Abstract: A method and system for cleaning lignin and other gums from lignocellulosic fiber is disclosed. Lignocellulosic fiber is rapidly depressurized to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The fiber is exposed to ionized air during the rapid depressurization. The fiber is then repressurized to a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formed article, or more specifically a transparent substrate, which effectively utilizes a natural stuff and which has a low linear expansion coefficient, a high light transmittance and an appropriate level of moisture permeability. The transparent substrate includes at least an oxidized polysaccharide and has a linear expansion coefficient of 50 ppm/° C. or less at 30-150° C. and a light transmittance of 70% or more at 660 nm. Its manufacturing method includes an oxidation process in which cellulose reacts with TEMPO or its derivatives as a catalyst to be oxidized in water under the presence of a co-oxidant, along with a fiberizing process in which the oxidized cellulose is fiberized in water to form a cellulose fiber, and a substrate-forming process in which a transparent substrate is formed from a cellulose dispersion liquid containing the cellulose fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cellulose solution manufacturing method including: performing an ozonation treatment to bring a cellulose-containing material and ozone into contact with each other; and performing an alkali treatment to bring the obtained treated material and an alkali aqueous solution into contact with each other, thereby dissolving at least cellulose in the cellulose-containing material brought into contact with the ozone in the alkali aqueous solution. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing a cellulose solution in which cellulose can be dissolved in a more simple manner, a method of manufacturing a cellulose precipitate in which cellulose can be recovered from the cellulose solution, and a method of saccharifying cellulose which uses the cellulose precipitate.

Abstract: Peptide-based reagents comprising at least one tooth surface-binding peptide for delivery of at least one polymer-coated white colorant to the surface of teeth are provided. The peptide-based reagent may comprise at least one tooth-binding peptide coupled to, either directly or through one or more spacers, a polymer-binding peptide capable of binding to the polymeric coating on a polymer-coated white colorant. Methods of delivering a polymer-coated white colorant to a tooth surface are also provided as well as oral care compositions comprising the present peptide-based reagents. The peptide-based reagents may be used in conjunction with at least one polymer-coated white colorant to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth.

Abstract: A superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer and process for making the superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer includes a low molecular weight polysaccharide modified with a hydrophobic reagent, such as substituted succinic anhydride. The superhydrophilic amphiphilic copolymer system generates stable foam for use in applications, such as healthcare formulations, with low irritation of the eyes and skin.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for easily producing a porous cellulose particle which can be used as an adsorbent for various substances in a safe manner without using a highly toxic solvent such as a calcium thiocyanate solution. In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a porous particle produced by the production method, an adsorbent which contains the porous particle and by which a highly pure protein can be efficiently purified in a safe manner, and a method for purifying a protein by using the adsorbent.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous substitution and crosslinking of a polysaccharide via its hydroxyl functional groups, in an aqueous phase, which includes the following steps: a polysaccharide is placed in an aqueous medium, it is brought into the presence of at least one precursor of a substituent, it is brought into the presence of a crosslinking agent, the substituted and crosslinked polysaccharide is obtained and isolated, wherein process is carried out in the presence of a basic or acidic catalyst, the concentration of which is between 3.16×10?7 and 0.32 mol/L, and at a temperature of less than 60° C. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide is in the form of a gel or hydrogel which is used in particular as augmentation biomaterial.

Abstract: Provided are cellulose nano-material based composite and foam articles.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for separating water-soluble biological substances. A separating agent is composed by bonding a polysaccharide such as cellulose or amylose to the surface of a carrier by chemical bonding, and water-soluble biological substances are separated from a mixture of two or more types of water-soluble biological substances by chromatography using the separating agent.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods of deacidifying a cellulose-based material. The compositions include a hydrohalo-olefin and a deacidification agent dispersed within the hydrohalo-olefin. Cellulose-based materials are contacted with the composition for a sufficient time to increase the pH of the material.

Abstract: A process for adjusting an intermolecular or intramolecular degree of acetyl substitution of cellulose acetate is disclosed. The process comprises ripening cellulose acetate in the presence of a catalyst, an acetyl donor, and water or an alcohol. The amount of water and the alcohol is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the amount of the acetyl donor.

Abstract: The invention provides a cellulose derivative having a repeating unit of the formula below, a composition including the cellulose derivative and a phospholipid, a method for production thereof, and an adhesion barrier including the cellulose derivative or the composition. In the formula, R1, R2, and R3 are —H, —CH2—COOH, —CH2—COOX, or —CH2CO-phosphatidylethanolamine, and X is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal. The degree of substitution of —CH2—COOH and —CH2—COOX is 0.3 to 2.0 in total, and the degree of substitution of —CH2CO-phosphatidylethanolamine is 0.001 to 0.05.

