Abstract: A composition for energy-controlled generation and release of at least one gas, which includes an energy-activated catalyst capable of being activated by electromagnetic energy, and a solid or a liquid containing anions capable of being oxidized by the activated catalyst or reacted with species generated during activation of the catalyst to generate at least one gas. The composition, when exposed to electromagnetic energy, is capable of generating and releasing the gas after activation of the catalyst and oxidation or reaction of the anions.

Abstract: A composition for energy-controlled generation and release of at least one gas, which includes an energy-activated catalyst capable of being activated by electromagnetic energy, and a solid or a liquid containing anions capable of being oxidized by the activated catalyst or reacted with species generated during activation of the catalyst to generate at least one gas. The composition, when exposed to electromagnetic energy, is capable of generating and releasing the gas after activation of the catalyst and oxidation or reaction of the anions.

Abstract: Metal oxide nanoparticles having at least some surface acid sites functionalized with an adhesion promoter and at least some surface acid sites functionalized with a coupling agent. The nanoparticles are useful in forming composites comprising photopolymerizable matrix monomers, and are primarily suitable for dental and medical restoration. In a preferred embodiment, the metal oxide comprises zirconium, and the coupling agent is a zirconate.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical preparations adapted for mucosal delivery, preferably for nasal delivery, which can be easily and safely used over days to weeks with minimal side effects. The pharmaceutical preparations comprise microcapsules comprising at least one pharmaceutically active agent. The microcapsules provide controlled release of the pharmaceutically active agent. Cytotoxicity is avoided for cytotoxic pharmaceutically active agents and/or for cytotoxic dosages by one or more of the following: (a) manipulating the mucosal transport rate of the pharmaceutically active agent through the mucosal bodies to achieve a transport rate which is substantially the same as the controlled release rate, and/or (b) selecting only a most active and/or less cytotoxic enantiomer of the pharmaceutically active agent for use in the pharmaceutical preparation.

Abstract: There are disclosed amphoteric nano-sized metal oxide particles functionalized with silyl esters of a phosphonate and composites thereof with an acrylate-based monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Also disclosed are the method making such functionalized particular by reacting a metal oxide with a silyl ester of a phosphonate in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent and in an inert atmosphere and the method of making the composites wherein the functionalized particles are admixed with an acrylate-based matrix monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Further disclosed is the method of dental repair wherein the composites are applied to a tooth and photopolymerized.

Abstract: There are disclosed amphoteric nano-sized metal oxide particles functionalized with silyl esters of a phosphonate and composites thereof with an acrylate-based monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Also disclosed are the method making such functionalized particular by reacting a metal oxide with a silyl ester of a phosphonate in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent and in an inert atmosphere and the method of making the composites wherein the functionalized particles are admixed with an acrylate-based matrix monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Further disclosed is the method of dental repair wherein the composites are applied to a tooth and photopolymerized.

Abstract: There are disclosed amphoteric nano-sized metal oxide particles functionalized with silyl esters of a phosphonate and composites thereof with an acrylate-based monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Also disclosed are the method making such functionalized particular by reacting a metal oxide with a silyl ester of a phosphonate in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent and in an inert atmosphere and the method of making the composites wherein the functionalized particles are admixed with an acrylate-based matrix monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Further disclosed is the method of dental repair wherein the composites are applied to a tooth and photopolymerized.

Abstract: Metal oxide and metal oxide-silica nanoparticles are disclosed wherein the surfaces thereof are complexed with a polymerizable, biocompatible, heterocyclic base. Polymerizable compositions are prepared by loading such nanoparticles into acrylate based monomer matrices, which compositions can then be photocured into X-ray opaque, transparent or translucent solids. Methods are disclosed for forming such complexed nanoparticles and compositions and for using such compositions as medical or dental restoratives.

Abstract: There are disclosed amphoteric nano-sized metal oxide particles functionalized with silyl esters of a phosphonate and composites thereof with an acrylate-based monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Also disclosed are the method making such functionalized particular by reacting a metal oxide with a silyl ester of a phosphonate in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent and in an inert atmosphere and the method of making the composites wherein the functionalized particles are admixed with an acrylate-based matrix monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Further disclosed is the method of dental repair wherein the composites are applied to a tooth and photopolymerized.

Abstract: Metal oxide nanoparticles having at least some surface acid sites functionalized with an adhesion promoter and at least some surface acid sites functionalized with a coupling agent. The nanoparticles are useful in forming composites comprising photopolymerizable matrix monomers, and are primarily suitable for dental and medical restoration. In a preferred embodiment, the metal oxide comprises zirconium, and the coupling agent is a zirconate.

Abstract: There are disclosed amphoteric nano-sized metal oxide particles functionalized with silyl esters of a phosphonate and composites thereof with an acrylate-based monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Also disclosed are the method making such functionalized particular by reacting a metal oxide with a silyl ester of a phosphonate in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent and in an inert atmosphere and the method of making the composites wherein the functionalized particles are admixed with an acrylate-based matrix monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Further disclosed is the method of dental repair wherein the composites are applied to a tooth and photopolymerized.

Abstract: Zirconium oxide nanoparticles having at least some surface acid sites functionalized with a silanating agent and at least some surface acid sites finctionalized with zirconate or a zircoaluminate. The nanoparticles are useful in composites comprising photopolymerizable alkene matrix monomers, and are primarily suitable for dental and medical restoration.

Abstract: A powder for sustained release of a gas including a hydrophilic core, a hydrophobic layer on an outer surface of the hydrophilic core, and particles in contact with the hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer contains an acid releasing agent. The particles contain an anhydrous material capable of binding with water. The core, the particles, and the hydrophobic layer are substantially free of water, and the core is capable of generating and releasing a gas after hydrolysis of the acid releasing agent.