Selected Patents 2010

Method of preparing fatty acid alkyl esters from waste or recycled fatty acid stock (Geier, D.F., et al., Archer Daniels Midland Co., US7705170, April 27, 2010).

The present invention is directed to a method of preparing fatty acid alkyl esters from fatty acids contained in co-product streams, or waste or recycled fatty acid stock. The present method utilizes an acidic resin to convert the fatty acid stock into esters. The present method encompasses the use of reactive simulated moving bed chromatography, wherein above about 95% of the fatty acid stock is converted to fatty acid alkyl esters. The present method has been optimized to separate the ester product from the raffinate stream formed during the chromatographic process, thereby improving the yield of the esterification and preventing acid hydrolysis of the ester.

Method of suppressing the effects of the translocase deficiency of a human infant comprising administration of a seven-carbon fatty acid (Roe, C., US7705048, April 27, 2010).

A seven-carbon fatty acid or derivative thereof has been identified as an excellent energy source for humans or human infants. A nutritional supplement suitable for humans or human infants comprising a seven-carbon fatty acid chain compound or derivative thereof can be used to increase energy production derived from fatty acid metabolism. For example, administering a seven-carbon fatty acid chain compound or derivative thereof can be used to accelerate the growth rate of a prematurely born human infant.

Composition for coating fruits vegetables and fowl eggs especially useful for organic produce (Lahav, J., et al., Natratec International Ltd., US7708822, May 4, 2010).

The invention relates to a composition for coating fruits, vegetables, fowl eggs, and especially for organically grown produce for protection and extension of the shelf life of said fruits, vegetables, and fowl eggs wherein said composition is an aqueous dispersion comprised of: (i) a hydrophobic component comprising at least one member of the following group consisting of natural wax, or vegetable oil; (ii) an alkali agent; (iii) water, wherein components (i) and (ii) are derived from natural biological sources. The invention also relates to a method for application of the composition.

Method for preparing ester compounds as bleach activators (Lee, C.-W., et al., LG Household & Health Care Ltd., US7708905, May 4, 2010).

A method for preparing an ester bleach activator compound is disclosed. The method includes (i) preparing fatty acid monoester; (ii) making chloroformate by reacting the fatty acid monoester with at least one selected from the group consisting of phosgene, diphosgene, and triphosgene in the presence of base; and (iii) reacting the chloroformate with hydroxybenzene, its derivatives, or its salts in solvent. According to the method, the ester bleach activator compound can be made in a simple and economic way.

Carboxylic acid-modified EDOT for bioconjugation (Kim, J., et al., The Regents of the University of Michigan, US7708908, May 4, 2010).

An electroconductive carboxylic acid functionalized monomer corresponding to Formula (I), wherein A represents a hydrogen or a carboxyl group. Polymerized monomers of Formula (I) conjugated with a biomolecule result in conjugated PEDOT [poly 3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene], polymers of Formula (III) wherein A is a hydrogen or a carboxylic acid group and B is a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a peptide, a protein, a lipid, a carbohydrate, and a polynucleotide. The biomolecule conjugated polymers can be disposed onto an electrically conductive substrate wherein the substrate has a first layer of PEDOT polymerized on a surface of the substrate and a second layer of biomolecule conjugated PEDOT polymer of Formula (III) polymerized on the first layer of PEDOT. The first and second layers form a charge transport material in electrical communication with the conductive substrate. The electrically conductive substrate further comprises a dopant.

Low-fat cocoa powder (Purtle, I., et al., Cargill, US7709041, May 4, 2010).

Techniques for processing cocoa mass are provided. In general the techniques involve solvent extraction of cocoa fat from cocoa mass, to achieve a desirable cocoa butter and low-fat cocoa powder. In one preferred process, the cocoa mass is the result of grinding cocoa nibs, with absence of a mechanical pressing and heating step, to advantage. Preferred products and uses are characterized.

Method for removing enzyme and method of base exchange or hydrolysis of phospholipid using the same (Liu, X. and N. Taniwaki, Nagase ChemteX Corp., US7709238, May 4, 2010).

A method of removing an enzyme from a liquid enzyme reaction mixture used in a hydrolysis reaction or a base exchange reaction of a phospholipid is provided. The method includes the step of treating the liquid enzyme reaction mixture with a solvent mixture of water and an organic solvent, wherein the solvent mixture includes an inorganic metal salt, to remove the enzyme. Enzymes included in the reaction product can be easily removed without a treatment such as heating, and thus it becomes possible to easily produce various phospholipids that have a reduced risk of inducing an allergy, that retain a high quality, and that have excellent storage stability.

Rodenticidal composition in the form of vegetable paste (Zambotto, P., and M. Tagliaro, Zapi Industrie Chimiche S.p.A., US7709530, May 4, 2010).

The present invention relates to a rodenticidal composition in the form of fresh paste for enticing mice and rats wherein the flour used is mainly of a vegetable origin and the fatty matter incorporated essentially consists of palm oil.

Homogenous process for the hydrogenation of carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof (Kilner, M., et al., Davy Process Technololgy Limited, US7709689, May 4, 2010).

A homogenous process for the hydrogenation of the carboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof in the presence of a catalyst comprising ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium, or palladium and an organic phosphine is described in which the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of at least about 1% by weight water. A process for regenerating a catalyst comprising ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium, or palladium and an organic phosphine is also described in which the regeneration is carried out in the presence of hydrogen and water.

Biodiesel candle (Jones, A., US7713314, May 11, 2010).

A candle formed of a composition comprising biodiesel. In preferred implementations the candle composition includes 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.

Pretreating agent for electroless plating, method of electroless plating using the same and product of electroless plating (Kawamura, T., et al., Nippon Mining and Metals Co., US7713340, May 11, 2010).

The object of the present invention is to provide a pretreating agent for electroless plating that is stable and soluble in organic solvents, a method of electroless plating with excellent adhesiveness using it and an electroless plated product. An object to be plated is pre-treated using a pretreating agent for electroless plating comprising a noble metal soap of naphthenic acid or a fatty acid having 5 to 25 carbon atoms or preferably using a pretreating agent for electroless plating additionally comprising an imidazole silane coupling agent or other silane coupling agent having metal-capturing ability, and then electroless plated. The noble metal soap is preferably a palladium soap.

Biological component comprising artificial membrane (Faucher, K., et al., Emory University, US7713544, May 11, 2010).

A biocompatible biological component is provided comprising a membrane-mimetic surface film covering a substrate. Suitable substrates include hydrated substrates, e.g., hydrogels, which may contain drugs for delivery to a patient through the membrane-mimetic film, or may be made up of cells, such as islet cells, for transplantation. The surface may present exposed bioactive molecules or moieties for binding to target molecules in vivo, for modulating host response when implanted into a patient (e.g., the surface may be anti-thrombogenic or anti-inflammatory) and the surface may have pores of selected sizes to facilitate transport of substances therethrough. An optional hydrophilic cushion or spacer between the substrate and the membrane-mimetic surface allows transmembrane proteins to extend from the surface through the hydrophilic cushion mimicking the structure of naturally occurring cells. An alkylated layer directly beneath the membrane-mimetic surface facilitates bonding of the surface to the remainder of the biological component. Alkyl chains may extend entirely through the hydrophilic cushion when present. To facilitate binding, the substrate may optionally be treated with a polyelectrolyte or alternating layers of oppositely charged poly-electrolytes to facilitate charged binding of the membrane-mimetic film or alkylated layer beneath the membrane-mimetic film to the substrate. The membrane-mimetic film is preferably made by in situ polymerization of phospholipid vesicles.

Compositions and methods for enhancing paracellular permeability across epithelial and endothelial barriers (Thakker, D., and P.D. Ward, The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, US7713949, May 11, 2010).

Compositions and methods for enhancing paracellular permeability at an absorption site in a subject are disclosed. The method includes: (i) administering an effective amount of a phospholipase C inhibitor to a subject at a time in which enhanced paracellular permeability is desired; and (ii) enhancing paracellular permeability in the subject at the absorption site through the administering of the effective amount of the phospholipase C inhibitor. The disclosed compositions and methods provide enhanced absorption of a hydrophilic drug in a subject.

Method for monitoring the performance of a compression-ignition, internal combustion engine (Preston, W.H., Castrol Limited, US7716972, May 18, 2010).

A method for monitoring the performance of a compression-ignition, internal combustion engine which method comprises lubricating the engine with a crankcase lubricant, and introducing a fuel to the engine to operate the engine, characterized in that the fuel comprises greater than 50% by weight of petroleum-based middle distillate fuel oil and/or a Fischer Tropsch derived middle distillate fuel oil and 2.5% to 25% by weight of at least one lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid. The performance of the engine is monitored by measuring the rate of ingress of lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid from the fuel into the crankcase lubricant by infrared spectroscopic analysis of the crankcase lubricant.

Process for reactive distillation of a carboxylic acid (Dirkzwager, H., et al., Shell Oil Co., US7718039, May 18, 2010).

A process for reactive distillation wherein a carboxylic acid is reacted in a reaction section of a reactive distillation column with an alcohol under esterifying conditions in the presence of a catalyst to form an ester, wherein a first supply stream comprising the carboxylic acid, a second supply stream comprising the alcohol, and a third supply stream comprising an inert entrainer are supplied to the reactive distillation column, wherein the first supply stream is supplied to the column at a first entry level located just above or at the top of the reaction section, the second supply stream is supplied to the column at a second entry level located in or just below the reaction section and below the first entry level, and the third supply stream is supplied to the column at a third entry level located in or below the reaction section and not above the second entry level and wherein a bottom stream comprising the ester formed and unreacted carboxylic acid is obtained and a top stream comprising unreacted alcohol, water, and entrainer is obtained.

Low trans-stereoisomer shortening system (Higgins, N.W., Bunge Oils Inc., US7718211, May 18, 2010).

Shortening systems are prepared which include hydrogenated edible oils that are hydrogenated in a manner to minimize the formation of trans-stereoisomers. A conditioned catalyst is used that disfavors trans-stereoisomer formation without significantly negatively impacting the length of time required to form solids for a useful shortening base stock through hydrogenation. Preferred conditioning agents are organic acid phosphates and phosphoric acid. In a preferred embodiment, a confectionary shortening is provided which incorporates a polyglycerol ester emulsifier.

Method [of reducing diglycerides in oil] (Wassell, P., et al., Danisco A/S, US7718408, May 18, 2010).

The present application provides a method of reducing and/or removing diglyceride from an edible oil, comprising admixing an edible oil with an acyl acceptor substrate and a diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase wherein the diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase is characterized as an enzyme which in an edible oil is capable of transferring an acyl group from a diglyceride to glycerol. The diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase can comprise the amino acid sequence motif GDSX. The present invention also relates to the use of a diglyceride:glycerol acyltransferase in the manufacture of an edible oil, for reducing and/or removing diglyceride from said edible oil, and to the use of said enzyme in the manufacture of a foodstuff comprising an edible oil for improving the crystallization properties of said foodstuff.

Aqueous dispersion of alkyde resin which is treated with an oxidizing agent and which has improved drying properties (Cogordan, F., and I. Rodriguez, Cray Valley SA, US7718731, May 18, 2010).

An aqueous dispersion of alkyd resin based on fatty acids with conjugated unsaturation is treated with an oxidizing agent to form a drying oil that is used as binder in aqueous compositions for coatings. The coating may have a reduced level of drying agent, or no drying agent at all. The aqueous dispersion comprises at least one alkyd resin obtained from at least one unsaturated fatty acid having a level by weight of at least 5% of the said resin, which resin is treated before and/or during and/or after the forming of the aqueous dispersion with at least one oxidizing agent selected from: hydroperoxides, including H₂O₂, peroxides or singlet oxygen, and with the oxidizing treatment temperature being: (i) from ambient temperature to less than 100°C, when it takes place after the forming of the dispersion and (ii) from 50 to 150°C when it takes place before the forming of the dispersion, and (iii) from 50 to less than 100°C when it takes place during the dispersion stage.

Vegetable sterol ester-containing composition and additive that increases the feeling effects from a hair cosmetic (Watanabe, K., et al., San-Ei Kagaku Co., US7718817, May 18, 2010).

A safe additive that increases the feeling effects from a hair cosmetic is provided at low costs. The additive that increases the feeling effects has less stickiness, can be easily and uniformly mixed with hair cosmetics, and can provide feelings, effects, and advantages that are similar to those of sterol wax and lanolins including lanolin itself, liquid lanolin, and hard lanolin. The additive that increases the feeling effects contains a composition (I) prepared by distillation, fatty acid esterification, decoloring, and deodorization of a by-product obtained when tocopherol is extracted, separated, and purified from a vegetable oil deodorized distillate.

Mixing and grinding edible fat-based slurries and emulsions using a vibratory drum (Peterson, R., et al., General Kinematics Corp., US7681818, March 23, 2010).

A system which may be used to perform simultaneous grinding and intimate mixing of edible fat-based slurries or emulsions, may include a cylindrical drum having a central longitudinal axis and a curved inner surface and mounted on springs, and a motor and tuned mass coupled to the cylindrical drum to vibrate the cylindrical drum about a center of vibration that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum. The system includes at least one pair of partition plates disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum to divide the cylindrical drum into at least two process zones, the partition plates of the at least one pair having matching apertures and moveable relative to each other between alignment and misalignment. The system may be used for example in chocolate manufacture.

Product for use in papermaking and preparation thereof (Sundberg, K., et al., Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp., US7682487, March 23, 2010).

A paper sizing composition comprising at least one first sizing component dispersed in water, the sizing component being a reaction product of a maleic anhydride and a fatty acid component and an aluminum component. The fatty acid component comprises an alkyl ester of one or more fatty acids selected from a vegetable oil-based fatty acid mixture. The particle size of the particles in said first sizing component has been reduced so that in the dispersion at least 50% of the particles are less than 2.5 μm, at least 75% of the particles are less than 4 μm, and at least 90% of the particles are less than 5 μm; preferably so that at least 50% of the particles are less than 2 μm, at least 75% of the particles are less than 3 μm, and at least 90% of the particles are less than 4 μm.