Abstract: Intrafiber crosslinked cellulose pulp fibers manufactured from a plasma-treated pulp sheet are provided. The provided fibers have lower knot content and increased wet bulk compared to an untreated pulp sheet. Methods for forming the fibers are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.

Abstract: An optical film having a high Re and a low |Rth| is provided. An optical film consists of a composition that includes cellulose acylate having an acyl group including an aromatic group, and satisfies Formula (I) 150 nm?Re (550)?350 nm, Formula (II) ?50 nm?Rth (550)?50 nm, and Formula (III) 0.07 nm?degree of cross-sectional orientation P2z?1, Here, Re (550) represents the in-plane retardation at a wavelength of 550 nm, and Rth (550) represents the thickness direction retardation at a wavelength of 550 nm.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering pure cellulose from a cellulose-containing sludge, the process comprising treating a sludge cellulose source under conditions permitting dissolution of non-cellulose material and suspension of the cellulose, wherein said dissolution conditions do not alter cellulose morphology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell, which includes a three-dimensional porous thin film made of a hydrophilic polymer material, and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a high-efficient dye-sensitized solar cell, in which polymer nanofibers having high specific surface area are used in an electrolyte layer to effectively induce an increase in photocurrent, thereby increasing the amount of electrolyte impregnated. When the porous film prepared by the method of the present invention is used as a solid electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell, a process of forming an electrolyte inlet and sealing the inlet is not required, which simplifies the entire process, compared to an existing dye-sensitized solar cell using a liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for efficiently producing methyl cellulose in an industrially convenient manner. The production process of the present invention includes the step of reacting cellulose with methanol in a subcritical state.

Abstract: A method for utilizing cultivated plant biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from cultivated plant biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a decrystallized cellulose having a reduced cellulose I-type crystallinity from a cellulose-containing raw material in an efficient manner with an excellent productivity. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a process for producing a decrystallized cellulose from a raw material comprising at least 20% by weight, based on the weight of the raw material excluding water contained therein, of a cellulose having a cellulose I-type crystallinity of more than 33% as calculated from the following formula: Cellulose I-type Crystallinity (%)=[(I22.6?I18.5)/I22.6]×100 wherein I22.6 is a diffraction intensity of a lattice plane (002 plane) as measured at a diffraction angle 2? of 22.6° in X-ray diffraction analysis; and I18.5 is a diffraction intensity of an amorphous moiety as measured at a diffraction angle 2? of 18.

Abstract: Micronized polymers suitable for use in fuels and lubricants having a particle size distribution of less than 30 microns obtained from water-soluble solid organic polymers is provided. A water-soluble solid organic polymer having a number average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 200,000 is subjected to a molecular segmentation in a polar solvent in a polymer to solvent ratio in the range of 1:1 to 1:10 to produce a micronized polymer having a particle size distribution of less than 30 microns.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a refined fiber having an average length of 2 to 4 millimeter, a filler retention value of at least 18%, and a green strength value of at least 1.8 mJ/mm2 is described. In the process, never dried yarn or sliver having a length of at least 1 meter is refined, by at least the step of feeding the yarn or sliver and a liquid into a refiner, which includes refiner fillings having a body surrounding a central hole, and at least one inlet for the yarn or sliver. Thus obtained fibrillated fiber may be used for making friction materials, gaskets, brake pads, or brake linings.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and article for storing genetic material or analytes from a biological sample by contacting said biological sample with a cellulose substrate comprising structural units of Formula I wherein X and Y are independently N—O-L-A or O, with the proviso that when Y is O, then X is N—O-L-A, and when X is O, then Y is N—O-L-A; L is a direct bond, an aliphatic radical, an aromatic radical, a cycloaliphatic radical, or a combination thereof; and A=COOH, SO3H, or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to a cellulose substrate comprising the structural units of Formula I, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A mixture of a raw material poorly water-soluble polysaccharide or derivative thereof in an ionic liquid-containing solvent is exposed to radiation. Accordingly, a polysaccharide gel producing process is provided that can produce a gel without performing a special pretreatment for the raw material.

