Abstract: A method of delivering a bioactive agent to an animal entailing the steps of encapsulating effective amounts of the agent in a biocompatible excipient to form microcapsules having a size ranging from between approximately one micrometer to approximately ten micrometers and admnistering effective amounts of the microcapsules to the animal. A pulsatile response is obtained, as well as mucosal and systemic immuity. Related compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A compatible, biodegradable microcapsule delivery system for active ingredients, including hormonally active peptides, proteins, or other bioactive molecules, and a method of making the same. The ingredients are encapsulated in biodegradable copolymer excipients of varying mole ratios and the blend of the microcapsules are administered to an animal. Delivery of the ingredient occurs over a prolonged period of time at a constant rate as a result of the varying break-down rates of the copolymer excipients.

Abstract: The antagonistic effect of the releasing hormone of LH and FSH or of one of its synthetic analogues selected from the group(pyro) Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Trp-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2(pyro) Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-D-Phe-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH.sub.2and(pyro) Glu-His-Trp-D-Ser-Tyr-D-Leu-Leu-Arg-Pro-NHR.sup.1(R.sup.1 being an alkyl group). On hormone-dependent diseases can be increased by coating such compounds by micro-encapsulation or by matrix formation with a copolymer of a lactide and a glycolide. The initial stimulating effect of the above-mentioned compounds is increased by this coating, with about 23 to 50% of the active principle of the analog being released within about 1-5 days after injection to a human, with the remainder released over a period of between about 3 weeks and two months.

Abstract: Living cells are encapsulated by: (a) dispersing living cells in an aqueous solution of a capsule wall-forming protein; (b) forming aqueous droplets of the cell containing dispersion in an aqueous-immiscible, cell compatible continuous processing medium; and (c) crosslinking the protein with a crosslinking agent which is soluble in the continuous processing medium but substantially insoluble in the aqueous droplets. The resultant capsules containing living cells may be treated with a capsule wall degrading enzyme to enlarge pores of the capsules. The encapsulated cells may be used for administration of cells to an animal for growing the cells in the animal or for delivery to the animal of a substance produced by the cells. By the cells being encapsulated, the cells are not destroyed by the aminal immune system and immune response by the animal may be minimized.

Abstract: A substance for facilitating the detection of estrus applied to the tailhead and rump of a cow as a patch comprises a mass of microencapsulated dye mixed in a suitable paint. The paint dries as a durable layer the color of which will change when substantial pressure is applied for a predetermined time. Should the cow be mounted by another animal for say five seconds or more a large portion of the microcapsules will break and release the dye which colors the patch. The cows with colored patches can then be found by periodic inspection and removed from the herd for insemination.

Abstract: This invention concerns novel sustained release microcapsule compositions comprising water-soluble, hormonally active polypeptides and, optionally, a polymer hydrolysis modifying agent encapsulated in a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in one aspect, a long-acting biocidal composition. This composition comprises a chlorine dioxide-liberating compound, such as sodium chlorite, and sufficient organic acid-generating compound, such as poly(lactic acid), to lower the pH of the composition to less than about 7. The organic acid-generating compound is present in a form whereby it is released gradually in the presence of water. Preferably the organic acid-generating compound is encapsulated within or by a film-forming polymer. In another aspect, there is disclosed a method of disinfecting a surface over a prolonged period of time. This method comprises applying to the surface a small but effective amount of the long-acting biocidal composition described above.

Abstract: An anti-inflammatory agent containing microparticle composition prepared by a process, comprising (a) dissolving or dispersing an anti-inflammatory agent in a solvent and dissolving a biocompatible and biodegradable wall forming material in said solvent; (b) dispersing said solvent containing said anti-inflammatory agent and wall forming material in a continuous phase processing medium; (c) evaporating a portion of said solvent from said dispersion of step (b), thereby forming microparticles containing said anti-inflammatory agent in the suspension; and (d) extracting the remainder of the solvent from said microcapsules.

Abstract: An anti-inflammatory agent containing microparticle composition prepared by a process, comprising (a) dissolving or dispersing an anti-inflammatory agent in a solvent and dissolving a biocompatible and biodegradable wall forming material in said solvent; (b) dispersing said solvent containing said anti-inflammatory agent and wall forming material in a continuous phase processing medium; (c) evaporating a portion of said solvent from said dispersion of step (b), thereby forming microparticles containing said anti-inflammatory agent in the suspension; and (d) extracting the remainder of the solvent from said microcapsules.

Abstract: Microcapsules laden with an active agent are prepared by a method comprising: (a) dissolving or dispersing an active agent in a solvent and dissolving a wall forming material in said solvent; (b) dispersing said solvent containing said active agent and wall forming material in a continuous-phase processing medium; (c) evaporating a portion of said solvent from said dispersion of step (b), thereby forming microcapsules containing said active agent in the suspension; and (d) extracting the remainder of the solvent from said microcapsules.