Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus and methods for making nucleic acid loaded nanosomes. One embodiment of the present invention directed to an apparatus comprises a first containment means for containing a mixture of an aqueous solution of nucleic acid and a phospholipid solution with a supercritical, critical or near critical fluid. The apparatus further comprises injection means in fluid communication with said first containment means for receiving the mixture and releasing the mixture as a stream into a decompression liquid. The apparatus further comprises a decompression vessel in fluid communication with the injection means for holding a decompression liquid and receiving the mixture as a stream. The stream forms one or more nanosomes loaded with a nucleic acid in the decompression liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and process for making softgel capsules having incorporated therein other solid dosage forms selected from the group consisting of pellets, smaller capsules, smaller tablets, sustained release solid dosage forms, immediate release solid dosage forms, extended release solid dosage forms and zero order release solid dosage forms, said apparatus comprising: (a) two spreader boxes; (b) two casting drums; (c) a pair of rotary dies having means for suction; (d) a liquid fill system; (e) a wedge for heating gelatine ribbons and feeding said fill; and (f) two lateral dispensing devices said lateral dispensing devices including hoppers having said solid dosage forms, channelguides for transporting said solid dosage forms and a grasping claw for dispensing said solid dosage form into the softgel pocket formed in the rotary dies.

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 invention provides an apparatus for producing molecular membranes or particles, having a) a fluid supplying member configured to store a fluid, b) a plunger unit configured to extrude the fluid from the fluid supplying member, and c) an emulsifier holding member having at least two or more through-holes for holding an emulsifier, the through-holes allowing the fluid extruded from the fluid supplying member to pass therethrough, the emulsifier holding member being attachable to and detachable from the fluid supplying member.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating or sorting colloidal objects, comprising the step of flowing said objects in a first flow stream partly or fully surrounded by at least one second flow stream in a channel comprising a narrow strait, wherein along an elongated part of the path of said first flow stream either (a) the bidimensional size of said first flow stream is smaller than the largest bidimensional size of at least some of said objects, either (b) the smallest unidimensional size of said first flow stream is smaller than the largest unidimensional size of at least some of said objects, either (c) said first flow stream is splitting, in the absence of said objects, into droplets with a volume smaller than the volume of at least some of said objects, or (d) said first flow stream would have in the absence of said particles, a shape that cannot entirely encompass some of said objects.

Abstract: The essence of the invention is that an aqueous medium is mixed with a lipid component (lipid solution in an organic solvent) by the ejecting introduction (suction) of the lipid component (lipid solution in an organic solvent) into an ejector mixing chamber in the form of a de Laval nozzle by means of the energy from a pressurized jet of the aqueous medium flowing out of the inlet nozzle of the ejector, which jet creates a pressure drop in the convergent part (confuser) of the mixing chamber, wherein an aerosol stream of liposome is formed at the outlet of the divergent part (diffuser) of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a liposome manufacturing device which is a relatively small, multipurpose liposome manufacturing device that uses a motor, and that can reliably manufacture various types of liposomes and reconfigured liposomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion and double-emulsion based processes for preparing microparticles. The invention also relates to workhead assemblies for in-line flow-through mixing devices that can be used for mixing two or more fluids. The workhead assemblies can be used with the processes for preparing microparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for producing liposomes and a method of producing liposomes by which it is made possible to produce liposomes under sterile conditions during the manufacturing process while monitoring in line the particle diameter of liposomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing microcapsules. The apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one bead generator, having at least one nozzle passed by a liquid during operation, with a liquid reservoir arranged before the nozzle. The liquid reservoir comprises a membrane in the region of at least one boundary wall for generating a mechanical oscillation in the liquid. The apparatus comprises at least one reaction and transport device passed by a reaction medium, in which the beads generated in the bead generator are received. Microcapsules are formed during a predetermined reaction time period between at least one first polymeric component of the beads and at least one second polymeric component in the reaction medium and are transported along a reaction path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming agarose or cored agarose beads. The process involves dissolving/gelation the agarose in a suitable liquid, mixing it with a hydrophobic liquid to form an emulsion and maintaining that emulsion at a temperature equal to or greater than the gelation point of the agarose, passing it through a static mixer to create agarose droplets and solidifying the agarose droplets in a second bath of hydrophobic liquid. The beads can then be washed and used or further processed to crosslink the agarose and/or add various functionalities on to the agarose. Another method for solidifying the agarose droplets is by using a heat exchanger to cool the stream continuously after it exits the static mixer. A similar process is used for the “cored” beads except cores, preferably in bead form, are introduced to the agarose before it enters the first hydrophobic liquid so that the agarose forms a coating on the cores.

