Abstract: A process for converting organic waste materials into usable products and products thereof is disclosed. According to the process, organic waste materials are contacted with an oxidant to form a product and then an amount of the oxidant is removed from the product to form a reactor-ready feedstock. The oxidant is removed by various means, including washing, photolysis, catalytic means, oxidation of the oxidant, reduction of the oxidant, and heat. The reactor-ready feedstock may then be introduced into a reactor, such as a digester or incubator, and the reactor-ready feedstock is converted by microorganisms into biofuel or other products.

Abstract: Natural fiber is beaten with a biaxial kneading machine. The beaten natural fiber is processed finely with a bead mill so as to allow the processed natural fiber to have a BET specific surface area not smaller than 1 m2/g. This method provides fine fiber in a short time to form a rigid paper component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel mediator used in the production of wood composite materials that are devoid of binding agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to innovative cellulose derivatives with low surface swelling in aqueous suspension, with high relative high-shear viscosity, and with high thermal flocculation point in water, and also to their use in building-material systems.

Abstract: The various embodiments provide a composition that provides local control over inflammation. The composition localizes the activities of the cytokine-neutralizing antibodies to the site of inflammation through covalent attachment to hydrophilic matrices. The various embodiments including a hydrophilic polymer, a ligand binding moiety covalently attached to the polymer, and optionally, a cellular adhesion peptide covalently attached to the polymer. The hydrophilic polymer may be a glycosaminoglycan such as hyaluronan. The cellular adhesion peptide may be a linear RGD peptide sequence covalently attached to the polymer. The ligand binding moiety may be a monoclonal antibody covalently attached to the polymer. The antibody may be selected from the group consisting of an anti-IL-1?, an anti-IL-6, an anti-TNF-?, and combinations thereof. The polymer functions as a substrate or matrix for cell migration and tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A method for pretreating plant starting material for the purpose of producing bioethanol and/or sugar via a common chamber (12), is characterized in that: —during one period, the plant material (MP), introduced into the common pretreatment chamber, is a lignocellulosic plant starting material, whose pretreatment is aimed at separating the cellulose, the hemicelluloses and the lignins so as to obtain a pretreated plant material that can be hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol; —during another period, the plant material (MP), introduced into the common pretreatment chamber, is a sacchariferous plant starting material, whose pretreatment is aimed at extracting therefrom, by diffusion, a sugar juice for the production of sugar and/or of bioethanol.

Abstract: A process for producing a polysaccharide sponge comprises the steps of (A) freezing a photoreactive polysaccharide solution, and (B) irradiating the frozen photoreactive polysaccharide solution with light to crosslink the photoreactive polysaccharide, thereby obtaining the polysaccharide sponge. The process includes simplified steps requiring no removal of solvent, and has such an advantage that impurities are easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of preparing a salt product comprises the steps of: (i) providing a mixture which comprises salt dissolved in a solvent, said mixture further containing an organic material that is solid under ambient temperature conditions; and (ii) atomising said mixture and evaporating said solvent to produce a salt product comprised of particles of salt incorporating said organic material. The organic material may be a polymer such as a carbohydrate (e.g. maltodextrin or Gum Arabic). Novel salt products are disclosed which comprise hollow particles having a shell formed for individual crystallites of salt. The salt product is useful as a seasoning for food and may be used in lower amounts than conventional salt to provide the same taste. Particular advantages are obtained in the baking of bread.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating cellulose to make it more accessible for enzymatic or chemical modification. The invention includes treating cellulose with an alkali in an alcohol/water co-solvent system. The treatment decrystallizes or deaggregates the cellulosic material. The methods and systems increase the efficiency of enzymatic or chemical modifications of cellulose for use as biofuels or cellulose derivatives.

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: 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: The precise application of an electromagnetic field controls cell motion to guide extrusion and deposition of biopolymers produced by the cells. This controlled biofabrication process is used to fabricate two- and three-dimensional networks of biocompatible nanofibrils (such as cellulose) for use as biomaterials, tissue scaffolds to be used in regenerative medicine, coatings for biomedical devices, and other health care products.

Abstract: Cellulose granules small enough such that they can be retained in a cigarette filter and capable of carrying sufficient amounts of volatile functional substance and vaporizing it easily. The cellulose granules are obtained from an extrusion granulating step and a spheronizing step, with smaller variability in particle diameter than that of conventional cellulose granules.

