Selected Patents 2009

The following list contains brief details of patents published or applied for in 2009, which appeared to the editor to be especially relevant. Inevitably, there is an element of subjectivity in the choice. Topics included in the list are based on the Divisions of the AOCS and the topical sessions held at the AOCS annual meetings. Patents were published originally at intervals in Inform, and they are simply listed in the same order here. Published patents are listed separately from those applied for.

Soy protein blend for soft confectionary food bars (Taillie, S., and Cho, M., Solae LLC, September 2, 2008, US7419695).

The present invention provides a soy protein-containing composition for use in formulating confectionary food bars. In particular, the soy protein-containing composition is formed of two types of protein materials, a structural protein material and a binding protein material. The protein composition provides a soft, palatable texture to confectionary food bars in which it is incorporated. The present invention is also directed to soft confectionary food bar compositions containing a structural soy protein material and a binding soy protein material, and processes for making such food bar compositions.

Method for manufacturing bio-diesel oil containing alkane compounds (Wu, O., September 30, 2008, US7429281).

A method for manufacturing bio-diesel oil in the present invention uses single-carbon alkane compounds to reform into intermediate alkanes to achieve a synthetic alkylation matter. The synthetic alkylation matter is mixed with plant oil or mixed with alkyl fatty acid derivative from fatty acid of the plant oil into a mixture. Additionally, additives such stabilizer, preservatives, etc. are selectively added to the mixture to obtain low-cost and low-pollution bio-diesel oil.

High unsaponifiables and methods of using the same (Brown, J., et al., International Flora Technologies Ltd., October 14, 2008, US7435424).

Hydrolysis of materials with a high level (6% or more) of unsaponifiables produces a significantly different hydrolyzate from the conventional saponification of materials with less than 6% of unsaponifiables. Hydrolyzates of the present invention resist both physical removal and water washing from skin and hair, and do not foam with water. Hydrolyzates according to the present invention are useful in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated heat-bodied oils (Bloom, P., Archer Daniels Midland Co., September 2, 2008, US7420008).

Polymerized oils (heat-bodied oils) were hydrogenated to make a semicrystalline wax-like material. The process of the present invention yields hydrogenated polymerized oils that can be used as biorenewable replacements for microcrystalline wax and petrolatums raw materials in products that are comprised of such materials. The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a hydrogenated polymerized oil, a composition consisting essentially of a hydrogenated polymerized oil, and a process of preparing a hydrogenated polymerized oil. The present invention is also directed to a composition comprising a hydrogenated blown oil, a composition consisting essentially of a hydrogenated blown oil, and a process for preparing a hydrogenated blown oil. The present invention is also directed to a composition comprising a hydrogenated copolymer oil or a hydrogenated copolymer/vegetable oil blend, a composition consisting essentially of a hydrogenated copolymer oil or a hydrogenated copolymer/vegetable oil blend, and a process for preparing a hydrogenated copolymer oil or hydrogenated copolymer/vegetable oil blend.

Process for producing concentrate of unsaturated fatty acid (Uehara, H., and others, Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., Octobr 21, 2008, US7439377B2).

An easy and inexpensive process by which a concentrate of a given unsaturated fatty acid can be obtained from a mixture that has conventionally been difficult to concentrate. The process, which is for producing a concentrate of a desired isomer (a) from a mixture (A) selected from the group consisting of a mixture comprising at least two isomers of a C₁₆ or higher conjugated unsaturated fatty acid and a mixture comprising at least two cis-isomers of a C₁₆ or higher unsaturated fatty acid having a cis-double bond, is characterized by comprising: a step in which the mixture (A) is mixed with at least one C_4-14 saturated fatty acid (B) to obtain a mixture solution containing the isomer (a) dissolved therein; a crystallization step in which either crystals rich in the isomer (a) or crystals poor in the isomer (a) are precipitated from the mixture solution; and a solid-liquid separation step for obtaining the crystals rich in the isomer (a) or for obtaining a solution rich in the isomer (a) by removing the crystals poor in the isomer (a).

Environmentally benign anti-icing or deicing fluids employing industrial streams comprising hydroxycarboxylic acid salts and/or other effective deicing/anti-icing agents (Sapienza, R., and others, MLI Associates LLC, October 28, 2008, US7442322B2).

The present invention provides novel deicing and anti-icing compositions and methods based on by-product of off-specification materials from biodegradable and renewable sources and which also can be used in a variety of other services.

Aroma-producing compositions for foods (Gaonkar, A.G., and C.J. Ludwig, Kraft Foods Holdings Inc., October 28, 2008, US7442399B2).

An improved aroma-producing composition is provided that is shelf stable and allows controlled release of a desired aroma from the composition, and also food products treated with the aroma-producing composition. The aroma-producing composition is a homogenous one-phase system, which includes an aroma-producing material, and a fat-containing composition, which includes a medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride and fat or lipid having a melting point greater than the medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride. The aroma-producing composition can be heated to induce and boost aroma release from the aroma-producing composition at an opportune time, such as when a food product treated with the aroma-producing composition is preheated by microwave heating immediately before it is consumed.

Phospholipid-based powders for drug delivery (Weers, J., and others, October 28, 2008, US7442388B2).

Phospholipid-based powders for drug delivery applications are disclosed. The powders comprise a polyvalent cation in an amount effective to increase the gel-to-liquid crystal transition temperature of the particle compared with particles without the polyvalent cation. The powders are hollow and porous and are preferably administered via inhalation.

Method for producing symmetric triglycerides (Negishi, S., and others, Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., October 28, 2008, US7442531B2).

A method for producing symmetric triglycerides, which comprises the steps of reacting a medium-chain fatty acid triglyceride with a long-chain fatty acid triglyceride in the presence of an enzyme or a chemical catalyst to conduct random transesterification reaction and thereby to obtain a reaction product containing a triglyceride composed of a medium-chain fatty acid and a long-chain fatty acid as the constituting fatty acids in the step of the first reaction; transesterifying the reaction product with an alcohol monoester of the medium-chain fatty acid in the presence of an sn-1,3-position-specific enzyme in the step of the second reaction; and then taking the alcohol monoester of the medium-chain fatty acid and the alcohol monoester of the long-chain fatty acid from the reaction product obtained in the step of the second reaction to obtain the symmetric triglyceride composed of the medium-chain fatty acids at the sn-1,3 positions and the long-chain fatty acid at the sn-2 position. According to this method, highly pure symmetric triglycerides comprising a medium-chain fatty acid at sn-1 and -3 positions and a long-chain fatty acid at sn-2 position can be industrially efficiently produced.

Conjugated linoleic acid compositions (Saebo, A., and Asgeir, S., Aker Biomarine ASA, November 18, 2008, US7452548B1).

Novel compositions containing conjugated linoleic acids are efficacious as animal feed additives and human dietary supplements. Linoleic acid is converted to its conjugated forms in which the resulting composition is low in certain unusual isomers compared with conventional conjugated linoleic products.

Chocolate coated beverage creamer (Lloyd, B., et al., North Carolina State University, November 4, 2008, US7445804B2).

An article of manufacture useful for adding creamer base to hot beverages such as coffee or tea-based beverages comprises (i) a center core comprising a creamer base (for example, the creamer base preferably comprising a high-intensity sweetener and a humectant), and (ii) an outer coating at least partially encapsulating the center core, the outer coating comprising chocolate. In a preferred embodiment the chocolate comprises not more than 10% by weight of cocoa butter and at least 20% by weight of vegetable oil, and with the chocolate coating preferably having a softening point of at least about 100°F [37.8°C]. In a preferred embodiment, the article further comprises (iii) an elongate stirring member having a distal end portion, with the distal end portion connected to the outer coating.

Use of unsaponifiable components of vegetable oils for preparing a cosmetic and related treatments (Boumediene, K., et al., Expanscience Lab, November 11, 2008, US7449487B2).

The invention relates to the use of at least one unsaponifiable component of vegetable oil, in particular of avocado, soya bean, and/or lupin oils, for the preparation of a medicament intended to stimulate the expression of TGF-β [transforming growth factor-β] or the expression of the plasminogen activator inhibitor PAI-1. The invention also relates to a method of cosmetic treatment comprising the application of at least one unsaponifiable component of vegetable oil as well as the use of the latter as additive in a food for human beings and/or for animals.

Fat producing method (Okada, T., and Yamaguchi, K., Fuji Oil Co. Ltd., November 18, 2008, US7452448B2).

A method for producing a fat by distillation and purification while preventing isomerization. The distillation and purification are conducted under an acidic condition to prevent isomerization.

Method for producing fats or oils (Lee, I., Archer Daniels Midland Co., November 18, 2008, US7452702B2).

The present invention is directed to improving productivity of an enzymatic method for making esterified, transesterified, or interesterified products. Specifically, a method that can greatly improve the productivity of enzymatic transesterification or esterification by deodorization alone, or by deodorization and purification of the initial substrate to extend the useful life of the enzyme is disclosed.

Catalyst extrudates based on copper oxide and their use for hydrogenating carbonyl compounds (Schlitter, S., et al., BASF AG, December 2, 2008, US7459571B2).

A hydrogenation catalyst is presented in the form of an extrudate, which comprises from 5 to 85% by weight of copper oxide and in which the same oxidic support material is present in the active composition and as binder, and the use of the catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds.

Triacylglycerol-based candle wax (Murphy, T., Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc., December 9, 2008, US7462205B2).

A triacylglycerol-based wax includes a triacylglycerol component and a polyol fatty acid partial ester component. The triacylglycerol-based wax may have a melting point of about 54 to 63°C, may have an iodine value of about 20 to 40, and may have a fatty acid profile including about 50 to 70 wt% saturated fatty acids. The wax may be suitable for use as a candle.

Rustproofing composition (Maeda, T., et al., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., December 9, 2008, US7462226B2).

A rustproofing composition has superior properties satisfying rustproofing-quality and work-quality requirements for parts around tires, parts with pockets, and plate-bonded parts, and having volatile organic solvent of not more than 10 mass %. A rustproofing composition has 5 to 60 mass % of the overall composition of at least one kind of heat-polymerized drying oil in which oil having an iodine value of not less than 130 is heat-polymerized, and 1 to 50 mass % of the overall composition of at least one kind of wax selected from natural waxes and synthetic waxes, and/or at least one kind of rustproofing additive dissolved or dispersed in mineral oil-type lubricant-based oils, synthetic lubricant-based materials or liquid saturated-hydrocarbon mixtures, vegetable oil-based semidrying oils, and vegetable oil-based nondrying oils. In the rustproofing composition, nonvolatile content at 105°C for 3 hours is not less than 90 mass %.

Process for the transesterification of fats and oils of biological origin by means of alcoholysis using special carbonic acid salts (Peter, S., and E. Weidner, Siegfried Peter, December 23, 2008, US7468450B2).

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of fatty acid esters from fats and oils of biological origin by transesterification with monohydric alcohols in the presence of basic catalysts, the catalysts being salts of a basic organic compound and carbonic acid.

Coating for cold working metals (Church, R., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, January 20, 2009, US7479177B2).

The invention involves a composition for forming a combined conversion and lubricating coating on a metal substrate with which the composition is brought into contact. The composition comprises (i) an oxyethylated aliphatic alcohol whose aliphatic hydrocarbon moiety contains 18 or more carbon atoms and (ii) dissolved phosphate anions. Preferably the composition also comprises inorganic boron, an alkali metal salt of a fatty acid, and an accelerator for phosphate coating.

Method of analyzing enzyme compositions with lipolytic, proteolytic, and amylolytic activity (Potthoff, A., et al., Solvay Pharmaceuticals GmbH, January 20, 2009, US7479378B2).

A method for analyzing the identity, protein, and/or peptide pattern and also the stability of samples containing physiologically acceptable enzyme mixtures with lipolytic, proteolytic, and amylolytic activity, particularly mixtures of digestive enzymes such as pancreatin, for use in manufacturing medicinal products comprising such enzyme mixtures, e.g., precipitated pancreatin or pancreatin mini-microspheres.

Process for the preparation of hydrocarbon fuel (Srinivas, D., et al., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, January 27, 2009, US7482480B2).

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of hydrocarbon fuels, which comprises contacting fatty acid glycerides with alcohols in the presence of a solid, double metal cyanide catalyst at a temperature in the range of 150 to 200°C for a period of 2–6 hr and separating the catalyst from the above said reaction mixture to obtain the desired hydrocarbon fuel.

Method for the production of a solid fragrance concentrate (Heinz, R., et al., Bell Flavors & Fragrances Duft und Aroma GmbH, February 3, 2009, US7485610B2).

The invention relates to a method for the production of a solid fragrance concentrate, by absorption of a liquid fragrance or fragrance mixture in a solid or solid mixture, using one or several surfactants and/or co-surfactants, solid at normal temperatures as solid or solid mixture, whereby the liquid fragrance or fragrance mixture is dissolved in the above at a temperature above the solidification temperature of the solid or solid mixture and the solution subsequently solidified by cooling. The solid or solid mixture comprises fatty alcohol(s) or a mixture of fatty alcohol(s) and fatty acid(s) and/or fatty alcohol ethoxylate and/or polyethylene glycol.

