Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of preparing silk nanoparticles and microparticles, methods of encapsulating an active agent into the silk nano- and microparticles and compositions comprising these silk particles. In particular, the silk spheres are prepared from phase separation of silk and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), without exposure to an organic solvent. The method employs a chemical, PVA, which is an FDA-approved ingredient in drug formulations. Different parameters can be adjusted to control the size and shape of the silk spheres during the fabrication process. The silk particle compositions of the present invention may also encapsulate active agents or chemicals. Such compositions allow the active agents to be controllably and sustainably released to the target organs or tissues. The silk composition entrapping active agents also provides for a long-term storage medium for the active agents so entrapped.

Abstract: A process for preparing water-soluble granules of amnionic glyphosate comprising: a) addition of glyphosate acid to a Broensted base which supplies ammonium ions in a molar ratio base/acid comprised between 0.8 and 1.1; b) homogenization of the mixture prepared in a); c) addition of one or more surfactants in amounts in the range 5%-50% by weight based on the glyphosate acid; d) mixing of the mass prepared in c) for a time lower than about 10 minutes until obtaining an extrudable mass; e) extrusion of the mass obtained in d); f) drying until obtaining a granule having a residual moisture lower than 1%.

Abstract: A composite nanoparticle, for example a nanoparticle containing one or a plurality of cores embedded in another material. A composite nanoparticle can be formed by a one step process that includes: ejecting material from a bulk target material using physical energy source, with the bulk target material disposed in a liquid. Composite nanoparticles are formed by cooling at least a portion of the ejected material in the liquid. The composite fine particles may then be collected from the liquid. A product that includes composite fine particles may be formed with laser ablation, and ultrashort laser ablation may be utilized so as to preserve composite nanoparticle stoichiometry. For applications of the composite fine particles, optical properties and/or magnetic properties may be exploited for various applications.

Abstract: A method for formation of spherical particles of ion substituted calcium phosphate. The method is based on precipitation of particles from a buffered solution under static, stirring or hydrothermal conditions. Also, the use of the formed materials and the particles in itself.

Abstract: In the field of drug or nutrient administration novel particles and formulations thereof are provided. Said particles each have a core comprising active agent and at least partial coating comprising proteins, selected from hydrophobins. Preferable hydrophobins belong to class I or class II. Said particles exhibit enhanced characteristics, for example dispersibility or solubility. Here is also disclosed two methods for producing said particles in nanoscale, of which one utilizes precipitating and another wet milling.

Abstract: A granulation process wherein a liquid is sprayed into a prilling tower (1) by means of a rotating prilling bucket (15) having a perforated side wall (15a), and the liquid jets exiting said perforated side wall are subjected to a vibrating action according to the axial direction (A-A) of the prilling tower (1), while the remaining liquid mass inside the bucket is kept substantially free from said vibrating action. A suitable apparatus is also disclosed, wherein the peripheral side wall (15a) of the prilling bucket (15) is connected to vibration imparting means and has a flexible connection with the frame (15b, 15c) of the bucket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for administering pharmaceutical compositions comprising active contraceptive drugs in a patient. Specifically, the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise progestogen-only contraceptives (“POC”), such as Drospirenone.

Abstract: A method for producing particles, including: bringing a compressive fluid into contact with a pressure plastic material, so as to produce a melt of the pressure plastic material; and discharging the melt of the pressure plastic material by differential pressure to a space, so as to form particles, wherein the discharging includes at least one of (A) discharging the melt of the pressure plastic material while a compressive fluid is supplied to the melt of the pressure plastic material, and (B) discharging the melt of the pressure plastic material through one or more through-holes, to which vibration is applied, so as to change the shape of the melt of the pressure plastic material from a columnar shape, through the columnar shape with constrictions, into a particle shape.

Abstract: Formulations of neutral retinoids, in particular fenretinide (HPR) in the form of lipid nanoparticles, solid dipersions and emulsions are disclosed. These compositions are used to treat diseases that are amenable to treatment by HPR, such as neoplastic diseases by achieving higher and more prolonged concentrations of HPR in the subject. The key steps for preparing lipid nanovesicles of HPR include mixing and sonication, sterile filtration, without or without lyophilization for long-term stable storage, and employ processes and materials that are scalable from the laboratory to the manufacturing level. The formulation are suitable for injection into human or animal patients without causing allergic or hypersensitivity responses by avoiding chemical surfactants and animal sources of phospholipids in their manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.

