Abstract: The present invention is a flow cell and method for use in microfluidic analyses that presents highly discrete and small volumes of fluid to isolated locations on a two-dimensional surface contained within an open fluidic chamber defined by the flow cell that has physical dimensions such that laminar style flow occurs for fluids flowing through the chamber. This process of location specific fluid addressing within the flow cell is facilitated by combining components of hydrodynamic focusing with site specific cell evacuation. The process does not require the use of physical barriers within the flow cell or mechanical valves to control the paths of fluid movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photochemical reactor (12). The invention further relates to a photochemical processing system. The photochemical reactor comprises a vessel (20) comprising the fluid (30), a light source (40) for generating UV-radiation (UV1) and emitting it towards the fluid, and a luminescent material (50) arranged between the light source and the fluid for converting at least part of the UV-radiation emitted by the light source to further UV-radiation (UV2) having an increased wavelength compared to the UV-radiation. The luminescent material is removably connected to the photochemical reactor and is separate from the light source. By having the luminescent material removably connected to the photochemical reactor, separate from the light source, the luminescent material may be exchanged with new luminescent material if the current luminescent material has degraded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane for Western blotting which has a three-dimensional open pore structure, an average pore diameter of 0.1-1.0 ?m and a thickness of 30-200 ?m, wherein the membrane for Western blotting is manufactured by subjecting nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of 50-1000 nm, obtained by electrospinning, to a hot-plate calendering process, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises the steps of: dissolving a hydrophobic material in a solvent to prepare a spinning solution; subjecting the spinning solution to a spinning process to obtain a hydrophobic polymer nanofiber web; and calendering the obtained nanofiber web to obtain a membrane for Western blotting.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the content of at least one oxidizable constituent of an aqueous, liquid sample, comprising a high temperature reactor for decomposing the liquid sample and forming a gaseous mixture, which contains at least the constituent as a gaseous oxide, wherein the high temperature reactor has a liquid inlet for delivery of the liquid sample and a gas inlet for delivery of a carrier gas, and is connected via a gas discharge with an analysis chamber, wherein a condensing unit is placed in front of the analysis chamber for condensing water from the gas mixture, wherein, during operation of the apparatus, a gas stream of the carrier gas with the gas mixture of the high temperature reactor passes via the gas discharge and the condensing unit into the analysis chamber, and wherein, between the gas discharge and the condensing unit, a heatable filter unit is interposed for removal of salts and/or metal oxides from the gas mixture, and the gas discharge, the filter unit and optionally connecting e

Abstract: A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.

Abstract: It is made possible to scale up the throughput of a chemical plant using microreactors. The chemical plant has a liquid sending line communicating with a raw material tank at a bifurcation of raw material and a means for detecting the flow of raw material and a control valve for adjusting the flow located in the line. In each branch line to each of the multiple microreactors connected in parallel, there are provided a means for monitoring the flow rate of raw material and a means for adjusting this flow rate. A control apparatus monitors the flow rate in each liquid sending line and adjusts the quantity of liquid sent from each control valve and each pump to avoid the influence of an air bubble or deposit in each line.

Abstract: Overhung axial compressor, chemical reactor and method for compressing a fluid. The overhung axial compressor includes a casing configured to be vertically split along a vertical axis for access to an inside of the casing and a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge is configured to fit inside the casing and to be detachably attached to the casing. The removable cartridge includes a shaft disposed along a horizontal axis, the shaft being configured to rotate about the horizontal axis, a bearing system attached to the removable cartridge and configured to rotationally support a first end of the shaft, and plural blades disposed toward a second end of the shaft such that the second end is overhung inside the casing. The compressor also includes a guide vane mechanism configured to connect to the removable cartridge, the guide vane mechanism being configured to adjust a flow of a fluid to the plural blades.