Fat and oil composition for spreads (Haruna, H., et al., The Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., US7682644, March 23, 2010).

An object of the present invention is to provide a fat and oil composition for spreads having good oral solubility and spreadability without greasiness. A fat and oil composition for spreads of the present invention is composed of a continuous fat and oil phase and a water phase characterized in that the fat and oil phase comprises (i) a liquid-state fat and oil containing as a main ingredient triglycerides having fatty acids with 8 to 10 carbon atoms in an amount of not less than 10% by mass of the total constitutional fatty acids; (ii) a low-melting transesterified fat and oil obtained by subjecting 40 to 90 parts by mass of the palm-based fat and oil and 60 to 10 parts by mass of a liquid-state fat and oil to transesterification with a 1,3-position-specific lipase; and (iii) a solid-form fat and oil having an open-tube melting point under increasing temperature of 38°C or higher.

Method of manufacturing toner, toner, and image forming method (Koyama, M., and K. Hayashi, Konica Minolta Business Technologies Inc., US7682769, March 23, 2010).

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing toner possessing the steps of conducting a polymerization process for acquiring wax-containing polyester resin particles via condensation-polymerization of carboxylic acid and alcohol employing oil droplets after forming the oil droplets made of wax and a polymerizable monomer containing at least one kind of carboxylic acid with divalence or more and at least one kind of alcohol with divalence or more in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant including a compound having a long-chain hydrocarbon group and acidic group, and conducting a process of coagulating at least the wax-containing polyester particles in the aqueous medium.

Non-hydrogenated vegetable oil based margarine for puff pastry containing an elevated diglyceride emulsifier (Skogerson, L., et al., Caravan Ingredients Inc., US7687096, March 30, 2010).

A mono,- di- and triglyceride emulsifier is provided that is obtained by the interesterification or glycerolysis of triglycerides with glycerol. The diglyceride portion w/w is at least about 65 to about 80% and most preferably from about 70 to about 80%. The high diglyceride emulsifier is useful in preparing a margarine from a selected quantity a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and from an amount of saturated fat for use in puff pastry products. The puff pastry is trans fat free and a less than usual percentage of saturated fats. A preferred structured puff pastry margarine is prepared by mixing on a weight to weight basis about 14 parts of the high diglyceride emulsifier that is in predominantly stable β crystal form from about 14 to 27 parts of a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, and from about 40 to about 52 parts of a saturated fat.

Production of olefins having a functional group (Schmidt, L.D., and R. Subramanian, Regents of the University of Minnesota, US7683232, March 23, 2010).

A process is disclosed for producing functionalized olefins from a fuel source including an organic compound including a functional group. Useful fuel sources include for example biofeedstocks (e.g., carbohydrates, triglycerides, polyols, and biodiesel). The process is preferably carried out by partial oxidation. The overall process can be carried out autothermally.

Use of milk serum apoproteins in the treatment of microbial or viral infection (Folan, M.A., and D. Brady, Westgate Biological Ltd., US7687074, March 30, 2010).

The present invention relates to use of a milk apoprotein or a mixture thereof to prevent or treat microbial or viral infection of the human or animal body. It is believed that this is achieved by inhibiting adhesion of potential pathogens. More preferably at least one milk apoprotein or a mixture thereof is administered simultaneously or sequentially with either or both of at least one free fatty acid or a mixture thereof or a monoglyceride thereof; and/or at least one organic acid or a salt or ester thereof or a mixture thereof. The active agent(s) may be delivered by means of a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system which includes parenteral solutions, ointments, eye drops, nasal sprays, intravaginal devices, surgical dressings, medical foods or drinks, oral healthcare formulations, and medicaments for mucosal applications.

Anti-obestic composition (Nakagawa, K., et al., Nagaoka Perfumery Co., US7687085, March 30, 2010).

The composition of the present invention comprises (i) a biologically effective amount of an extract of a plant of the genus Eucalyptus as an active ingredient and (ii) a biologically acceptable carrier or diluents, and is effective for inhibiting or preventing obesity (increase in weight), lipid storage disease, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis, or thrombosis and is also effective for inhibiting or reducing an amount of triglyceride or an amount of cholesterol in blood. Therefore, the composition of the present invention is used in the form of drugs, food products, food additives, animal feeds, and additives for animal feeds.

Non-hydrogenated vegetable oil based shortening containing an elevated diglyceride emulsifier composition (Skogerson, L., and T. Boutte, Caravan Ingredients Inc., US7691428, April 6, 2010).

A mono-, di-, and triglyceride emulsifier composition is provided that is obtained by the interesterification or glycerolysis of triglycerides with glycerol. The diglyceride portion w/w is at least about 65% to about 80% and most preferably from about 70% to about 80% (HiDi [high diglyceride emulsifier]). The HiDi is useful in preparing a trans-free shortening from a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil for use in bakery goods, which then have a significantly lower saturated fat content and a substantially higher polyunsaturated level than heretofore available when a conventional mono- and diglyceride emulsifier is used in the goods. A preferred shortening that is predominantly in stable β crystalline form is prepared by mixing on a weight to weight basis from about 10% to about 30% and preferably about 15% to 20% of the HiDi composition with the remainder being non-hydrogenated soybean oil.

Polyglycerol, polyglycerol/fatty acid ester, and processes for producing these (Endo, T., and H. Omori, Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd., US7687649, March 30, 2010).

The present invention relates to a polyglycerol significantly reduced in content of a polyglycerol having a cyclic structure formed by removal of a water molecule from a polyglycerol molecule, and to a fatty acid ester of a polyglycerol having excellent surface activity. 2 Moles or more of glycidol and a catalyst are successively added to 1 mole of glycerol for a reaction to obtain a polyglycerol in which a ratio of [total polyglycerol (1)] to [total polyglycerol (2) having a cyclic structure] is [70% or more]/[30% or less] (the total of both is 100% by weight) in terms of an intensity ratio determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; and an average polymerization degree “n” is 2 or more. A reaction of a polyglycerol with a fatty acid provides the corresponding a fatty acid ester of the polyglycerol.

Metal hydroxide desiccated emulsions used to prepare grease (Nolan, S.J., et al., The Lubrizol Corp., US7691795, April 6, 2010).

The invention provides a grease composition comprising a stable dispersion of a metal hydroxide with a number average particle size in the range 20 nanometers to 2 micrometers, a surfactant with a HLB [hydrophilic-lipophilic balance] of less than 10, a mono- or polycarboxylic acid, and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The method of preparing a grease composition is also disclosed with benefits including a reduction in reaction time, amount of foam produced, and environmental hazards.

Substance for lowering high cholesterol level in serum and methods for preparing and using the same (Miettenen, T., et al., Raisio Nutrition Ltd., US7691834, April 6, 2010).

The invention relates to a substance which lowers LDL cholesterol levels in serum and which is fat soluble β-sitostanol fatty acid ester and to a method for preparing and using the same. The substance can be taken orally as a food additive, food substitute or supplement. A daily consumption of the β-sitostanol ester in an amount between about 0.2 and about 20 g/day has been shown to reduce the absorption of biliary and endogenic cholesterol.

High lipid diet (Turini, M., et al., Nestec S.A., Institut de la Research Agronomique, US7691906, April 6, 2010).

A composition for use as a medicament, functional food, or nutritional product is described that comprises at least one lipid wherein the lipid provides greater than 35% total energy of the composition. A preferred embodiment comprises an n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of about 2:1 to 7:1. In addition a method of preparing the composition; use of the composition in the manufacture of a medicament, functional food, or nutritional product; and a method of treatment or treatment or prevention of sepsis or inflammatory shock, which comprises administering an effective amount of the composition, are described.

Soy-based thermosensitive hydrogels for controlled release systems (Liu, Z., and S. Erhan, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, US7691946, April 6, 2010).

Biopolymeric hydrogel precursors are prepared by means of a ring-opening polymerization of epoxidized vegetable oils, followed by chemical hydrolysis. The recovered hydrogels having properties similar to Pluronic™-type surfactants would have a plurality of end-use applications including use as food additives and pharmaceutical ingredients. This invention provides the potential for an enhanced market for vegetable oils and particularly for soybean oil.

Chemical synthesis methods using electro-catalysis (Lawson, J.A., and A. Baosman, ECR Technologies Inc., US7695534, April 13, 2010).

Synthesis methods are provided using electrochemical catalysis. In one method diesel fuel is made by (i) flowing a mixture of a triglyceride source and an alcohol through a high-voltage electrical field, effective to convert the triglyceride into saturated mono alkyl esters; and (ii) adding the saturated mono alkyl esters to a petroleum-derived diesel fuel to form a diesel fuel blend. In another method a high-temperature, oxidatively stable lubricant is made by (i) flowing a renewable oil including unsaturated fatty acids through a high-voltage electrical field effective to convert the unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids; and (ii) adding one or more functional additives to the saturated fatty acid-containing renewable oil to form a synthetic lubricant. In another method ethanol is made by flowing a liquid which comprises a simple sugar through a high-voltage electrical field effective to convert the sugar into ethanol without fermentation.

Extraction and winterization of lipids from oilseed and microbial sources (Dueppen, D.G., et al., Martek Biosciences Corp., US7695626, April 13, 2010).

A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures, including about 0°C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include arachidonic acid (ARA), n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (n-6 DPA), n-3 DPA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.

Method for producing phospholipid (Sakai, M., et al., Kabushiki Kaisha Yakult Honsha, US7695944, April 13, 2010).

A method for producing a phospholipid using transphosphatidylation, which comprises homogenizing a mixture of a raw material phospholipid, a hydroxyl-containing acceptor phospholipase D, and water in the absence of an organic solvent to obtain a homogenized mixture; and subjecting the homogenized mixture to a transphosphatidylation reaction at 15–65°C. The homogenized mixture has a lamellar lyotropic liquid crystal structure. An objective phospholipid can be obtained from the homogenized mixture through transphosphatidylation without using an organic solvent or calcium.

Use of non-absorbable fat in determining dietary fat absorption (Jandacek, R.J., et al., Children’s Hospital Medical Center–University Of Cincinnati, US7695971, April 13, 2010).

The use of sucrose polyester containing behenate fatty acid chains as a non-absorbable fat marker to determine total dietary fat absorption by the digestive tract of a subject. A test food for use in measuring fat absorption contains a non-absorbable fat and a dietary fat. The method is useful for diagnostic testing for diagnosing malabsorption of dietary fat by the digestive tract of the subject, and impairment of dietary fat digestion in the subject.

Geosynthetic composite for borehole strengthening (Cowan, K.M., Shell Oil Co., US7696133, April 13, 2010).

Disclosed is a composition comprising a chemical formulation useful for creating geosynthetic composites in-situ which includes a reactive ester having at least one carbon-carbon double bond, preferably a vinyl ester of a C₉ to C₁₁ versatic acid or vinyl ester of a long-chain fatty acid, or a combination thereof; at least one unsaturated thermoplastic elastomer soluble in the reactive ester; at least one di- or trifunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer. The formulation may further include a nonaqueous drilling fluid.

Oil-resistant sheet material (Akiyama, K., Tokushu Paper Mfg. Co., US7700197, April 20, 2010).

An oil-resistant sheet material having low resistance to air permeability and being excellent oil resistance, and particularly, being able to be suitably used as a packaging material for food containing edible oil. The oil-resistant sheet material includes at least one coating layer that contains starch and/or polyvinyl alcohol and a fatty acid on at least one side of a substrate in a solid content of 0.5–20 g/cm². When the coating layer further contains a crosslinking agent, the oil resistance is improved. A coating layer that contains a fatty acid as a main component or a coating layer that contains polyvinyl alcohol as a main component may be further applied to the above-mentioned coating layer to form at least two coating layers.

Oil recuperation process (Kellens, M., and W. De Greyt, De Smet Engineering N.V., US7696369, April 13, 2010).

The invention provides a process for recuperating a triglyceride oil from wet gums from a vegetable oil, said process comprising the steps of: (i) providing wet gums by water degumming a crude vegetable oil, (ii) mixing said wet gums with water containing a phospholipidolytic agent, (iii) allowing the mixture to separate into two or more phases, said two or more phases including at least an oily phase and an aqueous phase, and (iv) recuperating said oily phase.

Preparations of phospholipids and pharmaceuticals containing 5-amino salicylic acid for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (Lichtenberger, L., The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, US7700651, April 20, 2010).

A unique composition of a 5-amino salicylic acid (5ASA) and a phospholipid is disclosed for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where the composition can be a mixture, a molecular association complex, or a covalent compound of 5ASA and a reactive phospholipid covalently bonded together via a diazo linkage and to methods for administering the compositions to treat symptoms of IBD.

Prime foam containing vegetable oil polyol (Griggs, W., Sleep Innovations Inc., US7700661, April 20, 2010).

A polyurethane foam created from a formulation comprising from about 1% to about 70% of a vegetable oil polyol is disclosed. The polyurethane foam is made from a formulation comprising an isocyanate, a surfactant, and a polyol blend comprising a vegetable oil polyol. Also disclosed is a polyurethane foam made from a formulation comprising a polyol blend comprising a petrochemical polyol and a vegetable oil polyol, and an isocyanate blend comprising a 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) isomer and a 2,6-TDI isomer, wherein the ratio of petrochemical polyol to vegetable oil polyol in the polyol blend is about equal to the ratio of the 2,4-TDI isomer to the 2,6-TDI isomer in the isocyanate blend.

Plasticized poly vinyl chloride compositions (Bueno de Almeida, W., et al., Cognis Brazil Ltda,, US7700675, April 20, 2010).

