Abstract: The present application features methods and apparatus for making liposomes containing hydrophobic drugs, with critical, supercritical or near critical fluids. The methods and apparatus combine a phospholipid, a drug, and an aqueous phase, or multilamellar vesicles, with a critical, supercritical or near critical fluid. Upon a reduction in pressure, liposomes are formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for isolating natural therapeutic compositions from source materials. The method and apparatus isolate natural therapeutic compositions from waxes, fats, oils and other constituents of the source material with the use of supercritical, critical or near critical fluids.

Abstract: The present application features methods and apparatus for making liposomes with critical, supercritical or near critical fluids. The methods and apparatus combine a phospholipid and an aqueous phase, or multilamellar vesicles, with a critical, supercritical or near critical fluid. Upon a reduction in pressure, liposomes are formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for isolating taxoids from taxoid containing source materials. The method and apparatus isolate taxoids from waxes and other constituents of the ornamental yew tree needle with the use of critical or near critical fluids.

Abstract: The invention involves the supercritical or near-critical fluid disruption of microbial cells and extraction of intracellular components. First, a solvent that is a gas at ambient conditions and that has a critical temperature of between 0.degree. and 100.degree. C. is selected. This solvent is brought to near-critical pressure or higher and to near-critical temperature. The solvent then is combined with a slurry of cells to saturate the cells with the solvent under the prescribed conditions. Next, the pressure is released to cause a pressure drop which results in partial disruption of the cell membrane and release of solvent and other materials from the cell. Novel apparatus and associated methods are provided for carrying out the foregoing process continuously.

Abstract: A device for measuring leaks by measuring buoyancy force changes on a mechanical force transducer inserted into a liquid in the storage tank. The buoyancy force changes result in liquid level changes inside the tank which in turn cause moment forces acting on the mechanical force transducer. These moment forces cause strain changes in the mechanical force transducer. These strain changes are measured by a strain gage attached to the mechanical force transducer.

Abstract: The invention involves the selective emplacement of an impermeable polymeric barrier in the semi-permeable substructure, faulted or fractured geologic barriers which underlie leaking waste disposal sites. The emplacement of the barrier requires the creation of a horizontal fracture below the waste disposal site and the injection of a gellable solution containing a synthetic or biologically produced polymer into the fracture. The solution is then allowed or caused to gel in situ within the subterranean formation.A proppant may be dispersed in the gellable solution. The proppant may be a waste active material.