Abstract: Embodiments of a continuous-flow injection reactor and a method for continuous material synthesis are disclosed. The reactor includes a mixing zone unit and a residence time unit removably coupled to the mixing zone unit. The mixing zone unit includes at least one top inlet, a side inlet, and a bottom inlet. An injection tube, or plurality of injection tubes, is inserted through the top inlet and extends past the side inlet while terminating above the bottom outlet. A first reactant solution flows in through the side inlet, and a second reactant solution flows in through the injection tube(s). With reference to nanoparticle synthesis, the reactant solutions combine in a mixing zone and form nucleated nanoparticles. The nucleated nanoparticles flow through the residence time unit. The residence time unit may be a single conduit, or it may include an outer housing and a plurality of inner tubes within the outer housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing particulate products, the process comprising the steps of (i) printing a liquid precursor of a non-metal particulate onto or into a collecting substrate and (ii) recovering non-metal particulates.

Abstract: In a seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus that ejects a droplet from a nozzle into hardening liquid to manufacture a seamless capsule SC, tube passages which are synthetic resin tubes are provided as flexible sections between pumps and the nozzle. The vibration caused by the pumps is absorbed in the flexible sections and thus is not transmitted to the nozzle, whereby eyes or the like of the seamless capsule caused by vibration noises can be suppressed. Instead of a synthetic resin tube, a vibration absorbing block formed of an elastic member may be attached to the tube passages. Alternatively, a vibration absorbing unit, which is provided with a pad formed of an elastic member and for holding the tube passages, may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides spherical rubber chemicals and the method for preparing the same. The spherical rubber chemicals of the present invention include spherical antioxidants, spherical vulcanization agents, spherical processing aids, spherical reinforcing agents, or spherical adhesive agents. With the spherical rubber chemicals of the present invention, the shortcomings of powdery or semi-spherical rubber chemicals are overcome, including eliminating the dust pollution during granulation procedure and avoiding the raw material loss and the environmental pollution, while solving the quality problem of lower melting point of product caused by the presence of fine powder crystal. Furthermore, the resultant rubber chemicals has an improved smoothness of surface, which is helpful to improve the flowing and mixing behaviors of the rubber chemicals in mixing or open milling process with rubbers.

Abstract: A method of forming mufti-phasic nano-objects involves the jetting of two or more different liquids in side-by-side capillaries thereby generating a composite liquid stream. The composite then exposed to a force field which causes the composite liquid stream to at least partially solidify into a nano-object. The method forms a nano-object having a number of morphologies such as rods, spheres, and fibers.

Abstract: Methods of forming a plurality multiphasic nano-components (MPNs) having at least two phases, with high selectivity for at least one of shape, size, or phase orientation in the nano-component are provided. The methods provide high yields of substantially similar nano-components by controlling one or more of: polymer concentration, liquid stream composition, liquid stream conductivity, flow rate, humidity, temperature, pressure, electrode design and/or configuration during an electrified jetting process. Such methods of making MPNs form shapes including disks, rods, spheres, rectangles, polygons, toroids, cones, pyramids, cylinders, fibers, and combinations thereof. Such MPNs can be used in various applications, including for medical diagnostics or with pharmaceutical, personal care, oral care, and/or nutritional compositions.

Abstract: A continuous phase liquid and a dispersed phase liquid are permitted to flow together through a co-flow channel. Preferably, the dispersed phase liquid is arranged to flow within the flowing body of the continuous phase liquid in the co-flow channel so that the dispersed phase liquid is sheathed by the continuous phase liquid. The continuous phase and dispersed phase liquids are comminuted into microparticles in the co-flow channel by intermittently blocking the co-flow channel.

