Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of preparing a bioactive agent-containing emulsion for delivery to a biological system. This method can comprise the step of jetting a bioactive agent and a first fluid medium from a fluid-jet pen into a second fluid medium to form a bioactive agent-containing emulsion, wherein the second fluid comprises a continuous phase of the emulsion. Alternatively, a method of preparing a bioactive agent-containing liposome can comprise jetting a lipid-containing composition and a bioactive agent from a fluid-jet pen into a medium to form a bioactive agent-containing liposome carried by the medium. The present invention is also drawn to fluid-jet pens and systems configured for making liposome- and emulsion-containing biological agents.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of preparing a bioactive agent-containing emulsion for delivery to a biological system. This method can comprise the step of jetting a bioactive agent and a first fluid medium from a fluid-jet pen into a second fluid medium to form a bioactive agent-containing emulsion, wherein the second fluid comprises a continuous phase of the emulsion. Alternatively, a method of preparing a bioactive agent-containing liposome can comprise jetting a lipid-containing composition and a bioactive agent from a fluid-jet pen into a medium to form a bioactive agent-containing liposome carried by the medium. The present invention is also drawn to fluid-jet pens and systems configured for making liposome- and emulsion-containing biological agents.

Abstract: A method of making microcapsules including activating a fluid ejector at a frequency greater than 10 kilohertz where each activation of the fluid ejector generates essentially a drop, and the fluid ejector is fluidically coupled to a first fluid including a core component. The method further includes ejecting the drop of the first fluid into a second fluid, the drop having a volume. In addition, the method includes generating a microcapsule, that includes the core component, in the second fluid for each drop of the first fluid ejected.

Abstract: A fluid ejector head, includes a fluid ejector body adapted to be inserted into an opening of an enclosing medium having an interior surface, and at least one nozzle disposed on the fluid ejector body. The fluid ejector head further includes, a fluid ejector actuator in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle, wherein activation of the fluid ejector actuator ejects a fluid through the at least one nozzle at controlled locations onto the interior surface of the enclosing medium.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering at least one formulation to a targeted location on epidermal tissue in which the position on the epidermal tissue is located and a quantity of at least one formulation is ejected from at least one electronically controllable fluid delivery device into contact with the epidermal tissue. The formulation delivered includes at least one cosmetic material.

Abstract: The present application concerns gastric retention devices formed from compositions comprising polymeric materials, such as polysaccharides, and optional additional materials including excipients, therapeutics, and diagnostics, that reside in the stomach for a controlled and prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering a quantity of treatment materials to a targeted location on epithelial tissue in which the position on the epithelial tissue is located and a quantity of at least one treatment material is ejected from at least one electronically controllable fluid delivery device into contact with the epithelial tissue.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dissolution rate of a bioactive agent includes applying a first drop of solution carrying the bioactive agent at a first selected location on a delivery substrate, and positioning a second drop of solution carrying the bioactive agent at a second selected location on the delivery substrate, wherein the location of the first drop and the location of the second drop are selected based on a target dissolution rate.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dissolution rate of a bioactive agent includes selecting a desired dot topography corresponding to a target dissolution rate and applying a bioactive agent to a delivery substrate to form dots having the desired dot topography on the delivery substrate.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dissolution rate of a bioactive agent includes selecting a desired dot size corresponding to a target dissolution rate, and applying a bioactive agent to a delivery substrate in drops of solution configured to form dots having the desired dot size on the delivery substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods of preparing a bioactive agent-containing emulsion for delivery to a biological system. This method can comprise the step of jetting a bioactive agent and a first fluid medium from a fluid-jet pen into a second fluid medium to form a bioactive agent-containing emulsion, wherein the second fluid comprises a continuous phase of the emulsion. Alternatively, a method of preparing a bioactive agent-containing liposome can comprise jetting a lipid-containing composition and a bioactive agent from a fluid-jet pen into a medium to form a bioactive agent-containing liposome carried by the medium.

