Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow sphere polymer composition suitable for absorbing active ingredients including oily substances and hydrophobic materials. A process for encapsulating one or more active ingredients using hollow sphere polymers is described.

Abstract: Metal-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes and production thereof. The metal-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes may be produced according to one embodiment of the invention by combining single-walled carbon nanotube precursor material and metal in a solution, and mixing the solution to incorporate at least a portion of the metal with the single-walled carbon nanotube precursor material. Other embodiments may comprise sputter deposition, evaporation, and other mixing techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a spherical seamless capsule formed by encapsulating a filler material such as a medicine with a capsule shell material such as gelatin. A concentric multiple nozzle is positioned above the liquid surface of a curing liquid such that the tip of the nozzle faces down. A concentric columnar composite flow which is discharged from this concentric multiple nozzle and which is composed of a filler material and a capsule shell material outside the filler material is immersed in the curing liquid, and cut in the curing liquid to form a droplet. The capsule shell material of the droplet is cured by the curing liquid, and thereby a seamless capsule is formed. Since, the droplet is not dropped into the curing liquid, no deformation of the droplet caused by collision against the liquid surface occurs. The tip of the multiple nozzle is positioned above the liquid surface of the curing liquid.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: A capsule containing a rotatable element and a dielectric liquid including a lubricant dispersed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing submicron sized particles of an organic compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous, the process including the steps of: (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution, (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a pre-suspension; and (iii) adding energy to the pre-suspension to form particles having an average effective particle size of 400 nm to 2 microns.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for oral quick-dissolving capsules, includes the steps of: preparing a core liquid that contains a filler material; preparing a shell liquid by having dissolved therein a shell material that includes one or more plasticizer and a shell forming agent; supplying to a multiple nozzle having an inner nozzle and an outer nozzle, and forming multilayer liquid drops by extruding the multilayer liquid drops from the multiple nozzle; hardening the shell liquid by bringing the multilayer liquid drops into contact with a hardening liquid; separating the seamless capsules from the hardening liquid; and drying their surface to form seamless capsules. The seamless capsules have a particle diameter of 1 to 10 mm, a mass ratio of shell material to filler material of 5:95 to 70:30, and the amount of added plasticizer is 20 to 70% by mass with respect to the total amount of the shell material, excluding water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a suspension of a pharmaceutically-active compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first organic solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving a first quantity of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the water-miscible first organic solvent to form a first solution; (ii) mixing the first solution with the second solvent to precipitate the pharmaceutically-active compound; and (iii) seeding the first solution or the second solvent or the pre-suspension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing submicron sized particles of an organic compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous, the process including the steps of: (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution, (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a pre-suspension; and (iii) adding energy to the pre-suspension to form particles having an average effective particle size of less than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from at least three films (12, 13, 14) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming two of the films (12, 14) to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses (18, 32) with a flowable filling material. A film (13) is used to cover the recesses (18) in at least one of the films (12), and is welded to it by dielectric welding. The films with filled recesses are then brought together and welded together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules, which are cut or punched out of the welded film. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticiser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a suspension of a pharmaceutically-active compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first organic solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving a first quantity of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the water-miscible first organic solvent to form a first solution; (ii) mixing the first solution with the second solvent to precipitate the pharmaceutically-active compound; and (iii) seeding the first solution or the second solvent or the pre-suspension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing submicron sized particles of an organic compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous, the process including the steps of: (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution, (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a pre-suspension; and (iii) adding energy to the pre-suspension to form particles having an average effective particle size of 400 nm to 2 microns.

Abstract: The invention concerns composite nanospheres having a diameter ranging between about 50 and 1000 nm plus or minus 5%, preferably between about 100 and 500 nm plus or minus 5% and advantageously between 100 and 200 nm plus or minus 5%, and comprising an essentially liquid core consisting of an organic phase and inorganic nanoparticles, distributed inside the organic phase, and a skin consisting of at least a hydrophilic polymer derived from the polymerisation of at least one water soluble monomer, in particular N-alkylacrylamide or a N—N-dialkylacrylamide; conjugates derived from said nanospheres; their preparation methods and their uses.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A method for producing composite particles in which superparamagnetic iron oxide particles having a diameter of less than 30 nm are contained in a polysiloxane matrix comprising functional groups. The composite particles obtained by the method are suitable for magnetic separation methods.

