Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage method for producing gas-filled microcapsules. In one stage of the method, the substance that forms the coat is polymerized. The microcapsules are formed in a physically and/or temporally separate stage, by means of a structuring process. The polymerization is carried out with moderate stirring, while the microcapsules are structured in dispersing conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of morphologically uniform microcapsules that contain peptides, proteins or other water-soluble biologically active substances as active ingredients as well as microcapsules that are produced according to this process with a degree of concentration of between 3 to 30% by weight and a diameter ≦8 &mgr;m. According to the invention, biodegradable polymers are dissolved in a halogen-free solvent or solvent mixture, and the buffered active ingredient solution, which has a pH of between 6.0 to 8.0, is dispersed into this solution. Then, an aqueous solution that contains a surfactant (W/O/W-emulsion) is added to this W/O-emulsion, and the solvent is removed. The microcapsules that are produced with this process do not show any tendency toward agglomeration. The encapsulation efficiency of the process is approximately 90 to 95%.

Abstract: A process for increasing the stability of liposome suspensions that contain hydrophilic active ingredients is described, which is characterized in that the active ingredient that is to be encapsulated in the liposomes is metered such that 5% to 95% by weight of the active ingredient is present in unencapsulated form.

Abstract: A process for increasing the stability of liposome suspensions that contain hydrophilic active ingredients is described, which is characterized in that the active ingredient that is to be encapsulated in the liposomes is metered such that 5% to 95% by weight of the active ingredient is present in unencapsulated form.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas-containing microparticles and nanoparticles that consist of biodegradable, synthetic polymers based on hydrophobized polysaccharides, agents that contain these particles for ultrasound diagnosis, and a process for the production of the particles and agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of morphologically uniform microcapsules that contain peptides, proteins or other water-soluble biologically active substances as active ingredients as well as microcapsules that are produced according to this process with a degree of concentration of between 3 to 30% by weight and a diameter≦8 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of morphologically uniform microcapsules that contain peptides, proteins or other water-soluble biologically active substances as active ingredients as well as microcapsules that are produced according to this process with a degree of concentration of between 3 to 30% by weight and a diameter≦8 &mgr;m. According to the invention, biodegradable polymers are dissolved in a halogen-free solvent or solvent mixture, and the buffered active ingredient solution, which has a pH of between 6.0 to 8.0, is dispersed into this solution. Then, an aqueous solution that contains a surface-active substance (W/O/W-emulsion) is added to this W/O-emulsion, and the solvent is removed. The microcapsules that are produced with this process do not show any tendency toward agglomeration. The encapsulation efficiency of the process is approximately 90 to 95%.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of liquid, disperse systems is described, which is characterized in that a predispersion is extruded under a high pressure of 6.6 to 250 MPa sequentially over 1 to 8 filter stages of decreasing pore size between 0.01 and 35 &mgr;m, and up to 20 passages per filtration stage can be used. Further, a device is described which can be used for implementing the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to gaseous microparticles for ultrasonic diagnosis, whose wall material is built up from block copolymers of polyesters of &agr;-, &bgr;- or &ggr;-hydroxycarboxylic acids with linear or star-shaped polyethylene glycols and optionally liquid crystals or whose wall material is built up from polyesters of &agr;-, &bgr;- or &ggr;-hydroxycarboxylic acids and liquid crystals, media that contain these particles for ultrasonic diagnosis, as well as a process for the production of the media and particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of methylenemalondiester derivatives of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have different meanings, for the production of gas-containing particles for ultrasonic diagnosis, as well as ultrasonic contrast media that contain these particles.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe has a tubular body extending along and centered on an axis and having an axially forwardly open front end, a piston rod axially displaceable in the body and having a plunger rod extending rearwardly from the body, and a plug fitted into the front end and forming an axially through-going passage. An elastomeric membrane is provided in the plug traversing and blocking the passage. Furthermore structure fixed to the plug includes a point in the passage spaced axially slightly forward of the membrane so that the membrane can be deformed axially forward to engage and be pierced by the point.

Abstract: A method of using cavitate- or clathrate-forming host/guest complexes for the preparation of contrast media in ultrasonic examination is provided. The host/guest complexes have a host which dissolves in a liquid carrier, releasing the guest (inert gas). With such contrast media, it is possible to diagnose blood and its flow conditions in the heart, and other organs, such as the myocardium, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Other internal systems such as the urinary ducts, the gastrointestinal tract, joints, and eyes can also be imaged.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical preparations are provided comprising antiandrogenically effective substances encapsulated in liposomes. These preparations are preferably used for topical treatment of androgen-dependent diseases.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of aqueous dispersions involving removal of liquid(s) from an optionally multiphase liquid mixture by means of membrane distillation, e.g., transmembrane distillation or pervaporation.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of aqueous dispersions involving removal of liquid(s) from an optionally multiphase liquid mixture by means of membrane distillation, e.g., transmembrane distillation or pervaporation.