Abstract: An expanding tablet is described comprising a drug release controlling membrane material. After swallowing, the tablet hydrates and expands such that the membrane ruptures to directly expose some surfaces of the core tablet to hydrating and eroding liquids, thus generating in situ a tablet which is platform supported on non-exposed surfaces, and which releases active ingredient in approximately zero order fashion. More particularly, the dosage form is adapted for controlled release of various pharmaceuticals. A working embodiment of the tablet was a spray-coated tablet comprising a core having greater than 25% of an expandable material which expands upon exposure to an aqueous environment and at least one active ingredient, e.g., glipizide, and an outer rupturable coating surrounding the core comprising a rate release modifying membrane and a water-soluble modifier. A method for administering an active ingredient also is described.

Abstract: A fluid ejector head, includes a fluid ejector body adapted to be inserted into an opening of an enclosing medium having an interior surface, and at least one nozzle disposed on the fluid ejector body. The fluid ejector head further includes, a fluid ejector actuator in fluid communication with the at least one nozzle, wherein activation of the fluid ejector actuator ejects a fluid through the at least one nozzle at controlled locations onto the interior surface of the enclosing medium.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form including an enclosing medium having an interior surface including at least one discrete deposit of a bioactive substance dispensed on the interior surface of the enclosing medium.

Abstract: An expanding tablet is described comprising a drug release controlling membrane material. After swallowing, the tablet hydrates and expands such that the membrane ruptures to directly expose some surfaces of the core tablet to hydrating and eroding liquids, thus generating in situ a tablet which is platform supported on non-exposed surfaces, and which releases active ingredient in approximately zero order fashion. More particularly, the dosage form is adapted for controlled release of various pharmaceuticals. A working embodiment of the tablet was a spray-coated tablet comprising a core having greater than 25% of an expandable material which expands upon exposure to an aqueous environment and at least one active ingredient, e.g., glipizide, and an outer rupturable coating surrounding the core comprising a rate release modifying membrane and a water-soluble modifier. A method for administering an active ingredient also is described.

Abstract: A method of coating a pharmaceutical substrate which is not a hot-melt coating by fluid bed method comprises applying a molten coating material to the pharmaceutical substrate wherein the substrate is coated with the coating material; optionally applying to the coated substrate the same or different molten coating material, and optionally repeating the second applying step; wherein the coated substrate contains an antigen or a pharmaceutical agent or drug; and wherein the molten coating contains less than 10% solvent. Coated substrates include those made by this process.

Abstract: Active agents comprising coated pellets which self seal if they are damaged are described. More specifically, an active agent, or bead coated with an active agent, is coated with a rate-release controlling polymer and a hydrophilic gel-forming material which forms a gel upon hydration. If the bead is compressed into a solid compact which damages the polymer coating, the hydrophilic substance gels upon exposure to an aqueous environment. The gel provides sufficient sealing of the damaged area in the polymer so that a useful control of drug release is retained in spite of the damage to the polymer. The pellets of the invention exhibit improved flow and compactability. The compacts can be formulated to disintegrate in the gastrointestinal tract, and also may result in either controlled release or immediate release of the active agent.

Abstract: Methods for treating circadian rhythm disorders and sleep disorders are described. The method involves oral administration of a sustained release composition of melatonin to produce a normal melatonin pattern when the normal pattern has been disrupted or is missing.

Abstract: A peptide, produced by propionibacteria, has a molecular weight of between 300 and 1200 daltons and is inhibitory to gram-negative bacteria. The peptide can be produced by purification of a propionibacteria metabolite mixture, by chemical synthesis, or by a host transformed with a recombinant vector, and is useful in preventing and treating bacterial infections.

Abstract: A metabolite material of propionibacteria is added to a food product to inhibit the growth of yeast. The metabolite material is produced by growing propionibacteria cells in a liquid growth medium to produce a mixture containing the metabolite material. The mixture can be concentrated and added to a food product as a concentrated liquid or powder. The metabolite material added to a food product may contain viable cells of propionibacteria.