The invention relates to a hybrid hydrogel, in particular degradable or non-degradable, comprising a first hydrogel polymer of formula (I) in association with an alginate hydrogel polymer, and optionally organosilica particles in particular degradable or non-degradable nanoparticles, or porous silicon particles; pharmaceutical, veterinary and/or cosmetic compositions thereof; and uses thereof as a medicament. The invention notably relates to the use of such hybrid hydrogel in the treatment of fistulas and physiological leaks/leakages, notably in the gastrointestinal tract. The present invention finds applications in the therapeutic and diagnostic medical technical fields and also in cosmetic and veterinary technical fields.

A method for producing an aqueous foam comprising (a) preparing a solution comprising at least one surfactant and at least one protic polar solvent, (b) bringing the solution into contact with a pressurised gas to obtain a two-phase mixture, and (c) injecting the two-phase mixture to obtain the aqueous foam after expansion or dispersion of the gas. The solution further comprises at least one gelling compound chosen from a non-nitrogenous polysaccharide and gelatin. An aqueous foam obtained by such method and uses of the same, in particular in the fields of decontamination, the purification of effluents, or the defusing or containment of explosive devices or suspected explosive devices.

A material comprising a highly branched carbohydrate polymer, a polyalkylene glycol (or polyalkylene oxide) linked to the highly branched carbohydrate polymer, and a hydrophobic or amphiphilic group linked to the highly branched carbohydrate polymer and/or the polyalkylene glycol (or polyalkylene oxide), is described. Methods of making and using the material, as well as a soluble composition that contains the material and a hydrophobic solute compound, are also described.

Disclosed herein are compositions comprising aggregates of insoluble alpha-glucan with alpha-1,3-glycosidic linkages. These aggregates have an average hydrodynamic radius of about 50 nm to about 300 nm, and a fractal dimension of about 1.6 to about 2.4. Insoluble alpha-glucan aggregates in some disclosed aspects are arborescent. Further disclosed are methods of preparing these compositions.

This invention provides a preparation, composition, product, and application of a photo-coupled synergistically crosslinked hydrogel material. The preparation includes dissolving Component A including a photosensitive polymer derivative having o-nitrobenzyl phototriggers and Component B including a polymer derivative having amine or alkene (double group) or sulfhydryl group in a biocompatible medium to obtain solution A and solution B, respectively; mixing the solution A and solution B homogeneously to obtain a hydrogel precursor solution; initiating photo-coupled synergistic crosslinking under an irradiation of a UV light to form the hydrogel. The irradiation causes the o-nitrobenzyl phototriggers to generate an aldehyde group/keto group or a nitroso group to initiate photo-coupled synergetic crosslinking. The photo-coupled synergistically crosslinked hydrogel has applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, 3D printing and as a carrier of cell, protein or drug.

A method for determining hydration of a polymer includes mixing a water-soluble, powdered dye with a powdered polymer and introducing the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye and powdered polymer into a water-based fluid. Full hydration of the powdered polymer is determined when the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye, powdered polymer and water-based fluid comprises substantially no internal optical contrast.

The present invention relates to the use of an amine compound comprising at least one, preferably at least two amine functions, wherein the amine functions are primary or secondary amines, to reduce the level of furfural and/or hydroxymethylfurfural in a carbohydrate-based binder or binder composition and/or escaping in the course of preparation, cross-linking and/or curing of carbohydrate-based binders. Preferably, the carbohydrate-based binder is obtained from a carbohydrate-based binder composition comprising a carbohydrate component and a cross-linker and possibly reaction product of carbohydrate component and cross-linker, wherein the cross-linker is selected from ammonium salts of inorganic acid, carboxylic acids, salts, ester or anhydride derivatives thereof, and/or combinations thereof.

Carrageenan-based compositions containing a carrageenan, a starch, a plasticizer, water, and an optional buffer are disclosed, in which the carrageenan has both a potassium content of less than 4 wt. % and a viscosity configured to produce capsules on pressure-free rotary die equipment. Films and capsules can be formed from the carrageenan-based compositions.

Provided is a gel composition including a partial degradation product of the galactose moiety of galactoxyloglucan, a compound that is a mixture of one kind or two or more kinds selected from magnesium salt, calcium salt, aluminum salt, and sodium salt, and an aqueous solvent.

Provided are superabsorbent materials composed of agar, and one or more water-soluble natural polysaccharides, and dietary compositions containing such superabsorbent materials. The disclosed superabsorbent materials have various food and therapeutic applications and can be used as loading vehicles for nutrients and therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for preparing such superabsorbent materials.