Abstract: A system for producing a hot-filled softgel capsule utilizes a chilled liquid. The chilled liquid is routed through a chilled liquid conveyor tray into a chilled liquid bath. The chilled liquid conveyor tray directs the flowing chilled liquid into a flowing chilled liquid layer. Softgel capsules having a heated fill material are deposited in the flowing chilled liquid layer. The chilled liquid layer cools the capsule by transferring heat from the capsule to the chilled liquid. The flowing chilled liquid layer transports the capsule out of the chilled liquid conveyor tray into a chilled liquid bath. A capsule transfer conveyor transports the capsule out of the chilled liquid bath to a chilled liquid removal device. The chilled liquid removal device removes the chilled liquid from the capsule.

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: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having an outer nozzle operable to discharge an outer stream of a shell solution, and an inner nozzle operable to discharge an inner stream of a core solution intermixed with a plurality of materials. The outer stream can substantially surrounds the inner stream, thereby forming a combined stream. A plurality of capsules can be formed responsive to a force applied to the combined stream. At least a portion of the plurality of capsules are desirable capsules, each having a core encapsulated by a portion of the shell solution. The core can have at least one of the plurality of materials encapsulated by a portion of the core solution without protruding an outer surface of the portion of the shell solution. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: Nano-sized lipid vesicles with tailored properties are used as building blocks to generate lipid tubules between two glass surfaces. The tubules formed not only have defined orientation, width, and length, but they can also grow to be as long as 13 mm under ambient conditions, without externally supplied flow, temperature control, or catalyzing agents. The tubule membrane and its internal aqueous content can be manipulated by controlling the combination of different vesicle's lipid composition and aqueous entrapment. This self-assembly process opens up new pathways for generating complicated and flexible architectures for use in biocompatible molecular and supramolecular engineering. Aspects of the invention generate, for example, tubules encapsulated with siRNA, tubules with multiple branches, and polymerized fluorescent tubules in a single-throughput self-assembly process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and devices related to bilayer and monolayer membranes, their encapsulation in a hydrogel, and their formation. Methods of using the disclose compositions and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for preparation of an aqueous emulsion from a curable silicone composition consisting of (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups, (B) an organohydrogensiloxane, and (C) a curing catalyst, said method being characterized by (i) continuously supplying component (A), component (B) and component (C), or a mixture of components (A) and (B) and component (C) through individual inlet ports into a continuous mixer and mixing said components at a temperature not exceeding 10° C., (ii) continuously supplying the obtained mixture and (D) an aqueous solution of a surface-active agent to an emulsifier, and emulsifying the components at a temperature not exceeding 20° C. An apparatus for the preparation of an aqueous emulsion of a curable silicone composition comprising of a continuous mixer for mixing components (A) through (C), a distribution unit connected to the lower part of the mixer, and an emulsifier.

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: In a sheet forming part 2 of a soft capsule manufacturing apparatus 1, a drum drive system 27 which forms a gelatin sheet 13, and a pickup roller drive system 28 which peels off the gelatin sheet 13 are constructed to drive separately from each other. In the drum drive system 27, a film-sheet forming drum 23 is driven by a first motor 271, while in the pickup-roller drive system 28, a pickup roller 24 is driven by a second motor 281.

Abstract: An encapsulation machine utilizes servo-driven components and a control system to control the encapsulation machine. Servomotors drive the fill supply mechanism, the die rollers and the casting drums. The control system uses a programmable controller to establish relationships between the servo and non-servo-driven components of the machine and a virtual gear to facilitate and automate the operation of the encapsulation machine.

Abstract: In manufacturing an aspherical seamless capsule comprises, firstly, a seamless capsule C1 having a filler encapsulated with a shell membrane is provided, then it is dried in a dryer 12 until a predetermined percentage content of solvent in the shell membrane reaches a predetermined value. Subsequently, the seamless capsule is heated by a heater 38 so that the shell material may get to a semi-sol state. Then, the heated seamless capsule is formed into an aspherical shape using a forming machine such as a compression molding machine. Because the spherical seamless capsule has a shell membrane which is dried to get semi-sol so that it may have a reduced elasticity and a shortened stress relaxation time, the capsule can be formed in a short time and suppressed from restoring to the original spherical shape. The semi-sol shell membrane has almost no change in properties, and so allows easiness in temperature control for treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the production of capsules or particles of micro and nanometric size, for introduction into food, using stable electrified coaxial jets of two immiscible liquids with diameters in the micro and nanometric range. An aerosol of charged structured droplets forms when the jets dissociate by capillary instabilities. The structured droplets, which are mano-dispersed in size, contain a first liquid (generally the material desired to be added) that is surrounded by a second liquid. Generally the second liquid provides a barrier or protective coating which allows the addition of the first liquid to a food product without adversely affecting the organoleptic or other properties of the food product.