The invention relates to plasticizer compositions for polyvinyl chloride resins. A plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin contains (a) 100 parts by weight of at least one polyvinyl chloride resin and (b) 0.1–200 parts by weight of a plasticizer compounded with the polyvinyl chloride resin, wherein the plasticizer comprises (i) at least one isobutanol ester of a fatty acid with 8–24 carbon atoms, wherein the fatty acid can be saturated or olefinically unsaturated, linear or branched and contain at least one epoxy group per molecule and (ii) at least one methyl ester of a fatty acid with 16–18 carbon atoms, wherein the fatty acid can be saturated or olefinically unsaturated, linear or branched.

Catalysts for producing carboxylic acid salts (Wessel, H., et al., BASF Aktiengesellschaft, US7700803, April 20, 2010).

Catalysts for preparing carboxylic acid salts from alcohols which (i) consist of copper or (ii) comprise from 99.9% to 10% by weight of copper and from 0.01% to 90% by weight of iron and from 0 to 50% by weight of one or more other metals, and may optionally be doped, the hydroxides being obtained by precipitation of copper salt solutions or by coprecipitation of copper and iron salt solutions optionally containing salts of other metals using a base, and being reduced by hydrogen.

Vitamin/mineral compositions with DHA (Bydlon, R.J., et al., Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc., US7704542, April 27, 2010).

Compositions containing the fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in combination with at least one vitamin and mineral are provided to supplement nutrition in a mammalian diet. DHA is present in the composition in concentrated amounts, advantageously in a carrier such as marinol oil to allow for quantities of DHA sufficient to supply expectant and new mothers and their children as recommended on a daily basis. This DHA may also be used to treat a variety of disorders in children and adults. The compositions advantageously include vitamins, minerals, and optionally other nutrients to provide a nutritional supplement which may be convenient to swallow and taken once a day.

Selective oxidative conversion of methane to methanol dimethyl ether and derived products (Olah, G.A., and G.K.S. Prakash, University of Southern California, US7705059, April 27, 2010).

The present invention relates to a method of producing methanol from a methane source by oxidizing methane under conditions sufficient to a mixture of methanol and formaldehyde while minimizing the formation of formic acid and carbon dioxide. The oxidation step is followed by treatment step in which formaldehyde is converted into methanol and formic acid, which itself can further be converted into methanol via catalytic hydrogenation of intermediately formed methyl formate.

Detergent composition or component therefor (Krijgsman, A., et al., The Sun Products Corp., US7674762, March 9, 2010).

A particulate detergent composition or component therefore that comprises a bi- or trivalent carboxylic acid salt, preferably magnesium stearate, which, without the carboxylic acid salt being present has a hygroscopicity value of greater than 25%.

Stable pigment dispersions (Louwet, F., et al., Agfa Graphics NV, US7674843, March 9, 2010).

A pigment dispersion includes a pigment with at least one carboxylic acid group and a block copolymer including aromatic monomers having at least one carboxylic acid group or a salt thereof and aromatic monomers having at least one sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof. The pigment dispersions can be used for manufacturing inkjet inks and for the coating of colored layers.

Esterification and transesterification systems, methods and apparatus (Lichtenberger, P.L., et al., Four Rivers Bioenergy Inc., US7678340, March 16, 2010).

Esterification and transesterification methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed that increase the efficiency of esterification reactions. The methods comprising utilizing an annular gap reactor comprises a rotor rotating within a stator to provide an annular flow passage comprising a flow path containing a high-shear treatment zone in which the passage spacing is smaller than in the remainder of the zone to provide a subsidiary higher-shear treatment zone. In exemplary embodiments the reactor is modified to include an evaporator portion including an opening in the stator near the end of the reactor and a series of fins placed in the opening. Increase in the rates due to the annular gap reactor allows for the use of less catalyst, poorer catalysts, lower temperature, and reduction in unwanted side reactions at more economically favorable conditions.

Processes for making chocolate (Kealey, K.S., et al., Mars, Inc., US7678407, March 16, 2010).

Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs, and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.

strong>Process for decreasing the amount of cholesterol in a marine oil using a volatile working fluid (Sondbø, S., and O. Thorstad, Pronova Biopharma Norge AS, US7678930, March 16, 2010).

The invention relates to a process for decreasing the amount of cholesterol in a marine oil. The process comprises adding a volatile working fluid to the oil, where the volatile working fluid comprises at least one of a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid amide, and a hydrocarbon, and a stripping step in which at least some cholesterol is separated with the volatile working fluid. The present invention also relates to a volatile cholesterol decreasing working fluid, and a health supplement and a pharmaceutical, based on a marine oil, prepared according to the process mentioned above.

Process for producing carboxylic acid (Miura, H., and H. Kojima, Daicel Chemical Industries Ltd., US7678940, March 16, 2010).

A process for producing a purified carboxylic acid having “n + 1” carbon atoms comprises feeding a carboxylic acid stream containing a carboxylic acid having “n + 1” carbon atoms, a hydrogen halide, a lower boiling point (bp) component, a higher bp component, and others to a first distillation column; separating a lower bp fraction containing part of the lower bp component and a higher bp fraction containing part of the higher bp component in the first column; withdrawing a side stream containing at least the carboxylic acid by side cut from the first column; feeding the side stream to a second distillation column; separating a lower bp fraction containing part of the lower bp component and a higher bp fraction containing part of the higher bp component in the second column; and withdrawing a side stream containing the carboxylic acid by side cut from the second column to recover a purified carboxylic acid; and the process further comprises feeding at least one first component (A) selected from the group consisting of an alcohol corresponding to the carboxylic acid having “n” carbon atom(s) and an ester of the alcohol with the carboxylic acid to the first column and, if necessary, water. Such a process ensures reduction of the concentration of the hydrogen halide in the purified carboxylic acid.

Ophthalmic compositions comprising a branched, glycerol monoalkyl compound and a fatty acid monoester (Burke, S.E., et al., Bausch & Lomb Inc., US7670997, March 2, 2010).

An aqueous ophthalmic composition comprising a branched, glycerol monoalkyl compound and a fatty acid monoester. The fatty acid monoester comprises an aliphatic fatty acid portion having six to fourteen carbon atoms and an aliphatic hydroxyl portion. The composition will also have an osmolality in a range from 200 mOsmol/kg to 400 mOsmol/kg. The invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting the formation of foam in an aqueous ophthalmic composition that includes a surfactant as well as to a method of enhancing the biocidal efficacy of an aqueous ophthalmic composition containing a fatty acid monoester.

Ink unit including ink and ink-wetted member (Morimoto, K., Fujifilm Corp., US7673963, March 9, 2010).

An ink unit having: an ink utilized for an inkjet recorder; and a wetted member that contacts with the ink, wherein the ink includes a pigment dispersedly held in a medium, and the pigment contains particles having a size of 200 nm or larger in 2 volume percent or less, and wherein a principal component of the ink-wetted member is (i) a compound of specific hydrotalcite; (ii) a fatty acid and/or a fatty acid derivative; (iii) a phenolic antioxidant having an isocyanurate skeleton; or (iv) a polyolefin including an alkyl-substituted benzylidene sorbitol.

Method for preparing a cosmetic composition and cosmetic composition prepared by this method (Belmar, M.T., et al., Conopco, Inc., US7674472, March 9, 2010).

A base composition comprising a fatty acid and an organic base to form at least partially a fatty acid organic soap is suitable for preparing a skin care composition by addition of relatively cold water.

Stable pigment dispersions (Louwet, F., et al., Agfa Graphics NV, US7674843, March 9, 2010).

A pigment dispersion includes a pigment with at least one carboxylic acid group and a block copolymer including aromatic monomers having at least one carboxylic acid group or a salt thereof and aromatic monomers having at least one sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof. The pigment dispersions can be used for manufacturing inkjet inks and for the coating of colored layers.

Materials for processing non-aqueous mixtures and methods for their preparation (Kloos, S.D., et al., GE Osmonics, Inc., US7678277, March 16, 2010).

The invention provides porous matrices that comprise one or more anionic surfactants that can be used in non-aqueous environments.

Rubber composition (Ohshima, N., Bridgestone Corp., US7678855, March 16, 2010).

A rubber composition having a high hysteresis loss is provided without impairment of other physical properties such as fracture characteristics. The rubber composition includes 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, 0.1 to 100 parts by weight of graphitized carbon material, and a lipid the amount of which is 0.02 to 0.2 times the amount of the graphitized carbon material. Preferably, the graphitized carbon material is carbon fiber grown from a vapor phase or graphitized carbon black, and the lipid is a fatty acid. Preferably the rubber composition according to the present invention has a loss tangent tan δ in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 at a temperature of 60°C after vulcanization.

Process for decreasing the amount of cholesterol in a marine oil using a volatile working fluid (Sondbo, S., and O. Thorstad, Pronova Biopharma Norge AS, US7678930, March 16, 2010).

The invention relates to a process for decreasing the amount of cholesterol in a mixture comprising a marine oil, the marine oil containing the cholesterol, which process comprises the steps of adding a volatile working fluid to the mixture, where the volatile working fluid comprises at least one of a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid amide and a hydrocarbon, and subjecting the mixture with the added volatile working fluid to at least one stripping processing step, in which an amount of cholesterol present in the marine oil in free form is separated from the mixture together with the volatile working fluid. The present invention also relates to a volatile cholesterol decreasing working fluid and a health supplement and a pharmaceutical, based on a marine oil, prepared according to the process mentioned above.

∆-15 Desaturases suitable for altering levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in oleaginous plants and yeast (Yadav, N.S., and H. Zhang, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., US7659120, February 9, 2010).

The present invention relates to fungal ∆-15 fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2, LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host plants and microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the ∆-15 fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.

Composition comprising protein material and compounds comprising non-oxidizable fatty acid entities (Berge, R., Thia Medica AS, US7659242, February 9, 2010).

The present invention concerns a composition prepared from a combination of non-β-oxidizable fatty acid entities and a protein material, and the use of said composition for the preparation of a pharmaceutical or nutritional composition for the prevention and/or treatment of insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, thrombosis, stenosis, secondary stenosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, elevated blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, procoagulant state, polycystic ovary syndrome, the metabolic syndrome, cancer, inflammatory disorders, and proliferate skin disorders. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes oil in the composition. The present invention also concerns an animal feed prepared from a combination of a protein material and a compound comprising non-β-oxidizable fatty acid analogs, the use of said feed for improving the body composition of an animal, and a product produced from said animal.

Impact resistant rigid vinyl chloride polymer composition and method of making the same (Berard, M.T., and C.M. Vanek, Dow Global Technologies Inc., US7659334, February 9, 2010).

The instant invention is an impact-resistant rigid vinyl chloride polymer composition, and method of making the same. The impact-resistant rigid vinyl chloride polymer composition, according to instant invention, includes a vinyl chloride polymer, an impact modifier, and a lubricant system. The impact modifier includes a chlorinated olefin polymer, and an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The lubricant system includes a first component, a second component, and a third component. The first component is a carboxylic acid selected from the group consisting of stearic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, blends thereof, and combinations thereof. The second component is a hydrocarbon wax selected from the group consisting of a paraffin wax, polyolefin wax, blends thereof, and combinations thereof. The third component is a metal soap selected from the group consisting of calcium stearate, aluminum stearate, copper stearate, lithium stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, zinc stearate, blends thereof, and combinations thereof. The process for preparing the impact-resistant rigid vinyl chloride polymer composition of the instant invention includes the following steps: (i) providing a vinyl chloride polymer; (ii) providing an impact modifier as described above; (iii) providing a lubricant system as described above; (iv) blending the vinyl chloride polymer, the impact modifier, and the lubricant system thereby forming the impact-resistant rigid vinyl chloride polymer composition.

Aqueous ink-jet ink composition (Saito, T., and H. Yamamoto, Riso Kagaku Corp., US7662223, February 16, 2010).

An aqueous ink-jet ink composition contains: (i) a polyglycerol fatty acid ester in which the number of carbon atoms of the fatty acid moiety is equal to 14, the polyglycerol fatty acid ester being contained in a proportion falling within the range of more than 0.1 percent by mass to less than 3.5 percent by mass, and (ii) an acetylene glycol, in which the number of mols of ethylene oxide added is equal to at least 10 mols, the acetylene glycol being contained in a proportion falling within the range of 0.2 percent by mass, inclusive, to 10 percent by mass, inclusive.

Membrane scaffold proteins and embedded membrane proteins (Sligar, S.G., and T.H. Bayburt, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, US7662410, February 16, 2010).

Membrane proteins are difficult to express in recombinant form, purify, and characterize, at least in part due to their hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic properties. Membrane scaffold proteins (MSP) assemble with target membrane or other hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins or membrane fragments to form soluble nanoscale particles that preserve their native structure and function; they are improved over liposomes and detergent micelles. In the presence of phospholipids, MSP form nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the particle at the perimeter of the bilayer domain. The particle bilayer structure allows manipulation of incorporated proteins in solution or on solid supports, including for use with such surface-sensitive techniques as scanning probe microscopy or surface plasmon resonance. The nanoscale particles facilitate pharmaceutical and biological research, structure/function correlation, structure determination, bioseparation, and drug discovery.

Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same (Yaver, D., et al., US7662602, February 16, 2010).

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Process for the preparation of fatty acid methyl ester from triglyceride oil by transesterification (Ghosh, P.K., et al., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, US7666234, February 23, 2010).

The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of biodiesel from triglyceride oils through transesterification, particularly the fatty acid methyl ester of oil mechanically expelled from whole seeds of Jatropha curcas, a plant with potential for cultivation on wastelands in India and other countries, all unit operations being carried out at ambient temperature.

Aircraft cleaner formula (Britton, C.E., Spray Nine Corp., US7666264, February 23, 2010).