Abstract: A stain repellent composition comprising a cellulose based compound which has been modified hydrophobically.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends of high wet modulus cellulosic fibers and solvent spun cellulosic fibers and yarns and fabrics made thereof.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing of nanocellulose. The method includes a first modification of the cellulose material, where the cellulose fibres 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 method of treating a disorder characterized by tissue damage is provided. The method comprising providing to a subject in need-thereof a composition which comprises a synthetic polymer attached to denatured fibrinogen or a therapeutic portion of the fibrinogen, the composition being formulated for releasing the therapeutic portion of the fibrinogen in a pharmacokinetically regulated manner, thereby treating the disorder characterized by tissue damage or malformation.

Abstract: Cationic surfactant systems, using microfibrous cellulose to suspend particulates therein, are described. Methods of making these systems are also described.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to reactive compositions and methods of use thereof, wherein a metal oxide cluster is used to connect a reactive group (or groups) to the surface of a substrate. In certain embodiments, the reactive group in the compositions decomposes organophosphate agents through nucleophilic hydrolysis. In certain embodiments, the reactive group in the compositions is bactericidal. Remarkably, the use of metal oxide clusters in the disclosed compositions and methods permits incorporation of higher quantities of nucleophilic and bactericidal groups without the difficulties associated with having to pretreat the substrate prior to its association with the reactive groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulosic particles, a suspension of cellulosic particles and a process for the production of a suspension of cellulosic particles, whereby the cellulosic material is never dried between the dissolution of the cellulose and the disintegration of the suspended cellulose fibers.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrophilic cellulose derivative fine particle having a small particle size, a dispersion liquid thereof and a dispersion body thereof; and provide a diagnostic reagent composed of the hydrophilic particle, which is excellent in storage stability and does not require excess components, such as an emulsifier or surfactant. The cellulose derivative fine particle of the present invention is a cellulose derivative fine particle comprising a cellulose derivative with a part of hydroxyl groups of cellulose being substituted with a substituent, wherein the average particle diameter is from 9 to 1,000 nm; and the diagnostic reagent of the present invention is a diagnostic reagent obtained by loading a substance differentially interacting with a test object substance on the above-described cellulose derivative fine particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising cellulose in association with a support selected from a polymer and/or a fibre, wherein said cellulose is produced by a micro-organism. The cellulose-reinforced material is provided for incorporation into a composite.

Abstract: A papermaking additive comprising cellulose nanofibers whose aqueous solution at a concentration of 2% (w/v) has a B-type viscosity (60 rpm, 20° C.) of 500 to 7000 mPa·s, preferably 500 to 2000 mPa·s is used to prepare a paper having improved air resistance and smoothness. This additive is prepared by oxidizing a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in the presence of (1) N-oxyl compound (s) and (2) bromide, iodide or a mixture thereof to prepare oxidized cellulose, and finely grinding the oxidized cellulose in a wet condition to convert the oxidized cellulose into nanofibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing spherical, non-fibrillar cellulose particles with a particle size in the range of from about 1 ?m to about 400 ?m from a solution of cellulose in which the solution is cooled down to below its solidification temperature wherein it is flowing freely, the solvent is washed out, the solidified cellulose solution is disintegrated to form cellulose powder comprising particles, and the disintegrated and washed out particles are dried. The invention also relates to the cellulose powder and particles made in accordance with the process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to method for production of a biomolecule adsorbent with a pentadentate ligand with very strong chelating properties, and to methods for use thereof for, for example, protein purification, detection or binding. The biomolecule adsorbent comprises the formula: wherein Q is a carrier, S is a spacer, L is an amide linkage, X is COOH, and n=2 or 3.

Abstract: Disclosed are soil additives capable of hydrophilizing soil particles and/or increase available water capacity in soil. The soil additive are capable of increasing the available water content/capacity (AWC) in soils, the additive in one embodiment comprising a polymer composition having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, wherein the hydrophobic portion of the copolymer binds with the soil particle surface and the hydrophilic portion of the copolymer can bind with water. This results in the prevention, arrest or decelerated loss of water from the targeted area, for example the plant root zone, which allows for improved water usage efficiency by plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.

Abstract: Process for producing cellulose beads or lignocellulose beads, wherein cellulose or lignocellulose is dissolved in a solvent which comprises more than 50% by weight of the symmetrical imidazolium compound of the formula I below where R1 and R3 are each an identical organic radical having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, R2, R4 and R5 are each an H atom, X is an anion and n is 1, 2 or 3, and cellulose beads or lignocellulose beads are produced from the solution obtained, and also the use of the beads obtained for petroleum or natural gas recovery.