Continuous process for decarboxylating carboxylic acids (Omeis, M., et al., Evonik Degussa GmbH, February 3, 2009, US7485756B2).

A continuous process for decarboxylating carboxylic acids proceeds using carbonyl compounds with a high boiling point as a catalyst in a solvent at reaction temperature, to obtain a catalyst solution; metering a carboxylic acid into the catalyst solution as an aqueous solution, aqueous suspension or as a water-comprising solid, to obtain a reaction mixture; and continuously removing a mixture of CO₂, solvent, water, and a reaction product or mixture of reaction products from the reaction mixture as a vapor.

Solvated nonionic surfactants and fatty acids (Queen, C., Croda Uniqema Inc., January 20, 2009, US7479473B2).

A liquid and readily flowable composition includes (a) a room-temperature-solid solute, such as (i) a nonionic surfactant, preferably having a hydrophile-lipophile balance from about 11.1 to about 18.4, (ii) a C₈–C₁₄ fatty acid, or combinations thereof; (b) an alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide; and (c) water, if needed. The alkoxylated fatty alkanolamide, which is substantially liquid at room temperature, solvates the solid solute to form a homogeneous composition that is liquid and readily flowable at room temperature. The select classes of nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene oxide carboxylic acid esters, ethoxylated fatty alcohols, poloxamers, alkyl polysaccharides, or combinations thereof. Useful alkoxylated fatty alkanolamides include propoxylated fatty ethanolamides.

Transparent oil-in-water emulsion (Mercier, M., et al., MMP Inc., February 10, 2009, US7488471B2).

The present invention relates to transparent or clear emulsions for cosmetic or pharmaceutical use. The transparent emulsions of the present invention comprise an oil phase, containing at least one lipophilic solvent; an aqueous phase; and an emulsifying system containing at least one non-ethoxylated fatty acid ester emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance from about 11 to about 16. Preferred non-ethoxylated fatty acid ester emulsifiers are sucrose esters, in particular sucrose palmitate and sucrose laurate.

Process for producing fatty acid alkyl ester (Tsuto, K., and Koshikawa, T., Reve International Inc., February 10, 2009, US7488837B2).

The present invention relates to a process for preparing an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, including the steps of carrying out an esterification reaction between a free fatty acid contained in a fat or oil and an alcohol; carrying out a transesterification reaction between a fat or oil and an alcohol; and refining an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, wherein at least any one of three steps is carried out in a corresponding step selected from the steps of (i) contacting a fat or oil and an alcohol with a resin-foamed article to which a catalyst containing fine strongly acidic particles is supported or a resin-foamed article modified to be strongly acidic, and carrying out an esterification reaction between a free fatty acid in the fat or oil and the alcohol; (ii) contacting a fat or oil and an alcohol with a resin-foamed article to which a catalyst containing fine alkali particles is supported, and carrying out a transesterification reaction between the fat or oil and the alcohol; and (iii) contacting a reaction mixture obtained by the transesterification reaction with a resin-foamed article to remove impurities via adsorption, and refining an alkyl ester of a fatty acid.

Oil soluble photoprotective compounds and compositions from plant oil processing (Reaney, M., KRU Ltd., February 24, 2009, US7494662B2).

Co-product streams derived from the manufacture of vegetable oil were further processed, producing materials that possess strong absorbance of visible and ultraviolet light. The compounds contributing to the light absorbance were increased and standardized to produce a fat-soluble composition with consistent and strong absorbance of ultraviolet and visible light. The fat-soluble composition is a useful photoprotective agent for various applications including protection of herbicides and pesticides. In a preferred embodiment acidulated vegetable oil is blended to a constant absorbance of light between 190 and 400 nm and used in a formula to protect a field-applied herbicide.

Antifogging agent for plastics (Daute, P., and Brand, E.-U., Cognis Oleochemicals GmbH, February 10, 2009, US7488838B2).

The invention relates to antifogging agents for plastics that are obtainable by transesterification of native oils with PEG (polyethylene glycol) or mixtures of PEG and other polyols, to plastics containing these antifogging agents, and to the use of mixtures obtainable by transesterification of native oils with PEG or mixtures of PEG and other polyols as antifogging agents in plastics.

Process for the recovery of a phytolipid composition (Zima, G., et al., Eastman Chemical Co., February 17, 2009, US7491412B2).

Disclosed is a process for the recovery of a phytolipid composition from a vegetable oil by-product. The phytolipid composition produced comprises squalene, phytosterols, mixed tocopherols and tocotrieneols, and vegetable wax and is useful as an emollient. The phytochemical composition may be applied directly to the skin to provide emolliency. Alternatively, the phytolipid composition may be formulated in various aqueous or anhydrous cosmetic compositions such as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, lip balms, sticks, or pencils for treatment of the skin and lips. The phytolipid composition also may be incorporated into foods, beverages, and nutraceuticals to provide health benefits.

Lipase-catalysed esterification of marine oil (Haraldsson, G., et al., Pronova Biocare AS, February 17, 2009, US7491522B2).

Marine oil compositions that contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) as free acids or hexyl esters are esterified with ethanol in the presence of a lipase catalyst under essentially organic solvent-free conditions and separated by distillation.

Hydrogenation with copper compositions catalyst (Sleeter, R., Archer Daniels Midland Co., February 17, 2009, US7491820B2).

Copper compositions that are useful as hydrogenation catalysts are disclosed. In particular, the copper compounds are catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of oils that contain unsaturated fatty acyl components such as unsaturated vegetable oils. Methods of preparing the copper compositions are also disclosed. Methods of hydrogenating unsaturated compositions that contain at least two sites of unsaturation using the hydrogenation catalysts, along with products obtained from the hydrogenation reactions described herein, are also disclosed.

Method for producing vegetable oil fuel (Matsumura, M., et al., Foundation for Advancement of International Science, March 3, 2009, US7497939B2).

A method for producing vegetable oil fuel with low viscosity, including transesterification of vegetable oil with triglyceride having unsaturated fatty acid, ozone treatment of unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester generated in the transesterification step, and reduction of the ozonide generated in the ozone treatment step.

Edible spread composition and packaged product (Kincaid, C., et al., Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC, March 3, 2009, US7498050B2).

An edible spread composition comprises a homogenous mixture of plant fiber-containing material, edible oil, water, and an effective amount of an emulsifier that prevents separation of oil from the plant fiber and other mixture solids that otherwise occurs in its absence when the edible spread composition is discharged while held under pressure. The edible spread composition may be, for instance, a peanut butter spread composition or a chocolate spread composition. There also is a packaged spread product comprising the edible spread composition that is held inside a pressurized container and dispensed without experiencing oil separation.

Homogeneous process for the hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids and/or anhydrides thereof (Wood, M., et al., Davy Process Technology Ltd., March 3, 2009, US7498450B2).

A homogeneous process for the hydrogenation of dicarboxylic acids and/or anhydrides in the presence of a catalyst comprising: (i) ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium, or palladium; and (ii) an organic phosphine; wherein the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of at least about 1% by weight water and wherein the reaction is carried out at a pressure of from about 500 psig to about 2000 psig and a temperature of from about 200 to about 300°C such that from about 1 mol to about 10 mol of hydrogen are used to strip 1 mole of product from the reactor.

Low trans-fatty acid fats and fat compositions and methods of making same (Van Toor, H., et al., Cargill, March 3, 2009, US7498453B2).

This disclosure describes select low trans-fatty acid fats and fat compositions and methods of making such fats and fat compositions. These fats and fat compositions achieve properties commonly associated with typical partially hydrogenated fats, but avoid the high trans-fatty acid contents typically associated with such fats.

Immobilized cells and liposomes and method of immobilizing the same (Nagamune, T., et al., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, March 10, 2009, US7501280B2).

In an inexpensive and convenient method for immobilizing a suspension cell, a phospholipid vesicle, or the like regardless of the type of cell, on the surface of a solid phase, a cell is immobilized by causing the cell to contact a support having a hydrophobic chain and a hydrophilic chain.

Aqueous resin dispersion for adhesive and composition thereof (Ootuka, M., and Igarashi, Y., Asahi Chemical Corp., March 10, 2009, US7501475B2).

To provide a water-based polymer dispersion for isocyanate-crosslinked adhesives comprising a polymer (i) that is obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomer composition comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a (meth)acrylate monomer, a cross-linkable monomer, and a different monomer, in respective predetermined amounts; and a polymer (ii) that is obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomer composition comprising at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an aromatic vinyl monomer and a (meth)acrylate monomer, a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl monomer, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, and a different monomer, in respective predetermined amounts, wherein the polymers (i) and (ii) have a Tg (glass-transition temperature) difference of 20 to 80°C.

Process for the pre-treatment of vegetable oils for physical refining (Chakrabarti, P., and others, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, February 24, 2009, US7494676B2).

The present invention relates to a simple and economically attractive process for the pretreatment of vegetable oils that involves (i) enzymatic degumming with commercially available phospholipase A₁ from sources such as the Aspergillus oryzae microorganism, (ii) bleaching of the enzymatically degummed oil using bleaching earth and activated carbon, and (iii) dewaxing (in case of rice bran oil) of degummed and bleached oil at lower temperature to obtain oil with less than 5 ppm of residual phosphorus, which is amenable for physical refining.

Method and apparatus for processing vegetable oil miscella, method for conditioning a polymeric microfiltration membrane, membrane, and lecithin product (Jirjis, B., et al., Cargill, February 24, 2009, US7494679B2).

A method for processing vegetable oil miscella is provided. The method includes steps of feeding vegetable oil miscella to a conditioned polymeric microfiltration membrane, and recovering a permeate stream having a decreased weight percentage of phospholipids compared with the weight percentage of phospholipids provided in the miscella. The retentate stream can be further processed for the recovery of lecithin. The polymeric microfiltration membrane can be conditioned for the selective separation of phospholipids in the miscella. A method for conditioning a membrane for selective separation of phospholipids from vegetable oil miscella, and the resulting membrane, are provided. The membrane that can be conditioned can be characterized as having an average pore size of between about 0.1 and about 2 microns.

Method of quantification of carboxylic acids by mass spectrometry (Nguyen, H., et al., February 24, 2009, US7494822B2).

Method of identification and quantitative analysis of carboxylic acid(s) in a sample by mass spectrometry using stable isotope-labeled internal standard is provided. Said internal standard is prepared by reaction of an authentic sample of said carboxylic acid with a stable isotope-labeled reagent, and is added to a sample containing said carboxylic acid. Said carboxylic acid in said sample is then quantitatively converted to a chemical compound of identical structure, except the stable isotope atoms, as that of said internal standard using a nonlabeled reagent. Said sample is then extracted and the extract is analyzed by mass spectrometry. Identification and quantification of said carboxylic acid are made from a plot of ion ratio of said converted carboxylic acid to said internal standard versus carboxylic acid concentration.

Nonaqueous coating compositions (Nguyen, L., Cabot Corp., February 24, 2009, US7495042B2).

The present invention relates to a dispersant composition comprising at least one anionic surfactant and at least one polymer comprising at least one salt of a carboxylic acid group. Also disclosed are pigment compositions and nonaqueous coating compositions comprising the dispersant composition.

Biodegradable polymer (Long, Y., et al., Plantic Technologies Ltd., February 24, 2009, US7495044B2).

A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having a composition from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include a hydroxyalkyl C_2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high-amylose starch, (i) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, (ii) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water-soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol, and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol that have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, (iii) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticizer, preferably glycerol, (iv) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C_12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid, and, (v) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Acyltransferase (Dahlqvist, A., et al., Danisco US Inc., Genencor Division, March 3, 2009, US7498026B2).

The invention relates to at least one nucleotide sequence, derived from a nucleotide sequence encoding an acyltransferase polypeptide comprising at least one membrane-spanning region, encoding an improved active membrane-independent acyltransferase polypeptide in which at least one amino acid residue of the membrane-spanning region has been deleted and/or substituted as compared with the original acyltransferase polypeptide, wherein the encoded active membrane-independent acyltransferase polypeptide can produce fatty acid esters and/or fatty acid thioesters such as triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, phospholipids, glycolipids, wax esters, acylated carbohydrates, acylated amino acids, and lysolipids, e.g., lysophosphospholipid, lysolecithin. Thereby one single acyltransferase can be used for the production of a huge number of products. The invention also relates to means and methods for the production of such an improved active membrane-independent acyltransferase and the use of such a membrane-independent acyltransferase in industry.

Methods of incorporating polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk (Abril, J., et al., Martek Biosciences Corp., March 17, 2009, US7504121B2).

Method for incorporating polyunsaturated fatty acids into milk with improved efficiency. The methods include protecting the polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a protective agent prior to feeding the fatty acids to a milk-producing animal. Methods for feeding polyunsaturated fatty acids to milk-producing animals by top-dressing a polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement on top of animal feed compositions and methods of making and using such compositions are also provided.