A cleaning composition based on an aqueous or non-petroleum solvent, and useful for cleaning exterior surfaces such as aircraft exterior surfaces and other metal, glass, rubber, and polymer surfaces possesses solvent-like properties with respect to greasy soils; inhibits corrosion and degradation of rubber; is biodegradable; forms a stable emulsion with water; remains optically clear and stable at multiple dilutions with water; and conforms to MIL-PRF 87937D. The composition includes at least one fatty acid methyl ester, at least one ethoxylated alcohol having an HLB [hydrophilic-lipophilic balance] ranging from about 10 to about 14, at least one alkyl polyglycoside having an HLB ranging from about 10 to about 14, at least one hydrotrope, an alkali metal silicate, at least one corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion on metals, and water.

Oral formulation for delivery of poorly absorbed drugs (Choi, S.-H., and S.-W. Cho, Procarrier, Inc., US7666446, February 23, 2010).

A composition for oral delivery of a poorly absorbed drug is disclosed. The composition includes the drug, an enhancer for increasing absorption of the drug through the intestinal mucosa, a promoter, which alone does not increase absorption of the drug through the intestinal mucosa, but which further increases the absorption of the drug in the presence of the enhancer, and optionally a protector for protecting the drug from physical or chemical decomposition or inactivation in the gastrointestinal tract. Illustrative enhancers include sucrose fatty acid esters and illustrative promoters include aminosugars and amino acid derivatives, such as poly(amino acids). Illustrative protectors include methylcellulose poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Compositions including krill extracts and conjugated linoleic acid and methods of using same (Rockway, S., Pharmanutrients, US7666447, February 23, 2010).

Methods and compositions for the prevention, therapy, and/or treatment of several disease states. The methods comprise the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including krill extract and conjugated linoleic acid. In addition, the present invention provides new and improved therapeutic compositions including krill extracts and conjugated linoleic acid.

Lipolytic enzyme: Uses thereof in the food industry (Miasnikov, A., et al., Danisco A/S, US7666618, February 23, 2010).

The invention encompasses the use of a lipolytic enzyme obtainable from one of the following genera: Streptomyces, Corynebacterium, and Thermobifida in various methods and uses wherein the lipolytic enzyme hydrolyzes a glycolipid or a phospholipid or transfers an acyl group from a glycolipid or phospholipids to an acyl acceptor. The present invention also relates to a lipolytic enzyme that hydrolyzes at least a galactolipid or transfers an acyl group from a galactolipid to one or more acyl acceptor substrates, wherein the enzyme is obtainable from Streptomyces species.

Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same (Yaver, D., et al., Novozymes, Inc., US7666630, February 23, 2010).

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Aliphatic polyester resin composition and sheets, films or other products molded by the resin (Sashida, K., and S. Kamiya, Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd., US7666934, February 23, 2010).

Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition, in particular, an aliphatic polyester resin composition comprising a plasticizer which is soft, exhibits high transparency, is reduced in bleeding out and exhibits high resistance to the extraction by a paraffinic solvent; and a sheet, a film, or a molded article formed from the thermoplastic resin composition. An aliphatic polyester resin composition characterized in that it comprises 100 parts by mass of an aliphatic polyester and, as a plasticizer, 1.0 to 100 parts by mass of a specific ester compound which is an ester formed from a trivalent polyhydric alcohol and an acyl group derived from a carboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms and has an average acylation degree of 50 to 90%.

Process for producing glycerin and fatty alcohol via hydrogenation (Sakamoto, T., et al., Kao Corp., US7667059, February 23, 2010).

The invention relates to a process for producing a fatty alcohol and glycerin by hydrogenation reaction of fats and oils in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in the coexistence of an organic solvent.

Method of producing biodiesel (Yu, J., et al., Sichuan Gushan Oil Chemical Co., Ltd., US7667060, February 23, 2010).

This invention involves a kind of fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel fuel), especially the method of obtaining ester-like substances by means of chemical alterations of oil.

Method of preparing a composition using argentation chromatography (Binder, T.P., et al., Archer Daniels Midland Co., US7667061, February 23, 2010).

The present invention is directed to a method of preparing compositions enriched in compounds containing carbon chains of varying degrees of unsaturation using argentation chromatography. The present method utilizes an argentized cationic resin or a conditioned argentized alumina to separate compounds containing saturated or mono-unsaturated carbon chains from compounds having polyunsaturated carbon chains present in a starting composition. The invention is particularly useful for preparing a composition enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acid alkyl esters from mixtures of fatty acid esters in a starting composition derived from vegetable oils. The present invention is also directed to a method of preparing a conditioned argentized alumina adsorbent having increased selectivity for compounds containing one or more polyunsaturated carbon chains.

Image forming method, liquid developing device, and image forming apparatus (Miura, S., et al., Seiko Epson Corp., US7670732, March 02, 2010).

An image-forming method includes: by using a plurality of liquid developers having different colors, forming a plurality of single-color images corresponding to the colors; transferring a non-fixed color image onto a recording medium; and fixing the non-fixed color image onto the recording medium. In the image-forming method, each of the liquid developers includes an insulating liquid containing unsaturated fatty acid components and toner particles dispersed in the insulating liquid, and an oxidation polymerization accelerator that accelerates an oxidation polymerization reaction of the unsaturated fatty acid components during fixation is contained in the liquid developer forming the single color image that is positioned closest to the recording medium among the plurality of single-color images forming the non-fixed color image.

Cosmetic emulsifiers (Clendennen, S.K., and N.W. Boaz, Eastman Chemical Co., US7667067, February 23, 2010).

A composition, process of preparation, and utility of salts of fatty acid esters of amino-alcohols such as dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) as emulsifiers useful for formulating with lipids and waxes is described. DMAE fatty acid esters were prepared enzymatically in the absence of added solvent and then salified directly with carboxylic acids to form the salts. The compounds were used to make stable emulsions with a variety of cosmetically acceptable lipids.

Method for purification of glycerol (Rezkallah, A., Rohm and Haas Co., US7667081, February 23, 2010).

A method for purification of glycerol, especially crude glycerol from biodiesel production. The method uses gel-type acidic ion exchange resin beads to separate fatty acid salts and inorganic salts from the crude glycerol.

Transgenic plants having anthelmintic activity and methods of producing them (Verbsky, M.L., et al., Divergence Inc., US7667095, February 23, 2010).

The present invention provides DNA constructs, transgenic plants containing such constructs, and methods of making the plants. The DNA constructs encode a polypeptide that when expressed results in the production of fatty acid compounds having anthelmintic activity. Transgenic plants expressing such a polypeptide can exhibit enhanced resistance to plant parasitic nematodes particularly when expressed in vegetative tissues. Transgenic plants expressing such a polypeptide can also be useful for non-pesticidal industrial uses.

Method and apparatus of coating articles (Sanders, N.H., et al., Cadbury Schweppes Ltd., US7669546, March 2, 2010).

A coating such as liquid milk chocolate is applied to articles such as confectionery bars. The bars are conveyed by conveyor under a curtain of liquid chocolate issuing through an outlet slot in a trough. A layer of air is caused to flow through the outlet slot in the trough so as to modify the flow characteristics of the curtain. The layer of air permits a curtain of even thickness to be achieved.

Method of drilling using invert emulsion drilling fluids (Kirsner, J., et al., Halliburton Energy Services Inc., US7645723, January 12, 2010).

A method for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid is disclosed as well as compositions for use in such method. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a fragile gel or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluid is especially advantageous for use in deep water wells because the fluid exhibits minimal difference between downhole equivalent circulating density and surface density notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluid, the fluid makes an environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluid. The fluid preferably contains no organophilic clays.

Compositions and use of mono- and polyenoic acids for breaking VES-gelled fluids (Crews, J.B., Baker Hughes Inc., US7645724, January 12, 2010).

Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VES) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one unsaturated fatty acid such as a monoenoic acid and/or polyenoic acid. The unsaturated fatty acid may be contained in an oil-soluble internal phase of the fluid. The breaking composition is believed to act possibly by rearranging, disaggregating, or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific non-limiting instance a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant can have its viscosity broken with an oil such as flax (linseed) oil, soybean oil, and/or fish oils containing relatively high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids are thought to auto-oxidize into products such as aldehydes, ketones, and saturated fatty acids that break the VES gel.

Production of biodiesel and a side stream of crude glycerol which is converted to methanol (Goetsch, D., et al., G.D.O. Inc., US7645807, January 12, 2010).

Production of biodiesel from vegetable and animal oils with conversion of a by-product crude glycerol stream to methanol. The crude glycerol stream is combined with superheated steam and oxygen to produce a synthesis gas that is then passed to a methanol synthesis reaction zone to produce methanol.

Material compositions for reinforcing ionic polymer composites (Jong, L., The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture, US7645818, January 12, 2010).

The invention is related to the preparation of an ionic polymer composite material comprising a protein and carbohydrate-containing vegetable material component that serves as a reinforcement agent for the composite. In preferred embodiments of the invention the vegetable seed component is selected from the group of soy spent flakes, defatted soy flour, or soy protein concentrate with ionic polymers and the ionic polymer is carboxylated poly(styrene-butadiene). The composites have a significantly higher elastic modulus when compared with base polymer.

Food for skin moisture retention (Ishikawa, K., et al., Kao Corp., US7648714, January 19, 2010).

This invention relates to a food containing a glycosylated ceramide and diacylglycerol. This food is capable of improving and enhancing the barrier function of skin and increasing water-holding capacity of the skin.

Intermolecular compounds of fatty acid triglycerides (Arimoto, S., et al., Nisshin OilliO Group Ltd., US7648724, January 19, 2010).

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 Å 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 keep smooth texture and prevent blooming.

Toner, developer, and image forming apparatus (Umehara, K., Ricoh Co. Ltd., US7648812, January 19, 2010).

A toner is provided including a binder resin; a release agent; a colorant; and a fatty acid amide compound wherein the binder resin includes: an amorphous polyester (A) having a softening point of from 70 to 140°C; an amorphous polyester (B) having a softening point of from 120 to 190°C; and a crystalline polyester (C) and wherein the following relationship is satisfied: TmC < Tm(Asp) wherein TmC represents a softening point of the crystalline polyester (C) and Tm(Asp) represents a softening point of the fatty acid amide compound; and a developer and an image forming apparatus using the toner.

System and method for fueling diesel engines with vegetable oil (Kleinberger, O.L., US7650878, January 26, 2010).

A heated fuel delivery system for vegetable oil or other fuels of temperature-dependent viscosity, which may be used as fuel for a diesel engine. The system includes one or more heated fuel lines and/or a heated fuel tank to heat the fuel and reduce its viscosity for more efficient use. Recovered engine heat from the engine coolant system is transferred to heat the fuel.

Vegetable oil based dielectric fluid and methods of using same (Corkran, J.L., et al., Cooper Industries, Inc., US7651641, January 26, 2010).

In one aspect the present invention provides a dielectric fluid for use in electrical equipment comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. I n another aspect the invention provides devices for generating and distributing electrical energy that incorporate a dielectric fluid comprising a vegetable oil or vegetable oil blend. Methods of retrofilling electrical equipment with vegetable oil-based dielectric fluids also are provided.

Milk chocolate containing water (Beckett, S.T., et al., Nestec SA, US7651721, January 26, 2010).

A process for manufacturing milk chocolate products containing a higher than normal water content by preparing a dark chocolate containing up to 30% by weight of water, adding a milk powder suspension optionally together with seed crystals of cocoa butter or cocoa butter equivalent, and mixing under low shear. The invention also relates to high water content milk chocolate products, methods of preparing a chocolate-coated ice cream article with such products, and to the resulting chocolate-coated ice cream articles.

Herbicidal compositions (Kazen, J.L., et al., Valent U.S.A. Corp. and Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry LLC, US7651977, January 26, 2010).

The present invention provides an improved herbicidal composition including (i) an effective amount of an herbicidal cyclohexanedione oxime compound or agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; (ii) one or more esters of a fatty acid; (iii) a salt of dodecylbenzene-sulfonic acid; (iv) at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene plant oils and polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters; and (v) optionally an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent. The present invention also provides a method for controlling the growth of vegetation by applying to the vegetation the composition of the present invention.

Omega 3 fatty acid formulations (Feuerstein, S., et al., Cenestra LLC, US7652068, January 26, 2010).

The present invention provides highly purified omega-3 fatty acid formulations. Certain formulations provided herein contain greater than 85% omega-3 fatty acids by weight. Certain other formulations provided herein contain EPA [eicsosapentaenoic acid] and DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] in a ratio of from about 4.01:1 to about 5:1. The invention also provides methods of using the dosage forms to treat a variety of cardiovascular, autoimmune, inflammatory, and central nervous system disorders by administering a formulation of the invention to a patient in need thereof.

Refined method for manufacturing ethyl esters from fatty substances of natural origin (Hillion, G., and B. Delfort, Institut Français du Petrole, US7652156, January 26, 2010).

A method allowing, from natural fat or oils, vegetable or animal, or from other glyceride mixtures to obtain in a quasi-quantitative way fatty acid ethyl esters that can be used as gas oil substitutes, comprises the succession of stages as follows: a stage (i) wherein the oil, the fat, or the glyceride mixture is transesterified by ethanol using a soluble catalyst or a catalyst that becomes soluble during the reaction, a stage (ii) wherein the glycerin formed is decanted and removed without requiring an excess ethanol evaporation operation, a stage (iii) wherein a second transesterification reaction is carried out so as to obtain a product whose ester content is at least 97% by mass, a stage (iv) wherein controlled neutralization of the catalyst is carried out, a stage (v) wherein the excess ethanol is removed by distillation, a stage (vi) wherein the ester undergoes purification by means of water wash sequences, and a stage (vii) wherein the ester mixture is dried under reduced pressure.

Homogeneous low hardness polyurethane (Killeen, K.A., Lexmark International Inc., US7655311, February 2, 2010).