Abstract: Capsules which contain vital cells or tissues as the contents and in which these cells or tissues can be grown. Since these cells or tissues can be grown in the capsules, an extremely high cell density can be achieved. By using these capsules, foods having an excellent effect of ameliorating intestinal disorders, etc. can be provided. Moreover, it is possible to provide artificial seeds showing an excellent storage stability and a high germination ratio which comprise seamless soft capsules consisting of an innermost layer containing indefinite embryo, indefinite shoots, multiple shoots, shoot apexes, growing points, protocorm-like bodies, indefinite roots, hairy roots, etc., an inner coating layer comprising a hardened oil and an outer coating layer made of a biodegradable film comprising gelatin, polysaccharides, etc.

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: The invention relates to a device for producing lipid vesicles, which is equipped with a line (1) for transporting a polar liquid phase, with a line (2) for transporting an organic liquid phase containing lipids, with a collecting receptacle (7) for accommodating produced lipid vesicles, and with means for conveying the liquid phases through lines (1) and (2). At at least one location, the outer side of line (1) forms a common contact surface with line (2) inside of which a common opening (3) is provided that permits the flow of liquid and joins the inside of line (2) to the inside of line (1). Lines (1) and (2) do not contain agitating or dispersing aids in the area of the opening (3).

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: A method for producing liposome encapsulating a desired substance is provided. The method is characteristic in that an aqueous phase containing the substance to be encapsulated is added to a homogenous fluid mixture of a phospholipid or a glycolipid and carbon dioxide either under a supercritical condition or under a condition in which temperature or pressure is higher than or equal to its critical point. This method makes it possible to produce liposomes with improved trapping efficiency in fewer steps and without using harmful organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and facility for industrial scale production of micromembrane capsules for immobilizing active ingredients, proteins, live cells and/or microorganisms. According to the invention, the material dissolved in a base material or in suspended form that is to be encapsulated is fed from a reservoir into a reactor, wherein drops are produced from said material and balls are formed by precipitating said drops. The balls enclose the material and are then in turn coated by repeated rinsing in the same and/or different vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming composite pellets containing active ingredients encapsulated in encapsulating material for the controlled release of the active ingredient in the treatment of humans, animals or plants that is capable of the following steps: producing solid granules containing encapsulating material and active ingredient; generating a flow of granules; heating the granules in flight so as to melt a portion of encapsulating material located at the surface of each granule, of melted encapsulating material spreading on the surface of each granule to form a substantially uniform surface layer so as to confer on the granules the form of pellets; cooling the pellets in flight so as to solidify at least the surface layer; collecting the pellets.

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: 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 and device for providing a gate blocking material. Specifically, a method for molding a substrate having known good and bad sites thereon, by blocking the gate area of the bad sites during the molding process. A blocking material or an injection pin are used to interrupt the flow of molding compound through an injection molding system, and thereby prevent molding compound from flowing onto the known bad substrate sites.

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: 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: The invention relates to a method for capsulating microbial, plant and animal cells or biological and chemical substances, using a nozzle to obtain small, especially spherical particles by vibrating an immobilisation mixture. According to said method, the immobilisation mixture, especially a laminar fluid jet taking the form of an immobilisation mixture, is divided into equal parts by superimposition of an external vibration. In a device especially well suited to carry out this method a metallic counter-element (18) which is mounted down-stream from the nozzle (16) at a distance (a) to, and on the outside of, the nozzle axis (A) is connected to a high-voltage source (30). The counter-element is to be embodied by a metal ring (18) through whose through hole (20) the nozzle axis (A) extends. The metal ring (18) is radially connected to an insulated support (22, 24).