Abstract: A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for producing bacterial cellulose, said method comprising culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms, separating bacterial cellulose produced in said liquid medium from said liquid medium, washing said separated bacterial cellulose and drying said bacterial cellulose. The cellulose-producing Proteus strain is preferably a Proteus myxofaciens strain, preferably strain IDAC 071005-01 or strain ATCC 19692. The liquid medium is provided with a carbohydrate substrate containing at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, xylose, and rhamnose. A bacterial cellulose product produced by culturing a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing Proteus strain in a liquid medium suitable for culturing facultatively anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: An aircraft anti-icing composition includes a freezing point depressant and a thickener including nanocrystalline cellulose. A thickening composition also includes nanocrystalline cellulose. Also taught is the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in the manufacture of an anti-icing composition and the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in a thickening composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sodium absorption inhibitor, a potassium absorption inhibitor, and a phosphorus absorption inhibitor, and a preventive agent, a therapeutic agent and a food for diseases caused by overconsumption of common salt, potassium and phosphorus or diseases which require restriction of ingestion of common salt, potassium and phosphorus to actively and safely excrete overconsumed common salt, potassium and phosphorus excreted outside the body. R—O-A ??(I) {In the formula (I), R represents a crosslinked cellulose residue and A represents a functional group a having cation-exchange ability.

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: The present invention relates to a process for producing spherical particles of at least one material, which comprises the steps: (A) preparation of a solution or dispersion of the at least one material in at least one water-miscible solvent or dispersion medium, (B) conversion of the solution or dispersion obtained in step (A) into individual portions comprising an amount of the at least one material corresponding to the amount present in the spherical particles by underwater pelletization and (C) introduction of the portions obtained in step (B) into a medium which is miscible with the solvent or dispersion medium from step (A) and in which the material used in step (A) is insoluble so that the solvent or dispersion medium used in step (A) is replaced by the medium which is miscible with the solvent or dispersion medium from step (A) and the material solidifies to form the spherical particle.

Abstract: Processes for making ethersuccinylated hydroxyl polymers are provided.

Abstract: A method of grafting galactomannan-type polysaccharide polymers, preferably guar, to a functional group by irradiation with high energy electron beams in the presence of an unsaturated monomer-compressing the described functional group. The method may include the depolymerization of the grafted polymer to a pre-selected low molecular weight. The preferred galactomannans for treatment according to this method are guar gum, guar splits and hydroxypropyl guar. In a preferred embodiment the guar gum is also depolymerized, preferably to a molecular weight of below about 700,000 Daltons, and most preferably to a molecular weight of between about 100,000 Daltons to about 250,000 Daltons. The depolymerized guar most preferably has a polydispersity of less than about 3.0 and is useful in oil well fracturing to enhance oil production.

Abstract: A material is provided to give food products sufficient viscosity and stability (heat resistance, stable suspension, etc.). The material is produced from an inexpensive raw material by an economical process. Further, a novel gel containing cellulose as the main component is also provided. The present invention provides a fine fibrous water-dispersible cellulose derived from plant cell walls. For the production, a raw material having specific properties is used, and size reduction is carried out stepwise thereto. The water-dispersible cellulose can also be made into a dry composition by compounding with a water-soluble polymer or the like. This dry composition forms a gel when combined with a polysaccharide such as glucomannan or the like. The gel excels in heat-resistance and shape-retention and can be used to produce to novel food products.

Abstract: A method of preparing cellulosic biomass material for subsequent processing first comprises moving at least one stream of biomass material along a flow path. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be explosively dried and pulverized to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds, and to reduce a moisture content and a particle size of the cellulosic biomass material. Then, the stream of cellulosic biomass material can be electrically degraded the stream of cellulosic biomass material to disrupt lignocellulosic bonds. Additional pre-treatment and post-treatment processes can also be included.

Abstract: Cellulose powder having an especially excellent balance among moldability, fluidity and disintegrating property is provided. Cellulose powder having an average polymerization degree of 150-450, an average L/D (the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis) value of particles of 75 ?m or less of 2.0-4.5, an average particle size of 20-250 ?m, an apparent specific volume of 4.0-7.0 cm3/g, an apparent tapping specific volume of 2.4-4.5 cm3/g, and an angle of repose of 55° or less.