∆12 Desaturases suitable for altering levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (Yadav, N., et al., DuPont, March 17, 2009, US7504259B2).

The present invention relates to fungal ∆12-fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid (18:2). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids by overexpression of the ∆12-fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.

Catalyst composition for the selective conversion of alkanes to unsaturated carboxylic acids, method of making and method of using thereof (Hazin, P., and Ellis Jr., P., Saudi Basic Industries Corp., March 17, 2009, US7504357B2).

A catalyst composition having the formula: Mo₁V_aSb_bNb_cM_dO_x wherein M is gallium, bismuth, silver, or gold, a is 0.01 to 1, b is 0.01 to 1, c is 0.01 to 1, d is 0.01 to 1, and x is determined by the valence requirements of the other components. Other metals, such as tantalum, titanium, aluminum, zirconium, chromium, manganese, iron, ruthenium, cobalt, rhodium, nickel, platinum, boron, arsenic, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, calcium, beryllium, magnesium, cerium, strontium, hafnium, phosphorus, europium, gadolinium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, terbium, ytterbium, lutetium, lanthanum, scandium, palladium, praseodymium, neodymium, yttrium, thorium, tungsten, cesium, zinc, tin, germanium, silicon, lead, barium, or thallium may also be components of the catalyst. This catalyst is prepared by co-precipitation of metal compounds that are calcined to form a mixed metal oxide catalyst that can be used for the selective conversion of an alkane to an unsaturated carboxylic acid in a one-step process.

Soy proteins and/or soy derivatives with zero-valent iron compositions and use for environmental remediation (Zhang, W.-x., Lehigh University, March 24, 2009, US7507345B2).

Preparation of dispersions of zero-valence nanoscale iron particles and one of soy protein, soy milk, or other soy derivative. The dispersions can be used to treat contaminated soil or water.

Laminate film (Hase, T., et al., Nippon Bee Chemical Co. Ltd., March 31, 2009, US7510769B2).

A laminate film has a clear layer (B) comprising an acrylic-based polymer (B1) having at least one longer unsaturated double bond group and at least one shorter unsaturated double bond group as side chains, and having a weight-average molecular weight not less than 50,000 but not more than 500,000, the longer unsaturated double bond group introduced in the acrylic-based polymer (B1) by a long-chain unsaturated carboxylic acid having a molecular weight of 150 or more, and the shorter unsaturated double bond group introduced in the acrylic-based polymer (B1) by a short-chain unsaturated carboxylic acid having a molecular weight of less than 150. Compared with laminate films prepared by spray coating, dip coating, or other coating methods, this laminate film is excellent in processability, coating film properties, and ornamental properties. Thus, an article can be excellently decorated with the laminate film provided by the present invention.

Removing solution for photosensitive composition (Kaneda, M., Showa Denko KK, March 31, 2009, US7510815B2).

A removing solution for photosensitive composition for removal of colored pigment-containing photosensitive compositions, comprising at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether carboxylic acid esters, alkoxycarboxylic acid esters, and alicyclic ketones; at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of linear amides, cyclic amides, sulfur-containing compounds, and cyclic esters; and if desired an aromatic hydrocarbon having nine or more carbon atoms. The removing solution for photosensitive composition exhibits excellent photosensitive composition-removing performance.

Cyclosporin galenic forms* (Cavanak, T., and U. Posanski, Novartis AG, March 31, 2009, US7511014B2).

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclosporin as active ingredient, a fatty acid triglyceride, a glycerol fatty acid partial ester or propylene glycol or sorbitol complete or partial ester, preferably, and a tenside [surfactant] having an HLB [hydrophilic-lipophilic balance] of at least 10.
[*galenic: a medicine prepared from plants, according to a fixed recipe, as opposed to drugs of known chemical composition]

Creatine-fatty acids (Chaudhuri, S., et al., Multi Formulations Ltd., March 31, 2009, US7511164B2).

The present invention describes compounds produced from a creatine molecule and a fatty acid molecule. The compounds being in the form of creatine-fatty acid compounds being bound by an anhydride linkage, or mixtures thereof made by reacting creatine or derivatives thereof with an appropriate fatty acid previously reacted with a thionyl halide. The administration of such molecules provides supplemental creatine with enhanced bioavailability and the additional benefits conferred by the specific fatty acid.

Method, apparatus, and system for coating food items (Mangé, C., and J. Vandemark, Nestec SA, April 7, 2009, US7513213B2).

A method, apparatus, and system for coating food items such as coating empty ice cream cones subsequently containing ice cream. A liquid recovery apparatus is used in the method, apparatus, and system and is fashioned in a tray-like manner to form a slideway that includes a bottom section with openings that have collars along with opposing sidewalls and endwalls that together enable containment of coating liquid such as a chocolate coating. The chocolate coating is recovered and thereby reused as a subsequent topping for the filled ice cream cone.

Methods and devices for detecting pancreatic lipase (Huth, S., and M. Strong-Townsend, IDEXX Laboratories Inc., April 7, 2009, US7514255B2).

A method and device for determining pancreatic lipase in an animal blood sample. In one aspect, the device includes a compartmentalized container for storing and reacting the reagents for use in the assay. In another aspect, the device include a multilayer device having a spreading layer and reagents layers with dried reagents for detecting pancreatic lipase. The device also includes a system for the optical determination of a color change in the reaction mixture. The method includes the use of the device to detect pancreatic lipase in samples.

Production of biodiesel using expanded gas solvents (Ginosar, D., et al., Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, April 7, 2009, US7514575B2).

A method of producing an alkyl ester. The method comprises providing an alcohol and a triglyceride or fatty acid. An expanding gas is dissolved into the alcohol to form a gas-expanded solvent. The alcohol is reacted with the triglyceride or fatty acid in a single phase to produce the alkyl ester. The expanding gas may be a nonpolar expanding gas, such as carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentene, isomers thereof, and mixtures thereof, which is dissolved into the alcohol. The gas-expanded solvent may be maintained at a temperature below, at, or above a critical temperature of the expanding gas and at a pressure below, at, or above a critical pressure of the expanding gas.

Oils with heterogenous chain lengths (Kodali, D., and S. Nivens, Cargill Inc., April 7, 2009, US7514394B2).

Oils containing a triacylglycerol polyol ester and a nonglycerol polyol ester are described, as well as methods of making such oils. Methods for improving lubrication properties of a vegetable oil also are described.

Process for the separation of alkyl branched fatty acids from a fatty acid mixture (Tanzi, S., et al., Unichema Chemie BV, April 7, 2009, US7514576B2).

A process for the separation of alkyl branched C₁₂ to C₂₄ fatty acids from a fatty acid mixture comprising linear and alkyl branched C₁₂ to C₂₄ fatty acids comprises (i) optionally hydrogenating the fatty acid mixture, (ii) cooling the mixture to form crystals, and (iii) separating the alkyl branched C₁₂ to C₂₄ fatty acids from the mixture by dry fractionation.

Stabilizing vegetable oils and methods of making same (Higgins, N., and J. Stults, Bunge Oils Inc., April 14, 2009, US7518006B2).

A method for modifying ethylenic unsaturation in a triglyceride. One or more unsaturated fatty acyl moieties present in the triglyceride are substituted with a lactone or ketone moiety via metal ion-mediated reaction. The resulting reaction products are useful, for example, as formulations for lubricants, hydraulic fluids, dielectric fluids, and intermediates for polymer synthesis.

Liquid vegetable unsaturated alcohol and process for producing the same (Nakaoka, H., and M. Mototani, New Japan Chemical Co. Ltd., April 14, 2009, US7518022B2).

The invention is directed to liquid vegetable unsaturated alcohol mixture having an iodine value of 88 to 100 and a cloud point less than 7°C, the unsaturated alcohol mixture being prepared by reduction of a vegetable unsaturated fatty acid mixture and/or an alkyl ester thereof in the presence of a zinc-type catalyst having a copper content of 30 ppm or less, the vegetable unsaturated fatty acid mixture being prepared from at least one vegetable oil selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. The invention also concerns a liquid vegetable unsaturated alcohol mixture having an iodine value of 88 to 100, a cloud point less than 7°C or lower and a conjugated diene content of 1 wt% or less.

Dithiocarbamyl β-hydroxy fatty acid esters as additives for lubricants and fuels (Rowland, R., Chemtura Corp., April 21, 2009, US7521401B2).

Fuels, especially hydrocarbon fuels, and lubricants, especially lubricating oils, contain dithiocarbamyl β-hydroxy fatty acid esters, a class of anticorrosion, antiwear, antifatigue, and extreme-pressure additives that are derived from epoxidized fatty acid esters. The additives exhibit synergistic antiwear activity in combination with phosphorus-containing additives.

Oil in water emulsion (Lansbergen, G., and T. Stam, Unilever Bestfoods North America, April 28, 2009, US7524523B2).

Nondairy creams that comprise a mixture of triglyceride compositions, having a large variety in fatty acid and triglyceride compositions contained in the mix, show improved storage stability and whipping performance. The complex mixtures of triglycerides are preferably obtained via interesterification.

Triglyceride fat (Floeter, E., Unilever Bestfoods North America, April 28, 2009, US7524524B2).

A fat suited as fat phase for the manufacture of low-fat spreads that are stable at elevated ambient temperatures which fat comprises a mixture of triglycerides, in which 2.5 to 5.5 wt% of the triglycerides are HHH triglycerides, 25 to 65 wt%, preferably 25 to 55 wt% of the HHH triglycerides are monoacid triglycerides, and the remaining HHH triglycerides are composed of mixed fatty acid residues, 1.5 to 5 wt% of the triglycerides are HHM and HMH triglycerides, at least 85 wt% of the fatty acid residues H in HHM and HMH are palmitic acid residues, where H denotes saturated fatty acid residues having chain lengths greater than 15 carbon atoms and M denotes saturated fatty acid residues having chain lengths of either 12 or 14 carbon atoms. Such fat phase can be obtained by incorporating in a triglyceride oil a fat A and a fat B where the fat A and the fat B together amount to 6–15 wt% of the fat and the A/B weight ratio is in the range 1:9 to 4:6, characterized in that of fat A at least 50 wt% of the triglycerides are fully saturated; at least 80 wt% of the constituting saturated fatty acid residues have a chain length of 16 carbon atoms (P) or 18 carbon atoms (S), the ratio P:S being in the range 75:25–25:75, up to 5 wt% of the saturated fatty acid residues have a chain length of 12 or 14 carbon atoms and in that of fat B, at least 20 wt%, preferably at least 25 wt% of the triglycerides consist of HHM and HMH triglycerides.

Process for the production of biodiesel in continuous mode without catalysts (Dall'Agnol, A., et al., Intecnial S/A, April 28, 2009, US7524982B2).

A continuous, noncatalytic process for producing biodiesel from vegetable oils and ethanol or methanol includes pumping a mixture of vegetable alcohol through a pump toward a tube-shaped reactor, wherein the mixture is submitted to high pressure and temperature, where the resulting product is nonreacted alcohol, glycerin, and a mixture of esters (biodiesel), which is directed to the reservoir at the reactor outlet where an upper phase of alcohol is redirected through an alcohol return pipe to the pump inlet, and the intermediate phase, biodiesel, and the lower phase (mostly glycerin) are led to the separation reservoir or decantation tank, where the alcohol is removed through the alcohol return pipe, being biodiesel and glycerin the final products, which are then collected for the end to which they were aimed.

Non-emulsion based oil simulant (Hanson, F., et al., University of Utah Research Foundation, May 5, 2009, US7528097B2).

A composition and method for a non-emulsion crude oil simulant containing biodegradable oil and a terpene are disclosed and described. Biodegradable oils such as canola oil, cottonseed oil, and soybean oil can be particularly beneficial for use in connection with these oil simulants. Terpenes such as d-limonene can be included to provide oil simulant compositions that exhibit good oil simulant properties. Additives such as photochromic dyes, food dyes, food-grade antioxidants, microorganisms, and nutrients can also be used. These non-emulsion based oil simulants can be readily tailored and adjusted to approximate relevant properties of a specific target fluid for use in assessing oil spill response, containment, clean-up of equipment, percolation, and/or spill behavior.

Method for recovering unreacted alcohol from biodiesel product streams by flash purification (Fleisher, C., Orbitek Inc., May 12, 2009, US7531688B2).

A method for making fatty acid esters by reacting triglycerides with an excess of alcohol in a pressurized environment, where the unreacted alcohol component is separated from the reaction product by flash purification techniques. In this manner, the pressure of the product stream is significantly reduced to vaporize unreacted alcohol, which is then condensed for later reuse. The invention provides a cost-effective and convenient mechanism to simultaneously recycle excess alcohol and to purify ester product and/or glycerol product streams.

Method of enhancing reproductive function of mammals by feeding of conjugated linoleic acids (Bauman, D., et al., Cornell Research Foundation Inc., May 12, 2009, US7531574B2).

This invention provides methods for improving reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows and other mammals. The method in the case of cows comprises feeding to the cows a composition comprising conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12. When these CLA are fed daily to dairy cows starting at or prior to calving, and continued after parturition, an improvement in reproductive performance is observed.