Abstract: A skin cosmetic composition comprising: a hydrogel particle comprising a non-crosslinked hydrogel containing an oil component therein dispersed in an aqueous medium; a hydrogel particle comprising a non-crosslinked hydrogel containing an oil component therein; and a process for preparing a hydrogel particle comprising the steps of discharging an oil component-emulsified or dispersed solution prepared by dissolving a non-crosslinked hydrogel in an aqueous solution, with vibration from an orifice to form droplets; and cooling the droplets to solidify.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel technology for forming fine particles with a size of 0.02˜3 microns from a solid that can be dissolved in a liquid solvent and is not decomposed by heat. The particle preparation technology according to the present invention may be applicable to the fields of food, cosmetics, biopolymer, polymer compositions, and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making substantially uniformly sized liposomes and other small particles are provided. Droplets of a first liquid are ejected into a laminar flow of a second liquid, each droplet having a volume of from 0.97V to 1.03V, where V is the mean droplet volume and 1 fL?V?50 nL, wherein the first and second liquids are no more than sparingly soluble in one another, and wherein the first liquid contains a solute dissolved, dispersed, or suspended therein; and the first liquid is then removed to form a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes liquid inlet and outlet channels, a plurality of transverse liquid channels extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet channel, a plurality of nozzles in liquid flow communication with the plurality of transverse liquid channels, one or more nozzle actuators coupled to the plurality of nozzles, and an evaporator coupled to the liquid outlet channel.

Abstract: The high-throughput fabrication of microparticles based on the double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique for screening and optimizing microparticle formulations for particular characteristics allows for the preparation of multiple microparticle formulations in parallel. The system involves the formation of an emulsion containing aqueous bubbles with the payload in an organic phase containing the polymer or polymer blend being used for the microparticles. This first emulsion is then transferred to a larger aqueous phase, and a second waterin-oil-in water emulsion is formed. The organic solvent is then removed, and the resulting particles are optionally washed and/or freeze dried. The resulting microparticles are similar or better than microparticles prepared using the traditional one formulation at a time approach. The high-throughput fabrication of microparticles is particularly useful in optimizing microparticles formulations for drug delivery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.

Abstract: Embolization, as well as related particles and methods, are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new methods for combining, processing, and modifying existing materials, resulting in novel products with enhanced mechanical, electrical and electronic properties. The present invention provides for polymer/carbon nanotube composites with increased strength and toughness; beneficial for lighter and/or stronger structural components for terrestrial and aerospace applications, electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites, and electrostatic dissipative materials. Such composites rely on a molecular interpenetration between entangled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cross-linked polymers to a degree not possible with previous processes.

Abstract: In a method and system for forming concentrated volumes of microbeads, a polymer solution and/or suspension includes a polymer dissolved and/or dispersed in a medium. Streams of a focusing fluid and of the polymer solution and/or suspension flow towards a fluid bath, and into intersection with one another, so &s to focus the polymer solution and/or suspension. The polymer solution and/or suspension stream forms microbeads in the fluid bath. Some of the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath, so as to concentrate the microbeads in die fluid bath. The system includes a flow focusing apparatus and a liquid-containing cell. The focusing apparatus includes polymer and focusing nozzles. The cell contains the fluid bath and has an outlet port, through which the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath.

Abstract: A granulating method for forming a particle with a continuous ink-jet method using a liquid material, in which the liquid material containing a solid component and a binder component is supplied into one or more ink-jet nozzles of a continuous ink-jet device, a droplet is formed by having the supplied liquid material flow out the ink-jet nozzle, the droplet is carried in to drying means for drying the droplet, and the carried droplet is dried so as to obtain a granulated particle(s), the granulated particle(s) and a granulating device.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanoparticles is provided, which comprises the steps of dissolving a polymer and, optionally, at least one additional ingredient, in an organic solvent, passing the solution through a vibrating nozzle and dropping the solution through the electrical field into an aqueous solution, which is stirred, such that nanoparticles are formed by the rapid diffusion of the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing porous structures, particles or matrixes, which may be comprised of one or a plurality of components, an apparatus for carrying out the method and particles formed in accordance with the method. The method is particularly suitable for producing porous composite or pure particles for pharmaceutical applications. In accordance with the method, a composite comprising a material such as a pharmaceutical, a biodegradable polymers and/or a biological agent is formed. The composite must further comprise a material that is soluble in supercritical fluid. Extraction of the supercritical fluid soluble material produces porous structures, which may be in the form of particles or matrixes.

Abstract: A method for mixing fluids that can control mixing characteristics of fluids, a method for producing particulates that can provide desired particulates, and particulates produced thereby are provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a method for mixing at least two kinds of fluids in a microreactor, a first fluid is supplied to a mixing zone through a divided supply passage, and a second fluid is supplied to the mixing zone through a supply passage. A total value of dynamic pressures of the first and second fluids is controlled to mix the first and second fluids in the mixing zone. Then, the mixed fluids are flowed into a micro passage.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of spray drying pharmaceutical powders from a vibrating nozzle at low pressures. The method can effectively spray dry thick or viscous solutions or suspensions to provide small uniform particles. The invention includes dry particle compositions prepared by methods of low pressure spraying from vibrating nozzles.

