Abstract: A microcapsule capable of thoroughly encapsulating environmentally-sensitive or volatile core materials and capable of releasing said core material on contact with water. A process for manufacture of water soluble microcapsules comprising the admixture of a water soluble cellulosic material, a water soluble glucopyranosidyl material, at least two surfactants and core material, subjecting said mixture to an abrupt pressure change and drying the pressure-treated mixture.

Abstract: A microcapsule composition comprising a core material in a matrix of polymorphic shell material, releases said core material in an aqueous environment in accordance with zero order linear release profile. A preferred composition comprises a core material having a degree of water solubility entrapped in a beta crystalline matrix of water insoluble shell material which matrix may, optionally, be surrounded by a contiguous core material-free layer of water insoluble shell material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of microcapsules comprising subjecting a flowable mixture of core material and a first amount of water insoluble shell material to a pressure force to form a pressure-treated mixture, and passing said pressure-treated mixture through a spray nozzle into a chilling zone to form a solidified composition.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the alginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 &mgr;m) alginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of implantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the aliginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 .mu.m) aliginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of impantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a housing, a dosing cartridge, and a spacer. Within the housing are a source of pressurized gas, a pressure gauge, a metered valve controlled by a trigger, a safety valve, and an electrostatic charger also controlled by the trigger. The dosing cartridge contains individual doses in airtight cells with one or more openings, each covered by an airtight coversheet. The system uses gas pressure or a penetration device to rupture one of the airtight cells, suspending the powder and directing it to a spacer for subsequent inhalation. The electrostatic charger discharges on the spacer, establishing an electrostatic charge thereon. The spacer includes a non-stick lining. The housing is designed so that it can retract into the spacer.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the alginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 .mu.m) alginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of implantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.

Abstract: Oxalate-degrading enzymes and bacteria were encapsulated for both enteric and intraperitoneal administration. We have shown that via alginate microencapsulation of Oxalobacter formigenes, enzymatic activity was retained for several months. A new process was developed which strengthened the alginate microcapsules and their tolerance to citrate treatment. Much smaller (30-50 .mu.m) alginate microcapsules were made for injection as means of implantation. For oral administration, multi-encapsulated microspheres of cellulose acetate phthalate in poly-2-vinylpyridine (pKa=3.5) were prepared to protect the enzymes from gastric juices.