This invention employs a polyol derivative of a fatty acid that is reacted into a polyurethane formed also with a urethane prepolymer, a polydiene, and optionally, a curative for cross-linking. The fatty acid moiety becomes a relatively short side chain of the polyurethane formed. In embodiments the polyol is an ester of the fatty acid. This achieves reduction in hardness of the polyurethane with a homogeneity that provides consistent surface characteristics over an extended period desirable for use for electrophotographic development and the like when the material is used as a developer roller.

Recombinant Candida rugosa lipases (Shaw, J.-f., et al., Academia Sinica, US7655453, February 2, 2010).

The present invention features an isolated nucleic acid that includes a mutant DNA encoding a Candida rugosa lipase wherein the mutant DNA is 80% identical to a wild-type DNA encoding the Candida rugosa lipase and includes at least 12 (e.g., 13, 15, 17, or all) universal serine codons corresponding to CTG codons in the wild-type DNA. Each of the universal serine codons, independently, is TCT, TCC, TCA, TCG, AGT, or AGC. The Candida rugosa lipase can be Candida rugosa lipase 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8.

Method and apparatus for assessing purity of vegetable oils by means of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (Zhao, Z., et al., Nuctech Company; Tsinghua University, US7652769, January 26, 2010).

The present invention relates to a method for assessing the purity of vegetable oils by means of terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy, comprising the steps of: measuring the THz time-domain spectra of standard vegetable oils to establish a spectral database; measuring the THz time-domain spectrum of vegetable oil to be detected; analyzing the purity of the detected vegetable oil based on the pre-built database. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for assessing purity of vegetable oil by means of THz time-domain spectroscopy, comprising: spectrum measuring device for measuring time-domain waveforms of THz pulses before and after transmitting the vegetable oil held in a container by transmission approach, or directly measuring time-domain waveforms of THz pulses before and after reflecting from the vegetable oil by reflection approach; and data processing device for extracting physical parameters of the vegetable oil in THz region according to the time-domain waveforms. Compared with the prior art, the method according to the present invention is easy, rapid and quantitative.

Clean-up additive for viscoelastic surfactant based fluids (Crews, J.B., Baker Hughes Inc., US7655603, February 2, 2010).

Clean-up additive compositions may be used to enhance the clean-up of VES (viscoelastic surfactant)-gelled aqueous fluids in a wide range of applications and VES fluid compositions including use of an internal breaker system. The compositions are microemulsions that may include, but not necessarily be limited to, at least one viscosity-reducing agent, at least one solubilizing agent, at least one desorption agent, and at least one water-wetting agent. One non-limiting embodiment of a specific microemulsion includes an unsaturated fatty acid oil, a glycol, a sorbitan ester/ethoxylated sorbitan ester mixture, and an alkyl sulfonate. Microemulsions may perform one or more of the following functions: keeping the reservoir water wet; keeping surface tension reduction low; demulsifying reservoir crude oils and aqueous VES fluids; dispersing and solubilizing the by-products generated when breaking the VES gel; and/or limiting the amount of VES residue on reservoir minerals.

ADS genes for reducing saturated fatty acid levels in seed oils (Heilmann, I.H., and J. Shanklin, Brookhaven Science Associates LLC, US7655833, February 2, 2010).

The present invention relates to enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. In particular the present invention provides coding sequences for Arabidopsis desaturases (ADS), the encoded ADS polypeptides, and methods for using the sequences and encoded polypeptides, where such methods include decreasing and increasing saturated fatty acid content in plant seed oils.

Process for printing an aqueous ink composition (Bujard, P., et al., Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp., US7658488, February 9, 2010).

A process for printing flat substrates in which the said substrate is printed with an ink composition including (a) a basic dye together with (b) an aliphatic carboxylic acid having at least four carbon atoms, (d) a binder resin, and water yields water-resistant prints having a high depth of shade and high chroma.

Cosmetic or dermatological impregnated cloths (Von Der Fecht, S., and J. Kuether, Goldschmidt GmbH, US7658936, February 9, 2010).

The invention is a cosmetic or dermatological cloth, comprising a water-insoluble nonwoven material which is moistened with a cosmetic or dermatological impregnating solution comprising an oil-in-water emulsions having a viscosity of less than 2000 mPa∙s and comprising one or more partially neutralized glyceride esters selected from the group consisting of monoglyceride and diglyceride esters of saturated fatty acids with citric acid and one or more fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of branched and unbranched alkyl alcohols with 12 to 40 carbon atoms.

Purification of biodiesel with adsorbent materials (Cooke, B.S., et al., Dallas Group of America Inc., US7635398, December 22, 2009).

A method of purifying a biodiesel fuel by contacting the biodiesel fuel with at least one adsorbent material such as magnesium silicate. Such method removes impurities such as soap formed during the production of biodiesel fuels.

Method of producing liquid developer and liquid developer produced by the method (Teshima, T., Seiko Epson Corp., US7635550, December 22, 2009).

A method of producing a liquid developer that comprises an insulation liquid and toner particles dispersed in the solution is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) preparing a kneaded material containing a coloring agent and a resin material; (ii) dispersing the kneaded material into an insulation liquid to obtain a molten state kneaded material dispersed liquid in which the kneaded material in a molten state is finely dispersed; and (iii) cooling the molten state kneaded material dispersed liquid to solidify the molten state kneaded material; wherein the insulation liquid contains as its major component an unsaturated fatty acid. According to the method it is possible to provide a liquid developer in which toner particles having a small particle size distribution and a uniform shape are dispersed so that properties of each component of the toner particles can be exhibited sufficiently. The liquid developer mentioned above is also harmless to environment.

Process for the production of triacylglycerols (Dahlqvist, A., et al., BASF Plant Science GmbH, US7635582, December 22, 2009).

The present invention relates to the isolation, identification, and characterization of nucleotide sequences encoding an enzyme catalyzing the transfer of fatty acids from phospholipids to diacylglycerol in the biosynthetic pathway for the production of triacylglycerol, to said enzymes and process for the production of triacylglycerols.

Micro-particle fatty acid salt solid dosage formulations for therapeutic agents (Opawale, F., and R. Soltero, Biocon Ltd., US7635675, December 22, 2009).

Fatty acid salt particles having a size distribution wherein the particles are from about 1 to about 1,000 microns in diameter, use of the particles in pharmaceutical compositions, as well as methods of making and using the particles and compositions.

Cellulosic-thermoplastic composite and method of making the same (Sigworth, W.D., et al., Chemtura Corp., US7635731, December 22, 2009).

Provided is a composition comprising fatty acid bis-amide, inorganic particulate such as pumice, cellulosic particulate, thermoplastic and maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin. The combination of an ethylene bis-amide and a minor amount of pumice produces cellulosic-thermoplastic composite that has superior extrusion properties over conventional metal stearate/ethylene bis-stearamide compositions such as improved flex strength and resistance to water absorption.

Triacylglycerol based wax for use in container candles (Murphy, T.A., Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc., US7637968, December 29, 2009).

A triacylglycerol-based wax, which may be used to form container candles, is disclosed. The triacylglycerol-based wax includes a triacylglycerol component and a polyol fatty acid partial ester component. The triacylglycerol-based wax typically has a melting point of about 49°C to 58°C. The triacylglycerol-based wax also generally has an iodine value of about 45 to 65. The triacylglycerol component tends to have a fatty acid composition including 5 to 13 wt% 16:0 fatty acid. Further, the fatty acid composition generally comprises about 45 to 60 wt% 18:1 fatty acid. The fatty acid composition also generally comprises about 30 to 45 wt% 18:0 fatty acid. The wax preferably contains little or no paraffin and free fatty acid. The polyol partial ester component is preferably a glycerol monoester of palmitic and stearic fatty acids, and is commonly present as less than about 5 wt% of the wax.

Procedure to obtain biodiesel fuel with improved properties at low temperature (Delgado Puche, J., Industrial Management S.A., US7637969, December 29, 2009).

Procedure to generate biodiesel fuels with improved properties at low temperature by the transesterification of triglycerides with alcohols such as methanol or ethanol, optionally in the presence of methyl or ethyl acetates of fatty acids and an inert solvent to produce methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acids, glycerine, and, where appropriate, glycerine triacetate, followed by the separation of crude glycerine that is reacted with aldehydes, ketones, and/or acetic acid or methyl or ethyl acetates to produce acetals, glycerine cetals, and/or glycerine acetates. The acetals, glycerine cetals, and/or glycerine acetates are mixed with methyl or ethyl esters of fatty acids in concentrations of approximately 0.5–20 wt% to obtain a biodiesel with improved properties at low temperatures.

Antimicrobial and antiviral composition (Chandler, W., Global Life Technologies Corp., US7638147, December 29, 2009).

An antimicrobial and antiviral barrier composition for topical application to the proximal anterior nares includes an antiseptic solution in combination with Cocos nucifera (coconut oil) and one or more citrus oils such as, for example, Citrus sinensis (orange oil). Various embodiments may also include one or more of the following additional ingredients: lauric acid; d-limonene; soy oil; emu oil; grapefruit seed extract; glycine soja; aloe vera; and a preservative, such as sodium benzoate.

Pan spray formulation and delivery system (Paul, L., and P. Friedman, HAP International, Inc., US7638154, December 29, 2009).

By combining lecithin and oil as the principal ingredients, a highly effective, uniform, widely dispersed, pan release spray product is achieved with the lecithin comprising a de-oiled powdered lecithin. The liquid lecithin and/or combinations thereof are blended with the vegetable oil, water, and/or alcohol to form a stable emulsion that exhibits superior pan release properties. Furthermore, the lecithin emulsions of the present invention are easily formulated with a variety of blending agents to make flavorful salad dressings, marinades, and pet flavor-enhancing products, as a nonaerosol finger pump-based product or as an aerosol product.

Process for making soy protein products having reduced off-flavor (Irwin, A., et al., Solae LLC, US7638155, December 29, 2009).

Novel processes for the production of soy protein products, such as soy protein isolates and soy protein flour, having reduced off-flavors are disclosed. One process includes a three-step process including extraction utilizing a mixture of supercritical carbon dioxide and an organic solvent. The soy protein isolates produced by the processes described herein are suitable for use in numerous food products, including soymilk.

Method (De Kreij, A., et al., Danisco A/S, US7638293, December 29, 2009).

Provided is a method of producing one or more of a carbohydrate ester, a protein ester, a protein subunit ester, or a hydroxyl acid ester. The method comprises admixing an acyl donor, an acyl acceptor, and water to produce a high water environment comprising 5–98% water. Preferably, the acyl donor is a lipid substrate selected from one or more of the group consisting of a phospholipid, a lysophospholipid, a triacylglyceride, a diglyceride, a glycolipid, or a lysoglycolipid. Preferably, the acyl acceptor is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a carbohydrate, a protein, a protein subunit, or a hydroxyl acid. The method further comprises contacting the admixture with a lipid acyltransferase, such that said lipid acyl transferase catalyzes alcoholysis and/or transesterification.

Production of biodiesel and other valuable chemicals from wastewater treatment plant sludges (Zappi, M.E., et al., Mississippi State University, US7638314, December 29, 2009).

A process for producing biodiesel has been invented by first extracting lipids from the sludges generated during primary and/or biological treatment of municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters using primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments followed by the transesterification of the extracted lipids using transesterification conversion into alcohol-based esters. The resulting products from this process include biodiesel, glycerol, lipid-free proteins, various other useful chemicals, and an aqueous-based substrate well suited for optimized digestion within subsequent biological digestion (either aerobic or anaerobic). The lipids extracted from the sludges containing high levels of microorganisms are phospholipids, which can also be directly used as lecithin. The extraction of the lipids from the sludges will be performed using chemical extraction techniques with the transesterification of the extracted lipids accomplished using basic, acidic, and/or a combination of the two transesterification techniques.

Lipolytic enzymes variants (Borch, K., et al., Novozymes A/S, US7638317, December 29, 2009).

The inventors have developed improved polypeptides by substituting or deleting specified amino acids in fungal lipolytic enzymes. More particularly, the polypeptides result in a reduction of dough stickiness when they are added to a dough. The polypeptides may particularly have activity on polar lipids.

Assay and method for quantifying the levels of steryl esters and free sterols in starch-containing food products (Lewandowski, D.J., et al., General Mills Inc., US7638336, December 29, 2009).

The present invention relates to an assay for determining the levels of sterols, stanols, steryl esters, fatty acid derivatives, and combinations thereof in a starch-containing food product. The assay is particularly useful in supporting product health and/or nutritional claims in manufacturing products intended for human or animal consumption. The present invention describes a method for extracting sterol-related compounds and uses as an internal standard a steryl ester, preferably cholesteryl oleate. By using the present extraction technique the process enables the recovery of substantially all of the sterol-related compound in the sample.

Thinners for invert emulsions (Mueller, H., et al., Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., US7638466, December 29, 2009).

A method of reducing the viscosity of invert emulsions and oil-based drilling fluids and well service fluids comprising such emulsions over a broad temperature range is disclosed. The method comprises adding to said invert emulsions of the invention a nonionic surfactant alone or in combination with a co-thinner having the formula: R''''-(C₂H₄O)_n(C₃H₆O)_m(C₄H₈O)_k-H where R'''' is a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, alkyl radical having about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, n is a number ranging from about 1 to about 10, m is a number ranging from about 0 to about 10, and k is a number ranging from about 0 to about 10. The nonionic surfactant is a reaction product of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and/or butylene oxide with C_10–22 carboxylic acids or C_10–22 carboxylic acid derivatives containing at least in position 9/10 and/or 13/14 structural units of general formula (I) where R₁ is a hydrogen atom or an OH group or a group OR₂. R₂ is an alkyl group of about 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group of about 2 to about 18 carbons atoms, or a group of the formula (II): R₃ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of about 1 to about 21 carbon atoms or an alkylene group of 2 to 21 carbon atoms.