Abstract: A gyricon display containing modified particles is disclosed. The gyricon display has an arrangement of bichromal or polychromal elements which are disposed between a first and second electrode. One of the electrodes is substantially visually transparent. The display also has means for creating a potential difference between the two electrodes. Also, each bichromal element has two hemispheres, wherein one of the hemispheres has at least a surface containing at least one modified colored pigment having attached at least one organic group and the other hemisphere has at least a surface with a different color and different electrical property. The organic group preferably includes at least one ionic, ionizable group, or both. Each bichromal or polychromal element is enclosed within a shell wherein a liquid is present between the shell and the element so that the element is free to rotate in response. Methods of making the gyricon display are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an orally administrable formulation comprising a biologically active ingredient for the controlled release in a neutral or basic environment, which method comprises the steps of: (a) dispersing powder ethylcellulose with an average diameter of from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m in an aqueous dispersion to provide an enteric encapsulant; (b) mixing the biologically active ingredient and the enteric encapsulant obtained in step (a) to obtain a mixture; and (c) spray-drying the mixture obtained in step (b) for about 10 sec. to 15 sec. in a drying chamber at a chamber temperature of about 45° C. to about 80° C. to obtain an orally administrable formulation. The orally administrative formulation prepared by the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.

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

Abstract: We describe a process for generating multilayer particles comprising condensing a polymer with an oppositely charged polymer to form a particle and sequentially adding oppositely charged polymers to the particle forming at least three layers of polymers. The process is used to form a composition for delivering a biologically active compound to a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for making multicolor gelatin ribbons and softgel capsules is provided which uses a modification of the gelatin spreader boxes by incorporating especially designed pipelines that are bifurcated with a tee.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for manufacturing dosage forms, and to dosage forms made using such systems, methods and apparatuses are provided. Novel compression, injection molding, and thermal setting molding modules are disclosed. One or more of such modules may be linked, preferably via a transfer device, into an overall system for making dosage forms. The injection molding module having at least one mold shell with an interior surface capable of producing non-uniform coatings over compressed cores or molded inserts contained therein.

Abstract: Provided are a microcapsule and a production method thereof using a low-toxicity polymer substrate which can be produced regardless of a core material's water or oil solubility, without using gelatin or an organic solvent viewed as having a problem with safety. Specifically, provided is a microcapsule comprising oil-based core material which is immiscible with water; and shell material which comprises gum arabic and an enteric anionic cellulose derivative. Also provided is a method for producing a microcapsule comprising steps of suspending an oil-based water-immiscible core material in an aqueous solution of gum arabic, and then adding an aqueous alkaline solution of an enteric anionic cellulose derivative.

Abstract: Capsules are filled with liquid-fill by introducing the liquid into a capsule body held in an upright orientation. A capsule cap is fitted over an open end of the capsule body to close the capsule. The closed capsule is held in the upright orientation until the contents have stabilised. The holding period allows excess pneumatic pressure to be dissipated prior to sealing the cap to the body. The holding period may alternatively allow solidification of the liquid-fill. Advantageously, the closed capsules are held in an upright tube (4,6) in a vertical stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making particles for cutaneous application or oral delivery of bioactive molecules or living systems. The process can be carried out in some simple steps. The present invention further discloses a new physiological composition allowing release different nutraceutical, biological, cosmetic, cosmeceutical, or therapeutical compounds in a human, an animal, or a composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for preparing micron-sized or submicron-sized drug particles comprising contacting a solution comprising a poorly water soluble drug substance and at least one freezable organic solvent with a cold surface so as to freeze the solution; and removing the organic solvent. The resulting particles are also disclosed, as are several embodiments of an apparatus that can be used in performing the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dosage form containing stabilized choline and a method for preparing the dosage form. The choline is stabilized by encapsulating a low hygroscopic choline salt in a lipid coating.

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: In the present invention, an inorganic reactant is, or reactants are, localized with respect to a dendritic polymer by physical constraint within or by a non-covalent conjugation to the dendritic polymer. The localized inorganic reactant or reactants is/are subsequently transformed to form a reaction product which is immobilized with respect to the dendritic polymer. This immobilization occurs on a nanoscopic scale as a consequence of the combined effects of structural, chemical and physical changes without having covalent bonds between the product(s) and the dendritic container and results in new compositions of matter called dendritic nanocomposites. The resulting nanocomposite material can be used to produce revolutionary products such as water soluble elemental metals, with specific applications including magnetic resonance imaging, catalytic, magnetic, optical, photolytic and electroactive applications.

