Abstract: A method of making a coatable composition includes: providing a first composition comprising silica nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous liquid vehicle, wherein the first composition has a pH greater than 6; acidifying the first composition to a pH of less than or equal to 4 using inorganic acid to provide a second composition; and dissolving at least one metal compound in the second composition to form the coatable composition. The silica nanoparticles have a polymodal particle size distribution, wherein the polymodal particle size distribution comprises a first mode having a first particle size in the range of from 8 to 35 nanometers, wherein the polymodal particle size distribution comprises a second mode having a second particle size in the range of from 2 to 20 nanometers, wherein the first particle size is greater than the second particle size. Coatable compositions, antistatic compositions, preparable by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stabilized formulations containing a peptide, such as a glucagon, are described herein. The formulations are in the form of a solution or suspension, which exhibit ttle or no chemical degradation and/or aggregation of the peptide over an extended period of time. In some embodiments, the formulations are in the form of a solution containing the peptide, a solvent such as glycerin, and one or more thermal stabilizers. In other embodiments, the formulation is in the form of a suspension containing nano- and/or microparticles containing the peptide suspended in a non- aqueous, non-solvent. The nano- and/or microparticles can be prepared by micronizing the peptide with one or more humectants, such as salts, sugars, water-soluble polymers, and combinations thereof which increase the rate of dissolution of the peptide upon administration.

Abstract: A method of making a coatable composition includes: a) providing a initial composition comprising silica nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous liquid medium, wherein the silica nanoparticles have a particle size distribution with an average particle size of less than or equal to 20 nanometers, and wherein the silica sol has a pH greater than 6; b) acidifying the initial composition to a pH of less than or equal to 4 using inorganic acid to provide an acidified composition; and c) dissolving at least one metal compound in the acidified composition to provide a coatable composition. Coatable compositions, wear-resistant compositions, preparable by the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a coatable composition includes: a) providing a initial composition comprising silica nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous liquid medium, wherein the silica nanoparticles have a particle size distribution with an average particle size of less than or equal to 100 nanometers, and wherein the silica sol has a pH greater than 6; b) acidifying the initial composition to a pH of less than or equal to 4 using inorganic acid to provide an acidified composition; and c) dissolving at least one metal compound in the acidified composition to provide a coatable composition. The at least one metal compound includes at least one of a silver compound, a zinc compound, and a copper compound. Coatable compositions, antimicrobial compositions, preparable by the method are also disclosed. Antimicrobial articles including the antimicrobial compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a coatable composition includes: a) providing a initial composition comprising silica nanoparticles dispersed in an aqueous liquid medium, wherein the silica nano articles have a particle size distribution with an average particle size of less than or equal to 100 nanometers, and wherein the silica sol has a pH greater than 6; b) acidifying the initial composition to a pH of less than or equal to 4 using inorganic acid to provide an acidified composition; and c) dissolving at least one metal compound in the acidified composition to provide a coatable composition. Coatable compositions and soil-resistant compositions, preparable by the method, are also disclosed. Soil-resistant articles including the soil-resistant compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (MCL-PHA) with a selected ratio of monomers. A method of controlling the ratio of monomers in MCL-PHA is also provided which includes fermenting naturally occurring microorganisms with a fatty acid substrate, a food source and an additive. The methods provided do not sacrifice cell growth and maintenance and provide high yields of MCL-PHAs. MCL-PHAs are provided that are copolymers of Cn and Cn?2 monomers, where (n is 6-18).

Abstract: A method is provided for producing medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (MCL-PHA) with a selected ratio of monomers. A method of controlling the ratio of monomers in MCL-PHA is also provided which includes fermenting naturally occurring microorganisms with a fatty acid substrate, a food source and an additive. The methods provided do not sacrifice cell growth and maintenance and provide high yields of MCL-PHAs. MCL-PHAs are provided that are copolymers of Cn and Cn-2 monomers, where (n is 6-18).