Direct epoxidation process using improved catalyst composition (Grey, R., Lyondell Chemical Technology LP, May 12, 2009, US7531675B1).

Catalysts useful for the direct epoxidation of olefins are disclosed. The catalysts comprise a noble metal, lead, bismuth, and a titanium or vanadium zeolite. The noble metal, lead, and bismuth may be supported on the titanium or vanadium zeolite. The catalyst may also be a mixture comprising the titanium or vanadium zeolite and a supported catalyst comprising the noble metal, lead, bismuth, and a carrier. The invention includes a process for producing an epoxide comprising reacting an olefin, hydrogen, and oxygen in the presence of the catalyst. The process results in significantly reduced alkane by-product formed by the hydrogenation of olefin.

Selective hydrogenation process using layered catalyst composition and preparation of said catalyst (Gajda, G., UOP LLC, May 19, 2009, US7534737B2).

A selective hydrogenation process and a layered catalyst composition for use in the selective hydrogenation process are disclosed. The process is useful for the selective hydrogenation of diolefins having from about 8 to about 19 carbon atoms per molecule to monoolefins.

Method of producing dicarboxylic acids (Ngo, H., and T. Foglia, US Department of Agriculture, May 19, 2009, US7534917B1).

A method of producing dicarboxylic acids (e.g., α,ω dicarboxylic acids) by reacting a compound having a terminal COOH (e.g., unsaturated fatty acid such as oleic acid) and containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond with a second-generation Grubbs catalyst in the absence of solvent to produce dicarboxylic acids. The method is conducted in an inert atmosphere (e.g., argon, nitrogen). The process also works well with mixed unsaturated fatty acids obtained from soybean, rapeseed, tall, and linseed oils.

Method for producing a biobased carpet material (Kurth, T., et al., Urethane Soy Systems Co. Inc., May 26, 2009, US7537665B2).

The present invention includes a method for making a biobased carpet material by providing tufts, a backing, a pre-coat, and a backing material wherein the pre-coat includes the reaction product of a pre-coat A-side having a pre-coat isocyanate and a pre-coat B-side and the backing material includes the reaction product of a backing material A-side having an isocyanate and a backing material B-side. The pre-coat B-side and the backing material B-side may include a polyol derived from petroleum; a vegetable oil, cross-linker, and a catalyst; or a transesterified polyol.

Transesterification process for production of (meth)acrylate ester monomers (Benderly, A., et al., Rohm and Haas Co., May 5, 2009, US7528278B2).

This invention utilizes a mixed salt transesterification catalyst in a transesterification process for the production of esters of alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers.

Production of a refinery feedstock from soaps produced during a chemical pulping process (Logan, M., et al., Bluekey Energy Inc., US7540889B2, June 2, 2009).

The process for preparing a refinery feedstock from black liquor soap comprising adding excess alcohol (preferably methanol) to black liquor soap. Acid is then added to the mixture to drop the pH of the mixture to approximately 2 to convert carboxylate salt of fatty and resin acids to the free fatty and resin acids. In the reaction process, the free fatty and resin acids react with the alcohol, with the aid of the acid catalyst, to yield the desired ester products. The resulting feedstock can be distilled or refined to yield sterols and related alcohols, biodiesel, and other fuels.

Catalytic cracking process for the production of diesel from vegetable oils (Pinho, A., et al., Petróleo Brasileiro SA, US7540952B2, June 2, 2009).

The present invention relates to a thermocatalytic process to produce diesel oil from vegetable oils, in refineries that have two or more fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) reactors. At least one reactor processes heavy petroleum or residue in conventional operation conditions while at least one reactor processes vegetable oils in proper operation conditions to produce diesel oil. This process employs the same catalyst employed in the FCC process, which processes conventional feedstocks simultaneously. This process transforms high heat content raw materials into fuel hydrocarbons. It may improve efficiency for the obtainment of highly pure products and may not yield glycerin, one by-product of the transesterification process. The diesel oil produced by said process may have superior qualities and/or a cetane number higher than 40. Once cracking conditions occur at lower temperatures, it may form a less-oxidized product, which is consequently purer than those obtained by existent technology.

Method and article for applying and monitoring a surfactant (Copland, D., et al., Spencerhall Inc., US7544409B2, June 9, 2009).

The present invention is directed to a method and an article for performing the method of monitoring a surfactant. A preferred embodiment of the invention, an article comprises a substrate having an image and a surfactant thereon. The substrate is formed from various known fabrics or materials capable of absorbing and retaining a substantial quantity of the surfactant. During use, as the surfactant is dissipated, the image changes in appearance thereby indicating the quantity of surfactant remaining on the substrate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method and article of the present invention are effective for encouraging and making washing enjoyable for children and include the use of an epidermal surfactant, such as soap, detergent, or other active ingredient.

Catalyst for partial oxidation and preparation method thereof (Kang, J.-H., et al., LG Chemical Ltd., US7544633B2, June 9, 2009).

The present invention relates to a catalyst for partial oxidation and a preparation method thereof, more particularly to a preparation method of a complex metal oxide catalyst that shows high activity for conversion of propylene or isobutylene, maintains good selectivity for such unsaturated aldehydes as acrolein or methacrolein, and improves production yield of such unsaturated carboxylic acid as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid through stable process by using a drying control chemical additive.

Rubber composition for tire tread and pneumatic tire comprising the same (Nakazono, T., and S. Sakamoto, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, US7544731B2, June 9, 2009).

The present invention provides a rubber composition for a tire tread that can prepare a tire having improved grip properties under conditions of a high temperature, and a pneumatic tire comprising the same. The present invention relates to the rubber composition for a tire tread containing more than 5 parts by weight of a basic antioxidant based on 100 parts by weight of the diene rubber components, wherein a metallic compound is a metallic compound comprising (i) a metallic salt of an organic carboxylic acid or (ii) an inorganic metallic salt and an acid, and the pneumatic tire having a tire tread comprising the same.

Catalyst-free process for the manufacture of a fatty acid ester oil polyol (Kazemizadeh, M., Arkema Inc., US7544763B2, June 9, 2009).

The present invention relates to a manufacturing process for producing a polyol from a fatty acid ester in situ. The process does not use any added organic or inorganic acid catalyst. The polyol produced by the process is essentially free of any cation or anion. The fatty acid ester oil epoxidation and hydroxylation reactions can occur progressively in the same reactor for essentially a one-pot reaction. The polyol produced by the process is essentially free of any cation or anion. The polyol can be used to produce polyurethanes having improved properties.

Methods and systems for alkyl ester production (Parnas, R., et al., University of Connecticut, US7544830B2, June 9, 2009).

Liquid biomass is combined with an alcohol to form a combined liquid stream, introducing the combined liquid stream to a first transesterification reactor between a liquid glycerol outlet and a liquid alkyl ester outlet, reacting the liquid biomass and the alcohol to form liquid glycerol and liquid alkyl ester, and removing a liquid alkyl ester stream from an upper portion of the first transesterification reactor. The combined liquid stream flows upward through the reactor at a rate that is less than a settling velocity of the liquid glycerol.

Solid drawing material (Seki, K., and J. Sin, Buncho Corp., US7547355B2, June 16, 2009).

A solid drawing material containing a gel-forming substance of an alkali metal salt or an ammonium salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, an alkoxylated nitrogen-containing compound, a reduced starch saccharide, and a coloring agent. The solid drawing material, which is in the form of a stick, features a large strength, a small drawing resistance, is less subject to be collapsed or broken, produces little shavings while drawing, makes it possible to favorably form a drawing even on smooth surfaces such as windowpanes, and of which the traces after drawing can be easily wiped out with a wet cloth.

Particulate creamer comprising fat and food compositions comprising said creamer (Flöter, E., et al., Unilever Bestfoods North America, US7547458B2, June 16, 2009).

Particulate compositions comprising 10–90 wt% of a matrix material and 10–90 wt% of triglycerides of fatty acids, wherein of said triglycerides the amount of H3 (triglyceride of 3 saturated fatty acids of 16 or more carbon atoms) and H2U (triglyceride of 2 saturated fatty acids of 16 or more carbon atoms and 1 cis-unsaturated fatty acid) taken together is at least 55 wt% based on the total amount of triglycerides, wherein the compositions are preferably low in triglycerides of transunsaturated fatty acids, for use as, for example, a creamer and/or whitener. The invention also relates to a process for preparing such particulates and food products containing such creamer.

Method for esterification of free fatty acids in triglycerides (Banavali, R., and G. Pierce, Rohm & Haas, US7550614B2, June 23, 2009).

A method for esterification of free fatty acids in triglycerides, with C₁-C₈ aliphatic alcohols. The method uses an acidic ion exchange resin as a catalyst. The catalyst is contacted with a reaction mixture containing a triglyceride having at least 1% free fatty acids and a C₁–C₈ aliphatic alcohol under conditions suitable for esterification.

Electro-optic displays, and materials for use therein (Fazel, S., et al., E Ink Corp., US7551346B2, June 23, 2009).

An electro-optic display comprises a layer of solid electro-optic material; a backplane comprising at least one electrode; and an adhesive layer disposed between the layer of electro-optic material and the backplane and adhesively securing the layer of electro-optic material to the backplane, the adhesive layer comprising a thermally activated cross-linking agent comprising an epoxidized vegetable oil fatty acid or an epoxidized ester of such a fatty acid. The cross-linking agent reduces void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes.

Enzymatic production of peracids using perhydrolytic enzymes (DiCosimo, R., et al., DuPont, US7550420B2, June 23, 2009).

A process is provided to produce a concentrated aqueous peracid solution in situ using at least one enzyme having perhydrolase activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (at a concentration of at least 500 mM) under neutral to acidic reaction conditions from suitable carboxylic acid esters (including glycerides) and/or amides substrates. The concentrated peracid solution produced is sufficient for use in a variety of disinfection and/or bleaching applications.

Starch-vegetable oil graft copolymers and their biofiber composites, and a process for their manufacture (Narayan, R., et al., Michigan State University, US7553919B2, June 30, 2009).

A new starch–vegetable oil graft copolymer, wherein the vegetable oil has been reacted onto the starch backbone using thermal or free radical initiators, has been produced in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch–vegetable oil graft copolymer can further be reinforced with biofiber in the presence of an optional modifier such as maleic anhydride by reactive extrusion processing to form composites suitable to be injection-molded into biodegradable articles.

Biofuel and process for making biofuels (Morris, M.A., Bio-Alternative, LLC, US7553982B1, June 30, 2009).

A method of producing biodiesel from a source of triglycerides. The source of triglycerides is reacted with a blended alcohol composition in the presence of a catalyst to form a mixture of at least one fatty acid alcohol ester and glycerin. The fatty acid alcohol ester is then separated from the glycerin and is purified to produce a biofuel. The blended alcohol composition comprises at least one lower alcohol, a ketone, and ethyl acetate. The use of the blended alcohol composition allows the esterification process to proceed under ambient temperature and pressure conditions within a relatively short reaction time.

Pendant fatty acid imaging agents (Babich, J., Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc., US7556794B2, July 7, 2009).

The disclosure provides pendant fatty acid compounds for use in diagnostic imaging (particularly the cardiovascular system), as well as kits comprising the same. The disclosure also provides for a method administering an imaging agent with a high specificity for the myocardium.

Flame retardant (Iio, M., et al., Yazaki Corp., US7563395B2, July 21, 2009).

A flame retardant is provided that has excellent dispersibility in resin ingredients and can give flame-retardant resin moldings excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties. The flame retardant comprises magnesium hydroxide particles; a higher fatty acid, preferably stearic acid, bonded to part of the surface of the magnesium hydroxide particles; and a silicone oil, having reactivity, bonded to that surface part of the magnesium hydroxide particles that does not have the higher fatty acid bonded thereto.

Green biodiesel (Matson, J., and D. Kannan, Penn State Research Foundation, US7563915B2, July 21, 2009).

Methods for improved manufacture of green biodiesel focus on the selection and use of one or more solid metallic oxide base catalyst(s) selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide (CaO), calcium aluminum oxide (CaO-Al₂O₃), calcium titanate (CaTiO₃), barium titanate (BaTiO₃), magnesium aluminum oxide (MgO-Al₂O₃), zinc oxide (ZnO), copper (II) oxide (CuO), nickel oxide (NiO), manganese oxide (MnO), titanium oxide (TiO), vanadium oxide (VO), cobalt oxide (CoO), iron oxide (FeO), chromite (FeCr₂O₄), hydrotalcite [Mg₆Al₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₆Al₄(H₂O)], magnetite (Fe₃O₄), magnesium silicate, and calcium silicate.

Oil filtration process (Oberlin, T., et al., Oberlin Filter Co., US7566468B1, July 28, 2009).