Abstract: A Method for the recovery of the secondary metallurgy (LF) slag from a plant for the production of steel, the method comprising a cooling step of the slag, by means of the passage of air and/or other gas, a breakdown step, a step of extracting the powder, wherein the breakdown step is accelerated by means of forced convection of a cooling fluid and/or another reaction, gas and by means of moving the slag mass by overturning and vibrating support gratings. The overturning and vibrating support gratings are provided inside closed metallic boxes which are connected in series and closed with movable containment partitions to form a treatment module. The breakdown, step is accelerated by means of overturning the slag mass from the support grating of one metallic box to the support grating of an adjoining box.

Abstract: A method of producing powder by using a first liquid and a second liquid to be mixed with the first liquid, the first liquid containing a first raw material and the second liquid containing a second raw material. The method comprises: mixing the first liquid and the second liquid to obtain a mixture; stirring the mixture for reacting the first raw material and the second raw material to thereby obtain a synthetic material and a slurry containing aggregates of the synthetic material; and drying the slurry to obtain powder of the synthetic material. In the mixing the first liquid and the second liquid, particle strength of the powder is adjusted by setting an initial temperature of mixing the first liquid with the second liquid.

Abstract: 1.1 The invention relates to a method for producing tables made of mixtures of a plurality of materials, and a method for producing a sulfurous fertilizer. 2.1. The invention relates to a method for producing tablets made of mixtures of a plurality of materials, particularly urea mixtures, having the following steps:—producing a liquid melt of a first material,—adding at least one further material in solid or liquid form to the melt for producing a mixture,—output of drops of the mixture onto a steel belt by means of a drop former having a rotating, perforated outer drum,—solidification of the drops of the mixture on the steel belt into tablets, wherein the at least one additional material is mixed into the liquid melt in liquid form immediately before the drop former or into the liquid melt in solid form upstream of a two-stage heated grinding and mixing unit. 2.2. Use for producing fertilizer, for example.

Abstract: The current invention relates to methods of making nano-particles of a material with a narrow polydispersity. The particle materials are active agents, organic compounds, polymers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inhaler devices and bespoke pharmaceutical dry powder composition to be dispensed using such inhaler devices for pulmonary administration. In particular, the present invention relates to the provision of passive inhaler devices and dry powder compositions which are specifically formulated and prepared to be efficiently dispensed by such devices to reproducibly achieve a high delivered dose of the pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: A method for producing a granular composition including the steps of: stirring and granulating a mixture containing not less than 3 parts by weight and not more than 80 parts by weight of a phenol compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, X is an n-valent alcohol residue having 1 to 18 carbon atoms optionally containing a heteroatom, a cyclic group, or a heteroatom and a cyclic group, and n is an integer of 1 to 4, and not less than 3 parts by weight and less than 20 parts by weight of a binder to obtain a granular agglomerate; and cracking the granular agglomerate at a temperature of not lower than 25° C. and lower than the temperature which is 10° C. lower than the melting point of the binder, through a cracking machine equipped with a separation mechanism capable of recovering a granule having a particle size not more than 5 mm, and a cracking mechanism, to obtain a granule.

Abstract: The current invention relates to methods of making nano-particles of a material with a narrow polydispersity. The particle materials are active agents, organic compounds, polymers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A powder composite core is to be particularly dense and strong while being produced from soft magnetic alloys. In particular, the expansion of the heat-treated core is to be avoided. To produce this core, a strip of a soft magnetic alloy is first comminuted to form particles. The particles are mixed with a first binder having a curing temperature T1,cure and a decomposition temperature T1,decompose and a second binder having a curing temperature T2,cure and a decomposition temperature T2,decompose, wherein T1,cure<T2,cure?T1,decompose<T2,decompose. The mix is pressed to produce a magnet core while the first binder is cured. The magnet core is then subjected to a heat treatment accompanied by the curing of the second binder at a heat treatment temperature TAnneal>T2,cure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing substantially monodisperse micro particles mainly of heat sensible material using a carrier gas and a drying gas. Relatively dense micro particles with diameters in the range 1-120 ?m with a very narrow span can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing particles, where a viscous material is sprayed with a high-pressure gas for atomization while the viscous material is being discharged in a chamber, and cooling air is introduced in the chamber for granulation. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a toner, where a mixture containing at least a binding resin and a colorant is melt mixed under pressure or melt mixed with an injection of a supercritical fluid, the obtained melt-mixed substance is sprayed with a high-pressure gas for atomization while the melt-mixed substance is being discharged in a chamber, and cooling air is introduced in the chamber from an air inlet formed on the chamber.

