Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of prevention of diseases caused by enveloped viruses. More particularly, this invention concerns a composition for inactivating an enveloped virus comprising at least one non phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) able to interact with said enveloped virus and an agent that enhances the lipid exchange between said nPLV and the membrane of said enveloped virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of prevention of diseases caused by enveloped viruses. More particularly, this invention concerns a composition for inactivating an enveloped virus comprising at least one non phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) able to interact with said enveloped virus and an agent that enhances the lipid exchange between said nPLV and the membrane of said enveloped virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of prevention of diseases caused by enveloped viruses. More particularly, this invention concerns a composition for inactivating an enveloped virus comprising at least one non phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) able to interact with said enveloped virus and an agent that enhances the lipid exchange between said nPLV and the membrane of said enveloped virus.

Abstract: A detector for monitoring an analyte includes an analyte-sensing composition. The analyte-sensing composition has a visible color intensity or emission intensity (e.g., fluorescence intensity) that changes as the analyte concentration contacting the detector changes. The intensity changes can be visible to the human eye, or identified by an instrument. The analyte can include carbon dioxide, a volatile amine or a volatile carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A detector for monitoring an analyte includes an analyte-sensing composition. The analyte-sensing composition has a visible color intensity or emission intensity (e.g., fluorescence intensity) that changes as the analyte concentration contacting the detector changes. The intensity changes can be visible to the human eye, or identified by an instrument. The analyte can include carbon dioxide, a volatile amine or a volatile carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods and devices for detecting microbial spoilage of a food product. The method involves placing a spoilage indicator device including a barrier sheet in fluid contact with a food product. The method also involves allowing any reactant molecule of a predetermined size produced in the food product by microbial spoilage to traverse the barrier sheet to contact a carrier of the device and to react with an indicator material therein. The method further provides observing the spoilage indicator to determine whether the detectable change has occurred in the indicator material. The detectable change indicates a build-up of the reactant molecule in the food product and therefore is indicative of microbial spoilage.

Abstract: A detector for monitoring an analyte includes an analyte-sensing composition. The analyte-sensing composition has a visible color intensity or emission intensity (e.g., fluorescence intensity) that changes as the analyte concentration contacting the detector changes. The intensity changes can be visible to the human eye, or identified by an instrument. The analyte can include carbon dioxide, a volatile amine or a volatile carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention features an adjuvanted vaccine, and methods for preparing an adjuvanted vaccine, preferably for immunizing against influenza, where the adjuvant is a lipid vesicle, and preferably is a nonphospholipid, paucilamellar lipid vesicle. The antigen may be encapsulated in the central cavity of the adjuvant, or mixed in solution with the adjuvant. Moreover, the adjuvant may carry a secondary adjuvant to further improve the immune response.

Abstract: A novel method and delivery system for therapeutic weak acid or base materials has been developed. The method and delivery system utilize a therapeutic material which is modified to make it more hydrophilic and encapsulated in a lipid vesicle, preferably a non-phospholipid lipid vesicle. The method and delivery system is particularly well suited to topical delivery of minoxidil.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a biologically active material to a cell is provided. The method involves encapsulating the material to be transmitted in a paucilamellar non-phospholipid carrier vesicle which does not lyse cells upon fusion with cells, delivering the carrier vesicle to a location proximate to the cell, allowing the non-phospholipid bilayer of the carrier vesicle to fuse with the membrane of the cell and allowing the encapsulated material to diffuse into the cell. The method can be used to transmit a variety of biologically active materials to cells either in vitro or in vivo. The method provides a means for transmitting a biologically active material directly to the cytoplasm of a cell. Upon fusion with a cell, material associated with the bilayers of the non-phospholipid vesicle becomes incorporated into the outer membrane of the cell. Accordingly, a method for transmitting bilayer-associated material to a cell is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing a phospho- or glycolipid and a nonionic, anionic, or zwitterionic surfactant in the lipid bilayers. The paucilamellar vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new method of inactivating enveloped viruses and preparations useful in accomplishing this inactivation are disclosed. The method is based on the discovery that paucilamellar lipid vesicles, preferably having non-phospholipids as their primary structural material, can fuse with enveloped virus and that the nucleic acid of the virus denatures shortly after the fusion. The method is useful for inactivating viruses such as orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, coronaviruses, and retroviruses.

Abstract: An antacid product having extended duration of residence in the gastric and upper intestinal systems has been developed. This antacid product includes a blend of 10-70% by volume nonphospholipid lipid vesicles, with a particulate base. An antiflatulence agent may also be included. A method of providing extended duration amelioration of acid build up in the gastric and upper intestinal tract using this product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new method of producing paucilamellar lipid vesicles has been developed. The vesicles are made of non-phospholipid surfactants. The paucilamellar lipid vesicles have 2-8 lipid bilayers surrounding a central cavity which may be filled with either an aqueous-based solution or an oil or wax.

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: Disclosed are hybrid paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing a phospho- or glycolipid and a nonionic, anionic, or zwitterionic surfactant in the lipid bilayers. The paucilamellar vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of lipid vesicles having a moderately volatile material such as a perfluorocarbon or a silicone oil encapsulated therein. In another aspect, lipid vesicles having a gas-filled center or core are made. The lipid vesicles having gas-filled central core are made by dehydrating vesicles having the moderately volatile liquid encapsulated in the central core. This drives off the water first, allowing the moderately volatile liquid to stabilize the vesicle structure as it dries, finally forming a central void which can refract light. The preferred vesicles of the invention are paucilamellar vesicles.