Abstract: Provided is a particulate combustion catalyst including a carrier formed of monoclinic zirconium oxide particles, and metallic Ag or Ag oxide, which serves as a catalyst component and is supported on the carrier, wherein the amount of the catalyst component is 0.5 to 10 mass %, as reduced to metallic Ag, on the basis of the mass of the carrier, and preferably, the catalyst has a BET specific surface area of 8 to 21 m2/g. Also provided are a particulate filter coated with the particulate combustion catalyst; and an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus including a particulate filter coated with the particulate combustion catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen supply device which supplies hydrogen by selectively permitting permeation of hydrogen contained in a hydrogen containing gas (G1). This device includes: a first metal layer (2) which dissociates hydrogen molecules into hydrogen ions by a catalytic reaction and has hydrogen permeability; a second metal layer (3) which creates hydrogen molecules by bonding hydrogen ions to each other using electrons and has hydrogen permeability; a hydrogen permeation layer (1) which is interposed between the first metal layer (2) and the second metal layer (3) and permits permeation of the hydrogen ions from the first metal layer (2) to the second metal layer (3) by the application of a voltage; and a voltage application (7) for applying the voltage to the hydrogen permeation layer (1) by setting the first metal layer (2) as an anode and setting the second metal layer (3) as a cathode.

Abstract: A pinch valve, a chip including a pinch valve of this type, a peristaltic pump including a pinch valve of this type and a method for manufacturing same. The pinch valve includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a third substrate, the third substrate being farmed from an elastic material and situated between the first and second substrates, the first substrate adjoining the third substrate and having at least one first recess on the side adjacent to the third substrate, the second substrate adjoining the third substrate and having at least one second recess on the side adjacent to the third substrate, the first recess and the second recess being situated at least partially opposite each other.

Abstract: A pipette tip mounting shaft includes outwardly circumferentially extending locking lobes over which the pipette tip collar is mounted. The locking lobes preferably include an inclining ramp portion that gently flexes and distorts the pipette tip collar out-of-round as the mounting shaft is inserted into the pipette tip, rather than the stretching tip collar. Each locking lobe also includes a declining ramp portion which extends upward along the mounting shaft. The peak of the lobes is preferably curved. When the pipette tip is fully mounted on the mounting shaft, a locking ring on the inside surface of the tip collar engages the declining ramp of the lobes to provide an over-center engagement, however, the required ejection force is small.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to reagent containers configured to allow for different liquid and solid reagents to be mixed in situ prior to the measurement.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the condition of a guard bed catalyst material used in an adiabatic reactor to thereby protect a primary reaction catalyst and, in particular, the present invention is intended to be applied to a guard bed used prior to the heterogeneous catalyzed esterification of free fatty acids with low molecular weight monohydric alcohols, especially methanol, to produce fatty acid alkyl esters for biodiesel production.

Abstract: A method of extracting Te and bismuth oxide and recovering byproduct comprises: leaching raw materials with a Te content of ?1.8% by utilizing a leaching system containing H2SO4, Cl?, Br?, NH4+ and NaClO3, reducing leach solution with SO2 gas by precipitation method after separating impurities from it, washing with concentrated hydrochloric acid to obtain tellurium precipitation (18), purifying to obtain Te with a purity of higher than 99.99%. The filtrate produced is used for extracting Bi2O3 with a purity of higher than 99.99% when Bi content in the raw material is ?2%. Acidic waste solution produced during the process could be returned to the leaching step for recycle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting the accumulation of DSP scale in the liquor circuit of Bayer process equipment. The method includes adding one or more particular silane based small molecules to the liquor fluid circuit. These scale inhibitors reduce DSP scale formation and thereby increase fluid throughput, increase the amount of time Bayer process equipment can be operational and reduce the need for expensive and dangerous acid washes of Bayer process equipment. As a result, the invention provides a significant reduction in the total cost of operating a Bayer process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing mercury emissions from fluid streams having a high concentration of sulfur oxide species are provided herein.

Abstract: Aspects include a valve comprising a flowing liquid, operable to control a flow of gas through a port. Certain aspects include reaction chambers operable to react gases, and in some aspects gases are substantially contained within an envelope comprised of a flowing liquid. Certain embodiments control gas entrance into a chamber with a valve comprised of a flowing liquid controlling gas flow through a port. Various gas scrubbing systems are described, including systems comprising reaction chambers operable to react gases that yield substantial amounts of solid reaction products. Methods for controlling gas flow are disclosed. Systems and methods include sequential steps of wet-scrubbing, reacting and further wet-scrubbing a gas stream.