Abstract: An appetite suppressant composition that is effective for the control of mammalian weight and methods of administration of the composition of the invention are provided. The composition is a cellulose product prepared with ethanol preferably with added sweetener, spice(s), salt and protein for oral administration to a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to additives used in conjunction with adhesives to give enhanced performance. Engineered composite wood materials and methods of making such materials are also provided by the subject application. A reinforced adhesive includes an adhesive and an additive material comprising nanoscopic and microscopic materials.

Abstract: An annular fluid or packer fluid, and methods of making the same, that includes a water-miscible solvent, a viscosifying additive, a crosslinking agent, a crosslinking inhibitor having the facility to inhibit crosslinking between the viscosifying additive and the crosslinking agent, and an initiating agent having the facility to overcome an action of the crosslinking inhibitor and to initiate crosslinking between the viscosifying additive and the crosslinking agent, is shown and described. The fluid has a thermal conductivity of no more than about 0.25 btu/(hr·ft·° F.) and a potential to substantially increase its viscosity upon sitting for a selected period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible metastable intermediate material for controlling the mobility of at least one biologically active substance. An example of the invention is a hydrogel formed by cross-linked sodium hyaluronate treated with an oxidizing agent so as to open sugar rings and form aldehyde groups. The gel according to the invention is sterilized, e.g. by autoclaving.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of pretreating lignocellulose-based biomass by extracting lignin from biomass by adding a solvent for dissolving lignin to the lignocellulose-based biomass including lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose, and extracting the cellulose and/or hemicellulose by adding an ionic liquid to the remaining biomass after extracting the lignin.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a process, comprising treating lignocellulosic biomass according to a first pretreatment protocol, thereby generating a first product mixture; separating the first product mixture into a first plurality of fractions; and treating at least one fraction of said first plurality of fractions according to a second pretreatment protocol, thereby generating a second product mixture. In one embodiment, the lignocellulosic biomass is selected from the group consisting of grass, switch grass, cord grass, rye grass, reed canary grass, miscanthus, sugar-processing residues, sugarcane bagasse, agricultural wastes, rice straw, rice hulls, barley straw, corn cobs, cereal straw, wheat straw, canola straw, oat straw, oat hulls, corn fiber, stover, soybean stover, corn stover, forestry wastes, recycled wood pulp protocol protocol fiber, paper sludge, sawdust, hardwood, softwood, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel hybrid compounds containing at least one polysaccharide entity (PS), such as guar, in which at least one hydroxyl function is substituted by at least one A polyoxyalkylene entity (PEG). The swivel Ro between the entity PS and the entity A is obtained by click chemistry and has the following formula (II.1) or (II.2), in which Z is a carbon or nitrogen atom. These hybrid compounds can be used as emulsifiers, particularly in cosmetics.

Abstract: A reactor for hydrolytic splitting of cellulose under high pressure and heat has an inlet and outlet each with a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the reactor. The pressure and heat in the reactor forms a cellulose plug within the inlet and the outlet. The inlet plug stops cellulose from escaping out the inlet. Cellulose begins to breakdown under heat, pressure, and if required an acid or a lubricant. The outlet plug slows downstream movement of cooking cellulose. Cellulose may be pre-treated by the addition of water, a weak acid, a lubricant, or a combination of the foregoing. The outer surface of the plug cooks faster than the inner core of the plug, becomes a liquefied slurry, and slides faster towards the outlet than the inner core.

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 a of the coagulant or the mixture of coagulants is 99% to 30% of the surface tension a 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: 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 method for modifying fibers is provided, which method comprises suspending and dispersing in water under shear force a cellulose ether having such a low degree of substitution that a molar degree of substitution with an alkyl group and/or a hydroxyalkyl group ranges from 0.05 to 1.3, applying the resulting dispersion and a crosslinking agent or an aqueous resin emulsion to fibers, and thermally treating the applied fibers.

Abstract: The cellulose nanofiber production method of the present invention comprises an oxidation treatment step for oxidizing native cellulose in a neutral or acidic reaction solution containing an N-oxyl compound and an oxidizing agent that oxidizes aldehyde groups, and a dispersion step for dispersing the native cellulose in a medium following the oxidation treatment step. According to the production method of the present invention, a cellulose nanofiber is provided that has long fibers and demonstrates high strength.