Abstract: The invention provides an amphiphilic copolymer comprising monomer units derived from a first monomer and monomer units derived from a second monomer. The copolymer has at least one hydrophobic endgroup. The first monomer is such that the copolymer is thermally responsive and the second monomer comprises a carboxylic acid or carboxylate group.

Abstract: A first electrophoretic medium comprises an electrically charged particle suspended in a suspending fluid, the particle having a polymeric shell having repeating units derived from at least one monomer the homopolymer of which is incompatible with the suspending fluid. A second, similar electrophoretic medium comprises a suspending fluid, and first and second types of electrically charged particle suspended in the suspending fluid, the two types of particle having differing optical characteristics but both having polymeric shells. The polymeric shells are arranged such that homoaggregation of the two types of particles is thermodynamically favored over heteroaggregation.

Abstract: Certain diacylglycerol-polyethyleneglycol (DAG-PEG) lipids are especially useful for forming thermodynamically stable liposomes. Such liposomes are useful for a variety of purposes, including the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for depositing an ultra thin coating that exhibits both low haze (high transparency) and strong color (high optical density at a given film thickness). Also disclosed are methods for making radiation curable coating compositions comprising polymer-enclosed particles that are suitable for producing ultra thin coatings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming microcapsules. The method may include combining an active agent in a first solvent S1 and forming a dispersed phase of the active agent in the first solvent, wherein the dispersed phase of active agent has a surface. A reactant may be added to the first solvent, wherein the reactant reacts with the surface of the active agent dispersed phase and encapsulates the active agent wherein at least a portion of the active agent remains unreacted.

Abstract: To provide a vesicle-containing composition wherein a perfume component is stably incorporated in the vesicle bilayer membrane composed of a silicone surfactant and to provide a simple production method of the vesicle-containing composition wherein a perfume component is stably incorporated. A vesicle-containing composition comprising; (A) a perfume, (B) a silicone oil, (C) a silicone surfactant, (D) one or more selected from the group consisting of ethanol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and 1,3-butylene glycol, and (E) water; wherein the (C) silicone surfactant forms vesicles, and the (A) perfume and the (B) silicone oil are present in the vesicle bilayer membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for preparing microparticles using an emulsion process where both a solvent and a salt are used in the continuous phase of the emulsion. The present disclosure also relates to micropartices having an angle of repose of ?35, as measured using a Hele-Shaw cell.

Abstract: Vesicle compositions from high molecular weight silicone polyether copolymers, methods for preparing the vesicle compositions, and personal, household, and healthcare formulations containing the vesicle compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Prior art processes for producing protein-based capsules (for example, capsules for use in electrophoretic media) tend to be wasteful because they produce many capsules outside the desired size range, which is typically about 20 to 50 ?m. Capsule size distribution and yields can be improved by either (a) emulsifying a water-immiscible phase in a preformed coacervate of the protein; or (b) using a limited coalescence process with colloidal alumina as the surface-active particulate material.

Abstract: A W/O emulsion is produced from an aqueous solution containing a substance to be entrapped in a vesicle in a dissolved or suspended state and an oil phase containing an emulsifier; subsequently, the W/O emulsion is cooled to a temperature at which the aqueous solution of the W/O emulsion becomes a frozen particle and the oil phase maintains a liquid state, and the oil phase is removed; thereafter, an oil phase containing a vesicle constituent lipid is added to the frozen particle, and the obtained mixture is then stirred, so as to substitute the emulsifier on the surface of the frozen particle with the vesicle constituent lipid; and thereafter, an external water phase is added to the frozen particle coated with a lipid membrane, so as to hydrate the lipid membrane by the external water phase. This process achieves a high entrapment yield of a desired substance while controlling desired physical properties such as particle diameter.

Abstract: Provided are a production method of liposome dispersion industrially useful and the production equipment. In a process for forming liposome dispersion by dispersing a membrane material in an aqueous medium, wherein a liquid that the membrane material is dissolved or dispersed is discharged from 161a, while discharging the aqueous medium from 161b, the discharge flows are collectively crushed by a high-speed gas stream from a liquid jet port 162 into minute droplets, then, the droplets are crashed against a flow-blocking body 190 to reaggregate for the production. According to the production of the present invention, since removal of solvent is easy, and there is no need of defoaming operation, it becomes possible to produce liposome dispersion efficiently.