Abstract: An after-treatment system architecture and method for oxidizing the nitric oxide component of a gas stream.

Abstract: Method for processing an article comprising mixed conducting metal oxide material. The method comprises contacting the article with an oxygen-containing gas and either reducing the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas during a cooling period or increasing the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas during a heating period; during the cooling period, reducing the oxygen activity in the oxygen-containing gas during at least a portion of the cooling period and increasing the rate at which the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas is reduced during at least a portion of the cooling period; and during the heating period, increasing the oxygen activity in the oxygen-containing gas during at least a portion of the heating period and decreasing the rate at which the temperature of the oxygen-containing gas is increased during at least a portion of the heating period.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to salts that are room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), methods of making them, and methods of using them in connection with temporary or permanent gas sequestration. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a class of solvents which can be transformed into RTILs by exposure to a gas, and methods of using them in connection with temporary or permanent gas sequestration.

Abstract: An air pollution control system includes an emission treatment system configured to receive flue gas, to reduce at least one pollutant therefrom, and to output emission treated flue gas. A first air heater in fluid communication with the emission treatment system includes a heat exchanger for heating forced air introduced thereto above a base temperature and thereby cooling emission treated flue gas from the emission treatment system to a stack discharge temperature. A second air heater in fluid communication with the first air heater to receive heated forced air therefrom includes a heat exchanger for heating forced air introduced thereto to a preheat temperature for combustion in a boiler and thereby cooling flue gas introduced from a boiler to the second air heater to an emission treatment temperature. The second air heater is in fluid communication with the emission treatment system to introduce cooled flue gas thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a carbon dioxide capture power generation system provided with a boiler to combust a fuel in the oxygen atmosphere, a carbon dioxide capture equipment to remove carbon dioxide in the wake flow of the boiler, a piping branching from the wake flow of the boiler to recycle the combustion exhaust gas to the boiler, and a desulfurization equipment to remove sulfur oxides and a sulfuric acid removal equipment to remove a sulfuric acid gas in the upstream of carbon dioxide capture equipment and in the wake flow of the boiler.

Abstract: The process for growing a rare earth aluminum or gallium garnet crystal from a melt includes melting an aluminum or gallium garnet of at least one rare earth, preferably Lu or Y, or a mixture of oxides of formula Me2O3, wherein Me represents the rare earth or aluminum or gallium. The melt also includes a fluoride anion acting as a counter ion for the rare earth and the aluminum or gallium. The components comprising the rare earth and aluminum or gallium are introduced in the melt so that the amounts of the rare earth and aluminum or gallium are defined by the formula: SE(3-x)X(5-y)O(12-2x-2y)F(x+y), wherein 0?x?0.2 and 0?y?0.2 and 0<x+y?0.4, and X is aluminum or gallium. The resulting crystals are used for optical elements at 193 nm, such as lenses, and as scintillation materials.

Abstract: Processes and reagents for inhibiting or eliminating scale formation during wet-process phosphoric acid production are provided and include adding to a wet-process phosphoric acid production stream a scale inhibiting amount of a reagent having an aliphatic or aromatic compound containing at least two hydroxy groups, and at least one amine.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or reducing the formation of scale in a wet-process phosphoric acid production process by intermixing a water-soluble functional organic reagent with a phosphoric acid at one or more step of the phosphoric acid production process in an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce at least one species of scale are provided.

Abstract: Method of preparing a compound of formula SinH2n+2 in which n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 4, by reaction of at least one silicide or silicon alloy in the form of powder of formula M1xM2ySiz, in which M1 is a reducing metal, M2 an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, x, y and z varying from 0 to 1, z being different from 0 and x+y different from 0, with an aqueous solution comprising CO2, said solution is or is not saturated with CO2 at the temperature and pressure of the reaction.

