Abstract: A composition for the sequestration and sustained delivery of an active ingredient in the form of porous particles, the composition comprising the product of the controlled dehydration of particles formed by the reaction of a polymeric anionic material with a polyvalent cation. The composition may be loaded with an active ingredient by soaking the particles in a solution of the active ingredient; and may then be dehydrated. They may then be soaked in a solution of a polymeric cationic material, to form particles providing the controlled release of the active ingredient.

Abstract: Polymers useful as orthopedic implants or vehicles for the sustained delivery of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural agents are prepared in such a manner that the rate and degree to which they are hydrolyzed can be controlled without addition of exogenous acid. This control results from the incorporation of esters of short-chain .alpha.-hydroxy acids such as esters of glycolic acid, lactic acid or glycolic-co-lactic acid copolymer into the polymer chain and variation of the amount of these esters relative to the polymer as a whole.

Abstract: Retinoic acid compositions intended for topical application are incorporated in novel formulations in which they are retained as impregnants inside the pores of porous solid particles or microspheres. The pores form a continuous network open to the exterior of the particles, permitting outward diffusion of the retinoic acid impregnant at a controlled rate depending on the pore size. The impregnated particles are prepared by impregnation of preformed particles with the retinoic acid.

Abstract: PEG-POE, PEG-POE-PEG, and POE-PEG-POE block copolymers have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. They form micelles in aqueous solution, making them suitable for encapsulation or solubilization of hydrophobic or water-insoluble materials; and they also form bioerodible matrices for the sustained release of active agents, especially when the POE block(s) contain at least one unit containing an .alpha.-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: A softgel formulation containing retinol comprises a soft gelatin shell and a fill material within that shell containing retinol-impregnated microparticles. The fill material may be an optionally thickened silicone oil, or may be an emulsion comprising a silicone oil. Ascorbic acid may be present as ascorbic acid-impregnated microparticles and/or within the emulsion.

Abstract: Benzoyl peroxide intended for topical application is incorporated in novel formulations in which it is retained as impregnants inside the pores of porous solid particles or microspheres. The pores form a continuous network open to the exterior of the particles, permitting outward diffusion of the benzoyl peroxide impregnant at a controlled rate depending on the pore size. The impregnated particles are prepared by impregnation of preformed particles with the benzoyl peroxide.

Abstract: Ionic compositions comprise an active ingredient absorbed within a network of internal pores defined by a plurality of polymeric particles. The particles are preferably crosslinked polymeric beads having a diameter in the range from about 5 to 100 microns and a surface charge density from about 0.1 to 10 meq/qm hydrogen ion capacity. The active ingredients are released from the ionic polymer beads over time when orally administered, applied to a keratinic material, typically human skin or hair or otherwise delivered to a target environment. The use of a cationic charge promotes adhesion of the beads to the keratinic material.

Abstract: Retinoids for topical skin application are formulated as impregnants in porous microspheres. Thus formulated, the retinoids display a surprisingly high level of stability and low degree of skin irritation.

Abstract: Diseases of the colon are treated by oral ingestion of a unit dosage form containing a plurality of porous microscopic beads, the pores containing an active agent or drug and plugged with a polysaccharide that is chemically degradable by colon-specific bacteria. The dosage form further contains a coating of an enteric material that remains intact until the dosage form reaches the colon.

Abstract: Ionic compositions comprise an active ingredient absorbed within a network of internal pores defined by a plurality of polymeric particles. The particles are preferably crosslinked polymeric beads having a diameter in the range from about 5 to 100 microns and a surface charge density from about 0.1 to 10 meq/qm hydrogen ion capacity. The active ingredients are released from the ionic polymer beads over time when orally administered, applied to a keratinic material, typically human skin or hair or otherwise delivered to a target environment. The use of a cationic charge promotes adhesion of the beads to the keratinic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pressurized material is comprised of a container, a polymeric matrix having a network of macropores located within the container, and a propellant that may be reversibly sorbed with the network of macropores so as to desorb as the partial pressure of the propellant within the container decreases. The network of pores is substantially non-swellable upon sorption and desorption of the propellant during filling and use of the dispensing apparatus. The polymeric matrix may comprise aggregates of macroporous polymeric particles in which the particles define a substantially non-collapsible pore network and the aggregates define interstitial spaces between the particles, and the interstitial spaces are substantially larger than the pore network.