Abstract: The microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices according to the present invention each enclose a dispersion containing electrophoretic particles and a solvent in a shell having an inner shell made of a mercapto group-containing amino resin and an outer shell made of an epoxy resin. Alternatively, the microcapsules for electrophoretic display devices according to the present invention each have a capsule strength of 0.6 MPa or higher. These microcapsules are produced by dispersing a dispersion containing electrophoretic particles and a solvent as a core substance in a water-based medium, and subsequently forming at least one shell on the surface of the core substance. These microcapsules can be used, as their applications, for sheets for electrophoretic display devices, electrophoretic display devices using the sheets, and electronic equipments using the electrophoretic display devices.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process of preparing microcapsules in a UV curable water immiscible phase. The microcapsules formed according to the invention contain an aqueous phase core. The process comprises dispersing a water soluble or dispersible core material along with at least one wall forming prepolymer and a polycondensation polymerization catalyst into an aqueous solution. The aqueous phase is then dispersed into the water immiscible phase comprising UV curable monomers or oligomers forming droplets of the aqueous phase solution in the water immiscible phase. Polycondensation of the prepolymers is initiated to form polymeric wall material or microcapsules at or near the interface of the water immiscible solvent and droplets of aqueous phase solution. Following capsule formation, a UV initiator is dispersed in the water immiscible phase. The UV curable dispersion containing aqueous microcapsules can be coated on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aminoplast-membrane single-core or multi-core microcapsules whose core is comprised of at least two organic and/or inorganic compounds. The invention also relates to methods of preparing said microcapsules.

Abstract: A lumen passability checking device includes: a soluble unit made of a material that dissolves in a body and forming a structure of a capsule shape; and an insoluble unit made of a material that does not dissolve in the body and forming a thin film that covers the surface of the soluble unit excluding an opening. The shape of the insoluble unit is maintained by the soluble unit, and the insoluble unit collapses when the soluble unit dissolves and collapses.

Abstract: Lipobeads (liposome-encapsulated hydrogels) combine properties of hydrogels and liposomes to create systems that are sensitive to environmental conditions and respond to changes in those conditions in a fast time scale. Lipobeads may be produced by polymerizing anchored or unanchored hydrogels within liposomes or by mixing anchored or unanchored hydrogels with liposomes. Giant lipobeads may be produced by shrinking unanchored nanogels in lipobeads and fusing the resulting lipobead aggregates, long-term aging of anchored or unanchored lipobeads, or mixing anchored or unanchored aggregated nanogels with liposomes. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) lipobeads were produced and characterized.

Abstract: Capsules encapsulating an active or functional ingredient are obtainable by a process in which a feed that includes this ingredient is dispersed in the form of drops in a spraying tower and exposed to a temperature in the range of ?20° C. to 500° C. In the tower, a cloud of suspended powdering agent provides a coating and prevents the capsules from sticking together and a reactant is provided to react with a polymer or film-forming carrier of the active ingredient so as to modify the water solution properties of the capsule walls.

Abstract: Particles that are encapsulated by protein are provided. Also a method for preparing protein encapsulated particles involving spraying and drying of an activated protein solution is provided. The protein encapsulated particles are particularly suited for food, feed, cosmetic and pharma applications.

Abstract: Embolic polymer particles are described.

Abstract: A microencapsulation apparatus is provided which is configured to form co-axial multi-lamellar microcapsules from materials discharged from first and second microsphere dispensers of the apparatus. A method of fabricating and processing microcapsules is also provided which includes forming distinct droplets comprising one or more materials and introducing the droplets directly into a solution bath to form a membrane around the droplets such that a plurality of microcapsules are formed. A microencapsulation system is provided which includes a microcapsule production unit, a fluidized passage for washing and harvesting microcapsules dispensed from the microcapsule production unit and a flow sensor for sizing and counting the microcapsules. In some embodiments, the microencapsulation system may further include a controller configured to simultaneously operate the microcapsule production unit, fluidized passage and flow sensor to process the microcapsules in a continuous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making starch encapsulated ingredients where a mixture of starch, water, acid and ingredient for encapsulation is prepared. The mixture is atomised and dried to provide encapsulates that can retain high levels of encapsulated ingredient. When the encapsulated ingredient comprises oil, the invention reduces the levels of free oil on the outside of the encapsulates and surprisingly reduces explosivity of fines produced during the manufacturing process. The preferred acid is citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing supersaturated aqueous solutions of micelles of compounds in which the solubility in water is less than the critical micelle concentration. The solutions can be process to prepare solid micelles which have advantageous properties for drug delivery.

