Abstract: The present invention relates to polymersomes that contain an encapsulated drug and that exhibit chemotaxis in response to a chemical stimulus. The chemotactic polymersomes can be targeted in vivo to a location of therapeutic interest with high specificity and selectivity. The present invention also provides related pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Anhydrous antiperspirant stick or soft solid composition comprising an antiperspirant active system, thickening agent, and non-aqueous carrier oil, characterised in that the particulate antiperspirant active system comprises an aluminium sesequichlorohydrate of formula Al2(OH)4.4Cl1.6 to Al2(OH)4.9Cl1.1 activated with a water soluble calcium salt.

Abstract: Nanolipidic Particles (NLPs) having average mean diameters of 1 nm to 20 nm are made from a precursor solution. NLPs can be loaded with a desired passenger molecule. Assemblies of these particles, called NLP assemblies, result in a vehicle population of a desired size. Single application or multifunction NLP assemblies are made from the loaded NLPs and range in size from about 30 to about 200 nm. A method of using preloaded NLPs to make larger carrier vehicles or a mixed population provides increased encapsulation efficiency. NLPs have application in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries.

Abstract: Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution.

Abstract: Tissue and other body structures may be protected using a hydrated composition made from free-flowing rehydratable particles or a rehydratable sponge comprising substantially collagen-free dehydrothermally crosslinked thiolated polysaccharide. Rehydration of crosslinked or uncrosslinked polysaccharide particles may be carried out without clumping by dispersing the particles in a biocompatible water-miscible polar dispersant such as ethanol and combining the dispersion with sufficient aqueous solvent for the particles to convert them to a cohesive hydrogel. The hydrated particles or sponge may assist in returning an injured, inflamed or surgically repaired surface to a normal state, e.g., through one or more healing mechanisms such as modulation of an inflammatory response, phagocytosis, mucosal remodeling, reciliation or other full or partial restoration of normal function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a continuous process for preparing a silica product, comprising: (a) continuously feeding an acidulating agent and an alkali metal silicate into a loop reaction zone comprising a stream of liquid medium; wherein at least a portion of the acidulating agent and the alkali metal silicate react to form a silica product in the liquid medium of the loop reaction zone; (b) continuously recirculating the liquid medium through the loop reaction zone; and (c) continuously discharging from the loop reaction zone a portion of the liquid medium comprising the silica product. Silica products and dentifrice compositions comprising the silica products are also disclosed. A continuous loop reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing pulmonary gas exchange and/or alveolar-capillary barrier status include obtaining at least one MRI image and/or image data of 129Xe dissolved in the red blood cells (RBC) in the gas exchange regions of the lungs of a patient. The image is sufficiently sensitive to allow a clinician or image recognition program to assess at least one of pulmonary gas exchange, barrier thickness or barrier function based on the 129Xe MRI RBC image.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a matrix of chitosan and a tannin wherein the chitosan is electrostatically bonded to the tannin to form a chitosan-tannin composite material. The chitosan can be partially or fully deacetylated, and the tannin can be a monomeric or an oligomeric proanthocyanidin or a hydrolysable tannin. The chitosan-tannin composite material can be a nanoparticle, a hydrogel film, a bio-foam, or a biogel, or the chitosan-tannin composite material can coat a liposome. The composite materials can be used for drug delivery, for antibacterial and/or antifungal applications, for tissue engineering applications, for wound healing applications, or they can be used as adjuvants for vaccination, including oral vaccinations. The invention also provides methods of preparing the composite materials and their various forms.