Method for producing alcohol (Sakamoto, T., et al., Kao Corp., US7642386, January 5, 2010).

The invention relates to a process for producing an alcohol from fats and oils including: step 1 of reacting starting fats and oils with water to produce a reaction product containing a glycerin unit and step 2 of subjecting the reaction product obtained in step 1 to a hydrogenation reaction in the presence of a catalyst in the coexistence of water in an amount of 0.5 mole or more relative to 1 mole of the glycerin unit contained in the reaction product.

Compositions and methods for targeting cancer cells (Kucera, L.S., et al., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, US7638528, December 29, 2009).

The invention includes compositions and methods useful for treatment of a virus infection in a mammal by double-targeting the virus (i.e., targeting the virus at more than one stage of the virus life cycle) and thereby inhibiting virus replication. The compositions of the invention include compounds that comprise a phosphocholine moiety covalently conjugated with one or more antiviral agents (e.g., nucleoside analog, protease inhibitor, etc.) to a lipid backbone. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in treatment of a virus infection in mammals. The methods of the invention comprise administering a compound of the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, in an amount effective to treat the infection, to a mammal infected with a virus. Additionally, the invention includes compositions and methods useful for combating a cancer in a mammal and for facilitating delivery of a therapeutic agent to a mammalian cell. The compositions of the invention include compounds that comprise an alkyl lipid or phospholipid moiety covalently conjugated with an anticancer agent (e.g., a nucleoside analog). The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions and kits for combating a cancer and for facilitating delivery of a therapeutic agent to a mammalian cell. The methods of the invention comprise administering a compound of the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention, in an amount effective to combat a cancer or to facilitate delivery of a therapeutic agent to a mammalian cell.

Polycarboxylic acid concrete admixture (Nishikawa, T., et al., Nippon Catalytic Chem Ind, US7638563, December 29, 2009).

The polycarboxylic acid concrete admixture of the present invention exhibits properties such as decreasing the concrete viscosity, improving the slump-retaining ability, and suppressing bleeding water and is improved in the ability to cement compositions or the like. The above-mentioned polycarboxylic acid concrete admixture comprises a polycarboxylic acid polymer containing a polyalkylene glycol in the side chain, wherein the polycarboxylic acid polymer is obtained by polymerizing monomer components containing an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer and a specific polyalkylene glycol unsaturated monomer and unsaturated carboxylic acid (salt) monomer, and it has a specific weight average molecular weight.

Tooth whitening compositions and delivery systems therefor (Gebreselassie, P., and N. Boghani, Cadburry Adams USA LLC, US7641892, January 5, 2010).

Stain-removing oral compositions such as gum compositions are herein provided. The compositions include an orally acceptable carrier and a stain-removing anionic surfactant. The surfactant includes a fatty acid salt having at least one hydroxyl functionality. The fatty acid salt may be a salt of ricinoleic acid and may be combined with a chelating agent and/or an abrasive. The chelating agent may be a polyphosphate, and the abrasive may be a silica abrasive.

Chocolate products and ingredients and methods for producing novel oil-in-water suspensions (Hanselmann, W., The Hershey Co., US7641930, January 5, 2010).

The invention provides novel means and methods for manipulating cocoa and milk ingredients, for example, to produce edible oil-in-water suspensions. In one embodiment, cocoa products are used to produce a gel network formed by cocoa starches and/or proteins. The suspension is formed with milk proteins and cocoa solids and also comprises crystallized cocoa butter as a dispersed component, and water or skim milk as the continuous phase or aqueous phase. The compositions, products, and ingredients possible according to the invention provide novel methods and components for low- or reduced-calorie or sugar-free chocolate products or ingredients having the same cocoa content as conventional chocolate and/or falling within the standard of identity for chocolate products. In addition, the production and packaging options for chocolate products are expanded by the use of the invention as the viscosity of the chocolate product or ingredient can be varied easily without specific reliance on cocoa butter content.

Processes for coating an animal feed to obtain coated animal feed products (Harris, J.M., and P. Mostyn, Westway Trading Corp., US7645471, January 12, 2010).

A process of coating an animal feed to obtain a coated animal feed product is provided. The process includes the step of applying a first coating to the animal feed, wherein the first coating comprises at least 20% by weight of sugar selected from the group consisting of monosaccharide, disaccharide, and any combination thereof in any proportion. The process also includes the step of applying a second coating to the animal feed, wherein the second coating comprises at least 20% by weight of phospholipid.

Fat composition (Herzing, A.G., et al., Loders Croklaan USA LLC, US7645473, January 12, 2010).

A vegetable fat composition comprises glycerides, wherein the triglyceride content of the composition is: 6 to 20% SSS, 5 to less than 20% SUS, 5 to less than 25% SSU, 10 to 39% SU₂, and at least 20% U₃, wherein S is a saturated fatty acid residue having 16 to 24 carbon atoms and U is an unsaturated fatty acid residue having at least 18 carbon atoms and all percentages are by weight based on the total triglycerides present in the composition, the weight ratio SUS/SSU is between 0.5 and 2.0, the weight ratio of (saturated fatty acid residues having 18 to 24 carbon atoms)/(saturated fatty acid residues having 16 carbon atoms) in the total S content of the triglycerides is less than 0.2, and the triglycerides contain less than 3% of arachidic and behenic acid residues based on the total fatty acid residue content of the triglycerides, and wherein the saturated fatty acid residue content of the triglycerides is less than 45% by weight of the total fatty acid residues in the triglycerides. The composition may be used to produce baked products and iced confectionery products.

∆-9 Elongases and their use in making polyunsaturated fatty acids (Damude, H.G., et al., E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co., US7645604, January 12, 2010).

The present invention relates to ∆-9 elongases, which have the ability to convert linoleic acid [18:2] to eicosadienoic acid [20:2]. Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ∆-9 elongase along with methods of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) using these ∆-9 elongases in plants and oleaginous yeast are disclosed.

Methods and compositions for the non-surgical removal of fat (Kolodney, M. and A.M. Rotunda, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor UCLA-Medical Center and Regents of the University of California, US7622130, November 24, 2009).

Compositions and methods useful in the nonsurgical removal of localized fat deposits in patients in need thereof using pharmacologically active detergents are disclosed. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions can additionally include anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, dispersion agents, and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients but do not contain phosphatidylcholine. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions are useful for treating localized accumulations of fat including lower eyelid fat herniation, lipodystrophy, and fat deposits associated with cellulite and do not require surgical procedures such as liposuction.

System and method for the continuous production of bio-diesel (Marr, W., Redland Industries Inc., US7622600, November 24, 2009).

A continuous biofuel production process includes the steps of introducing a feedstock containing fatty acids and triglycerides into a first reaction vessel in which alkyl esters are produced through esterification of free fatty acids. The alkyl esters and triglycerides are introduced into a second reaction vessel in which at least a portion of the triglycerides are converted to alkyl esters and glycerin through transesterification. The alkyl esters, glycerin, and remaining triglycerides are introduced into a third reaction vessel in which at least a portion of the remaining triglycerides is converted to alkyl esters and glycerin through transesterification.

Fatty acid by-products and methods of using same (Tran, B.L. and D.L. Kouznetsov, Nalco Co., US7624878, December 1, 2009).

Methods and compositions for separating materials are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of separating a first material from a second material. For example, the method can comprise mixing the first material and the second material in a slurry with a beneficiation composition. The beneficiation composition can comprise one or more fatty acid by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process and one or more green collectors. Air bubbles can be provided in the slurry to form bubble-particle aggregates with the first material, and the bubble-particle aggregates can be allowed to be separated from the second material.

Method of producing fatty acid alkyl ester for diesel fuel oil (Tsuto, K., and M. Nakayama, Revo International Inc., US7626047, December 1, 2009).

A method for producing a fatty acid alkyl ester for diesel fuel oil starting with a fat/oil material such as an edible oil whereby the qualities required of diesel fuel oil can be satisfied and the wastes from the production process can be minimized. The method is characterized by subjecting a fat/oil material to transesterification with an alcohol, washing the oily phase of the reaction mixture with water, eliminating water after washing via absorption by a high-water-absorptive resin, and then separating the high-water-absorptive resin gel thereby to provide a fatty acid alkyl ester suitable for diesel fuel oil.

Methods and apparatus for removal of degradation byproducts and contaminants from oil for use in preparation of biodiesel (Berg, M., et al., Soane Energy LLC, US7626048, December 1, 2009).

Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).

Oil gels of controlled distribution block copolymers and ester oils (St. Clair, D.J., Kraton Polymers US LLC, US7625967, December 1, 2009).

The present invention relates to oil gel compositions that include at least one nonaromatic ester oil and an anionic block copolymer of a mono alkenyl arene and a conjugated diene. The block copolymer is selectively hydrogenated and has mono alkenyl arene end blocks and a controlled distribution block of a mono alkenyl arene and a conjugated diene midblock. The ester oil is a nonaromatic ester compound such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and other like compounds.

Propane utilization in direct hydrotreating of oils and/or fats (Ghonasgi, D.B., et al., ConocoPhillips Co., US7626063, December 1, 2009).

Methods for producing C10–C30 hydrocarbons from fatty compounds are provided in which at least a portion of the hydrogen required to accomplish the conversion is generated from by-products of the conversion process. Light hydrocarbons, especially propane, produced during the conversion of triglyceride compounds are used to generate hydrogen that is used in the conversion process thereby reducing the need for outside hydrogen sources.

Polyglycerol fatty acid ester and composition containing same (Kondo, N., et al., Taiyo Kagaku Co., US7629479, December 8, 2009).

A polyglycerol fatty acid ester formed by esterifying a polyglycerol and a fatty acid, wherein the polyglycerol has a hydroxyl value of 1,200 or less and primary hydroxyl groups in an amount of 50% or more of the total hydroxyl groups and an emulsified or solubilized composition, foodstuff, and cosmetics, each containing the polyglycerol fatty acid ester.

Processor for producing biodiesel from natural fats and oils (Bowen, G.M., and D.P. Bowen, Springboard Biodiesel LLC, US7628828, December 8, 2009).

An integrated biodiesel processor is disclosed. The integrated biodiesel processor includes a main reaction tank for storing feedstock to be processed and within which the reactions take place to form a biodiesel product from the feedstock. The integrated biodiesel processor also includes one or more secondary tanks integrated with and disposed within the main reaction tank. The secondary tanks are configured to store reactionary ingredients to be released into the main reaction tank in order to generate reactions.

Process for the preparation of high purity phytosterols (Arumughan, C., et al., Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India, US7632530, December 15, 2009).

The present invention provides an isolation process of the pure sterols from the SODD (soybean oil deodorizer distillate) by simple acid-catalyzed esterification and the separation of the reagents by distillation and water washing followed by the crystallization of phytosterols and purification. SODD and distillate from other vegetable oil refining contain free sterols in addition to steryl esters, tocopherols, squalene, and unknown compounds. The process is also applicable to other vegetable oil distillate containing more than 1% phytosterols in the free form. Phytosterols thus obtained are of high purity (95–99%) and high yield (80–90%) and contain β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol.

Method for purification of glycerol from biodiesel production (Banavali, R., et al., Rohm and Haas Co., May 19, 2009, US7534923B2).

A method for purification of crude glycerol, especially crude glycerol derived from biodiesel production using alkaline catalysts. The method comprises combining the crude glycerol with acid, separating a glycerol layer, and treating the glycerol layer to decolorize it.

Liquid developer and image forming apparatus (Akioka, K., and K. Ikuma, Seiko Epson Corp., US7595140, September 29, 2009).

A liquid developer includes toner particles formed of a resin material and a coloring agent, and an insulation liquid in which the toner particles are dispersed. The insulation liquid contains oil obtained by transesterification of soybean oil and at least one of semidrying oil and nondrying oil. It is preferred that the insulation liquid further contains fatty acid monoester. Further it is preferred that the amount of the fatty acid monoester contained in the insulation liquid be in the range of 5 to 50 wt%.

Non-flour-containing baked and related food compositions (Bellar, W., Bellar, W., US7595081, September 29, 2009).

Non-flour-containing baked and related food compositions are made with egg protein and soy protein isolate stabilized with a hydrocolloid component. Fats and oils may be added without collapsing the matrix of egg protein and soy protein isolate. The food compositions may be used by [those with celiac disease] and are sufficiently low in net carbohydrates as to be useful in diet programs requiring a low level of carbohydrates for weight loss.

Repulpable corrugated boxboard (Berube, S., Le Groupe Recherche I.D. Inc., US7595115, September 29, 2009).

A coating composition for the linerboard of corrugated paperboard provides water and grease resistance but is water vapor permeable and thus permits a different mode of manufacture of corrugated paperboard when aqueous adhesives are employed in the assembly of the linerboards and corrugated medium. In particular the linerboards may be coated with the coating composition prior to assembly of the corrugated paperboard because the water vapor-permeable coating permits escape of the water of the aqueous adhesive during drying of the assembled components of the corrugated paperboard. The coating composition employs a styrene-acrylate copolymer and a C₁₄–C₁₈ fatty acid complex of a metal ion having an oxidation state of at least 3, such as chromium.

Vegetable oil-based coating and method for application (Kurth, T.M., et al., Urethane Soy Systems Co., US7595094, September 29, 2009).

A method for manufacturing a carpet material that typically includes applying a coating to a substrate where the coating includes the reaction product of a B-side that includes an esterified vegetable oil-based polyol and a catalyst and an A-side that includes an isocyanate and the reaction product of a B-side that includes a vegetable oil-based polyol and a catalyst and an A-side that includes an isocyanate. The polyols may optionally be blown, oxylated, and/or neutralized.

Biodegradable detergent concentrate for medical instruments and equipment (McRae, A.K., et al., American Sterilizer Co., US7597766, October 6, 2009).

