The present invention relates to a method of processing macroalgae in which superheated water is used in an initial pre-treatment step prior to extraction of a polysaccharide. In particular, the invention relates to a process for obtaining polysaccharide (e.g. alginate) from macroalgae or a part thereof. Certain aspects of the invention relate to a process for obtaining polysaccharide from macroalgae which results in enhanced polysaccharide yield and/or a shortened treatment time when compared to conventional extraction methods.

Provided herein is a method for extracting polysaccharides, for example, β-glucan and sodium alginate, from a sample including a botanical product. The extraction can be carried out using a microwave assisted dual-solvent extraction followed by one or more membrane filtration steps.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous scaffold for tissue engineering. It is another object of the present invention to provide a porous scaffold obtainable by the method as above described, and its use for tissue engineering, cell culture and cell delivery. The method of the invention comprises the steps consisting of: a) preparing an alkaline aqueous solution comprising an amount of at least one polysaccharide, an amount of a cross-linking agent and an amount of a porogen agent b) transforming the solution into a hydrogel by placing said solution at a temperature from about 4° C. to about 80° C. for a sufficient time to allow the cross-linking of said amount of polysaccharide and c) submerging said hydrogel into an aqueous solution d) washing the porous scaffold obtained at step c).

Method of preparing a keratin-based biomaterial is provided. The method comprises a) reacting keratin with a polymer having at least one of an amine and carboxylic functional group in the presence of a carbodiimide cross-linking agent to form a cross-linked keratin-polymer material; and b) freeze drying the cross-linked keratin-polymer material to form the keratin-based bio-material. A keratin-based biomaterial thus prepared is also provided.

The present invention provides a simple method for producing a medical/cosmetic sheet that is excellent in adhesion to skin or the like and sense of wearing, and is capable of releasing a functional component gradually and supplying it continuously to a treatment area or the like, and a medical/cosmetic sheet produced by this production method. Provided is a method for producing a medical/cosmetic material including a step of shaping a raw material containing a water-soluble salt of a first polyanionic polysaccharide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 10,000 or lower, and a water-soluble salt of a second polyanionic polysaccharide having a viscosity-average molecular weight of 50,000 or higher, and thereby obtaining a water-soluble shaped body. A medical/cosmetic material produced by this production method is also provided.

The present invention relates to a method of degrading biofilm by contacting it with an aqueous mixture comprising a peroxide compound and a manganese complex, wherein the aqueous mixture comprises a macrocylic ligand. The invention also relates to a method of degrading a biofilm by contacting it with an aqueous mixture comprising a peroxide compound and a macrocyclic ligand.

Provided are novel alginic acid derivatives and a novel crosslinked alginic acid. The alginic acid derivatives are represented by formula (I) and formula (II). The novel crosslinked alginic acid obtained by Huisgen reaction using an alginic acid derivative of formula (I) and an alginic acid derivative of formula (II).

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Covalently modified alginate polymers, possessing enhanced biocompatibility and tailored physiochemical properties, as well as methods of making and use thereof, are disclosed herein. The covalently modified alginates are useful as a matrix for the encapsulation and transplantation of cells. Also disclosed are high throughput methods for the characterizing the biocompatibility and physiochemical properties of modified alginate polymers.

Disclosed herein are compositions and articles made therefrom, the compositions and articles comprising at least one hydrocolloid, at least one plasticizer, at least one filler and/or humectant and water. Typically, the components are derived from biological sources, such as seaweed, plants, or animals. Typically, the components are made from food quality ingredients, making the compositions and articles edible and/or biodegradable. The compositions are used to form articles, such as straws, and the articles have desirable flexibility and moisture barrier properties, such as swelling resistance, as well as biodegradability and/or compostability properties.

The present invention provides: an alginic acid derivative having a photocrosslinking group represented by general formula (1) for a portion of a carboxyl group of alginic acids, and a photocrosslinking alginic acid structure which is produced using this alginic acid. Due to this configuration, a novel alginic acid derivative is provided. ##STR00001##