Abstract: A method of recycling a silicon component for a plasma etching apparatus includes a collecting process of collecting silicon wastes from any one of a silicon component for a plasma etching apparatus and a silicon ingot for a semiconductor wafer; a measurement process of obtaining a content of impurity based on an electric characteristic of the collected silicon wastes; an input amount determination process of determining an input amount of the silicon wastes, an input amount of a silicon source material, and an input amount of impurity based on the content of impurity obtained in the measurement process and a target value of an electric characteristic of a final product; and a silicon ingot manufacturing process of manufacturing a silicon ingot by inputting the silicon wastes, the silicon source material, and the impurity based on the input amounts determined in the input amount determination process into a crucible.

Abstract: In a process for producing ammonia from urea which process comprises: (a) heating a liquid phase reaction medium comprising an aqueous solution of urea, or a mixture of urea, containing biuret or ammonium carbamate on site, in a hydrolysis reactor such that a pressurized gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product is obtained which is essentially free of urea, biuret, or ammonium carbamate; (b) separating the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product from the liquid phase reaction medium at the prevailing pressure; (c) retaining the liquid phase reaction medium in the reactor for further conversion to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide, and/or recycling at least a portion of the said reaction medium back into the reactor, a urea dissolver, or feed solution to the reactor for further conversion; and (d) withdrawing the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product separated in step (b) at a controlled rate to meet varying ammonia demand requirements; the improvement wherein th

Abstract: A method for producing a ferrate solution by producing a ferrate intermediate material and then combining the intermediate material with a halogen or ozone solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing red iron oxide with only marginal goethite content, wherein a ferrous chloride feedstock is employed as starting material. The process comprises precipitating lepidocrocite seeds having a high BET surface area by mixing the ferrous chloride feedstock with an alkali and oxidizing the obtained mixture, and growing the lepidocrocite seeds, whereby the lepidocrocite converts into red iron oxide.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator capable of operating in any orientation and having no moving parts includes a catalyst retaining structure. The catalyst retaining structure is disposed in a housing and serves to separate the housing into a fuel holding portion and a hydrogen chamber. The catalyst retaining structure also includes one or more pores, each pore being in communication with the fuel holding and hydrogen chambers. A catalyst, that promotes the generation of hydrogen gas upon contact with the fuel, is disposed within the pores. The fuel enters the pores and thereupon generates hydrogen gas which passes into the hydrogen chamber. Contact of the fuel with the catalyst in the pores may be controlled and the position of the fuel-hydrogen interface within the pore may be moved so as to regulate the generation of hydrogen. The catalyst retaining structure can take different forms, including one or more hollow elongated members or plates, and may further incorporate hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic membranes.

Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from a reaction of organic matter with a base. A bicarbonate or carbonate compound forms as a by-product. The base-facilitated hydrogen-producing reactions are thermodynamically more spontaneous than conventional-type reformation reactions and are able to produce hydrogen gas at less extreme reaction conditions than conventional-type reformation reactions. The preferred reactants are biomass, components of biomass, and mixtures of components of biomass. Especially preferred are base-facilitated reactions in which hydrogen is produced from carbohydrates or mixtures of carbohydrates, include monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and cellulose. The instant reactions can occur in the liquid phase or solid.