An aqueous concentrated neutral detergent composition for use in cleaning medical instruments and metal components, having scale control and corrosion inhibition properties when diluted to about 1⁄40 ounce per gallon to about 1⁄10 ounce per gallon in potable water. In addition, the concentrate may be applied directly to metal surfaces such as stainless steel to remove rust and other stains without causing any additional corrosion or other damage to the metal surface.

Two-part curing high-durable polyurethane elastomer composition (Fukuda, K., et al., Nihon Gosei Kako Co., US7598336, October 6, 2009).

A two-part curing high-durable polyurethane elastomer composition having excellent heat resistance and wet heat resistance and excellent workability such that a viscosity after two-part mixing is suitable for casting workability that comprises (i) a polyisocyanate component and (ii) an active hydrogen-containing compound comprising (A) a polyol having a hydroxyl value of from 25 to 55 obtained by reacting a castor oil fatty acid, 12-hydroxystearic acid, or a condensate of their fatty acids with a polyol (X) having a molecular weight of from 400 to 1,500 and (B) a polyol having a hydroxyl value of from 100 to 500 obtained by ring-opening an epoxidized fatty acid ester with a polyhydric alcohol.

Triglyceride-based lubricant (Graiver, D., et al., US7601677, October 13, 2009).

A method for lubrication by supplying a liquid lubricant to moving metal parts more than 50% by weight of the liquid lubricant being a triglyceride vegetable oil having a saturated fatty acid content of less than 9% by weight of the triglyceride vegetable oil and a polyunsaturated fatty acid content of more than 70% by weight of the triglyceride vegetable oil, the triglyceride vegetable oil having an American Petroleum Institute Thermo-Oxidation Engine Oil Simulation Test rod residue weight of less than 35 milligrams and a pour point of less than −20°C.

Process for the production of structured lipid mixtures (Schoerken, U., et al., Cognis IP Management GmbH, US7604966, October 20, 2009).

The invention relates to structured oils in which each fatty acid is one of: (i) linear saturated acyl groups containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms or (ii) the acyl group of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and/or an omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acid (OF) with the proviso that the quantity of CLA acyl groups amounts to 3 to 50 mol% and the quantity of OF acyl groups to 5 to 25 mol% based on the quantity of acyl groups. The mixtures are preferably made by subjecting a mixture of component (a) a medium-chain triglyceride; and component (b) a CLA, an OF, a TG-CLA (TG-OF) or a mixture thereof to enzymatic transesterification in the presence of a vegetable, marine, or microbial oil.

Food supplemented with a carnitine, suitable for stimulating the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the saturated fatty acids contained in the food (Cavazza, C., Sigma Tau Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite SpA, US7608289, October 27, 2009).

A food selected from the group comprising milk and dairy products derived from milk, comprising a carnitine in an effective amount to stimulate, through the natural fatty acid metabolic processes that take place in a consumer of said food, the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids from the saturated fatty acids originally contained in the food.

Hand cleansing formulation (Grasha, P.B., and N.P. Joyce, Deb IP Ltd., US7612027, November 3, 2009).

This invention provides heavy-duty cleansers with a high level of biodegradability and little or no ecotoxicity with a high level of efficiency and a maximum skin tolerance and no systemic toxicity. In the broadest aspect of the invention there is provided a cleansing formulation comprising 5 to 10% of one or more methylesters of vegetable saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids that may be from several natural sources including sunflowerseed oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, or coconut oil. The formulation includes between about 10 to 30% of one or more surfactants and a preferred combination of surfactants that includes at least one ethoxylated fatty alcohol, one alkyl polyoxyethylene glycol, one alkanolamide, and one polymeric quaternary ammonium salt.

Frying fats and oils (Cain, F.W., et al., Loders Croklaan USA LLC, US7611744, November 3, 2009).

Compositions suitable for use as a frying fat or oil may be derived from palm oil by a process comprising interesterification and comprise triglycerides. The compositions may have a content of saturated fatty acids having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms (SAFA) of at least 53% by weight and a content of unsaturated fatty acids having 18 carbon atoms of less than 47% by weight. The compositions may be used to prepare fried foods such as doughnuts.

Enzymatic production of peracids using perhydrolytic enzymes (DiCosimo, R., et al., E.I. duPont de Nemours, US7612030, November 3, 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.

Production of fatty acid alkyl esters (Haas, M., et al., US Department of Agriculture, US7612221, November 3, 2009).

The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters involving transesterifying a feedstock containing lipid-linked fatty acids with an alcohol and an alkaline catalyst to form fatty acid alkyl esters. The feedstock has not been previously treated to release the lipid components of said feedstock or the feedstock has been previously treated to release lipid components and the feedstock contains residual lipids (e.g., less than about 30% of the original content of lipids).

Degassing compositions for curable coatings (Galgani, K., et al., Troy Corp., US7615585, November 10, 2009).

Non-yellowing degassing compositions that enhance degassing in powder coatings and other film-forming curable coatings are disclosed. The non-yellowing compositions contain degassing agents including a plurality of unfused aromatic rings and at least one functional group selected from ketals, carbamates, carbonates, and carboxylic acid esters. The degassing agents resist decomposition and discoloration and are relatively stable at resin-curing conditions and [sic]. The degassing agents may be synergistically combined with other materials such as fatty acid amide-containing waxes to produce new and surprisingly effective degassing compositions suitable for use in powder coatings. Curable compositions that utilize the new degassing compositions are also disclosed.

Aldehyde and alcohol compositions derived from seed oils (Lysenko, Z., et al., Dow Global Technologies Inc., US7615658, November 10, 2009).

An aldehyde composition derived by hydroformylation of a transesterified seed oil and containing a mixture of formyl-substituted fatty acids or fatty acid esters having the following composition by weight: greater than about 10 to less than about 95% monoformyl, greater than about 1 to less than about 65% diformyl, and greater than about 0.1 to less than about 10% triformyl-substituted fatty acids or fatty acid esters and having a diformyl to triformyl weight ratio of greater than about 5:1; preferably greater than about 3 to less than about 20% saturates; and preferably greater than about 1 to less than about 20% unsaturates. An alcohol composition derived by hydrogenation of the aforementioned aldehyde composition containing a mixture of hydroxymethyl-substituted fatty acids or fatty acid esters having the following composition by weight: greater than about 10 to less than about 95% monoalcohol [mono(hydroxymethyl)], greater than about 1 to less than about 65% diol [di(hydroxymethyl)], greater than about 0.1 to less than about 10% triol tri(hydroxymethyl)-substituted fatty acids or fatty acid esters; preferably greater than about 3 to less than about 35% saturates; and preferably less than about 10% unsaturates. The alcohol composition can be converted into an oligomeric polyol for use in the manufacture of polyurethane slab stock flexible foam.

Plastic implant impregnated with a degradation protector (Kunze, A., and M. Wimmer, Rush University Medical Center, US7615075, November 10, 2009).

A plastic implant device for a mammal that contains a rare earth metal compound tracer and a method for detecting degradation such as wear of the implanted device are disclosed. The tracer can also be present with a separate antioxidant or the tracer compound can be the salt of a C₆–C₂₂ unsaturated carboxylic acid. The rare earth metal compound tracer is released when the prosthetic is worn down or otherwise degraded in the mammalian body in which it was implanted. The presence and amount of released tracer present in a body fluid or tissue sample measured and is proportional to the degree of degradation of the implant.

Stencil printing ink (Hayashi, Y., et al., Riso Kagaku Corp., US7615252, November 10, 2009).

There are disclosed a stencil printing ink having an ink thread-forming length when a 15 mm diameter chrome steel ball is pulled out of the ink at 150 mm/s of 30 mm or longer at 23°C; and a stencil printing ink comprising a water-based ink comprising an unsaturated straight-chain carboxylic acid-based water-soluble polymer.

Articles comprising transparent/translucent polymer composition (Soerens, D.A., et al., Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc., US7619131, November 17, 2009).

The present invention provides a translucent absorbent composite having a substrate with a light transmittance of at least about 60% and a flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition applied to the substrate. The polymer composition may be prepared from the reaction product of a monomer solution including at least 15% by mass monoethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid salts, sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid salts, phosphoric acid, or phosphoric acid salts; an acrylate or methacrylate ester that contains an alkoxysilane functionality; a copolymerizable hydrophilic glycol containing an ester monomer; an initiator system; and a neutralizing agent. The unsaturated monomer is neutralized to at least 25 mol% and the flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition has a residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer content of less than about 1,000 ppm. The absorbent composite has a light transmittance of at least 45%. Also provided are absorbent articles containing the absorbent composite.

Carboxylic acid esters of zosteric acid for prevention of biofouling (Elder, S.T., et al., Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp., US7618697, November 17, 2009).

Carboxylic acid ester derivatives of zosteric acid are effective in preventing biofouling and are readily formulated into coatings or films. Coating or film compositions of the esters and methods for their application are provided that reduce the dissolution of the esters into water or loss to the environment. The zosteric acid esters of the invention appear to function by preventing adhesion of an organism to a surface rather than by acute toxic activity rendering said compositions more environmentally acceptable.

Device for processing an edible product (Steiner, U., et al., Buehler AG, US7618251, November 17, 2009).

The invention relates to a device for processing an edible product in the form a viscous to pasty mass (1) especially an edible product based on a fat mass, such as chocolate, or based on water, such as ice cream. Said device comprises a dosing unit (2) for the dosed delivery of a specific volume of the mass (1) to shaping units (13). The movement of the displacement element (6) determining the dosage volume is performed via servo drive (9) while an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) are closed and opened via servo drive or pneumatic drive, respectively. Preferably the displacement element is embodied as a combined lifting/rotating plunger (6) that can perform a linear movement for a suctioning lift and a dosing lift while being able to perform a rotary movement for opening and closing the inlet (4) and the outlet (5), i.e., a valve function.

High-protein, low-carbohydrate dough and bread products, and method for making same (Anfinsen, J., Techcom Group LLC, US7618667, November 17, 2009).

A dough composition for making a high-protein, low-carbohydrate bread, the dough containing at least 5% vital wheat gluten, a hydrolyzed wheat protein having a degree of hydrolysis from about 0.5 to 50%, a moisture-managing agent, a fungal protease enzyme, a carbohydrate component consisting of digestible carbohydrate material and non-digestible carbohydrate material, and water. A milk protein or soy protein hydrocolloid can be used as the moisture-managing agent to improve the shelf life of the resulting bread. A dough conditioner is used to improve the machinability of the dough composition especially at less intense mixing conditions. The invention also includes a process for making the dough composition using high-shear mixing equipment. The invention includes also the bread made from the dough composition and from the dough-making process.

Modified cottonseed oil (Green, A., et al., Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, US7619105, November 17, 2009).

The present invention provides novel gene constructs and methods for the production of transgenic cotton plants that produce oils having a range of desirable attributes including improved oil quality and modified fatty acid composition.

Process for preparing unsaturated organosilicon compounds (Bauer, A., and J. Pfeiffer, Wacker Chemie AG, US7619108, November 17, 2009).

Unsaturated organosilicon compounds are prepared by the reaction of a halo-functional organosilicon compound with a salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid in the presence of a tertiary phosphine.

Process for producing biodiesel or fatty acid esters from multiple triglyceride feedstocks (Clements, L., Renewable Products Dev. Lab. Inc., US7619104, November 17, 2009).

Processes and systems for producing biodiesel or fatty acid esters from multiple triglyceride feedstocks are described herein.

Fatty acid desaturases from fungi (Ursin, V.M., et al., Monsanto Technology LLC, US7622632, November 24, 2009).

The invention relates generally to methods and compositions concerning fungal desaturase enzymes that modulate the number and location of double bonds in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA). In particular the invention relates to methods and compositions for improving omega-3 fatty acid profiles in plant products and parts using desaturase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding for such enzymes. In particular embodiments the desaturase enzymes are fungal ∆15 desaturases. Also provided are improved canola oil compositions having stearidonic acid and maintaining beneficial oleic acid content.

trans-Free non-hydrogenated hard structural fat and non-hydrogenated hard palm oil fraction component (Ullanoormadam, S.R., Premium Vegetable Oils Sdn. Bhd., US7618670, November 17, 2009).

A trans-free non-hydrogenated high-C₁₆-type palm fat suitable for the manufacture of trans-free non-hydrogenated hard structural fat that is suitable for use in the manufacture of low saturated fatty acid poly-/monounsaturated margarine and spreads and shortening and fat blends incorporating such hard structural fat. The structural fat is made from selectively fractionated non-hydrogenated high-melting palm oil fraction with a C₁₆ fatty acid residue of at least 70%, which is subjected to chemical random interesterification using alkaline metal catalyst such as sodium methoxide/sodium methylate with a dry-fractionated non-hydrogenated hard palm kernel stearin fraction. The structural fat that is produced has high yield ratios that can be economically and commercially incorporated in the oil blends for the manufacture of trans-free margarine/spreads/shortening as well as other plastic water-in-oil emulsions. Also described is a process for the manufacturing [of] such structural fat as well as hard palm fraction including process for the manufacture of extra-hard trans-free structural fat by panning and pressing of above structural fat.

Method for manufacturing ethyl esters from fatty substances of natural origin (Hillion, G. and B. Delfort, Institut Français du Petrole, US7566794B2, July 28, 2009).

A method allowing, from natural fat or oils, or from other glyceride mixtures, to obtain fatty acid ethyl esters that can be used as gas oil substitutes, comprises: stage (i) oil, fat, or a glyceride mixture is transesterified by ethanol using a soluble catalyst or a catalyst that becomes soluble during the reaction; stage (ii) resultant glycerin is decanted and removed, without requiring an excess ethanol evaporation operation; stage (iii) a second transesterification is conducted to obtain a product whose ester content is at least 97% by mass; stage (iv) evaporation of excess ethanol is carried out in the presence of the catalyst under suitable conditions preventing a reverse transesterification reaction, the resultant ethanol being practically anhydrous; stage (v) the ester undergoes purification by water wash sequences; and stage (vi) the ester is dried under reduced pressure.