Abstract: The method of the present invention can 1) produce spherical and scaly ultrafine particles without pulverization, 2) obtain spherical ultrafine particles having a sharp spherical particle diameter distribution without requiring a sieving step, 3) produce spherical ultrafine particles extremely approximating a true circle and possessing a particle diameter of 100 nm˜50,000 nm allowing selection of a size suitable for the particular purpose of use and 4) produce spherical ultrafine particles on a commercial scale at low cost. There is also provided spherical ultrafine particles produced by the above production process. The spherical ultrafine particles of the present invention are characterized by a form having circularity of 0.9 to 1.0 and a particle diameter of 0.01 ?m to 10 ?m without pulverization. The spherical ultrafine particles can be produced by the method of the present invention using as a nozzle a base having special through holes and hole density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment and method for producing polymer pellets which comprise one or more polymer components and one or more further components, wherein in said process at least one of said one or more further components is incorporated into pellets by applying a liquid, which comprises said at least one component, onto said pellets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for granulating and crystallizing thermoplastic polymers, the granules being contained in a liquid after granulation of a polymer melt and the granules being nucleated in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is increased and the temperature of the liquid is increased, and the granules being crystallized in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is again increased and the temperature of the liquid is again increased. According to the invention, the granules are removed from the liquid once the pressure and the temperature of the liquid containing the granules have been reduced.

Abstract: With regard to the technology of compaction by means of vacuum vibrocompression for manufacturing slabs of composite stone, the binder consists of a dispersion of colloidal silica in water and the rough-formed article resulting from the vibrocompression step, undergoes a drying step in order to remove the water present in the vibrocompacted slab. Subsequently the pores of the slab are filled with methyl methacrylate and hardening of the resin is performed by means of heating in hot water.

Abstract: A continuous phase liquid and a dispersed phase liquid are permitted to flow together through a co-flow channel. Preferably, the dispersed phase liquid is arranged to flow within the flowing body of the continuous phase liquid in the co-flow channel so that the dispersed phase liquid is sheathed by the continuous phase liquid. The continuous phase and dispersed phase liquids are comminuted into microparticles in the co-flow channel by intermittently blocking the co-flow channel.

Abstract: Reduced levels of drug degradation in drug-containing multiparticulates are obtained by an extrusion/melt-congeal process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for obtaining micro and nanometric particles in a controlled, reproducible manner. The aforementioned particles have a spherical shape and a very narrow, uniform size distribution. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel method of forming emulsions and to the application thereof in micro and nanoencapsulation techniques involving the extraction/evaporation of the solvent. In particular, the invention relates to the encapsulation of the fluorescent compounds and the subsequent application thereof.

Abstract: A method of prilling or spray drying comprising calculating and controlling the viscosity of a shear-thinnable fluid stream at a particle-forming section of a dispersion device. The method comprises measuring the static head of fluid in the dispersion device, providing a pressurized blanket of inert gas over the fluid, mechanically agitating the fluid in the dispersion device, calculating the viscosity at the particle-forming section and controlling the viscosity by adjusting the speed of mechanical agitation.

Abstract: A method for making nanoparticles or fine particles includes (1) in an electrolysis cell, supplying a power (potentiostat) to an element that acts as a counter electrode, and another element that is working electrode; and rubbing the working electrode to make nanoparticles or fine particles. Another method for making nanoparticles or fine particles includes (1) in an electrolysis cell, supplying a power (potentiostat) to an element that acts as a counter electrode, and another element that is working electrode; and (2) mechanically vibrating the working electrode to make nanoparticles or fine particles.

Abstract: Methods for screening and preparing solid forms are described herein. Such methods comprise sonicating a solid paste to provide a sonicated paste. The sonicated paste may be analyzed for the presence of solid forms.