Abstract: A method of making microcapsules including activating a fluid ejector at a frequency greater than 10 kilohertz where each activation of the fluid ejector generates essentially a drop, and the fluid ejector is fluidically coupled to a first fluid including a core component. The method further includes ejecting the drop of the first fluid into a second fluid, the drop having a volume. In addition, the method includes generating a microcapsule, that includes the core component, in the second fluid for each drop of the first fluid ejected.

Abstract: Capsules or microcapsules comprising: a) a nucleus containing seminal material or the spermatozoa of animal species chosen from the group consisting of equids, buffalo, ovicaprids, canids, felids, lagomorphs, laboratory animal species chosen from mice and rats, and possibly man, b) a membrane of a bivalent or trivalent metal alginate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a homogeneous, thermoreversible gel film comprising a film forming amount of a water soluble, thermoreversible alginate, and optionally at least one of a plasticizer, a second film former, a bulking agent, and a pH controlling agent; and processes for the preparation thereof. The present invention is also directed to soft capsules and solid forms containing the gel film, as well as processes for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A first electrophoretic medium comprises an electrically charged particle suspended in a suspending fluid, the particle having a polymeric shell having repeating units derived from at least one monomer the homopolymer of which is incompatible with the suspending fluid. A second, similar electrophoretic medium comprises a suspending fluid, and first and second types of electrically charged particle suspended in the suspending fluid, the two types of particle having differing optical characteristics but both having polymeric shells. The polymeric shells are arranged such that homoaggregation of the two types of particles is thermodynamically favored over heteroaggregation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolating a PHA. The method comprises combining the PHA, a first solvent and a second solvent to form a combination, the first solvent and the second solvent being capable of forming an azeotrope with the second solvent; and heating the combination to substantially remove the first solvent from the combination. Alternatively, the method comprises combining the PHA, a first solvent, a second solvent and a third solvent to form a combination, the first solvent and the second solvent being capable of forming an azeotrope with the third solvent; and heating the combination to substantially remove the first solvent and the second solvent from the combination.

Abstract: Chemoselective ligation of hydrophobic reactants in a lipid phase.

Abstract: The present invention describes the encapsulation of water insoluble oils by coacervation and the subsequent reduction in oxidative degradation of these oils in microencapsulated forms. Water insoluble oils useful in the process of the invention include food oils such as PUFA, flavor oils, and agriculturally and pharmaceutically active oils.

Abstract: Colloidosomes having tunable properties, methods for making the same, and applications thereof are described. Colloidosomes described herein are responsive to certain external stimulus to alter one or more properties of the colloidosome. Methods for making colloidosomes include forming a shell of colloidal particles on a core material where the colloidal particles and the core material have attractive interactions.

Abstract: A multi-capsule composition includes a first capsule, which includes a first capsule wall defining a first interior volume and a first fluid in the first interior volume, and a plurality of second capsules, at least partially embedded in the first capsule wall. The second capsules include a second capsule wall defining a second interior volume and a second fluid in the second interior volume. The multi-capsule composition may include at least one active agent, such as pharmaceutical agents, food additives, cleaning agents, complexing agents, personal care substances, lubricants, adhesives, heating/cooling agents, colorants, indicators, superabsorbents, agricultural additives, and healing agents.