Lube base oil and lubricating oil composition (Egawa, T., et al., Idemitsu Kosan Co., May 19, 2009, US7534749B2).

The invention provides a lube base oil other than silicone oil having a kinematic viscosity of 12 mm²/s or below at 40°C, exhibiting, in Noack test (250°C, 1 hr), an evaporation loss of 30 mass % or below and/or a flash point of 200°C or higher, and exhibiting an aniline point of 60°C or higher. It also provides a lubricating oil composition comprising the lube base oil mixed with at least one additive selected from the group consisting of an antioxidant, a viscosity index improver, a detergent dispersant, a friction-reducing agent, a metal inactivator, a pour point depressant, an abrasion-resisting agent, a defoamer, and an extreme-pressure additive. The lube base oil and the lubricating oil composition realize reduction of evaporation loss despite being of low viscosity and excellent compatibility with organic materials.

Lubricant formulations for sheet metal processing (Heenan, D.F., et al., Novelis Inc., US7569525, August 4, 2009).

A lubricant for food, beer, or beverage container and container component stock is provided containing as a conductivity-enhancing additive a phospholipid having fully saturated fatty acyl radicals derived from saturated fatty acids containing from about 10 to 22 carbon atoms; and choline salts and mono-salts of Group I and II metals and fatty acid neutralized ethanolamine. Lubricant formulations are also described comprising 0.5 to 50 wt% fatty acid ester of propylene glycol, 0.5 to 90 wt% petrolatum, and 0.5 to 90 wt% mineral white oil. A lubricant for metalworking is described containing as a load-bearing additive a fatty acid monoester of propylene glycol as given in which the acyl moiety is hydrogenated to maximize saturation.

Plant, seeds and oil with increased saturated triacylglycerols content and oil having a high stearic acid content (Martinez-Force, E., et al., Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, US7569712, August 4, 2009).

The invention relates to a sunflowerseed comprising sunflower oil having increased stearic acid content (19.1–35%). At least 3.4% of the oil molecules have the general formula SMS [where S = saturated fatty acid; M = monounsaturated fatty acid] and not more than 50% of triacylglycerol species that have the general formula SMM. The invention further relates to oil extracted from the seeds, a method for preparing the sunflower seeds, a method for preparing such sunflower oil, sunflower plants produced from the seeds, and use of the oil.

Extraction of palm vitamin E, phytosterols, and squalene from palm oil (May, C.Y., et al., Malaysian Palm Oil Board, US7575767, August 18, 2009).

Phytosterols, squalene, and vitamin E are recovered from phytonutrients concentrate derived from crude palm oil by the disclosed invention via esterification, transesterification, vacuum distillation, saponification, crystallization, and organic solvent partitioning. Crude palm oil is subjected to esterification and transesterification for the production of crude palm oil methyl esters. A phytonutrient concentrate containing phytosterols, squalene, vitamin E, and unreacted monoglycerides is recovered from crude palm FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) by multistage vacuum distillation in which components with higher molecular weight are filtered during secondstage vacuum distillation. The purified phytonutrient concentrate is saponified, and the unsaponifiable matter is solvent-crystallized to purify phytosterols. The filtrate enriched in squalene and vitamin E is partitioned by organic solvents.

Integrate chemical processes for industrial utilization of seed oils (Lysenko, Z., et al., Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corp., US7576227, August 18, 2009).

Integrated processes of preparing industrial chemicals starting from unsaturated oils or esters free of metathesis catalyst poisons (particularly hydroperoxides). The oil is subjected to metathesis with a lower olefin such as ethylene to form a reduced-chain olefin, preferably a reduced-chain α-olefin, and a reduced-chain unsaturated acid or ester, preferably a reduced-chain α,ω-unsaturated acid or ester. The reduced-chain unsaturated acid or ester may be (trans)esterified to form a polyester polyolefin that can be epoxidized to form a polyester polyepoxide. The reduced chain unsaturated acid or ester may be hydroformylated with reduction to produce an α,ω-hydroxy acid or α,ω-hydroxy ester that may be (trans)esterified with a polyol to form an α,ω-polyester polyol. Alternatively, the reduced chain unsaturated acid or ester may be hydroformylated with reductive amination to produce an α,ω-amino acid or α,ω-amino ester that may be (trans)esterified to form an α,ω-polyester polyamine.

Method for improving the oxidative stability of industrial fluids (Costello, M.T., et al., Chemtura Corp., US7579306, August 25, 2009).

An oxidatively stable biodegradable industrial fluid comprising an epoxidized vegetable oil or synthetic ester and at least one antioxidant is disclosed. A method for improving the oxidation stability of industrial fluids is also disclosed and comprises employing as the base oil of said hydraulic fluid an epoxidized synthetic ester in combination with at least one antioxidant.

Rapid development of heat resistance in chocolate and chocolate-like confectionery products (Simburger, S., Kraft Foods R&D Inc., US7579031, August 25, 2009).

The invention relates to a process for manufacturing heat-resistant chocolate or chocolate-like confectionery products wherein (i) chocolate mass or chocolate-like confectionery mass that has been mixed with a water-in-oil emulsion or (ii) chocolate mass or chocolate-like confectionery mass having an increased water content, is molded and microwaved prior to, during, and/or after cooling. The heat resistance is developed essentially instantaneously and the chocolate can be subjected to temperatures of up to about 40 or even 50°C without losing its form. The invention also relates to the products obtainable by that process.

Two-stage extraction of soybean oil (Tysinger, J.E., Carolina Soy Products LLC, US7579492, August 25, 2009).

Soybean oil is extracted by a two-stage process in which up to 85% (preferably about 60–75%) of the oil is extracted by mechanical or solvent extraction to produce first extracted oil and oil-containing meal. The first extracted oil is then refined by caustic or physical refining. Substantially all of the oil remaining in the meal is extracted by solvent extraction to produce second-extracted oil and substantially oil-free meal. The second-extracted oil may be transesterified for use in biodiesel fuel.

Method for transesterification of triglycerides (Banavali, R.M., and A. Benderly, Rohm and Haas Co., US7582784, September 1, 2009).

A method for transesterification of triglycerides, especially oils containing free fatty acids, with methanol using a catalyst derived from an acidic ion exchange resin is disclosed. The catalyst is contacted with a reaction mixture containing a triglyceride and methanol under conditions suitable for transesterification.

Production of a shell-like formed consumable item from a fat-containing mass (Klaes, D., Buehler Bindler GmbH, US7582319, September 1, 2009).

The invention relates to a method for the production of a cocoa or chocolate shell. A cell is initially filled with the fatty mass in flowable temperature state in a dosed manner in a mold whereupon a cooling body with a temperature below melting temperature of the tempered fatty mass is dipped into the liquid fatty mass so that the flowable fatty mass can be distributed in the intermediate space defined by the cell and the cooling body. The cooling body is maintained in dipped position inside the fatty mass for a given space of time until the fatty mass located in the intermediate space hardens. According to the invention the flowable tempered fatty mass is vibrated for a given space of time after filling the cell and before dipping the cooling body.

Carbon fiber-reinforced resin composite materials (Suzuki, Y., et al., Toho Tenax Co. Ltd. and Showa Highpolymer Co., US7585558, September 8, 2009).

The present invention discloses: A composition comprising (i) an epoxy group-containing vinyl ester resin having in the molecule 0.8 to 0.3 equivalent of epoxy group and 0.2 to 0.7 equivalent of an ethylenically unsaturated group, (ii) a radical-polymerizable monomer, (iii) a curing agent, and (iv) a carbon fiber impregnated with 0.5 to 5 percent by mass of (iv) a vinyl ester resin as a sizing agent obtained by an addition reaction of an epoxy resin and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and a carbon fiber reinforced resin composite material produced by curing the above composition.

Low trans-fatty acid fat compositions; low-temperature hydrogenation, e.g., of edible oils (van Toor, H., et al., Cargill Inc., US7585990, September 8, 2009).

The present disclosure provides low trans-fatty acid fat compositions methods of hydrogenating unsaturated feedstocks (e.g., oils) and hydrogenation catalyst compositions. One exemplary method involves producing an activated catalyst composition by heating a nickel-based catalyst to a first temperature of at least about 100°C in the presence of hydrogen and a fat component. An unsaturated feedstock may be contacted with the activated catalyst composition and hydrogenated by sustaining a hydrogenation reaction at a second temperature of no greater than about 70°C. Some specific implementations of the invention permit the production of partially hydrogenated seed oils with low trans-fatty acid contents.

High arachidonic acid producing strains of Yarrowia lipolytica (Damude, H.G., et al., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., US7588931, September 15, 2009).

Engineered strains of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing greater than 10% arachidonic acid (ARA, an ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the total oil fraction are described. These strains comprise various chimeric genes expressing heterologous desaturases, elongases, and acyltransferases and optionally comprise various native desaturase and acyltransferase knockouts to enable synthesis and high accumulation of ARA. Production host cells are claimed as are methods for producing ARA within said host cells.

Mixtures of triglycerides of natural polyunsaturated fatty acids with high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, method for producing same and use thereof (Fabritius, D., Nutrinova Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH, US7588791, September 15, 2009).

A process for increasing the concentration of PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) triglycerides present in natural PUFA oils in which a natural PUFA oil having a triglyceride content of more than 85% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture and having a total PUFA content of more than 39% by weight of total fatty acids is dissolved in an organic solvent or an organic solvent mixture; the mixture is allowed to stand at a temperature of from −35 to −100°C for a period of more than five minutes. The mixture is separated into a supernatant comprising PUFA-triglyceride mixture and a sediment phase; the separation preferably taking place by filtration or centrifugation and the solvent or solvent mixture after the removal of the sediment phase is separated from the supernatant. PUFA-triglyceride mixtures having a PUFA content of more than 55% by weight of total fatty acids of a main PUFA or at least two PUFAs selected from stearidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid and also use thereof in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food preparations.

Compositions for use in energy curable compositions (Turgis, J.-D., and and W. Wilczak, Sun Chemical Corp., US7589131, September 15, 2009).

A composition comprised of a fatty acid metal salt and a fatty compound for use in an energy-curable coating having improved gloss and low coefficient of friction.

Oil-resistant sheet material (Akiyama, K., and Y. Asai, Tokushu Paper Mfg. Co. Ltd., US7588831, September 15, 2009).

An oil-resistant sheet material that has low resistance to gas permeation and excellent oil resistance and is suitable especially for use as a packaging material for foods containing an edible oil. The oil-resistant sheet material is obtained by forming at least one coating layer from a material comprising a hydrophobized starch and a crosslinking agent on at least one side of a base in an amount of 0.5 to 20 grams per square meter. By incorporating a fatty acid and/or polyvinyl alcohol into this coating layer oil resistance is improved. A coating layer comprising a fatty acid as the main component or a coating layer comprising polyvinyl alcohol as the main component may be formed on that coating layer. Thus, a coating layer composed of at least two layers may be formed.

Phospholipases and uses thereof (Albermann, K., et al., DSM IP Assets BV, US7588925, September 15, 2009).

The invention relates to a newly identified polynucleotide sequence comprising a gene that encodes a novel phospholipase isolated from Aspergillus niger. The invention features the full-length nucleotide sequence of the novel gene, the cDNA sequence comprising the full-length coding sequence of the novel phospholipase, as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents thereof. The invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes in industrial processes and methods of diagnosing fungal infections. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention and cells wherein a phospholipase according to the invention is genetically modified to enhance or reduce its activity and/or level of expression.

Use of high oleic high stearic oils (Martinez-Force, E., et al., Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, US7592015, September 22, 2009).

The invention relates to the use in food products such as spreads, sauces, ice cream, soups, bakery products and confectionery products, and cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, lipsticks, soap bars, and skin or hair oils of an oil having an oleic acid content of more than 40 wt% and a stearic acid content of more than 12 wt% based on the total fatty acid content of said oil and wherein a maximum of 10 wt% of the fatty acid groups in the stereospecifically numbered (sn)-2 position of the triacylglycerol molecules constituting the oil are saturated fatty acid groups.

Triglycerides and method of preparation thereof (Narayan, R.K., Board of Trustees of Michigan State University and Bioplastic Polymers and Composites LLC, US7589222, September 15, 2009).

A process for the preparation of polyols from a natural oil is described. The process involves ozone cleavage of double bonds in the fatty acid chains of the oils along with coupling of a di- or polyol to the cleaved ends of the molecules resulting from the cleavage with a base. The resulting polyols are as intermediates for polymers.

Composition for oil-based liquid cleansing (Takeuchi, N., and Y. Abe, Fancl Corp., US7592298, September 22, 2009).

This invention provides an oil-based liquid cleansing preparation that does not drip from the hands during use, exhibits excellent spreadability during cleansing, gives excellent feeling on use, is usable on wet skin, has a high level of detergency, and is free from residual oil touch after water washing. This composition comprises an ester of a fatty acid with polyglycerin, glycerin esters of a monocarboxylic acid and a dicarboxylic acid, and a monocarboxylic fatty acid ester that is liquid at 25°C and has a viscosity of 300 to 3,000 mPa·s.

Compositions and processes for making high soy protein-containing bakery products (Vodovotz, Y., and C. Ballard, Ohio State University, US7592028, September 22, 2009).

Mixes, doughs, and processes for commercial production of leavened high soy protein-containing bakery products that have from 2 to 7 grams of soy protein per serving are disclosed. The mixes comprise separate wheat and gluten-based and soy-based premixes. The processes involve preparation of a gluten development mixture having long gluten strands and a hydrated soy mixture and the subsequent combination and resting of these mixtures in the preparation of doughs and breads and other bakery products.