Abstract: A method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres and methods for making the same. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres and methods for making the same. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for modifying or treating solid particles which includes the steps of: (a) forming a gelled mixture by mixing either simultaneously or sequentially in any order: (1) hollow microspheres each comprising a deformable polymeric shell having entrapped therein an expandable fluid, (2) a polar organic solvent capable of swelling but not dissolving the polymeric shells of the hollow microspheres, and (3) solid particles, wherein micro-channels are formed in the swelled polymer shells to allow entry of the solid particles into the hollow microspheres and exit of the expandable fluid therefrom, thereby forming microspheres that each comprises a collapsed polymeric shell in a gelled state and has one or more of said solid particles entrapped therein; (b) removing the expandable fluid and the polar organic solvent from the gelled mixture; and (c) coating the microspheres thus-produced with a film-forming material to form a liquid-impermeable membrane thereon.

Abstract: A composition including a film-former and a porous polymeric release system comprising a solvent for the film-former is provided. Also provided is a method of prolonging the physical stability of a film-former on the skin by applying to the skin a self-healing composition containing the film-former and a porous polymeric release system comprising a solvent for the film-former.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via entrapment by microspheres. Each of the microspheres contains a collapsed polymeric shell that has entrapped therein one or more solid particles. The solid particles are preferably formed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both, which can readily be used either alone or in combination with other sunscreen agents to form sunscreen compositions of broader UV protection spectrum and enhanced photostability.

Abstract: Optically activated particles for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The optically activated particles include a solid substrate having a fluorescent compound fixed thereto, and coated or encapsulated with a transparent or translucent coating of crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol. The optically activated particles absorb light at a UV wavelength and emit visible light at longer wavelengths, and are able to both absorb and scatter light in a diffuse manner in order to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, shadows, skin discolorations, blotchiness, and mild scars.

Abstract: A controlled release composition comprising an adsorbent polymer, an active agent, and a release retardant is disclosed. The composition has an improved ability to release the active agent over an extended time period.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous oil sorbent polymer comprising the steps of: dissolving a polyunsaturated monomer in a silicone organic solvent to provide a monomer mixture containing more than 90% by weight polyunsaturated monomer; polymerizing said monomers by precipitation polymerization, under an inert atmosphere to precipitate microporous, micro-particles in the form of micro-particles, agglomerates and aggregates having a bulk density of about 0.02 gm/cm3 to about 0.01 gm/cm3 and capable of adsorbing at least about 20% by weight organic materials based on the total weight of polymer plus adsorbed organic material.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous oil sorbent polymer comprising the steps of: dissolving a polyunsaturated monomer in a silicone organic solvent to provide a monomer mixture containing more than 90% by weight polyunsaturated monomer; polymerizing said monomers by precipitation polymerization, under an inert atmosphere to precipitate microporous, micro-particles in the form of micro-particles, agglomerates and aggregates having a bulk density of about 0.02 gm/cm3 to about 0.01 gm/cm3 and capable of adsorbing at least about 20% by weight organic materials based on the total weight of polymer plus adsorbed organic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a porous polymer microparticle, in the form of broken spheres, open to a porous oleophilic interior surface area, having a high oil and water absorbency and an apparent bulk density of about 0.008 to about 0.1 grams/cc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a porous polymer micro-particle, in the form of broken spheres, open to a porous oleophilic interior surface area, having a high oil and water absorbency and an apparent bulk density of about 0.02 to about 0.1 grams/cc.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous oil sorbent polymer comprising the steps of:dissolving a polyunsaturated monomer in a silicone organic solvent to provide a monomer mixture containing more than 90% by weight polyunsaturated monomer;polymerizing said monomers by precipitation polymerization, under an inert atmosphere to precipitate microporous, micro-particles in the form of micro-particles, agglomerates and aggregates having a bulk density of about 0.02 gm/cm.sup.3 to about 0.1 gm/cm.sup.3 and capable of adsorbing at least about 20% by weight organic materials based on the total weight of polymer plus adsorbed organic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a porous copolymer micro-particle having a high oil absorbency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a porous polymer micro-particle, in the form of broken spheres, open to a porous oleophilic interior surface area, having a high oil and water absorbency and an apparent bulk density of about 0.02 to about 0.1 grams/cc.

Abstract: A process for producing a microporous oil sorbent polymer comprising the steps of:dissolving a polyunsaturated monomer in a silicone organic solvent to provide a monomer mixture containing more than 90% by weight polyunsaturated monomer;polymerizing said monomers by precipitation polymerization, under an inert atmosphere to precipitate microporous, micro-particles in the form of micro-particles, agglomerates and aggregates having a bulk density of about 0.02 gm/cm.sup.3 to about 0.01 gm/cm.sup.3 and capable of adsorbing at least about 20% by weight organic materials based on the total weight of polymer plus adsorbed organic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a porous terpolymer microparticle having a high oil absorbency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved process for producing water-soluble and water-insoluble carboxylic acid polymers and copolymers. The process comprises the steps of polymerizing a carboxylic acid monomer, and a polyfunctional cross-linker monomer in a second embodiment, in an effective molar ratio, in a silicone solvent under an inert atmosphere in the presence of an effective amount of an initiator. The preferred copolymer of the second embodiment includes acrylic acid as the carboxylic acid monomer and a lauryl methacrylate and/or stearyl methacrylate as a comonomer. The resulting copolymers have new and unexpected tolerance to salt-containing water when mixed therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a porous copolymer micro-particle having a high oil absorbency.