Abstract: A method of controlling the spread of volatile substances is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a) impregnating a fragrance component comprising at least one PRM onto a plurality of surfaces of a sorbent to form a volatile substance-controlling composition; and b) disposing the volatile substance-controlling composition into an article wherein the fragrance component is released from the sorbent primarily in the presence of one or more volatile substances when the volatile substances are adsorbed by the sorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for loading of agents and substances into per-formed liposomes, preferably a suspension of pre-formed liposomes as well as to methods for the controlled quantum (step-wise) release of agents and substances from liposomes. One of the principle features of the methods of the invention is to expose the liposomes to ultrasound irradiation having predefined parameters, resulting in an increase in permeability of the liposomes, thereby permitting, respectively, the loading and/or release of agents and substances into and/or from the liposomes.

Abstract: A process, method and/or system for preparing polymer-coated nanoparticles and/or other ultrafine particles utilizing a supercritical fluid, e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2), as an antisolvent that may be added to a solution of a polymer and an organic solvent in which insoluble nanoparticles or the like are suspended. The coating process occurs when the supercritical fluid (e.g., SC CO2) and the nanoparticle-containing suspension are combined to cause the suspended nanoparticles to precipitate as coated nanoparticles. Processing parameters for optimizing and/or enhancing the efficacy and/or efficiency of the coating process, method and/or system and for controlling the coating and/or agglomeration of coated particles are also described. The process, method and/or system has wide ranging applicability, e.g., for coating and/or encapsulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, chemicals, agrochemicals, pesticides, polymers, coatings, catalysts and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays; a production process for the microcapsule composition for the electrophoretic displays; a production process for a sheet for the electrophoretic displays; and a handling method for microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays; wherein the microcapsule composition contains microcapsules and, when used for the electrophoretic displays, can make them as excellent as conventional in various performances (e.g. longtime stability of displaying, respondability of displaying, contrast, and number of times of display rewritability) and, particularly above all, can make the electrophoretic displays exhibit a very high performance as to the contrast.

Abstract: A gel capsule, loaded with at least one organic percarboxylic acid is manufactured by the process comprising the steps of: (a) providing an oil having a melting point below 35° C. at atmospheric pressure and that is inert towards the organic percarboxylic acid; (b) contacting the oil with at least one stabilizer at a temperature of from 25° C. to 50° C.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to prepare liposome-encapsulated bioactive agents such as nucleic acids, comprising complexation of the bioactive agents in reverse micelles prior to forming liposomes, as well as methods of using the liposomes so formed and formulations to deliver nucleic acids to cells.

Abstract: A method of producing microcapsules having an electrophoretic particle dispersion encapsulated comprises the steps of: emulsifying and dispersing a hydrophobic dispersion having electrophoretic particles dispersed in a hydrophobic medium by using a high-speed rotating stirring apparatus wherein the circumferential speed at the end of a stirring part is 2 m/s to 90 m/s, and the distance (a) between the end of the stirring part and that immobile part of the stirring apparatus which is nearest to the end of the stirring part is 0 mm<(a)<20 mm; and forming microcapsules of the emulsified and dispersed hydrophobic dispersion under stirring with a stirring blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to liposomal antineoplastic agents (e.g., camptothecin) compositions and methods of using such compositions for treating neoplasia and for inhibiting angiogenesis. The compositions and methods are useful for modulating the plasma circulation half-life of an active agent.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, active carboxylic acid ester groups are coupled on the surfaces of microspheres so as to reduce protocols for microsphere processing, control side reactions, and stably preserve beads containing active carboxylic acid ester groups. Further, microspheres labeled with at least one fluorescent dye cage in the microspheres, and the microspheres are preserved in lower alcohol.