A process of continuous, on-line active filtration of cooking oil during food processing in a vat to remove free fatty acids and other undesirable impurities includes moving oil from the vat to a treatment tank; adding an amount of adsorbent to the oil in the treatment tank; mixing the oil and the adsorbent in the treatment tank for a time to allow substantially all of the free fatty acid adsorption of the process to occur in the tank; drawing treated oil from the treatment tank and moving it to a flatbed pressure filter; filtering the treated oil through the filter to remove the impurity-laden adsorbent therefrom; returning the filtered oil to the vat; and conducting the foregoing steps at a rate such that a volume of oil substantially equal to the volume of the vat is filtered each hour.

Non-dairy whippable food product (Joseph, J., et al., Rich Products Corp., US7563470B2, July 21, 2009).

The present invention provides a nondairy whippable food product that comprises an oil-in-water emulsion. This product is pourable at refrigeration as well as room temperature, making it easily whippable. The product comprises at least 30% triglyceride fats, emulsifiers comprising polysorbate 60 and polysorbate 80, stabilizers, and proteins such that the whipped confection has a smooth and nongreasy texture, nonwaxy mouth feel and pleasurable organoleptic characteristics.

Method for the separation of phospholipids from phospholipid-containing materials (Abril, J., et al., Martek Biosciences Corp., US7566570B2, July 28, 2009).

Methods are disclosed for extracting and separating polar lipids, including phospholipids, from materials containing oil, polar lipid, protein, ash, and/or carbohydrate, such as egg yolks and other phospholipid-containing materials. In particular, methods for extracting phospholipids from phospholipid-containing materials through the use of an aliphatic alcohol and control of temperature are disclosed. Using these methods, phospholipids in the aqueous liquid fraction will be efficiently separated and will precipitate readily, and can be subjected to separation for improved purity.

Bonded foam product manufactured with vegetable oil polyol and method for manufacturing (Gilder, S., L & P Property Management Co., US7566406B2, July 28, 2009).

A bonded foam product manufactured with a vegetable oil polyol is herein disclosed. The pre-polymer for use as a binder in the manufacture of a bonded foam product comprises an isocyanate and a vegetable oil polyol, wherein the pre-polymer is substantially free of any petrochemical polyol. In another aspect, the invention is method for making a bonded foam product, the method comprising coating a plurality of foam pieces with a pre-polymer, the pre-polymer comprising an isocyanate and a vegetable oil polyol, wherein the pre-polymer is substantially free of any petrochemical polyol, compressing the foam pieces into a foam log of a desired density, and steaming the foam log to cure the pre-polymer. If desired, a process oil may be added to the pre-polymer to modify the viscosity of the pre-polymer.

 

Patent Applications

 

Method for preparing processed edible oil having a highly enriched buttery flavor and a very low content of trans fatty acids and processed edible oil prepared by the same (Jung, M., and Chio, D., Ind Academic Coop, July 10, 2008, WO2008082106A1).

The method of the present invention involves performing the deodorization step before the hydrogenation step and carrying out the hydrogen addition reaction under mild conditions effective to prevent the hardening of edible oil and trans fatty acid production, resulting in the production of processed edible oil having an enriched buttery flavor that is 100-fold stronger than the conventional hydrogenated oil with no unpleasant smell and a very low trans fatty acid content.

Methods of forming heat-stable soy milk concentrates (Akashe, A., et al., Fitch Even Tabin & Flannery, July 17, 2008, US20080171125A1).

Methods are provided to prepare heat-stable soy milk concentrates above 3.2× based on the level of protein that are thermally stable upon achieving an F_o of at least 5 [where F_o is the amount of time, in minutes, equivalent to time at 121°C, to which a unit has been exposed during a sterilization cycle (by moist heat)]. One method removes soluble carbohydrates prior to concentration. Another method removes both soluble and insoluble carbohydrates prior to concentration. Yet other methods prepare soy milk concentrates using partially hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.

Renewable engine fuel (Rusek, J., et al., Swift Enterprises, Ltd., July 17, 2008, US20080168706A1).

The present invention provides fully renewable engine fuels derived completely from biomass sources. The fully renewable engine fuel is comprised of one or more low carbon number esters, one or more pentosan-derivable furans, one or more aromatic hydrocarbons, one or more C₄-C₁₀ straight-chain alkanes derivable from polysaccharides, and one or more bio-oils. In addition, the fuel may contain triethanolamine. Such a lower octane renewable fuel may be utilized, for example, in automobile fuel, 100 LL aviation fuel applications, and turbine engine applications. These ethanol-based, fully renewable fuels may be formulated to have a wide range of octane values and energy, and may effectively be used to replace 100LL aviation fuel (known as AvGas), as well as high octane, rocket, diesel, and turbine engine fuels.

Biodegradable grease composition using distillation residue generated in production of biodiesel (Kim, K., and Lee, M., Nathan N Kallman, July 17, 2008, US20080171676A1).

A grease composition using lubricating base oil that is biodegradable by microorganisms in nature and has an affinity to the human body is provided. More particularly, a distillation residue secondarily generated in production of biodiesel from vegetable oil (soybean oil and canola oil) is used as the lubricating base oil. The grease composition is produced by adding 1 to 20 wt% of additives to 100 to 95 wt% of distillation residues, which is generated in production of biodiesel, and 1 to 30 wt% of thickeners.

Food compositions incorporating stearidonic acid (Wilkes, R., Monsanto Technology LLC, July 17, 2008, WO2008085841A1).

The present invention relates to the improvement of food items through the increased utilization of plant-derived stearidonic acid incorporated into a wide range of food products by using either oil or flour processed from soybeans with enhanced levels of stearidonic acid.

Process and apparatus for the heat treatment of a wood product and treated wood product (Chaala, A., and Koubaa, A., Universite Québec En Abitibi Temisca, July 17, 2008, WO2008083462A1).

A process and apparatus for treatment of wood, typically moist wood, using a heated bioester derived from vegetable oil or animal fat. The bioester exhibits a decreased viscosity vs. other methods of heated oil treatment thereby providing for deep penetration of the heated bioester into the wood.

Methods of hydrotreating a mixture made up of oils of animal or vegetable origin and of petroleum cuts with quench injection of the oils on the last catalyst bed (Marchand, K., and Bertoncini, F., Millen, White, Zelano & Branigan, P.C., July 24, 2008, US20080173570A1).

A hydrotreating method uses two catalyst beds with the introduction, on the last catalyst bed, of oils of animal or vegetable origin for co-treating a mixture made up of oils of vegetable or animal origin and of petroleum cuts (gas oil cuts [GO] and middle distillates) in order to produce gas oil effluents meeting specifications with an improved cetane number. The process economy, the tolerance to the specifications relative to oils of animal or vegetable origin and the quality of the products obtained are thus greatly improved.

Conveyor lubricants including emulsion of a lipophilic compound and an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant and methods employing them (Seemeyer, S., et al., Ecolab Inc., July 24, 2008, US20080176778A1).

The present invention relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The present invention also relates to methods employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the method includes applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a nonenergized nozzle.

Hydrated fat compositions and dough articles (Staeger, M., et al., General Mills Marketing Inc., July 24, 2008, US20080175958A1).

Hydrated fat compositions are disclosed comprising a water-in-oil emulsion comprising (i) a continuous phase comprising: a solid fat comprising a fully hydrogenated vegetable oil, a stearine fraction of a vegetable oil, or a mixture thereof, in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 40 wt% of the hydrated fat; and a low trans-fat liquid vegetable oil in an amount ranging from about 20 wt% to about 80 wt% of the hydrated fat composition; (ii) a dispersed phase comprising water in an amount ranging from about 5 wt% to about 60 wt% of the hydrated fat composition; and (iii) an emulsifier.

Enzyme-assisted de-emulsification of aqueous lipid extracts (Birschbach, P., et al., Danisco US Inc. Genencor Division, July 24, 2008, WO2008088489A2).

Compositions and processes for destabilizing an oil-in-water emulsion resulting from the aqueous solvent extraction of plant oils are disclosed. The processes comprise the use of one or more enzyme activities including phospholipase and protease activity. The processes are useful for improving the extraction of oil from oilseeds, as well as for obtaining more desirable proteins from those oilseeds.

Maleated and oxidized fatty acids (Hurd, P., et al., Georgia Pacific Chemicals LLC, July 31, 2008, US20080179570A1).

An oxidized and maleated fatty acid composition, especially an oxidized and maleated tall oil fatty acid-containing product useful in formulating corrosion inhibitors and for use as an emulsifier, especially for petroleum-related applications.

Processes for removing bitter components from soy protein isolates (Staerk, D., and Ghosh, P., Solae LLC, July 31, 2008, US20080182002A1).

Novel processes for the production of soy protein isolates having reduced off-flavors from conventional hydrolyzed soy protein isolates are disclosed. One embodiment includes an extraction and separation process for removing bitter components to achieve soy protein isolates with reduced bitter flavor. The produced soy protein isolates are suitable for use in a number of food products.

Processes for the production of triglycerides of unsaturated fatty acids in the presence of enzymes (Schoerken, U., et al., Cognis Corp., Patent Department, July 31, 2008, US20080182304A1).

Processes for the enzyme-catalyzed production of triglycerides using polyunsaturated fatty acids, in which the reaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or C_1-4 alkyl esters thereof with glycerol in vacuo in the presence of an immobilized enzyme to form triglycerides is accelerated by addition of an additive from the group of weakly basic salts, complexing agents, and ion exchangers and/or addition of a weakly basic salt and/or addition of an entraining agent in the form of a solvent or a gas and/or addition of glycerol-binding adsorbers and/or heat treatment of the partial glyceride intermediate product.

Enzymatic degumming utilizing a mixture of PLA and PLC phospholipases (Dayton, C., et al., Jones Day, July 31, 2008, US20080182322A1).

A method for degumming an oil composition comprises contacting oil simultaneously with one or more phospholipase A (PLA) enzymes and one or more phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes, under conditions sufficient for the enzymes to react with the phospholipids to create phospholipid reaction products.

Glycerol ester-free functionalized vegetable oil derivatives and their latex compositions (Thames, S., et al., Howrey LLP, July 31, 2008, US20080183000A1).

The present invention is directed to a fatty amide (meth)acrylate monomer, methods of making the monomer, and latex polymers comprising the fatty amide (meth)acrylate monomer. The monomers are derived by reacting unsaturated vegetable oils with ethanolamine or substituted ethanolamine. The vegetable oil derivative is then reacted with either (meth)acryloyl chloride or (meth)acrylic acid to form a fatty amide (meth)acrylate monomer or the product of the reaction of hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate reacted with isophorone diisocyanate to form a urethane fatty amide(meth)acrylate monomer. The increased hydrophilicity of the fatty amide(meth)acrylate monomer facilitates the diffusion through the aqueous phase. The monomer synthesis is designed to be glycerol ester-free to increase long-term stability for monomers and polymers.

Use of lipid conjugates for the coating of stents and catheters (Yedgar, S., Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP, July 31, 2008, US20080183282A1).

This invention provides a device coated on at least a portion of a surface of the device. The device coating comprises a lipid or phospholipid moiety bound to a polypyranose. Methods of preventing, inhibiting or treating vessel damage or vessel occlusion, for example in a disease of the vasculature in a subject such as cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, are described.

Human milk fat substitutes (Shulman, A., et al., Enzymotec Ltd., August 14, 2008, US20080193624A1).

Disclosed are human milk fat (HMF) substitutes, processes for their preparation, uses thereof, and fat blends and infant formulae containing them. A fat base composition of the invention comprises a mixture of vegetable-derived triglycerides, with less than 50% of the fatty acid residues bonded at the sn-2 position being saturated.

Low trans fatty acid shortening compositions (Kincs, F., and Cruz, R., McAndrews Held & Malloy, Ltd., August 21, 2008, US20080199590A1).

Interesterified or blended shortening compositions having a relatively low proportion of trans fatty acid are described. The shortening compositions are made by blending or interesterifying low-linolenic soybean oil, including from 1 to 3.5 wt% linolenic fatty acid moieties and from 0 to 2 wt% trans fatty acid moieties, and a highly saturated fat including from 0 to 2 wt% of trans fatty acid moieties. The interesterified or blended shortening composition has a trans-fatty acid moiety content of from 0 to 2 wt%. These interesterified or simple blends are low in trans fatty acid, but are otherwise similar in composition and performance to partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Artificial firelog using nonpetroleum waxes (De Oliveira, W., et al., Duraflame Inc., August 21, 2008, US20080196301A1).

An artificial firelog of the invention includes as constituents (i) a combustible cellulosic material and (ii) a combustible nonpetroleum wax, wherein the relative proportions of the constituents are, by weight, from about 30% to about 70% of (i) and from about 30% to about 70% of (ii) for 100 parts of (i) and (ii).

Production of degummed fatty acid alkyl esters (Holm, H., et al., Novozymes AS, August 21, 2008, US20080199924A1).

The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters, such as fatty acid methyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters with a low level of impurities such as phospholipids. The method of the invention is simplified by combining two process steps into one single process step and is therefore economically cheaper. The method includes mixing water, alcohol, triglyceride, and/or free fatty acids and a lipolytic enzyme and a phospholipase. Subsequently the aqueous phase, which contains glycerine, residual enzyme, and most of the hydrolyzed phospholipids, is separated from the nonaqueous phase, whereby the content of phospholipids in the nonaqueous phase is reduced.

