Abstract: Methods and compositions for encapsulated polymeric gels swollen with nonaqueous reactive materials are provided. The methods include gel synthesis, swelling of a gel precursor with a first nonaqueous reactive material, and encapsulation of the swollen gel with a second nonaqueous reactive material. Gels precursors may be synthesized from crosslinking polymers, or alternatively, may be formed by crosslinking and polymerizing a monomer starting material. An accelerator may be utilized to facilitate swelling of the gel precursor with the first nonaqueous reactive material. Foams and composites may also be swollen with the first nonaqueous reactive material. The swollen gel is then contacted with a second nonaqueous reactive material such that an encapsulation layer is formed thereby. The encapsulated gels may be stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: System for delivery of a biologically active substance into an environment. First and second chambers are separated by a moveable partition. The first chamber includes a polymer gel network which undergoes a volume change in response to an environmental condition such as pH. The first compartment includes a screen or membrane for confining the polymer gel network while allowing communication with fluid in an environment. The second compartment contains a biologically active compound or drug which is delivered to the environment through an orifice in the second compartment. Upon the occurrence of the triggering environmental condition, the polymer gel network undergoes a volume change which moves the moveable partition expelling the drug through the orifice. Drug delivery is initiated and continues only when the appropriate environmental condition or trigger is met.

Abstract: A system for remotely inducing a phase transition in a gel is provided. The system includes a gel capable of volume change in response to an environmental stimulus, a seed material in contact with the gel, and generating a time-varying magnetic or a time-varying electric or electromagnetic field in the proximity of the gel to produce the environmental stimulus. In a preferred embodiment, the environmental stimulus is temperature.

Abstract: A vapor extraction apparatus includes a gel sorbent capable of absorbing vapor directly into the liquid state and capable of disgorging the absorbed liquid in a phase-transition. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for movement from a first position, where it is exposed to a vapor-containing gas stream and a first environmental condition, and capable of moving to a second position, where it is exposed to a second environmental condition. A gel sorbent is disposed on at least one surface of the housing. The gel sorbs vapor from the gas stream as liquid when the sorbent is in its first position. The sorbent disgorges the liquid during phase-transition collapse when it is in the second position. A method of extracting vapor from a process gas stream includes contacting a phase transition gel sorbent with vapor under conditions sufficient for the gel sorbent to undergo a phase transition and absorb vapor as liquid inside the gel sorbent.

Abstract: A vapor extraction apparatus includes a gel sorbent capable of absorbing vapor directly into the liquid state and capable of disgorging the absorbed liquid in a phase-transition. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for movement from a first position, where it is exposed to a vapor-containing gas stream and a first environmental condition, and capable of moving to a second position, where it is exposed to a second environmental condition. A gel sorbent is disposed on at least one surface of the housing. The gel sorbs vapor from the gas stream as liquid when the sorbent is in its first position. The sorbent disgorges the liquid during phase-transition collapse when it is in the second position. A method of extracting vapor from a process gas stream includes contacting a phase transition gel sorbent with vapor under conditions sufficient for the gel sorbent to undergo a phase transition and absorb vapor as liquid inside the gel sorbent.