Abstract: Reforming of a gasification gas is performed by supplying both a tar-containing gasification gas and oxygen to a reforming furnace and burning a part of the gasification gas to heat an inside of the reforming furnace to a target reforming temperature required for reforming. Oxygen 9 and a first stage gasification gas 3a are supplied to a reforming furnace at an end of the furnace in amounts so as to attain the target reforming temperature required for reforming by combustion of the gasification gas with the oxygen to form a heating zone A in the reforming furnace 1. The remaining gasification gas is supplied as second stage gasification gas 3b to a vicinity downstream of the heating zone A in the reforming furnace 1 to form a reforming zone B.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage fuel compositions and devices comprising a mixture of at least one chemical hydride compound and at least one proton source, and methods for thermally initiated hydrogen generation from fuel compositions are disclosed. The fuel compositions comprise an excess of hydridic hydrogens relative to protic hydrogens. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a copper containing zeolitic material having CHA framework structure and a composition comprising the molar ratio (n YO2):X2O3 wherein X is a trivalent element, preferably Al, Y is a tetravalent element, preferably Si, and wherein n is preferably at least 20, the process comprising the preparation of an phosphor-free aqueous solution containing at least one source for X2O3 and at least one source for YO2, at least one structure directing agent suitable for the preparation of a zeolitic material having CHA framework structure, and at least one Cu source, and the process further comprising the hydrothermal crystallization of said aqueous solution obtaining a suspension containing the copper containing zeolitic material having CHA framework structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel amyloid binding compounds and methods for measuring effects of the compounds, by measuring changes of amyloid plaque level in living patients. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of using the compounds of this invention as tracers in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study amyloid deposits in brain in vivo to allow diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the present invention relates to use of the novel amyloid binding compounds as a diagnostic. The invention further relates to a method of measuring clinical efficacy of Alzheimer's disease therapeutic agents. Specifically, the present invention relates to novel aryl or heteroaryl substituted indole derivatives, compositions, and therapeutic uses and processes for making such compounds.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to methods of embolizing a vascular site in a mammal comprising introducing into the vasculature of a mammal a composition comprising an inverse thermosensitive polymer, wherein said inverse thermosensitive polymer gels in said vasculature, which composition may be injected through a small catheter, and which compositions gel at or below body temperature. In certain embodiments of the methods of embolization, said composition further comprises a marker molecule, such as a dye, radiopaque, or an MRI-visible compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to amplified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and to the de2-7 EGFR truncation of the EGFR. In particular, the epitope recognized by the specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, is enhanced or evident upon aberrant post-translational modification. These specific binding members are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The binding members of the present invention may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for pretargeting delivery of therapeutic agents. In preferred embodiments, the pretargeting method comprises: a) administering a bispecific antibody with a first binding site for a disease-associated antigen and a hapten on a targetable construct; b) administering a targetable construct comprising at least one therapeutic agent. In preferred embodiments, the bispecific antibody is made by the dock-and-lock (DNL) technique. In a more preferred embodiment, the targetable construct comprises one or more SN-38 moieties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are peptides which include an isoDGR motif and which selectively inhibit ?v?3 integrin. In some embodiments, the isoDGR motif results from the deamidation of an NGR motif.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for investigating neurogenesis, neural cell proliferation and differentiation. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods for identifying pharmaceutical agents capable of modulating neurogenesis and neural cell proliferation, methods of screening for genes that modulate neurogenesis and proliferation of neural progenitor cells, and methods of identifying pharmaceutical agents as candidate modulators of neurogenesis and neural proliferation or differentiation. The present disclosure also relates to methods for identifying pharmaceutical agents to characterize and modulate neurogenesis, pharmaceutical agents identified by such methods, methods for treating patients with such pharmaceutical agents, and compositions containing such pharmaceutical agents. Accordingly, the present methods enable elucidation of the mechanisms that control neurogenesis, brain development and function in healthy animals and in disorders of the nervous system.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein describes a novel therapeutic target for motoneuron diseases (altered dynamics of microtubules in neurons); methods for measuring the state of activity of this therapeutic target in subjects with established, incipient, or potential motoneuron disease; the discovery of drug agents that modulate neuronal microtubule dynamics in living subjects with motoneuron diseases; the discovery that administration of such agents, alone or in combinations, can improve MT-mediated transport of “synaptic vesicle cargo” molecules along and through axons; the discovery that such modulation of altered microtubule dynamics and improvement in MT-transport of molecules along axons can provide marked neuroprotective therapy for living subjects with motoneuron diseases, including delay in symptoms and prolongation of survival; and the discovery that monitoring of neuronal microtubule dynamics in response to therapeutic interventions in subjects with motoneuron diseases, allows diagnostic monitoring, to

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a contrast enhancement agent comprising an iron chelate having structure I wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a hydroxy group, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, and b is 0-4; R2-R7 are independently at each occurrence hydrogen, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R1-R7 is a hydroxy group or a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group; and wherein Q is a charge balancing counterion. Also provided is a metal chelating ligand having structure IX and medical formulations comprising the contrast enhancement I.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of anticholinergics for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of proliferative processes.

