Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline phase particle which is useful for the delivery of active agents to treat gram-negative bacterial and/or fungal infections. The non-lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline phase particle is shown to provide benefits in delivery of the active agents through a fusion event with the gram-negative bacteria outer membrane or fungi outer layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of a biologically active agent to a biological system. The compositions include the active agent and a lyotropic phase and release of the active agent to the biological system is modified by the lyotropic phase.

Abstract: A resistive balance (1) for an energy storage device in the form of a supercapacitor (2). The supercapacitor has two energy storage cells (3, 4). In some embodiments, the balance is disposed intermediate the cells. Balance (1) includes two parallel, spaced apart and co-extensive longitudinal members (5, 6) that respectively extend between ends (7, 8) and ends (9, 10). Two parallel, spaced apart and co-extensive transverse members (11, 12) extend between members (5, 6). While member (11) is attached to members (7, 8) immediately adjacent to ends (7, 9) respectively, member (12) is attached to members (7, 8) adjacent to but spaced inwardly from respective ends (8, 10).

Abstract: The invention provides a compound containing a head group based on urea, glycerol or glycerate and a tail selected from the group consisting of a branched alkyl chain, a branched alkyloxy chain or an alkenyl chain. The compounds may be used as surfactants to form a lyotropic phase that is stable in excess polar solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy storage devices such as capacitors and supercapacitors and non-aqueous solvent systems suitable for use as an electrolyte solvent therein. Devices incorporating the solvent system are suitable for use in, for example, wireless devices or automotive applications at high temperatures with minimal, if any mass loss. The solvent system has at least one low boiling component (preferably a nitrile, eg acetonitrile) at least one high boiling component compatible with said low boiling component (preferably lactones, eg ?-butyrolactone and/or organic carbonates eg ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate); and wherein the components are selected in an amount such that said non-aqueous solvent system does not boil at the boiling point of the low viscosity solvent alone but has a boiling point greater than said low viscosity solvent alone.

Abstract: An electrode for an energy storage device, including a substrate of at least one metal that forms a native oxide layer; and a treated layer formed on the substrate from the native oxide layer, the treated layer having a resistance that is less than the resistance of a native oxide layer. In some embodiments, the treated layer possesses at least one of the following properties: includes one or more dopants, is thinner than the native oxide layer, has a carbon coating that is applied to the treated layer which improved adhesion characteristics, and others. Further, there is an energy storage device having two or more of such electrodes, wherein the device has a low initial ESR and/or a low ESR at various intervals. Moreover, disclosed is a low resistance metal including a substrate of at least one metal that forms a native oxide layer; and a treated layer formed on the substrate from the native oxide layer, the treated layer having a resistance that is less than the resistance of a native oxide layer.