Methods of purifying biodiesel fuels (Powell, S., Sheridan Ross PC, August 28, 2008, US20080202021A1).

The invention provides methods of synthesizing and purifying methyl esters and specifically biodiesel fuels. The methods include acid-catalyzed transesterification of a triglyceride source followed by formation of an acidic emulsion that is subjected to an electric field to break the emulsion and recover the purified methyl esters. After recovery, the purified methyl esters may be used as a highly purified and stable biodiesel fuel without further treatment. The electric field may be efficiently applied to the acidic emulsion in an electrochemical reactor such as an electrocoagulation chamber.

Chromium-fatty acid compounds and methods of making and using thereof (Barrow, C., et al., Needle & Rosenberg, P.C., August 28, 2008, US20080206316A1).

Disclosed are compounds comprising one or more chromium atoms bonded to one or more fatty acids. Also disclosed are nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical formulations, delivery devices, and foodstuffs comprising the disclosed compounds. Methods of using the disclosed compounds and compositions to improve health are also disclosed.

Low-trans puff pastry composition, method of use and puff pastry products (Fine, J., et al., Aarhuskarlshamn USA Inc., August 28, 2008, US20080206413A1).

Disclosed are improvements in puff pastry preparation, which reduce, and preferably eliminate, trans unsaturated fatty acids by the use of a new puff pastry fat comprised principally of palm olein, which is preferably interesterified. The puffed pastry fats exhibit low levels of trans fatty acids. The puff pastry fats and products are highly functional without resort to high solids contents, hydrogenation, or butter or other animal fats.

Method for the manufacturing of soy and milk protein-based preparations having a high total protein content (Geiger, R., Gervais Danone SA, August 28, 2008, US20080206416A1).

The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a protein-enriched food preparation containing soy proteins and milk-derived proteins, said method comprising at least hydration of soy proteins and thickener agent in two different recipients, mixing, adding milk-derived proteins, homogenizing, and acidifying the resulting mix. The invention also concerns protein-enriched food preparations obtainable by said method, as well as a method for preparing protein-enriched acidic food products using said preparations, and protein-enriched acidic food products obtainable by this method.

Glyceride compounds and uses thereof (Howell, J., et al., University of Keele, September 11, 2008, US20080220267A1).

A glyceride compound comprising a first aliphatic group and a first substituent group bonded to said first aliphatic group. An aqueous emulsion of the glyceride can be used in an emulsion polymerization reaction to yield a polymer resin, which can then be mixed with a suitable base material, such as wood strands, to produce a composite material, such as Oriented Strand Board.

Phospholipids with unsaturated alkyl and acyl chains (Hansjorg, E., and Hottkowitz, T., Max Planck Gesellschaft, September 4, 2008, US20080214849A1).

The invention relates to phospholipid-like compounds having defined apolar constituents and to the use of such compounds as liposomes, active ingredients, and solubilizers.

Low density confectionery compositions (Cantz, S., Barry Callebaut AG, September 4, 2008, WO2008104361A1).

A confectionery composition comprises cocoa-based material, fat, glucose, and sucrose. The composition comprises glucose in an amount of between 10 and 85% by weight based on the weight of the composition, has a weight ratio of glucose to sucrose of at least 0.5, preferably between 1.2 and 3.5, and has a weight ratio of glucose to fat of at least 0.5, preferably between 0.9 and 4. The composition has a density of less than 0.2 g/cm³, preferably between 0.03 and 0.15 g/cm³.

Process for the production of carboxylic acid esters (Glasl, W., et al., BDI Biodiesel International AG,September 18, 2008, US20080227994A1).

The invention relates to a process for the production of carboxylic acid esters by esterification of carboxylic acids and/or transesterification of carboxylic acid esters with alcohols in the presence of a liquid metal catalyst, characterized in that the liquid metal catalyst is the alkaline earth metal salt of a carboxylic acid.

Solid phase glycerolysis (Soe, J., Danisco, September 25, 2008, US20080233235A1).

An enzymatic solid phase reaction for preparing a solid having greater than 40% monoglyceride from a reaction mixture; wherein the reaction mixture comprises: (i) lipase; (ii) at least 14 wt% glycerol; and (iii) glyceride; and optionally (iv) lecithin; such that if (iv) is not present then the glyceride (iii) has an iodine value of between about 5 and about 35, and a solid fat content of more than about 75% at 20°C.

Method of making complexed fat compositions (Zietlow, P., General Mills Inc., October 1, 2008, EP1973414A2).

A process of preparing a complexed fat composition is provided. The process comprises mixing a cyclodextrin with a solvent in an in-line mixing system at a temperature of from about 180 to about 200°F (82.2 to about 93.3°C), thereby solubilizing the cyclodextrin; mixing fat and the solubilized cyclodextrin in a static mixer mixing system at a temperature of from about 80 to about 120°F (26.7 to about 48.9°C) to form a fat/cyclodextrin composition comprising a fat/cyclodextrin complex; and cooling the fat/cyclodextrin composition in an in-line mixing system.

Qualitative assay of extra-virgin olive oils (Ippolito, F., et al., Young & Thompson, August 21, 2008, US20080199962A1).

A methodology that enables introduction of an innovative assay for evaluating the extra-virgin olive oil (EOO), based upon the quantification of the main components of the saponifiable and nonsaponifiable fractions of EOO and on its total antioxidizing power.

Formulations for spray-drying large porous particles (Lipp, M., et al., Advanced Inhalation Research, Inc., October 2, 2008, US20080241253A1).

Particles having a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm³ are formed by spray drying from a colloidal solution including a carboxylic acid or salt thereof, a phospholipid, a divalent salt, and a solvent such as an aqueous-organic solvent. The colloidal solution can also include a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agent. Preferred carboxylic acids include at least two carboxyl groups. Preferred phospholipids include phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylglycerols, phophatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols, and combinations thereof. The particles are suitable for pulmonary delivery.

Simultaneous synthesis and purification of a fatty acid monoester biodiesel fuel (Geier, D., and Soper, J., Archer Daniels Midland Co., October 8, 2008, EP1976611A2).

Simultaneous synthesis and purification of a fatty acid monoester biodiesel fuel from a triacylglycerol feedstock using simulated moving bed chromatography is described.

Rapid fatty acid assay for use in pulp pitch control (Jiang, C., et al., Enzymatic Deinking Technologies, LLC, October 2, 2008, US20080236770A1).

Methods are provided for determining the surface fatty acid (FA) content in a wood pulp or whitewater sample. The methods comprise reacting free fatty acids (FFA) that are present on the surface of the wood pulp fibers in the sample or in the whitewater with one or more reagents to form a measurable species, and determining the FA content from the quantitative measurement of the measurable species. The method is useful as a quick, portable, accurate, and low-cost assay for assessing the FA content present at various sample points in pulp and paper mills. The method for determining the FFA content can be conducted in a batch process (e.g., where samples are collected periodically and the test is conducted offline). Alternatively, the method for determining the FFA content can be conducted in a continuous or semicontinuous process (e.g., online sampling/analysis).

Vegetable oil based construction materials (Forth, J., and Zoorob, S., University of Leeds, October 9, 2008, US20080245269A1).

The present invention provides a composition for use in the production of a construction element, said composition comprising a vegetable oil and a graded aggregate having a maximum aggregate particle size of around 15 mm and/or an aggregate porosity of greater than 5%. Construction elements produced using the composition are described. There is further provided a structural element comprising at least partially cured vegetable oil and an aggregate. A method for producing a construction element is provided comprising mixing partially cured vegetable oil with an aggregate and then further curing said vegetable oil within said mixture.

System and method for using vegetable oil as fuel for diesel engines (Triska, J., c/o Stites & Harbison, PLLC, October 9, 2008, US20080245350A1).

A system and method for using vegetable oil as fuel for a diesel engine includes: A diesel fuel tank; a vegetable oil fuel tank, a supply fuel valve for switching a supply fuel output port between a diesel fuel input port and a vegetable oil fuel input port; an overflow fuel valve for switching an overflow fuel input port between a vegetable oil fuel output port and a diesel fuel output port; a fuel selector switch; and an electronic block controller. The electronic block controller is for, in response to a user changing the fuel selector switch from diesel fuel to vegetable oil fuel, waiting a predetermined amount of time to allow the vegetable oil fuel to flush the diesel fuel to the overflow fuel valve, and then setting the overflow fuel valve to direct overflow vegetable oil fuel to the vegetable oil fuel tank. Cross-contamination of the fuel tanks is avoided.

Improved process for the production of derivatives of saturated carboxylic acids (Bastioli, C., et al., Novamont S.p.A., October 9, 2008, US20080245995A1).

A process for the production of saturated carboxylic acids and their derivatives comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a derivative of an unsaturated fatty acid with an oxidizing compound in the presence of a catalyst capable of catalyzing the reaction of oxidation of the double olefinic bond of the derivative of the unsaturated fatty acid so as to obtain as intermediate product of reaction a vicinal diol; and (b) reacting said intermediate compound with oxygen, or a compound containing oxygen, in the presence of a catalyst capable of catalyzing the reaction of oxidation of the hydroxyl groups of the vicinal diol to carboxylic groups, characterized in that both of the steps (a) and (b) are carried out in the absence of added organic solvent and in that the water/diol ratio in the reaction of step (b) is less than 1:1.

Chocolate composition (Bruse, F., et al., Cargill Inc., October 9, 2008, US20080248186A1).

A chocolate composition having a fat phase, characterized in that said fat phase: has a slip melting point of at least 27.5°C, preferably of between 30 and 37°C; and comprises both modified and unmodified fats, wherein said modified fats comprise an interesterified fat consisting of interesterified cocoa butter.

Mixture containing fatty acid glycerides (Schoerken, U., et al., c/o Synnestvedt & Lechner LLP, October 9, 2008, US20080248187A1).

A mixture containing fatty acid glycerides that has a high percentage content of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) acyl groups and a low percentage content of saturated fatty acid acyl groups is described. A process that enables the PUFA acyl groups in a mixture containing fatty acid glycerides (for example, a fish oil) to be enriched and, at the same time, the content of saturated fatty acid acyl groups to be maintained at a low content is described. The process is a hydrolytic process or an alcoholysis in which the fatty acid acyl groups to be enriched are hydrolytically or alcoholytically released from the fatty acid glycerides slowly, if at all, the process being carried out in the presence of a lipase.

Method for preparing fatty acid esters of natural origin functionalized by oxidation for use as fluxing oils for bitumen (Deneuvillers, C., and L.C. Hoang, Colas SA, October 16, 2008, US20080250975A1).

A method for preparing a fluxing oil, having an iodine number ranging from 50 to 200, based on fatty substances of natural origin having been chemically functionalized by oxidation, includes the steps of: (i) providing a fatty substance or a mixture of fatty substances of natural origin, (ii) subjecting the fatty substance or the mixture of fatty substances of natural origin to at least one transesterification or esterification reaction by at least one alkanol or mono-alcohol, (iii) subjecting the compound or mixture of compounds obtained at step (ii) to at least one chemical functionalization reaction by oxidation introducing at least one functional group selected from carboxylic acid, epoxy, peroxide, aldehyde, ether, ester, alcohol, and ketone groups, and (iv) collecting the fluxing oil.

Wax mixture based on partial glycerides and pentaerythritol esters (Goget, C., and others, c/o Synnestvedt & Lechner LLP, October 9, 2008, US20080249192A1).

A wax mixture containing esters of at least one of pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, a tripentaerythritol, and partial glycerides and a self-emulsifying base containing the wax mixture and an emulsifier that can be a nonionic emulsifier, anionic emulsifier, and mixtures of the emulsifiers with an HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of at least 10.

Soy-based coating (Behr, J., Biopreserve LLC, October 16, 2008, US20080250976A1).

A soy-based coating of the invention is provided for coating materials. The coating includes a soy ester component for effecting penetration of the coating into a coated material. A soy-derived long oil acts as a binder to bind the soy ester to material structures within the coated material. The coating also includes a soy dispersed pigment and a cobalt-free primary drier that acts as a catalyst for surface drying of a combination of the pigment and the soy-derived long oil. A secondary drier is provided to promote partial drying of the soy-derived long oil while allowing the oil to retain slight viscosity within the coated material. A dispersing agent provides a consistent flow of the soy-dispersed pigment to the surface of a substrate of the coated material. The soy-dispersed pigment allows drying in combination with the soy ester.

Vegetable protein adhesive compositions (Trocino, F., Heartland Resource Technologies LLC, October 16, 2008, US20080255333A1).

Vegetable protein-based adhesive compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesives are prepared by copolymerizing hydrolyzed vegetable protein that has been functionalized with methylol groups and one or more co-monomers also having methylol functional groups. Preferred hydrolyzed vegetable proteins include hydrolyzed soy protein obtained from soy meal.

Biodiesel candle (Jones, A., c/o Intellectual Property/Technology Law, October 23, 2008, US20080256844A1).

