentration of not higher than 5% to pressure filtration where water is removed from the fibril cellulose by applying pressure to the aqueous fibril cellulose, and continuing the pressure filtration continued to an end point where over 50% of the water initially present is removed from the fibril cellulose. The pressure filtration is performed at a temperature of 30° C. or higher.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for producing a cellulose-containing mass, including an organic material, the method comprising the steps a) preparation of an input comprising organic material and a liquid content; and b) exposing said input to an active zone of an electromagnetic field. Moreover a method for producing a composite material that is based on said cellulose-containing mass is disclosed as well as a product produced of said composite material.

Abstract: A process for production of C5 and C6 sugar enriched syrups from lignocellulosic biomass and fermentation products therefrom is described. A lignocellulosic biomass is treated with a C1-C2 acid (e.g., acetic acid) with washing thereof with a C1-C2 acid miscible organic solvent, (e.g., ethyl acetate). A soluble hemicellulose and lignin enriched fraction is obtained separately from a cellulose pulp enriched fraction and lignin is removed from the soluble hemicellulose fraction. These fractions contain acylated (e.g., acetylated) cellulose and hemicellulose, which are deacylated by treatment with an alkali and/or with an acetyl esterase enzyme. The deacylated fractions are then digested with suitable cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic enzymes, preferably in the presence of non-ionic detergent to yield the C5 and C6 enriched syrups.

Abstract: A bleached softwood kraft pulp fiber with high alpha cellulose content and increased brightness and whiteness is provided. Methods for making the kraft fiber and products made from it are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates a cellulose solution comprising cellulose and at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate and processes to produce the cellulose solution. Another aspect of this invention relates to shaped articles prepared from a cellulose solution comprising cellulose and at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate. Another embodiment of this invention relates to compositions comprising derivatives of cellulose prepared from a cellulose solution comprising at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate. Another embodiment of this invention relates to compositions comprising regioselectively substituted cellulose esters prepared from a cellulose solution comprising cellulose and at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate. In another embodiment of the invention, the cellulose esters of the present invention are used as protective and compensation films for liquid crystalline displays.

Abstract: The invention is a method for efficiently preparing alkali cellulose having a uniform alkali distribution therein. More specifically, the invention is a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising steps of bringing pulp into continuous contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution in a rotary feeder type contactor to generate a contact mixture, and draining the contact mixture; and a method for preparing cellulose ether comprising use of the alkali cellulose thus prepared; an apparatus for preparing alkali cellulose, comprising a rotary feeder comprising a cyclic housing comprising an inlet port and an outlet port, a cyclic contact drum being circularly rotatable along the housing in the housing and comprising a plurality of filter cells arranged in a circumferential direction, and a filtrate-discharging tube being disposed in a diameter direction inside of the cyclic contact drum and collecting the filtrate which has passed the filter, and a drainer for draining a cake discharged from the contactor.

Abstract: A granular material which has a mean particle diameter of 150 to 800 micrometers; and an unsettled bulk density of 0.1 to 0.35 g/cm3 and/or a compactibility which results in a compact with a tensile strength of at least 1.7 MPa when the granular material is subjected to a compaction pressure of 266 MPa; and wherein the main component of the granular material is a cellulose derivative or an alkylene oxide homo- or copolymer or a blend thereof is useful for preparing dosage forms with a controlled release profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process comprising: (i) extracting ?50% by weight of all carrageenan from a carrageenan-containing seaweed material to obtain a cellulose-containing seaweed residue; and (ii) purifying the cellulose-containing seaweed residue by at least one of hydrolysis or bleaching. The present invention is also directed to the cellulose obtained from the process, as well as products containing the cellulose-containing seaweed material.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an implantable support material for culturing cells, wherein at least some of the cells substantially maintain at least one of (i) phenotype and (ii) genotype thereof after being cultured on the support material.

Abstract: To provide a cellulose acetate which gives a cellulose acetate optical film exhibiting optical properties as a result of stretching, in which the film shows excellent stretchability and gives a stretched film having excellent optical properties. Disclosed is a cellulose diacetate for a retardation film, having a total degree of acetyl substitution of from 2.27 to 2.56, in which the cellulose diacetate has a polydispersity Mw/Mn of more than 3.0 and 7.5 or less, a degree of substitution at the 6-position of from 0.65 to 0.85, a half height width of acetylation distribution of from 1.0 to 2.3, and a viscosity-average degree of polymerization of 182 or more and 213 or less. The cellulose diacetate for a retardation film preferably has a 6-percent viscosity of from 120 to 230 mPa·s and preferably has a weight-average molecular weight Mw of 205,000 or more and 235,000 or less.