Abstract: This invention is for an improved process to formulate polymeric microspheres/nanospheres and encapsulate therapeutic proteins and other useful substances. Non-toxic supercritical or near-critical fluids with/without polar cosolvents are utilized to solubilize biodegradable polymers and form uniform polymer microspheres and nanospheres to encapsulate proteins with controlled-release characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates to radioactively coated devices, preferably radioactively coated medical devices. These coated devices are characterized as having a low rate of leaching of the radioisotope from the surface of the coated device and a uniform radioactive coating, and are therefore suitable for use within biological systems. Coated medical devices are disclosed that are produced either by immersing the device within a solution containing a &ggr;, &bgr;+, &agr;, &bgr;−, &Egr; (electron capture) emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation, by electroless plating, or by electroplating a radioisotope onto a substrate of interest. The medical devices so produced are then baked at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of seamless capsules in which capsule forming material passes from a heated carrier fluid to a cooled carrier fluid during formation and solidification of the capsules.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing tubular fibre includes an extrusion head through which a polymer and a biologically active material flow. The biologically active material is encapsulated within compartments formed in the fibre. Partial solidification is caused by structure, such as a coagulation bath, adjacent the extrusion head. This prevents breakage of the fibre as it leaves the head.

Abstract: A sample testing system has a chamber sealing, apparatus adapted to receive a chamber containing a fluid sample material and to seal portions of a chamber into segments. A reagent injector cartridge actuator is adapted to receive a reagent injector cartridge having at least one needle in fluid communication with a reagent reservoir, and to move a reagent injector cartridge to inject a quantity of reagent into a segment of a chamber. In certain preferred embodiments, a flow control device induces a flow of sample in a segment. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to a condition of the mixture.

Abstract: A gelatin capsule is manufactured from a capsule sheath. The sheath is made of a pair of confronting gelatin sheets as starting material. The sheath is then formed integrally like a folder, and the contents of the capsule is enveloped by the capsule sheath. The contents of the capsule is a fine or granular powder. However, time release pellets could also be used. The capsule sheath has a pocket formed for receiving the contents in the gelatin sheets preliminarily before completion of filling with the contents.

Abstract: Method for the production of seamless capsules in which capsule forming material passes from a heated carrier fluid to a cooled carrier fluid during formation and solidification of the capsules.

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: There is provided a method of producing an emulsion by which an emulsion consisting of uniform and microfine globules can be easily obtained with a reduced energy input as compared with the conventional technology.This method of producing an emulsion comprises applying a back pressure equal to not less than 0.2% but less than 5% of the pressure acting on the point of high-pressure emulsifying action in a high-pressure emulsification zone in the course of production of an emulsion with a high-pressure emulsification equipment. The back pressure can be obtained typically by equipping an emulsification machine with a pipeline smaller in inside diameter than the discharge line of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and a device for producing minimal volume capsules containing viable cells or cellular aggregates. The methods and device use a two-phase aqueous emulsion system to form a dispersion of liquid capsule-forming materials in a continuous liquid phase to which is added a suspension of biological material. Alternatively, the biological material can be added to one or the other of the liquid phases. The composition of this emulsion is adjusted to promote the thermodynamically-driven process of particle engulfment by the dispersed droplets of liquid capsule-forming materials. Subsequently, the droplets engulf the biological material to form a liquid film surrounding the tissue and are converted to solid form, resulting in encapsulation of the biological material in minimum volume capsules.

Abstract: In a production line for microcapsules, which is provided with an emulsifying machine, an emulsion or microcapsules are automatically sampled on a on-line basis from a portion of a process pipeline, which portion is located downstream of the emulsifying machine. The obtained sample is fed into a particle diameter measuring device, and the particle diameters of the microcapsules in the sample are automatically measured by the particle diameter measuring device. A calculation is made by a process computer in order to find the difference between the measured values of the particle diameters and a desired particle diameter. The value of a rotation speed of the emulsifying machine, which value yields the desired particle diameter, is calculated in accordance with the relationship between the rotation speed of the emulsifying machine and the mean particle diameter, the relationship having been inputted previously.

Abstract: The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a sample can be detected and the HPV typed by a method that involves the amplification of HPV DNA sequences by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The primers used in the method are consensus primers that can be used to amplify a particular region of the genome of any HPV. The presence of HPV in a sample is indicated by the formation of amplified DNA. The HPV nucleic acid is detected by consensus probes that may be short oligonucleotide probes or long generic probes. The HPV is typed by the use of type-specific DNA probes specific for the amplified region of DNA.

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: A method for encapsulating biological substances in biocompatible microcapsules is disclosed, the method comprising:(a) maintaining a coating-forming liquid film sheet transverse to a vertical plane, said sheet comprising an organic polymerizable monomer liquid,(b) causing droplets comprising biological substances in an aqueous medium to fall downwardly through said liquid film sheet to form microcapsules comprising cores of said droplets coated by said film,(c) permitting said microcapsules to fall downwardly from said liquid film sheet, and(d) polymerizing said liquid film coatings during descent of said microcapsules below said sheet to form a permeable polymer coating of a sufficient structural integrity so that said microcapsules are self-supporting.