Abstract: This invention relates to bacterial cellulose-based ice bags and their production methods thereof. Bacterial cellulose membranes used in the present invention are produced through the fermentation of cellulose-producing microorganisms. Ice bags with three sealed sides and one open side are made from water-impermeable (under room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure) bacterial cellulose membranes. The bags are filled with filler materials and then sterilized at 120 degrees C. for 30 minutes and sealed aseptically. The use of bacterial cellulose as the packaging material solves the problems associated with conventional ice bags. The advantages of the present invention include: no condensation at the bag surface, smaller temperature changes during the course of application, and longer lasting ice therapy session. In addition, bacterial cellulose membrane is safe and non-toxic, and has excellent biocompatibility, plasticity and higher mechanical strength, making it an ideal packaging material for ice bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the seed loss due to pod-shattering using a composition comprising a low viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose and to the use of a low viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose as pod sealant.

Abstract: A photocrosslinked polysaccharide pseudo-sponge exhibiting a low swelling property and a high degradation ability in vivo while retaining a suitable strength. The polysaccharide pseudo-sponge is produced by a crosslinking reaction of a photoreactive polysaccharide obtained by introducing a photoreactive group into a polysaccharide, and exhibits a low swelling property and a blue dextran-low dyeaffinity.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preventing or reducing postoperative ileus and gastric stasis. Such compositions comprise a combination of an oxidized regenerated cellulose component and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which functions as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase enzyme (Cox) activity. Such methods comprise administering an effective amount of the composition directly to the serosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal and other visceral organs.

Abstract: A cellulose derivative which has a suitable elastic modulus and viscosity when it is dissolved in water and is useful as an adhesion barrier. The cellulose derivative has a molecular weight of 5×103 to 5×106 and is composed of a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of the following formulas (a), (b), (c) and (d) in predetermined amount: (X in the formula (c) is an alkali metal, and R4 and R5 in the formula (d) are each independently an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 28 carbon atoms).

Abstract: An agent for oilfield applications capable of being dispersed in water is nanofibrillar cellulose. The nanofibrillar cellulose mixed in water gives shear-thinning behavior to the composition, which is pumped to a subterranean oil-containing formation to aid in oil recovery.

Abstract: A method to produce on a commercial scale, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofilaments (CNF) from natural lignocellulosic fibers comprises a multi-pass high consistency refining (HCR) of chemical or mechanical fibers using combinations of refining intensity and specific energy. The CNF produced represents a mixture of fine filaments with widths in the submicron and lengths from tens of micrometers to few millimeters. The product has a population of free filaments and filaments bound to the fiber core from which they were produced. The proportion of free and bound filaments is governed in large part by total specific energy applied to the pulp in the refiner, and differs from other cellulose fibrillar materials by their higher aspect ratio and the preserved degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, and are excellent additives for the reinforcement of paper, tissue, paperboard and the like. They display exceptional strengthening power for never-dried paper webs.

Abstract: A cellulose aerogel comprises a plurality of cellulose nanoparticles. The cellulose nanoparticles preferably comprise at least 50% or 80% cellulose nanocrystals by weight of cellulose nanoparticles, and the cellulose nanoparticle aerogel preferably has a density of from 0.001 to 0.2 g/cm3 or from 0.2 to 1.59 g/cm3 The cellulose nanoparticle aerogel typically has an average pore diameter of less than 100 nmm and the cellulose nanoparticles may comprise anionic and/or cationic surface groups.

Abstract: An antistatic laminate and a laminate material equipped with the laminate are provided, wherein the laminate includes a base material and an antistatic layer which comprises a cellulose fiber having a carboxyl group, and the laminate can prevent deterioration of antistatic properties under a low humidity environment, while high transparency is maintained due to use of a material wherein natural resources are effectively used.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.

Abstract: A method for the spinning of a fibre comprising cellulose nano-fibrils aligned along the main axis of the fibre from a lyotropic suspension of cellulose nano-fibrils, the nano-fibril alignment being achieved through extension of the extrude fibre from a die, spinneret or needle, wherein the fibre is dried under extension and the aligned nano-fibrils aggregate to form a continuous structure and wherein the suspension of nano-fibrils, which has a concentration of solids of at least 7% wt, is homogenised using at least a mechanical, distributive mixing process prior to its extrusion. The fibrils used in this method can be extracted from a cellulose-rich material such as wood. The invention also related to a cellulose-based fibre obtained according to this method and to a cellulose fibre which contains at least 90% wt of crystallised cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the properties of a paper product and to the corresponding paper product, wherein the paper product is formed from a fiber-based material. According to the invention the fines fraction is separated from chemical cellulose fiber-based pulp substantially after refining, and the cellulose fiber-based pulp from which the fines fraction has been separated is formed into the paper product in a papermaking apparatus. In addition, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing an additive component and to the corresponding additive component.