Abstract: A method for the production of cellulose films with at least one hydrophobic or less hydrophilic surface, or with at least one surface with a water contact angle (?) in a range from 55° to less than 100° is described. The method involves contacting the cellulose material with a hydrophobic solid material during the preparation of the cellulose films or with a vapour of a non-polar or polar aprotic solvent during or after the preparation of the cellulose films. Examples of the cellulose material are cellulose filaments (CF) made to have at least 50% by weight of the filaments having a filament length up to 350 ?m and a filament diameter between 100 and 500 nm from multi-pass, high consistency refining of wood or plant fibers, and commercially-available sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Examples of the hydrophobic solid material are hydrophobic polymers, poly(methylpentene) and poly(ethylene). Examples of the non-polar solvent are hexane and toluene.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing regenerated biopolymers in the form of carbohydrates, using a solvent system that contains the biopolymers dissolved therein. The solvent system is based on a melted ionic liquid and optionally a protic solvent or a mixture thereof. The biopolymers dissolved in the solvent system are precipitated in a coagulation medium, said medium comprising a protic coagulant or a mixture of protic coagulants. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the surface tension ? of the coagulant or the mixture of coagulants is 99% to 30% of the surface tension ? of water, the surface tension being measured according to ASTM D 1590-60 at a temperature of 50° C. The method according to the invention is economical and flexible and leads to advantageous products, especially in the form of staple fibers which are especially not fibrillated and have an advantageous wet to dry strength ratio.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids can be enhanced in the presence of a phenolic solvent. Methods for digesting cellulosic biomass solids can comprise providing cellulosic biomass solids in a digestion medium comprising a phenolic solvent; and heating the cellulosic biomass solids and the digestion medium in a digestion unit in the presence of molecular hydrogen and a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen, thereby forming an alcoholic component derived from the cellulosic biomass solids and liberating lignin from the cellulosic biomass solids into the digestion medium. The methods can further comprise converting at least a portion of the lignin into a phenolic solvent and returning the phenolic solvent formed from lignin to the cellulosic biomass solids.

Abstract: A pulp fiber with an enhanced carboxyl content resulting in improved antimicrobial, anti-yellowing and absorptive properties. Methods for making the kraft pulp fiber and products made from it are also described.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids can be enhanced in the presence of a phenolic solvent. Methods for digesting cellulosic biomass solids can comprise providing cellulosic biomass solids in a digestion medium comprising water and an organic solvent; heating the cellulosic biomass solids and the digestion medium in a digestion unit in the presence of molecular hydrogen and a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen, thereby forming an alcoholic component and liberating lignin, the lignin forming a phenolics liquid phase partitioned from the digestion medium and at least a portion of the slurry catalyst accumulating in the phenolics liquid phase; removing at least a portion of the phenolics liquid phase and accumulated slurry catalyst from the digestion unit; converting at least a portion of the phenolics liquid phase into a phenolic solvent; and returning at least a portion of the phenolic solvent and the slurry catalyst to the digestion unit.

Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids can be enhanced in the presence of a phenolic solvent. Methods for digesting cellulosic biomass solids can comprise providing cellulosic biomass solids containing up to about 50% water by mass in a digestion medium comprising about 50% or more of an organic solvent by volume; heating the cellulosic biomass solids and the digestion medium in a digestion unit in the presence of molecular hydrogen and a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen, thereby forming an alcoholic component derived from the cellulosic biomass solids and liberating lignin therefrom; wherein the digestion medium and the water form a biphasic mixture in which the alcoholic component, slurry catalyst, and lignin are contained; removing at least a portion of the biphasic mixture from the digestion unit; converting at least a portion of the lignin into a phenolic solvent; and returning the phenolic solvent to the digestion unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, compositions and methods for the conversion of lignocellulosic material to recalcitrant cellulose and hydrolyzed sugars and products produced therefrom (e.g., biofuel, nano-fibrillated cellulose). In particular, the invention provides novel fractionation processes configured to integrate production of hydrolyzed sugars (e.g., for biofuel production) and recalcitrant cellulose (e.g., for nano-fibrillated cellulose production) from lignocellulosic material and methods of using the same (e.g., in the production of biofuel and nano-fibrillated cellulose). The invention is also directed to nanocellulose with morphologies of having a less entangled and slightly branched fibril network, and having the same thermal stability as of that of the initial lignocellulose feedstock.