Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.

Provided is a method of coalescing a substance comprising providing a first mixture comprising a substance, agitating at least a portion of the first mixture under turbulent conditions for a first time period, thereby causing particles comprising and substance to collide and form into larger particles.

Affinity purification of fibroblast growth factor 2-binding heparan sulphate from porcine mucosa (HS8) is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for the care of keratinous material(s), comprising the application or administration of HS8, or a composition comprising thereof, to keratinous material(s). The composition may be used to improve the condition of skin, such as smoothing the skin, restoring skin elasticity and firmness, or decreasing or preventing wrinkles, and may be formulated for topical or transdermal administration.

Provided herein are purified hemicellulose compositions, sweetener compositions including purified hemicellulose compositions, as well as methods for making the same. Also provided are uses of the compositions.

An enzymatically produced soluble α-glucan fiber composition is provided suitable for use as a digestion resistant fiber in food and feed applications. The soluble α-glucan fiber composition can be blended with one or more additional food ingredients to produce fiber-containing compositions. Methods for the production and use of compositions comprising the soluble α-glucan fiber are also provided.

The present invention relates to a mannuronic diacid oligosaccharide composition, comprising a mannuronic diacid of Formula (III) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 9, m is 0, 1 or 2, and m′ is 0 or 1, and wherein the total weight of mannuronic diacids wherein n=1-5 is 80-95% of the total weight of the composition, and the ratio of the total weight of mannuronic diacids wherein n=1-3 to the total weight of mannuronic diacids wherein n=4-7 is between 1.0 and 3.5.

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In one aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising modified O-polysaccharide molecules derived from E. coli lipopolysaccharides and conjugates thereof. Multivalent vaccines may be prepared by combining two or more monovalent immunogenic compositions for different E. coli serotypes. In one embodiment, the modified O-polysaccharide molecules are produced by a recombinant bacterium that includes a wzz gene.

A method of making a proppant-gel matrix comprising: a) hydrating a gelling agent to form a hydrated gelling agent; b) adding a basic compound to the hydrated gelling agent to form a basic hydrated gelling agent having a pH in the range of 11.5 to 14.0; c) mixing the basic hydrated gelling agent and a proppant to form a basic hydrated gelling system; and d) adding a crosslinking agent to the basic hydrated gelling system to form the proppant-gel matrix, is disclosed. The proppant-gel matrix can then be used as a fracturing fluid in a hydraulic fracturing process.

A method of making a proppant-gel matrix comprising: a) hydrating a gelling agent to form a hydrated gelling agent; b) adding a basic compound to the hydrated gelling agent to form a basic hydrated gelling agent having a pH in the range of 11.5 to 14.0; c) mixing the basic hydrated gelling agent and a proppant to form a basic hydrated gelling system; and d) adding a crosslinking agent to the basic hydrated gelling system to form the proppant-gel matrix, is disclosed. The proppant-gel matrix can then be used as a fracturing fluid in a hydraulic fracturing process.

The present invention relates to a sexual function improving composition containing as an active ingredient: exopolysaccharide produced by means of Ceriporia lacerata; a Ceriporia lacerata mycelium culture medium comprising the exopolysaccharide; dry powder of the mycelium culture medium; or an extract of the mycelium culture medium. The composition can be used as a sexual function improving drug for preventing or treating erectile dysfunction or diabetic erectile dysfunction or as a functional health food having sexual function improving effect.