Abstract: Flavored food and pharmaceutical compositions include one or more flavor additives incorporated within polymeric particles, usually within an internal pore network defined by individual polymeric particles. The polymeric particles are, in turn, dispersed within and/or over a surface of an orally-deliverable matrix material, which is usually a solid or semi-solid substrate. In the case of chewable compositions, the flavor additives will be released into the orally-deliverable matrix material as the composition is chewed and held in the mouth, thus prolonging the flavor of the composition. In the case of dried powders and mixes, the flavor will typically be made available as the product is consumed or be released into the matrix material as the composition is further processed. When two flavors are combined with the polymeric particles, the relative amounts of the additives can be selected to provide simultaneous release and exhaustion of the additives.

Abstract: A composition for the controlled release of an active substance comprises a polymeric particle matrix, where each particle defines a network of internal pores. The active substance is entrapped within the pore network together with a blocking agent having physical and chemical characteristics selected to modify the release rate of the active substance from the internal pore network. In an exemplary embodiment, drugs may be selectively delivered to the intestines using an enteric material as the blocking agent. The enteric material remains intact in the stomach but will degrade under the pH conditions of the intestines. In another exemplary embodiment, the sustained release formulation employs a blocking agent which remains stable under the expected conditions of the environment to which the active substance is to be released.

Abstract: An article for the pressure-actuated release of the powder composition comprises a resilient layer having a plurality of discrete reservoirs therein. Each reservoir contains an isolated quantity of an active powder composition, and usually a permeable layer covers an open aperture from the reservoir. As the article is compressed, the powder is forced outward through the permeable layer and into the surrounding environment. In a preferred example, the article is a shoe insole and the active composition is an anti-microbial powder, usually being an anti-microbial agent which is absorbed into porous particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pressurized material is comprised of a container, a polymeric matrix having a network of macropores located within the container, and a propellant that may be reversibly sorbed with the network of macropores so as to desorb as the partial pressure of the propellant within the container decreases. The network of pores is substantially non-swellable upon sorption and desorption of the propellant during filling and use of the dispensing apparatus. The polymeric matrix may comprise aggregates of macroporous polymeric particles in which the particles define a substantially non-collapsible pore network and the aggregates define interstitial spaces between the particles, and the interstitial spaces are substantially larger than the pore network.

Abstract: Color modified melanin compositions are produced by exposure of a natural or synthetic melanin starting material to a color modifying agent under controlled conditions. By treating the melanin starting materials for a preselected time period, melanin products having a desired final color may be obtained. The color modified melanin may be employed in a variety of cosmetic and other topically applied formulations. Prior to incorporation in such formulations, the color modified melanins will be cleaned to remove the color modifying agent and low molecular weight degradation products of the melanin.

Abstract: Intersticed materials, including woven and nonwoven fabrics, open-cellular materials and the like, are impregnated with functional substances by incorporating the substances in microscopic porous particles in which the pores form an interconnected network open to the particles in the interstices of the materials. The functional substances thus impart useful properties to the material in a controlled release manner.

Abstract: Active substances intended for topical application are incorporated in novel formulations in which they are retained as impregnants inside the pores of porous solid particles or microspheres. The pores form a continuous network open to the exterior of the particles, permitting outward diffusion of the impregnants at a controlled rate depending on the pore size. The impregnated particles are prepared by impregnation of preformed particles with the active substance.

Abstract: Immiscible phases, particularly polar and non-polar liquids, semi-solids or solids, are combined in a composition where one is finely dispersed throughout the other without reliance upon emulsifying agents to either create or stabilize the dispersion. The composition is formed by placing the discontinuous phase in the pores of solid inert porous particles, in which the pores are in the form of an interconnected network open to the exterior of the particles to provide interfacial contact with the continuous phase. The particles are then dispersed in the continuous phase. The concept is applicable to oil-in-water and water-in-oil type dispersions, and the disadvantages and shortcomings of emulsifying agents are entirely avoided.

Abstract: Transdermal drug delivery systems comprise a backing or enclosure having a matrix layer which incorporates a drug and a percutaneous enhancer for the drug. The percutaneous enhancer and/or drug will be contained within polymeric particles dispersed through the matrix layer, where the polymeric particles define pore networks which are sized to release the enhancer and/or drug into the matrix layer at rate(s) selected to provide for a desired rate of drug penetration. By isolating the enhancer within the polymeric particles, adverse interactions between the enhancer and the matrix layer and/or the drug can be minimized. Moreover, the release rate of the enhancer into the matrix layer can be carefully controlled, which in turn controls the penetration rate of the drug into the treated host.