Abstract: An aqueous microcapsule dispersion, including water; microcapsules charged with one or more ingredients or active components; and one or more polymeric dispersants, where the polymers are homopolymers or copolymers, and the polymers comprise at least five monomer units is provided. A method for finishing textiles, including applying, to a textile, an aqueous microcapsule dispersion comprising: water; microcapsules charged with one or more ingredients or active components; and one or more polymeric dispersants, where the polymers are homopolymers or copolymers, and the polymers comprise at least five monomer units is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for forming fluidic droplets comprising particles such as colloidal particles, which may be distributed on the surfaces of the fluidic droplets in some cases, thereby encapsulating the fluidic droplets. The particles at least partially surrounding the fluidic droplet may be colloidal particles in some cases, i.e., forming a “colloidal capsule.” In one set of embodiments, the particles may be positioned on the surface of a fluidic droplet such that the fluidic droplet is able to maintain a shape that, when left undisturbed, is not achievable by an undisturbed fluidic droplet free of discrete particles, for example, elongated or prolate ellipsoid fluidic droplets. Such fluidic droplets may also exhibit unusual properties, for example, plasticity, isolation from electromagnetic fields, certain electrical and/or magnetic properties, and/or mechanical resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, peptides, and antibodies for use in applications including diagnosis and therapy. The peptides target lung cancer and were identified by phage display. Targeting phage PC5-2 and synthetic peptide SP5-2 were both able to recognize human pulmonary tumor specimens from lung cancer patients. In SCID mice bearing NSCLC xenografts, the targeting phage was able to target tumor masses specifically. When the peptide was coupled to liposomes containing the anti-cancer drugs vinorelbine or doxorubicin, the efficacy of these drugs against human lung cancer xenografts was improved, the survival rate increased, and the drug toxicity was reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making substantially uniformly sized liposomes and other small particles are provided. Droplets of a first liquid are ejected into a laminar flow of a second liquid, each droplet having a volume of from 0.97V to 1.03V, where V is the mean droplet volume and 1 fL?V?50 nL, wherein the first and second liquids are no more than sparingly soluble in one another, and wherein the first liquid contains a solute dissolved, dispersed, or suspended therein; and the first liquid is then removed to form a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes liquid inlet and outlet channels, a plurality of transverse liquid channels extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet channel, a plurality of nozzles in liquid flow communication with the plurality of transverse liquid channels, one or more nozzle actuators coupled to the plurality of nozzles, and an evaporator coupled to the liquid outlet channel.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating cisplatin and other positively-charged drugs into liposomes having a different lipid composition between their inner and outer membrane bilayers is disclosed. The liposomes are able to reach primary tumors and their metastases after intravenous injection to animals and humans. The encapsulated cisplatin has a high therapeutic efficacy in eradicating a variety of solid human tumors including but not limited to breast carcinoma and prostate carcinoma. Combination of the encapsulated cisplatin with encapsulated doxorubicin or with other antineoplastic drugs are claimed to be of therapeutic value. Also of therapeutic value in cancer eradication are claimed to be combinations of encapsulated cisplatin with a number of anticancer genes including but not limited to p53, IL-2, IL-12, angiostatin, and oncostatin encapsulated into liposomes as well as combinations of encapsulated cisplatin with HSV-tk plus encapsulated ganciclovir.

Abstract: The present invention is for novel compositions and methods for treating diseases caused by cellular proliferation, particularly, for treating cancer in mammals and more particularly in humans. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention include SN-38 lipid complexes in which the complexes can contain any of a variety of neutral or charged lipids and, desirably, cardiolipin. The compositions are capable of efficiently incorporating SN-38 into complexes and are capable of solubilizing relatively high concentrations of SN-38.

Abstract: This disclosure describes structural elements that enhance fusogenicity of lipids and lipid assemblies (e.g. liposomes) with biological membranes, in particular cell membranes, and use of such structures. The elements are pH sensitive in terms of charge and hydrophilicity and undergo a polar—apolar transition when exposed to low pH.

Abstract: A description is given of the use of a nanodispersion, which comprises (a) a membrane-forming molecule, (b) a coemulsifier and (c) a lipophilic component, in cosmetic end formulation, which nanodispersion is obtainable by (?) mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) until a homogeneous clear liquid is obtained, and (?) adding the liquid obtained in, step (?) to the water phase of the cosmetic end formulations, steps (?) and (?) being carried out without any additional supply of energy. The nanodispersions used according to this invention can be easily prepared and are suitable as carrier systems for a very wide range of cosmetic active agents and oil-soluble dyes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner is provided wherein a dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel in such a manner that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.

Abstract: A method of loading liquid lipophilic compounds to capsules having a hydrogel shell and an oil core, wherein said compound, said capsules, and water and a solvent that is miscible with both water and lipophilic compound are thoroughly mixed and incubated for a sufficient time to provide capsules loaded with a lipophilic flavor or fragrance compound. The capsules are useful for providing flavors or fragrances to a wide variety of products such as foodstuffs, beverages, medicines and tobacco products.