Abstract: Disclosed are lipid vesicles containing a blend of amphiphiles, including propylene glycol stearate, in the lipid bilayers. The vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity and are particularly useful for delivering dermatological, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are lipid vesicles containing a blend of amphiphiles, including sucrose distearate, in the lipid bilayers. The vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity and are particularly useful for delivering dermatological, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new class of lipid vesicles having a blend of two lipids, a primary lipid and a secondary lipid, has been developed. The primary lipid, which forms the greatest proportion of lipid by weight, will not form vesicles nor preferably, even a lamellar phase, without addition of the secondary lipid. Preferably primary lipids are C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 glycol monoesters, and C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 glyceryl mono- and diesters.

Abstract: The present invention features water-in-oil emulsions having intact lipid vesicles dispersed in the water or aqueous phase. Methods of making the emulsions are also disclosed. The preferred vesicles for use in the emulsions are paucilamellar lipid vesicles, most preferably those having nonionic amphiphiles as their major structural component. The water-in-oil emulsions are useful in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods such as margarine.

Abstract: A new rinse-free shampoo has been developed. The shampoo includes a biodegradable absorbent formed of a cross-linked carboxymethylcellulose which allows a higher water content than conventional shampoos. The soaps used in the shampoo to provide the cleaning action are preferably lauric acid derivatives, including ammonium derivatives. The shampoo leaves less residue than conventional rinse-free shampoos.

Abstract: A new gel-like composition of matter containing a complex carbohydrate with a high degree of carboxyl substitution cross-linked by an organic cross-linker has been developed. The cross-linkers have complex ring structures, e.g., polynuclear or heterocyclic compounds, which permit development of two distinct partial positive charges under conditions where a carbohydrate is negatively charged. Antibiotics are the preferred cross-linking agents and a method of sustained release of the antibodies is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns lipid vesicles having dimethylamides as their primary structural lipid. Preferred dimethylamides useful in the invention are DMATO and DMASO oils. These vesicles are useful as carriers of water immiscible oily material such as fungicides. In a most preferred aspect, the invention has DMATO vesicles with TCMTB as a fungicide in trapped therein. The vesicles can be made rapidly and provide aqueous dispersion of these materials without the need for additional organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of making lipid vesicles and the lipid vesicles themselves made from monomeric and dimeric alkyds. These alkyds are esters made as a condensation product of a first reactant having at least one free hydroxyl group and a C.sub.12 -C.sub.20 fatty acids chain and a second reactant which is an aromatic acid chloride or anhydride. Preferred first reactants are esters of polyols and C.sub.12 -C.sub.20 fatty acids, ethers of polyols and C.sub.12 -C.sub.20 fatty acids, and C.sub.12 -C.sub.20 fatty alcohols.

Abstract: A new "cold-loading" technique for filling the amorphous central cavity of paucilamellar lipid vesicles with a water immiscible material has been developed. Preformed, substantially aqueous filled paucilamellar lipid vesicles are mixed with the water immiscible material to be encapsulated under intermediate mixing conditions, thereby replacing the aqueous solution with the water-immiscible solution. The "cold-loading" technique is particularly useful for encapsulation of volatiles and heat labile materials.

Abstract: A new superabsorber which gels and cross-links as hydrated has been developed. The superabsorber contains a branched-chain polyanionic carbohydrate such as carboxymethylcellulose, a cross-linking agent, and a hydrophobic carboxylic acid. The superabosrber is biodegradable and non-toxic.

Abstract: A new controlled release vehicle which acts by breakdown of the entrapping material upon hydration has been developed. The preferred release vehicle is made of a carboxylated cellulose, e.g., carboxymethylcellulose, which is treated with a cross-linking agent such as aluminum ions and, preferably, a hydrophobicity agent such as acetic acid. The vehicle is broken down by a release agent, e.g., cellulase, which may be coated on the vehicle together with a coating agent, e.g., hydroxypropylcellulose. The vehicle is dried, entrapping the molecular to be entrapped, e.g., an enzyme, and hydration activates the cellulase which breaks down the carboxymethylcellulose, releasing the entrapped molecular.

Abstract: Disclosed are paucilamellar lipid vesicles made of single chain nonphospholipid anionic or zwitterionic surfactants and a method of their manufacture. The preferred vesicle forming materials are single chain sarcosinamides having 12-20 carbon chains and single chain betaines. The vesicles are formed rapidly and can be used to encapsulate aqueous or oily solutions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a lipid vesicle skin cleaner which is exceptionally effective at removing oily dirt from hands or the face. The same type of cleaner can also be used to remove dirt from other surfaces. The cleaner works by encapsulating the oil under gentle agitation conditions.

Abstract: A new superabsorber which gels and cross-links as hydrated has been developed. The superabsorber contains a branched-chain polyanionic carbohydrate such as carboxymethylcellulose, a cross-linking agent, and a hydrophobic carboxylic acid. The superabsorber is biodegradable and non-toxic.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of making absorbent material which exhibit excellent absorption for saline and other liquids as well as being biodegradable. The methods of the invention form a particulate which can be stored in dry form and rehydrated at any time. The particulate can be used to replace the presently utilized polyacrylate superabsorbers. The base material used in the methods of the invention is a carboxylated cellulosic material such as carboxymethylcellulose, preferably, a carboxymethylcellulose having a DS, or Degree of Substitution, of 0.5 or greater. The carboxylated cellulose material is reacted with two distinct agents; a cross-linking agent and a hydrophobicity agent to make the final absorbent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biodegradable incontinence device such as a diaper. The incontinence device has biodegradability enhancer granules containing an enzyme such as cellulase or hemicellulase embedded therein. The outer layers of the device are preferably made of a biodegradable material such as treated paper or rayon.

Abstract: A new humectant for animal care product use having a moisturizer encapsulated in a lipid vesicle has been developed. The humectant is particularly useful as an additive to shampoos or cream rinses.