This invention relates to novel compositions comprising regioselectively substituted cellulose esters. One aspect of the invention relates to processes for preparing regioselectively substituted cellulose esters from cellulose dissolved in ionic liquids. Another aspect of the invention relates to the utility of regioselectively substituted cellulose esters in applications such as protective and compensation films for liquid crystalline displays.

A method of producing biopolymer films is disclosed. The method includes pre-treating a carbon source, preparing a basal media, preparing an inoculum and fermenting the carbon source using the inoculum in the basal media so as to selectively modify the metabolic pathway of the microorganism to produce a biopolymer. Further, the method includes recovering the biopolymer resulting from the step of fermentation and blending the biopolymer with at least one blending agent to produce one or more biopolymer films.

Provided is a method for producing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate that can be industrially and efficiently produced and results in particles having controlled pore volume. The method for producing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate includes an esterification reaction step, a precipitation step, a liquid removal step, a pulverizing step, and a drying step, wherein a screw press is used in the liquid removal step.

A biodegradable composition is disclosed. The biodegradable composition includes (i) a biodegradable polymer and (ii) a cellulose ester. Films that include or are formed from the biodegradable composition, as well as articles that include a substrate and a layer of the biodegradable composition on a surface thereof, are also described.

The invention includes simple NCE-based materials comprising a simple NCE-based matrix, wherein the simple NCE-based matrix comprises a population of redispersible NCEs treated with a drying/dispersal additive; wherein the matrix provides an architectural framework for the simple NCE-based material; and wherein the simple NCE-based material comprises a barrier formulation. The invention also includes composite NCE-containing materials comprising a composite NCE-containing matrix, wherein the composite NCE-containing matrix comprises a population of redispersible NCEs treated with a drying/dispersal additive and an existing matrix; wherein the redispersible NCEs are integrated into the existing matrix, and wherein the existing matrix provides an architectural framework for the composite NCE-containing material; and wherein the composite NCE-containing material comprises a barrier formulation. The invention further includes plastic substrates comprising the foregoing NCE-containing material, articles of manufacture, and methods for manufacturing.