Abstract: Biocompatible and biodegradable, three-dimensional structures containing hyaluronic acid derivatives, obtained by the technique of precipitation induced by supercritical antisolvent (SAS), can be used in the field of medicine and surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing solid matrices such as swarf from machining operations, bottles or other containers, contaminated with lubricating oils or similar substances, are described. The method is implemented with liquid CO2 which dissolves the organic substances and is then separated therefrom by evaporation; the evaporated CO2 is then compressed and condensed in order to recommence the cycle. An advantage of the method and apparatus is that some of the heat supplied to the CO2 for its evaporation and some of that removed for its condensation are obtained by providing for an exchange of heat between the evaporator and the condenser of the system.

Abstract: The following description refers to a process for the impregnation of cross-linked polymers with an active ingredient. The process is based on the used of compressed fluids, in particular CO2, with antisolvent effect, and involves the steps of impregnating the polymer with an active ingredient solution, adding a compressed fluid until precipitation of the active ingredient caused by the compressed fluid antisolvent effect, removing the solvent and the compressed fluid. The process allows to obtain accelerated release pharmaceutical formulations that, compared with the formulations already known, contain larger quantities of amorphous or nanocrystalline active ingredient.

Abstract: Method for the removal and recovery of the oily component from cuttings coming from the drilling of oil wells by treatment of the cuttings with a solvent, which can be compressed to the liquid state, at a pressure value ranging from 45 to 80 bar and a temperature corresponding to the saturation value.

Abstract: The following description refers to a process for the impregnation of cross-linked polymers with an active ingredient. The process is based on the used of compressed fluids, in particular CO2, with antisolvent effect, and involves the steps of impregnating the polymer with an active ingredient solution, adding a compressed fluid until precipitation of the active ingredient caused by the compressed fluid antisolvent effect, removing the solvent and the compressed fluid. The process allows to obtain accelerated release pharmaceutical formulations that, compared with the formulations already known, contain larger quantities of amorphous or nanocrystalline active ingredient.

Abstract: Crosslinked compounds of hyaluronic acid and the derivatives thereof, prepared by the technique of precipitation induced by supercritical antisolvent (SAS), can be used to advantage for the preparation of biomaterials for use in the field of medicine and surgery and in tissue engineering for medical and surgical purposes.

Abstract: Microspheres, having a size lower than 1&mgr; and comprising a biocompatible polysaccharidic polymer, are prepared with a process comprising the precipitation of polymer induced by means of a supercritical antisolvent (SAS). These microspheres are used as vehicling agents or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions administrable by oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal or rectal route. These microspheres can also be advantageously used as vehicling agent or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of human diseases associated with genic defects, for the preparation of diagnostics and in the agro-alimentary industry.

Abstract: Microspheres, having a size lower than 1&mgr; and comprising a biocompatible polysaccharidic polymer, are prepared with a process comprising the precipitation of polymer induced by means of a supercritical antisolvent (SAS). These microspheres are used as vehicling agents or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions administrable by oral, nasal, pulmonary, vaginal or rectal route. These microspheres can also be advantageously used as vehicling agent or carriers in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of human diseases associated with genic defects, for the preparation of diagnostics and in the agro-alimentary industry.