Abstract: Polycaprolactone- and chitosan-coated epichlorohydrin-crosslinked alginate (PACE-A) microspheres were prepared by a reproducible polymer dispersion technique that produced recombinant protein-containing particles averaging 8.2 &mgr;m in size. The PACE-A microspheres of the invention were coated with chitosan and polycaprolactone to increase the mechanical strength and stabilization and to modify the time of antigen release.

Abstract: A process for preparing nanoparticles and microparticles is provided. The process involves forming a mixture of a polymer and a solvent, wherein the solvent is present in a continuous phase and introducing the mixture into an effective amount of a nonsolvent to cause the spontaneous formation of microparticles.

Abstract: A method of making a spherical seamless capsule formed by encapsulating a filler material such as a medicine with a capsule shell material shell such as gelatin. A liquid capsule shell material is stored in a tank at a low temperature, and supplied to a concentric multiple nozzle while it temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature upon being gradually heated while being transferred to the concentric multiple nozzle. This prevents deterioration in the capsule shell material and excessive decrease in its viscosity. When the liquid filler material and the capsule shell material flow out of the concentric multiple nozzle, their flows are cut by imparting a vibration thereto, to form a droplet in which the filler material and the capsule shell material are disposed at the center and on the outside, respectively. Such droplets are dropped into a curing liquid while in a dispersed state to cure the surface of the capsule shell material.

Abstract: In applying an application material 7 containing microcapsules 7 dispersed therein on a transparent film 1 on which an ITO electrode 2 is formed, the application is performed under a condition in which a voltage with polarity opposite to the electrophoretic particles in the microcapsules 7a is applied to the ITO electrode 2. Since the electrophoretic particles in the microcapsules 7a and the ITO electrode 2 are attracted to each other, the microcapsules 7a are attracted to the ITO electrode 2. Therefore, the microcapsules 7a in an upper layer of overlapping layers easily enter the spaces between the microcapsules 7a in a lower layer. It is thus possible to avoid overlapping of the microcapsules 7a, and obtain an electrophoretic layer 3 having the microcapsules uniformly arranged therein.

Abstract: Provided are a production process for a polymeric micelle which is stable and has a high drug content and a composition containing such polymeric micelle. Disclosed are a production process for a polymeric micelle, comprising the steps of dissolving a drug and a specific copolymer in a water non-miscible organic solvent to prepare a solution, mixing the resulting solution with water to form an O/W type emulsion and then slowly volatilizing the organic solvent from the solution, and a polymeric micelle composition charged therein with a water-scarcely soluble drug, which can be obtained by the above production process.

Abstract: Tire components comprising a microencapsulated reactant and a reaction facilitator are provided. These components have the ability to resist crack propagation and to self-repair cracks that form within the tire component matrix.

Abstract: Multi-functional microcapsules comprising a core material including a major portion of one or more functional additives and a shell material including at least one functional additive, a method of manufacturing such multifunctional microcapsules and polymeric products incorporating such multifunctional microcapsules are provided.

Abstract: A method of forming microspheres of a bioactive material, such as a protein polymer or drug by nebulizing a solubilized form of a material to be encapsulated and an encapsulating material, such as albumin, in a stirred chilled solvent system comprising a vegetable oil, mineral oil and/or a lower alcohol such that the formed microspheres demonstrate intracellular bioactivity when taken up by macrophages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and microcapsule compound waterborne polyurethane wherein further comprises forming homogeneous dispersive liquid from the compound process of waterborne polyurethane prepolymer added water solution of microcapsules with waterborne polyurethane shell for the phase change material and the present invention of the method further adds curing agent, antifoam and thickener for coating fabrics.

Abstract: A method and a process are disclosed for preparation of medical electro-powders. The electro-powder results from preparations of chemical and biological substances to form electro-powders suitable for electrostatic charging and dosing for functionality in a dry powder inhaler device. The electro-powder resulting from the method and process forms an active powder substance or a dry powder medical formulation with a fine particle fraction representing of the order 50% or more of the content having a size ranging between 0.5-5 &mgr;m and provides electrostatic properties with an absolute specific charge per mass after charging of the order 0.1×10−6 to 25×10−6 C/g and presenting a charge decay rate constant Q50>0.1 sec with a tap density of less than 0.8 g/ml and a water activity aw of less than 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with the formation of small particles of organic compounds by precipitating the organic compounds in an aqueous medium to form a pre-suspension followed by adding energy to stabilize a coating of the particle or to alter the lattice structure of the particle. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution; (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a presuspension of particles; and (iii) adding energy to the presuspension to form a suspension of particles having an average effective particle size of less than about 100 &mgr;m. The process is preferably used to prepare a suspension of small particles of a poorly water-soluble, pharmaceutically active compound suitable for in vivo delivery by an administrate route such as parenteral, oral, pulmonary, nasal, buccal, topical ophthalmic, rectal, vaginal, transdermal or the like.

