Compositions, methods, and kits for synthesizing, detecting, and/or quantifying nucleic acids are provided herein. Embodiments comprise a nucleic acid amplification composition comprising a thermostable DNA polymerase and agents which improve nucleic acid synthesis, amplification, detection, and/or quantification of nucleic acid targets in a crude extract or crude lysate sample.

Methods are provided for defoaming water used in processing of various products such as cellulose or wood-based products or in food processing which is formed by reacting a fatty acid with a compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof so as to form a water soluble soap, dispersing the water soluble soap in water, and homogenizing the dispersed water soluble soap with hydrophobic oil or hydrocarbon oil to produce the emulsion. Methods for preparing an emulsion used in this process are also provided. The emulsion is advantageous in that it can improve water resistance and/or reduce the use of water resistant additives during processing of cellulose or wood-based products or food-grade products.

Reaction products of an optionally alkoxylated alcohol, a polyalkylene alcohol and a linker can be used in various applications such as defoamers. Methods of making the reaction products and defoamer compositions including the reaction products, and methods of using the reaction products to reduce or prevent foam in a composition are also disclosed. The reaction products can be used with an organic solvent or without an organic solvent to provide low VOC compositions.

Reaction products of an optionally alkoxylated alcohol, a polyalkylene alcohol and a linker can be used in various applications such as defoamers. Methods of making the reaction products and defoamer compositions including the reaction products, and methods of using the reaction products to reduce or prevent foam in a composition are also disclosed. The reaction products can be used with an organic solvent or without an organic solvent to provide low VOC compositions.

An emulsion is provided for defoaming water used in processing of various products such as cellulose or wood-based products or in food processing which is formed by reacting a fatty acid with a compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof so as to form a water soluble soap, dispersing the water soluble soap in water and homogenizing the dispersed water soluble soap with hydrophobic oil or hydrocarbon oil to produce the emulsion. Methods for preparing the emulsion and using the emulsion are also provided. The emulsion is advantageous in that it can improve water resistance and/or reduce the use of water resistant additives during processing of cellulose or wood-based products or food-grade products.

A foam control agent and method of controlling foam for bioethanol processing by use of a foam control agent, wherein the agent comprises at least a (poly)glycerol ether.

Compositions, systems, and methods of using alkaline-producing Aluminate salts in the sludge collection and digestion steps of wastewater processing to reduce acidity and/or build alkalinity, reduce hydrogen sulfide release, and reduce phosphate in the effluent.

A wetting agent according to Formula (I): ##STR00001## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from a branched alkyl group or linear alkyl group or a cycloaliphatic group or an aromatic group, each having 6 to 15 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R.sup.3 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R.sup.4 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R.sup.5 is selected from methyl or ethyl; x ranges from 0 to 5; y ranges from 0 to 10; z ranges from 1 to 10; with the proviso that when x ranges from 1 to 5, R.sup.2 is different from R.sup.3; and with the proviso that when x=0, R.sup.3 is different from R.sup.4. The wetting agent also imparts anti-foam properties to aqueous solutions while reducing surface tension.

There is disclosed an antifoam component which includes at least one acrylamide polymer for use in a diesel fuel. Acrylamide polymers prepared by polymerizing a (meth)acrylamide monomer to yield a homopolymer or, alternatively, the acrylamide polymer may be prepared by polymerizing a (meth)acrylamide monomer and a (meth)acrylate monomer to yield a heteropolymer.

A foam control agent and method of controlling foam for bioethanol processing by use of a foam control agent, wherein the agent comprises at least a branched alcohol.