Abstract: A flavoring mixture, comprising (i) one or more sweet-tasting substances, selected from the group of naturally occurring sweet-tasting substances and the physiologically compatible salts thereof without phyllodulcin and the physiologically compatible salts thereof, and (ii) phyllodulcin and/or one or more of the physiologically compatible salts thereof, wherein the ratio of the sucrose equivalence of the concentration of the substance or substances of group (i) to the sucrose equivalence of the concentration of the substance or substances of group (i) is ?2.

Abstract: Cellobio-oligosaccharides (CBO) produced by the dextransucrase-catalyzed transglycosylation reaction of sucrose and cellobiose were discovered to be effective as antifungal agents against dental caries and against fungi who rely on glucan as an integral part of the cell wall, e.g., A. terreus. The cellobio-oligosaccharides were found to be inhibitors of ?-(1,3)-glucan synthase, an important enzyme involving in fungal cell wall component synthesis. The CBO caused structural changes in the growing fungal cells. In addition, the CBO were shown to be effective as anti-cariogenic agents in preventing bacterial adherence to teeth by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial plaque (glucans), e.g., that formed by Streptococcus mutans. Cellobio-oligosaccharides produced by dextransucrase were analyzed and shown to have a degree of polymerization (DP) ranging from 3 to 6 glucosyl groups.

Abstract: To provide a tooth coating composition capable of maintaining dental caries preventing effects of CPP-ACP, such as recalcification effect and demineralization-inhibiting effect, for a long period of time, a tooth coating composition is made not to contain water, but to include (a) 0.5 to 20% by weight of a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate complex (CPP-ACP) and/or a casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate complex (CPP-ACFP), (b) 5 to 70% by weight of a coating film-forming polymer, (c) 5 to 70% by weight of an organic solvent selected so as to contain alcohol, (d) 0.01 to 10% by weight of a fluorine compound, and (e) 0.1 to 20% by weight of a thickener, the tooth coating composition being used by coating on a tooth.

Abstract: A description is given according to the invention of a composition on an aqueous basis which comprises a) 0.001 to 10% by weight bispyridinium alkane, b) 0.1 to 30% by weight nonionic surfactant, c) 0 to 40% by weight aromatic alcohol and d) 0.01 to 10% by weight polyol selected from alkanediols and alkanetriols. The compositions, as mouthwash solutions, are more active than current commercial products and are distinguished by a pleasant taste and low tendency to foaming.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrophilic polymers such as polysaccharides, including hyaluronic acid of any origin, modified by reaction with epoxy-functional-silicones. Hydrophobic silicon, which contains chemically active groups covalently attach to the backbone of the hydrophilic polymer and gives these new, modified polymers the ability to dissolve hydrophobic compounds including oils, drugs, and vitamins, while maintaining the hydrophilic properties and benefits of the unmodified polymer. With respect to topical applications these polymers substantially increase the stability of formulations and provide for ease of preparation. The properties and advantages of the original polymer are maintained while other properties are augmented, namely the ability to combine with or dissolve hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. The products can be used alone or in combination with other substances for various applications including cosmetic, medical, and drug delivery applications. Also disclosed are methods for preparing them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skin coating compositions and methods and, in particular, to coatings containing an active agent. In some embodiments, the coating may be applied to a skin surface and may be essentially colorless and transparent. In some aspects, the coating comprises a polymer and an active agent, and the polymer may be configured for sustained release of the active agent. In some aspects, the coating forms a barrier essentially impermeable to microorganisms yet permeable to water vapor. The coating may also be flexible and conformable to the surface. The coating may be applied to the skin using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the polymer and/or active agent are dissolved and/or suspended in an alcohol solvent. In some embodiments, the alcohol may function as an antiseptic on skin.