Abstract: A stabilized emulsion is employed to produce shelf stable, controlled release, discrete, solid particles or pellets which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component, such as a readily oxidizable component, such as omega-3 fatty acids. An oil encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, dissolved and/or dispersed in an oil is admixed with an aqueous component and a film-forming component to form an emulsion. An antioxidant for prevention of oxidation of the active, sensitive encapsulant, and a film-softening component or plasticizer for the film-forming component may be included in the emulsion. The emulsion is stabilized by subjecting it to homogenization. The pellets are produced by first reducing the water content of the stabilized emulsion so that the film-forming component forms a film around the oil droplets and encapsulates the encapsulant. In embodiments of the invention, the water content of the homogenized emulsion may be reduced by spray-drying to produce a powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing hardshell gelatin capsule reducing the static electricity and enhancing the lubrication of film having good film distribution in capsule comprising the steps of: i) preparing an emulsion containing 0.4˜0.8 part by weight of diacetylated monoglycerides, 0.05˜0.1 part by weight of sodium lauryl sulfate, and 0.005˜0.01 part by weight of colloidal silicon dioxide; ii) adding the emulsion to gelatin solution containing 100 part by weight of gelatin; iii) mixing and homogenizing the resulting solution; iv) adjusting viscosity of mixture; v) allowing the obtained product to stand; and vi) forming a hardshell gelatin capsule therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to microspheres with a narrow distribution of particle size and a uniform spherical shape, consisting of a partially or completely cross-linked polymer material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said microspheres and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays; a production process for the microcapsule composition for the electrophoretic displays; a production process for a sheet for the electrophoretic displays; and a handling method for microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays; wherein the microcapsule composition contains microcapsules and, when used for the electrophoretic displays, can make them as excellent as conventional in various performances (e.g. longtime stability of displaying, respondability of displaying, contrast, and number of times of display rewritability) and, particularly above all, can make the electrophoretic displays exhibit a very high performance as to the contrast.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of granulates that contain liposoluble and hydrophobic substances, preferably steroidal substances, and that exhibit rapid and excellent water-dispersibility.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of drug-containing microcapsules employs one or more atomizers to form the microcapsules by the phenomenon of solvent exchange. A plurality of microdroplets of an aqueous solution is contacted with a plurality of microdroplets containing a polymer dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent under conditions whereby the polymer solution envelops the aqueous microdroplet. Exchange of solvent molecules between the aqueous core and its polymer-containing shell deposits the polymer as a membrane around the aqueous core. A preferred atomizer is a coaxial ultrasonic atomizer. Microcapsules can be generated in air as well as when submersed in a collection bath. Desired properties of the microcapsules, e.g., controlled release, can be achieved by providing protective excipients within the aqueous core, providing a hydrophilic polymer capable of undergoing a sol-to-gel transition within the aqueous core, optimizing selection of the polymer solvent, adjusting relative flow rates, and the like.

Abstract: A composition composed of a plurality of microcapsules each including a polymerized, optionally hardened, micelle shell encapsulating a liquid droplet and a particle component.

Abstract: A method is provided for gas-assisted injection molding for forming a hollow product. The mold cavity is prepressurized with fluid prior to injecting the molten material into the mold cavity, and the molten material is injected into the mold cavity against the pressurized fluid to establish a resultant internal counterpressure within the molten material. A pressurized assist-gas is injected into the molten material to form a gas bubble within the molten material. The injection of molten material into the cavity is then controlled in a manner to maintain the internal counterpressure at desired levels to overcome stress forces and to control formation and movement of the bubble within the melt.

Abstract: Soft gelatin capsules having a capsule shell comprising gelatin, plasticizers and, if desired or required, further auxiliary agents, and a capsule filling containing a solvent including a migrateable solvent such as 1,2-propyleneglycol as a solvent in the capsule filling and in the capsule shell. The manufacture of said capsules is improved, if in the process for making the soft gelatin capsules the gelatin bands are cooled with a liquid, and preferably with water.

Abstract: NGF microencapsulation compositions having controlled release characteristics, preferably with increased stability, for the NGF component, particularly human recombinant NGF (“rhNGF”) are provided that yield enhanced stability of NGF for use in promoting nerve cell growth, repair, survival, differentiation, maturation or function. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.