Abstract: Multiphase biomaterials are provided which are based on bacterially synthesized nanocellulose (BNC) including at least two different bacterial cellulose networks. To this end, a culture median is inoculated with at least two different cellulose-producing bacterial strains.

Abstract: Various ingredients and compositions are prepared from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni plant. The compositions can be used as bulking agents, and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for the production of cellulose sulfate which is completely water-soluble and has an adjustable solution viscosity in aqueous solution, which qualifies the produced sodium cellulose sulfate (SCS) as auxiliary material with ideal biological compatibility for biological and medical applications, in particular it is suitable for the encapsulation and immobilization of biological objects, e.g. tissue, cells, microorganisms, enzymes or viruses in microcapsule.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for producing cellulose of market eucalyptus fibers having distinct features through the use of at least one enzymatic treatment with hydrolytic enzymes, such as for example, xylanases, cellulases or mixtures thereof, in association to at least one acidic treatment step. These treatments may be applied into different steps of the fibers process producing, wherein all of them happen before drying.

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.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer is disclosed that comprises the reaction product of a polymer having one or more pendant reactive functional groups and a color changing indictor having a co-reactive functional group. The co-reactive functional group of the color changing is able to react with the reactive functional group of the polymer to form a covalent bond. Therefore, the color changing indicator is pendant from the polymer. The color changing indicator maintains its ability to produce a visually discernable color change in the presence of an associated stimulus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process which has low facility load, requires a reduced amount of energy, is highly safe, and enables to produce a monosaccharide such as glucose and xylose by decomposing a cellulose-based substance under conditions where a substance used for decomposing the cellulose-based substance (e.g., a solvent, a catalyst) can be separated, collected and re-used readily. Also disclosed is a novel process for producing ethanol from the monosaccharide through ethanol fermentation. Specifically disclosed is a process for producing a monosaccharide, which comprises disaggregating/finely pulverizing a cellulose-based substance, mixing the resulting material with a phosphate solution to disperse the resulting material in the phosphate solution, and decomposing cellulose in the solution at a temperature of 100° C. or lower while irradiating with ultraviolet ray optionally in the presence of titanium dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioactive composition obtained through the technique of electrospinning and composed of at least one polymer. Furthermore, the invention also discloses a process for the incorporation of such electrospun bioactive composition, as a coating over a plastic matrix to obtain composite materials for their use in both biodegradable and non-biodegradable biomedical implants and in tissue engineering.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing an eye lens material having a process in which a phosphorylcholine group-containing chemical compound represented by the following formula (1) is reacted and covalently bonded to the surface of an eye lens material having hydroxyl groups wherein the chemical compound represented by the following formula (2) is reacted and covalently bonded through ester-bonding to the eye lens material in an organic solvent. The object of the present invention is to provide an eye lens material that prevents protein adsorption and a method of manufacturing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for removing contaminants, such as mineral salts, mineral acids, terpenoids, stilbenes, flavonoids, proteinaceous materials, metal impurities, ash and other organic products, from a lignocellulosic feedstock stream containing oxygenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing ethanol, including: subjecting a cellulose-based material to a hot-water treatment and an ammonia treatment to obtain a fermentation substrate; and reacting the fermentation substrate with a yeast to produce ethanol. The present invention also provides a method for producing a fermentation substrate for ethanol production by a yeast, including: subjecting a cellulose material to a hot-water treatment and an ammonia treatment to obtain a fermentation substrate. Thus obtained fermentation substrate can enhance the ethanol production by yeast.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for processing biomass derived from plants or animals, comprising the steps of: a. pre treating said material with an aqueous solution of acid or base; b. subsequently passaging saturated or super heated steam through said material, wherein the water activity of the process is controlled by means of temperature and pressure of the super heated steam to be less than 1, preferably less than 0.8, more preferably in the range of 0.4-0.8. With such a process it is possible to disintegrate or make more accessible for subsequent treatments the lignocellulose from lignocellulose containing materials, like wood or other plant material, chitin from exoskeletons from Crustacea like crabs and shrimps, and proteins such as keratin from pig hair or chicken feather, for further derivation, like acylation, oxidation, etherification, carboxymethylation or esterification, or further enzymatic hydrolysis, and/or for production of chemicals, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are cellulose capsules, methods for preparing a cellulose capsule, and compositions comprising cellulose capsules, including sustained- or controlled-release dosage forms comprising cellulose capsules.