A candle formed of a composition comprising biodiesel. The candle composition may include fatty alcohols, e.g., cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol, in mixture with the biodiesel, to constitute a candle composition that can be burned in a wicked or wickless form. The composition of biodiesel and fatty alcohols may include dyes and/or fragrances, to provide a candle article that is environmentally benign and of low cost.

Process for preparing glyceryl carbonate (Schmitt, B., and others, Evonik Roehm GmbH, October 16, /2008, US20080255372A1).

The present invention relates to a process for preparing highly pure glyceryl carbonate by transesterifying dialkyl carbonates or cyclic carbonates in the presence of a basic catalyst.

Application of crude glycerin for improved livestock production (Cecava, M., and others, Archer Daniels Midland Co., October 23, 2008, US20080260896A1).

Methods for using or incorporating glycerin in animal feeds are disclosed. Animal feeds including the glycerin are also disclosed, as well as methods of feeding such animal feeds to animals.

Intermolecular compounds of fatty acid triglycerides (Arimoto, S., and others, Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., October 23, 2008, US20080260931A1).

There are provided an intermolecular compound of (i) di-saturated medium-chain fatty acids mono-saturated long-chain fatty acid triglyceride and (ii) 1,3-di-saturated long-chain fatty acids 2-mono-unsaturated long-chain fatty acid triglyceride, of which a long spacing value by X-ray diffraction is 65% or more, and foods containing the intermolecular compound. The intermolecular compound can be used as a part of fats and oils that constitute foods. Due to formation of the intermolecular compound, the fats and oils containing large amounts of symmetric triglycerides such as cocoa butter and those containing medium-chain fatty acids do not form separate crystals and therefore can maintain a smooth texture and prevent blooming.

Stabilized vegetable oils and methods of making same (Higgins, N., and J. Stults, Bunge Oils Inc., October 23, 2008, US20080262255A1).

A method for modifying ethylenic unsaturation in a triglyceride. One or more unsaturated fatty acyl moieties present in the triglyceride are substituted with a lactone or ketone moiety via an electron acceptor-mediated reaction. The resulting reaction products are useful, for example, as lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents, hydraulic fluids, or dielectric fluids, or as components of lubricants, metalworking fluids, mold release agents,

Hardened vegetable oils and derivatives thereof (Luttke, J., c/o Fish & Richardson PC, November 20, 2008, US20080282601A1).

The present invention concerns a fully hardened or partially hardened triglyceride vegetable oil composition and derivatives thereof comprising inter alia fatty acids, monoglycerides, diglycerides, and so forth. These compositions may comprise triglyceride oils or derivatives thereof with a content of various tocopherols not exceeding a level of 20 ppm. The products according to the present invention show less color development or color reversion with time, in particular upon exposure to heat and/or air.

Vegetable oil dielectric fluid composition (Rapp, K., et al., Cooper Industries Inc., November 20, 2008, US20080283803A1).

An electrical device having therein a dielectric fluid composition, wherein the dielectric fluid composition includes at least one refined, bleached, and deodorized vegetable oil and at least one antioxidant, wherein the dielectric fluid composition has a pour point of less than about 20°C as measured according to either of ASTM D 97 or ASTM D 5950.

Composition based on triethyl citrate for the prevention of enzymatic hydrolysis of triglycerides (De Paoli Ambrosi, G., c/o McGlew & Tuttle, PC, November 20, 2008, US20080287377A1).

The invention concerns a composition for topical use for the protection of triglycerides against enzymatic hydrolysis, which contains triethyl citrate as an active ingredient either pure or in combination with some synergists. The triethyl citrate is in a quantity in weight expressed as a percentage from 0.1 to 99.9, preferably from 0.2 to 50% or even better a weight expressed as a percentage from 1.0 to 25.0. The claims are also directed to the use of triethylcitrate for the treatment of acne and seborrheic dermatitis, for the protection of triglycerides in alimentary products, and for treatment of aesthetic cutaneous effects in the cosmetic field.

Fuel and lubricant additives and methods for improving fuel economy and vehicle emissions (Ritter, C., and Ritter, M., C.M. Intellectual Property and Research, Inc., December 4, 2008, US20080295391A1).

An additive for use in diesel, fuel lubricants, cutting fluids, lowering pour point, and the like includes a calcium source, a suspension agent, a castor oil, and optionally a castor supplement/replacement. In many embodiments, polyalphaolefin is included. The preferred suspension agents are fatty acid esters, triglycerides or other, with a pour point/melt point from about 5°C to about 50°C. Suspension agents of particular interest are: (i) polymerized ester(s) of ricinoleic acid (polymerized ester(s) of 12-hydroxy oleic acid), (ii) polymerized ester(s) of 12-hydroxy stearic acid, (iii) waxy esters of ricinoleic acid, (iv) palm oil, (v) palm-olein, (vi) coconut oil, and (vii) jojoba oil. The waxy esters may result from polymerization of shorter carboxylic acid monomers. The additive may be used in fuels to improve combustion engine performance in terms of efficiency and emissions. Polyalphaolefin may be important, especially in additive formulations for diesel fuels, for NOx reduction. The additive may be used in lubricants that improve performance of both ferrous and nonferrous metal components of engines, guns, or other machinery. The additive also may be used in cutting fluids for machining and fabrication. Used in conjunction with other additives, embodiments of the invention may be used to lower pour points in oils, esters, and other similar products.

Method for recycling and exploitation of the glycerin obtained in the production of biodiesel (Rabello, C., et al., Petroleo Brasileiro SA, December 4, 2008, US20080295392A1).

A method to exploit the glycerin obtained as a by-product of the industrial process to produce biodiesel inside or out of the industrial production unit, providing a reduction in the environmental liability that may be caused by an excess in the production of glycerin that cannot be exploited for industrial use. The referenced method uses recycling of the glycerin obtained through industrial process to produce biodiesel, using a process basically consisting of four stages: (i) extracting glycerin produced as a by-product of the industrial process for producing biodiesel, (ii) hydrogenation of said n-propanol glycerin, (iii) recycling of the n-propanol thus obtained to be added to a mixture of alcohols, and (iv) transesterfication of the n-propanol mixture added to the alcohol mixture, together with raw material triglycerides from renewable sources in order to obtain biodiesel. The referenced recycling of the n-propanol stream provides a reduction in the amount of the alcohol mixture necessary for the industrial process to produce biodiesel, consequently reducing operational costs.

Cetane-improving component for diesel fuels and diesel fuels containing it (Furuta, S., et al., Total France, December 4, 2008, US20080295394A1).

Cetane improver for diesel fuels, characterized in that it comprises at least one ester of stearic acid, selected from the esters of linear or branched monoalcohols containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms: (i) added in the pure state to a mixture of at least one vegetable or animal oil ester in crude or partially hydrogenated form (ii) or else included in a mixture of esters of one or more vegetable and/or animal oils, in crude or partially hydrogenated form, the mixtures of saturated or unsaturated esters being such that the ratio by mass of the amount of stearic ester(s) to the total sum of the amounts of unsaturated esters present in the vegetable or animal oil esters varies from 1 to 12%, and the unsaturated fatty acid esters being esters of mono- or polyunsaturated acids containing at least 18 carbon atoms with monoalcohols.

Process for producing branched hydrocarbons (Koivusalmi, E., et al., Neste Oil Oyj, December 11, 2008, US20080302001A1).

The invention relates to a process for producing saturated C5–C28 hydrocarbons, suitable as diesel fuels, kerosenes, and gasolines, comprising the steps where feedstock derived from starting material of biological origin is subjected to a condensation step and subsequently subjected to a combined hydrodefunctionalization and isomerization step.

Radiation-curable coating composition derived from epoxidized vegetable oils (Gardner, K., et al., Kenneth J. Gardner, December 11, 2008, US20080302694A1).

Various embodiments of radiation-curable coating compositions are provided. In one embodiment the radiation-curable coating composition comprises an epoxidized vegetable oil oligomer made from the reaction of epoxidized vegetable oil and at least one of a hydroxyl functional acrylate and a hydroxyl functional methacrylate, in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Candle composition (Wu, B., et al., Premier Candle Corp., December 18, 2008, US20080307696A1).

A candle composition containing nonhydrogenated oil and at least one of a long-chain hydrocarbon and a long-chain hydrocarbon derivative. A candle composition having nonhydrogenated oil and a solidifying amount of congealing reagent. A candle composition having paraffin, nonhydrogenated oil, and a solidifying amount of a congealing reagent comprising petrolatum, oxidized petrolatum, oxidized long-chain hydrocarbons, or modified hydrocarbons. A process for making a candle composition is also provided, the process comprising mixing together a nonhydrogenated oil and a congealing amount of a congealing reagent, heating mixture to a temperature of 75–90°C, preferably 75–80°C, then cooling the mixture and pouring into a container.

Catalytic process for converting renewable resources into paraffins for use as diesel blending stocks (Dindi, H., et al., DuPont, December 18, 2008, US20080308457A1).

A process for converting renewable resources such as vegetable oil and animal fat into paraffins in a single step that comprises contacting a feed that is a renewable resource with hydrogen and a catalyst that comprises a nonprecious metal and an oxide to produce a hydrocarbon product having a ratio of odd-numbered hydrocarbons to even-numbered hydrocarbons of at least 2:1.

Easily dispersible lipidic phase (Leser, M., et al., Nestec SA, December 18, 2008, US20080311211A1).

The present invention relates to the use of a lipidic phase comprising an oil and a lipophilic additive (LPA), which is suitable to make an oil-in-water emulsion by application of low energy or a manual operation. The lipidic phase contains an LPA that forms self-assembly structures inside the emulsion oil droplets. The aqueous phase contains a hydrophilic emulsifier, and the lipidic and aqueous phases are mixed without using classical high shearing devices or homogenizers.

Composition for reducing fat migration in food products (Ringhouse, T., and A. Sinclair, Vision Pharma Technologies LLC, December 18, 2008, US20080311273A1).

A composition for reducing or substantially eliminating oil or fat separation in a food product is described. The composition includes a source of saturated fat and a recrystallization agent. A method of making this composition, and of using this composition in a food product, is also described.

Composition and methods for improved lubrication, pour point, and fuel performance (Ritter, C., C.M. Intellectual Property and Research, Inc., December 18, 2008, US20080312114A1).

An additive includes polyalphaolefin (PAO), a calcium source, and one or more oils from, or components derived from, beans, seeds, or roots, such as castor oil, jojoba oil, rape (canola) seed oil, palm oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, etc. The preferred composition of matter comprises a calcium source, PAO, castor oil, jojoba oil, and a soy methyl ester and/or rapeseed methyl or ethyl ester. The additive may be used in fuels that improve combustion engine performance in terms of efficiency and emissions. The additive may be used in lubricants that improve performance of both ferrous and nonferrous metal components of engines, guns, or other machinery. The additive also may be used in cutting fluids for machining and fabrication. Used in conjunction with other additives, embodiments of the invention may be used to lower pour points in oils, esters, and other similar products.

Method for the synthesis of phospholipid ethers (Pinchuk, A., et al., c/o Wood, Phillips, Katz, Clark & Mortimer, December 18, 2008, US20080312459A1).

Disclosed are improved methods for the synthesis of phospholipid ether (PLE) analogs and alkyl phosphocholine analogs. The methods allow greater versatility of the reactants used and greater ease in synthesizing alkyl chains of varying length while affording reaction temperatures at room temperature or below. The methods disclosed herein provide reactants and conditions using alkyl halides and organozinc reagents and do not utilize Grignard reactions, thus allowing greater ease of their separation and purity of products. The PLE compounds synthesized by the methods disclosed herein can also be used for synthesizing high-specific-activity PLE analogs, for use in treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

Method of producing lower alcohols from glycerol (Suppes, G., and R. Sutterlin, c/o Lathrop & Gage LC, December 25, 2008, US20080315151A1).

A reactive-separation process converts glycerin into lower alcohols, having boiling points less than 200°C, at high yields. Conversion of natural glycerin to propylene glycol through an acetol intermediate is achieved at temperatures from 150 to 250°C at pressures from 1 to 25 bar. The preferred applications of the propylene glycol are as an antifreeze, deicing compound, or anti-icing compound. The preferred catalyst for this process is a copper-chromium.

Amino acid lipids and uses thereof (Quay, S., et al., Nastech Pharmaceutical Co., December 25, 2008, US20080317839A1).

This disclosure provides a range of amino acid lipid compounds and compositions useful for drug delivery, therapeutics, and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions. The amino acid lipid compounds and compositions can be used for delivery of various agents such as nucleic acid therapeutics to cells, tissues, organs, and mammalian subjects.

Novel nanocatalyst for edible oil hydrogenation (Hussain, S., et al., Quaid-e-Azam University, December 25, 2008, US20080318766A1).

The present invention reports a lanthanum-doped nickel/alumina catalyst for the hydrogenation of oils resulting in very low saturated fats, high polyunsaturated fats requiring specific particle size, surface area and porosity of the catalyst; the invented catalyst produces less pressure drop during processing and provides an easily filterable system resulting in an economically practical solution to hydrogenate oils for use by humans and animals.

Wax-free cosmetic composition in foam form (Styczen, P., et al., L’Oréal, January 1, 2009, US20090004131A1).

A composition in the foam form having a continuous oily phase and at least one silicone polymer structuring agent for the oily phase, the composition being devoid of wax.

Spreadable dairy product (Beutler, E., et al., c/o Winston & Strawn LLP, January 1, 2009, US20090004344A1).

The present invention provides a dairy-based spreadable product that does not need any emulsifying or thickening additives. This shelf-stable spread includes sweetened condensed milk having a fat content of 2 to 25% by weight and a water content of 15 to 35% by weight. It is substantially free of emulsifiers and thickeners, not caramelized and thickened by shear so that it has a firmness corresponding to a maximum compression force of at least 20 g measured by a Texture Analyser TA.HDi equipped with a 5 kg load cell.

Glycerol feedstock utilization for oil-based fuel manufacturing (Trimbur, D., et al., Solazyme Inc., January 1, 2009, US20090004715A1).

The invention provides methods of manufacturing biodiesel and other oil-based compounds using glycerol and combinations of glycerol and other feedstocks as an energy source in fermentation of oil-bearing microorganisms. Methods disclosed herein include processes for manufacturing high-nutrition edible oils from nonfood feedstock materials such as waste products from industrial waste transesterification processes. Also included are methods of increasing oil yields by temporally separating glycerol and other feedstocks during cultivation processes. Also provided herein are oil-bearing microbes containing exogenous oil production genes and methods of cultivating such microbes on glycerol and other feedstocks.

Epoxidized esters of vegetable oil fatty acids as reactive diluents (Bloom, P., Archer Daniels Midland Co., January 1, 2009, US20090005508A1).

The present invention is directed to compositions containing epoxidized esters of vegetable oil fatty acids, and to methods of making such compositions. The esters are C_1-6 alkyl or C_2-6 alkenyl, monoglycerol or diglycerol, C_4-6 polyol or glycol esters of a vegetable oil fatty acid. The compositions include latex coating compositions comprising the epoxidized esters; epoxy resin compositions comprising the epoxidized esters; thermoset plastic compositions comprising the epoxidized esters; and polyvinyl chloride compositions comprising the epoxidized esters. The invention is also directed to epoxidized monoglycerides or diglycerides, and epoxidized C_4-6 polyol esters of vegetable oil fatty acids.

Gas phase process for monoalcohol production from glycerol (Hulteberg, C., et al., Primafuel Inc., January 1, 2009, US20090005614A1).

A method of producing short-chain alcohols from glycerol generated as a by-product of biodiesel production is provided.

Modified vegetable protein having low levels of phytic acid, isoflavones, and ash(Wong, T., et al., Solae LLC, January 8, 2009, US20090011083A1).

This invention is directed to a vegetable protein composition comprising a protein material having low levels of isoflavones, low levels of phytic acid and/or phytates, and moderate levels of ribonucleic acids. Many vegetable compositions described additionally have high protein content, low manganese content, low ash content, and enhanced storage stability in liquid form. Processes for preparing such vegetable protein compositions are also disclosed.

Method for obtaining a vegetable plant protein fraction, in particular for producing vegetable ice cream (Eisner, P., et al., Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., January 8, 2009, US20090011107A1).

A method for obtaining a vegetable protein fraction, in particular for producing vegetable ice cream, is described wherein vegetable parts are added to water or to an aqueous solvent in order to dissolve and/or disperse vegetable proteins from the vegetable parts, and wherein one or more vegetable protein fractions are separated from the aqueous mixture thus obtained by the separation. According to the method, one or more substances having lipophilic or amphiphilic boundary surfaces are added to the aqueous mixture in order to separate one or more vegetable protein fractions, to which dissolved and/or dispersed proteins having lipophilic or amphiphilic groups in the mixture attach. The substances including the attached proteins are separated from the mixture. A vegetable protein fraction having particularly good emulsifying characteristics is obtained by the method, the protein fraction being advantageous as an emulsifier in the production of vegetable ice cream.

Pressure-regulated supercritical fluid fractionation of oil seed extraction materials (Marentis, R., Mor Technology LLC, January 8, 2009, US20090011112A1).

Generally, a method of pressure-regulated supercritical fluid fractionation of oilseed extraction materials, which can be utilized to refine oil seed extraction material established in an amount of supercritical fluid. Specifically, a method of pressure-regulated supercritical fluid fractionation of corn germ extraction material to produce a refined corn oil extraction material.

Dry analytical element for lipase measurement (Kageyama, S., and Tanaka, H., Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch, January 8, 2009, US20090011450A1).

A dry substrate for pancreatic lipase analysis having high selectivity with respect to pancreatic lipase in a body fluid, which comprises at least one development layer and/or reagent layer containing diglyceride or triglyceride of long-chain alkyl fatty acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, monoglyceride lipase, and a glycerine measurement reagent, wherein the development layer and/or the reagent layer comprise two or more types of anionic surfactants and at least one type of the anionic surfactant is alkylarylsulfonate.

Modifications of solid 3-sn-phosphoglycerides (Yesair, D., et al., Biomolecular Products Inc., January 15, 2009, US20090017119A1).

Methods for hydrolyzing solid ungranulated lysophosphatidylcholine with phospholipase A₂ are provided. Also disclosed are methods for making a lipid matrix of lysophosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride, and fatty acid, and lipid matrices of having a particular structure.

Shortening system (Doucet, J., c/o Frommer, Lawrence, Haug, January 15, 2009, US20090017181A1).

A shortening system, such as a spray shortening system; for instance, a shortening system containing unhydrogenated or nonhydrogenated vegetable oil, such as a highly unsaturated, nonhydrogenated or unhydrogenated vegetable oil, e.g., soybean oil or canola oil and a minimum or minor amount (e.g., by weight about 3–10%, advantageously about 3–7%, more advantageously about 3–6%, or about 3–5% or less than about 6% or less than about 8%) of conserved trans monoglyceride and/or diglyceride, advantageously a monoglyceride or a mono- and diglyceride that is mostly monoglyceride, based on a highly unsaturated oil, such as a highly unsaturated vegetable oil, e.g., canola or soybean oil, which has been selectively and partially hydrogenated so as to result in conservation of the geometric isomer of the C18:1 ester, namely the C18:1t or elaidic ester, as well as to methods for making and using such a shortening system, products from the use of such a shortening system, and the monoglyceride and/or diglyceride constituent of the shortening system, and methods for making and uses thereof.

Polyol refining (Soest, H.-K., et al., LANXESS Deutschland GmbH, January 29, 2009, US20090030243A1).

The subject of the present invention is a method for refining of polyols, preferably glycerol, by means of monodispersed ion exchangers in a purification unit of ion exclusion process and a mixed bed.

Novel microorganism, lipid-modifying agent, and the method of manufacturing 2-acyl lysophospholipids (Nishihara, M., et al., Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, January 29, 2009, US20090029428A1).

The present invention provides a new supply source of phospholipase A₁, which is useful for phospholipid modification and lipid biochemical research, and offers a method capable of efficiently manufacturing a large amount of high-DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)-content phospholipids and lysophospholipids. A novel microorganism HFKI-0020 (FERM AP-20545) of the genus Pseudomonas that produces enzymes with phospholipase A₁ activity can be used as a new supply source of enzymes with the phospholipase A₁ activity. A lipid-modifying agent containing an effective dose of enzymes with the phospholipase A₁ activity produced by those novel microorganisms allows the efficient mass-production of lysophospholipids.

Stable beverage products comprising polyunsaturated fatty acid emulsions (Chen, Y., et al., Coca Cola Co., January 15, 2009, US20090018186A1).

A beverage product comprising at least one beverage base and at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid emulsion, said emulsion comprising a continuous liquid phase; an emulsifier; and a discontinuous liquid phase comprising a blend including a polyunsaturated fatty acid source and a dispersing agent, the polyunsaturated fatty acid source comprising at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid, wherein the weight ratio of the fatty acid source to the dispersing agent in the blend ranges from about 9:1 to about 1:10.

Hydrotreating and catalytic dewaxing process for making diesel from oils and/or fats (Ghonasgi, D., et al., ConocoPhillips Co., January 22, 2009, US20090019763A1).

Methods for producing C10–C30 hydrocarbons from fatty materials, such as triglyceride compounds, are provided. Hydrocarbon compounds, particularly those boiling in the temperature range of between about 80°F to about 1,000°F [27–540°C], are produced by contacting a fatty material with at least one catalyst comprising cobalt and molybdenum on a zeolite support under hydrotreating conditions. Additional hydrotreating catalysts also may be used to further improve the properties of the hydrocarbon product.

Nonhydrogenated fat composition and its use (Van Den Bremt, K., and B. Kleenewerck, c/o Scully, Scott, Murphy, & Presser PC, January 22, 2009, US20090022868A1).

The present invention relates to a nonhydrogenated vegetable fat composition suitable for use in confectionery fats. The nonhydrogenated vegetable fat composition consists of an interesterified fat obtained by subjecting a blend of an amount of at least one lauric fat and an amount of at least one nonlauric fat to an interesterification. The nonhydrogenated vegetable fat composition has an SFC [solid fat content] that is at least 50 wt% at 20°C and less than 15 wt% at 35°C, a content of C12 + C16 fatty acids of at least 55 wt% with respect to the total weight of the fat composition, and a ratio of C12/C16 fatty acids of at least 1.

System and method for heating viscous fuel supplied to diesel engines (Samanta, I., and S. Gallagher, General Electric Co., January 29, 2009, US20090025908A1).

A heat transfer system is used for heating a viscous fuel supplied to a diesel engine. The heat transfer system includes a heat exchanger provided at a predetermined location within the heat transfer system. A hot fluid and viscous fuel are circulated in a heat-exchanging relationship within the heat exchanger to heat the viscous fuel supplied to the engine from a first temperature to a second temperature.

Process for the production of phospholipids (Schneider, M., and E. Loveaas, ProBio Group AS, January 29, 2009, US20090028989A1).

The present invention provides a phospholipid composition obtainable by a process comprising contacting a fish meal with an organic solvent to produce a lipid-containing liquid, and subjecting said liquid to microfiltration optionally followed by solvent stripping.

Soy-based aqueous food concentrate (Niederreiter, C., et al., Nestec S.A., January 29, 2009, US20090029007A1).

The present invention relates to soy-based aqueous concentrated food compositions that are stable to cooking conditions, i.e., do not undergo decomposition or separation upon prolonged heat and/or acid treatment. The invention also relates to the use of partially hydrolyzed soy protein to improve the stability of said compositions and to a method for preparing a stable soy-based concentrated food composition.

Composition suitable for use in baking (McNeill, G., et al., Loders Croklaan USA LLC, January 29, 2009, US20090029024A1).

A composition comprising: (i) from about 20% to about 80% by weight of an interesterified palm oil olein; (ii) from about 5% to about 25% by weight of a liquid oil; and (iii) from about 15% to about 75% by weight of a fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil stearins, interesterified palm oil stearins, palm oil oleins, fully hydrogenated oils, and mixtures thereof may be used as a bakery fat, particularly a laminating fat for products such as puff pastry.

Low fat spread with ambient stability (Pernetti, M., Conopco Inc. d/b/a Unilever, January 29, 2009, US20090029025A1).

Fat-continuous spreadable food product that comprises a dispersed aqueous phase, a primary emulsifier, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, 5–30 wt% of fat, and less than 1 wt% of hardstock and wherein the fat phase comprises at least 70 wt% of palm oil on fat phase, which is storage stable at ambient temperature and up to 40°C. The invention also provides for a method of making a spread without an inversion step.

Fatty acid hydroxylases and uses thereof (Meesapyodsuk, D., and Qiu, X., Bioriginal Food & Science Corp., January 29, 2009, US20090031454A1).

The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode novel fatty acid hydroxylases. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors including hydroxylase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for the production of hydroxyl fatty acids such as 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (ricinoleic acid).

Glycerol derivatives and methods of making same (Kodali, D., c/o Dorsey & Whitney LLP, November 27, 2008, US20080293602A1).

Symmetrical polyols, polyol esters, polyesters, polyurethanes, triazoles, and polyvinylethers derived from glycerol and methods of making the symmetrical polyols, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyhydroxyvinylethers, and triazoles are discussed. Also provided is a method of making serinol [2-amino-1,3-propanediol].

Method for reducing acrylamide in foods, foods having reduced levels of acrylamide, and article of commerce (Zyzak, D., et al., Procter & Gamble Co., July 30, 2009, US20090191310A1).

A method for the reduction of acrylamide in food products, food products having reduced levels of acrylamide, and an article of commerce. In one aspect, the method comprises reducing the level of asparagine in a food material before final heating (e.g., cooking). In another aspect, the method comprises adding to a food material an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the amide group of free asparagine. In yet another aspect, an article of commerce communicates to the consumer that a food product has reduced or low levels of acrylamide or asparagine.