Abstract: A method of providing capsules having a hydrogel shell and an oily interior and encapsulating a volatile, water-soluble substance, comprising the steps of (i) providing blank capsules having a hydrogel shell and an oily interior; and (ii) immersing said capsules in an aqueous solution of the volatile, water-soluble substance for a time sufficient for them to load to a desired extent with the volatile, water-soluble substance; the aqueous solution additionally comprising dissolved therein to saturation point at least one water-soluble, non-volatile material. The method permits the easy and durable encapsulation of volatile materials that hitherto have been difficult to encapsulate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new structural class of amphiphilic molecules which incorporate a hydrophilic material or polymer attached, at spatially distinct sites, to at least two hydrophobic residues. Certain of the amphiphilic molecules comprise a plurality of hydrophobic moieties. All such amphiphilic molecules have a common structural motif and, in contact with water, display surface activity and self-assemble into multimolecular aggregates and liquid crystalline phases. Also disclosed are enhanced stability liposomes that incorporate such amphiphilic molecules via unique interactions, and methods of using such formulations in a variety of applications including drug delivery, nutrition, bio-diagnostics, cosmetics, blood products and related applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing micro-capsules. The active ingredient, preferably provided in the form of an acid salt dissolved in a basic aqueous solution, is emulsified into a polymer solution, preferably PLGA in a relatively volatile solvent such as dichloromethane, to create a water in oil emulsion. This emulsion is further emulsified into an aqueous solution having a pH of a between about 7.4 and 8.0 and most preferably between about 7.8 and 8.0 to create a water in oil in water solution. The polymer solvent is allowed to evaporate, causing the emulsified active ingredient and surrounding polymer matrix to precipitate, thereby forming the micro-capsules. The micro-capsules are separated from the suspension, washed and freeze dried. The method has a very high encapsulation efficiency, even at high loading rates. Additionally, the dissolution rate of the micro-particles produced by the method is very steady over a long period of time.

Abstract: An amphoteric liposome composed of a mixture of lipids, said mixture comprising a cationic amphiphile, an anionic amphiphile and optionally one or more neutral amphiphiles, at least one of said cationic and anionic amphiphiles being chargeable and the respective amounts of said cationic and anionic amphiphiles being selected such there is a stoichiometric excess of positively charged cationic amphiphile at a first lower pH, a stoichiometric excess of negatively charged anionic amphiphile at a second higher pH and said mixture has an isoelectric point intermediate said first and second pHs; characterised in that said positively charged cationic and negatively charged anionic amphiphiles are adapted to form a lipid salt with one another at said isoelectric point. Also disclosed are methods of predicting the fusogenicity of an amphoteric liposome at a given pH, formulating an amphoteric liposome and loading an amphoteric liposome with a cargo moiety.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for making surface-modified nanoparticles. The surface of a nanoparticle is modified with an aminorganosilane and an alkylating agent in a one-pot synthesis to provide alkylamine surface-modified nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a core-shell polymer that comprises: (1) preparing a monomer solution which is comprised of (a) at least one monomer, optional one crosslinking monomer (b) a conjugate acid of a surfactant with a pKa of less than 14, and (c) a controlled free radical polymerization agent; (2) preparing an aqueous medium which is comprised of (a) water, and (b) a conjugate base of a weak acid wherein the pKb of the base is less than 14; and (3) mixing the monomer solution with the aqueous medium under conditions that result in the in-situ formation of an emulsifier to produce a polymerization medium, and (4) initiating free radical polymerization within the polymerization medium to produce a core polymer, wherein the core contains a free radical control agents, (5) adding a second monomer to the polymerization medium containing the core polymer, and (6) allowing polymerization to proceed in the presence of the free radical control agent to produce the core-shell polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and the corresponding plant for the production of micro-capsules on an industrial scale for the application in foodstuffs technology, chemical and/or pharmaceutical industry, and in medicine. Said capsules are produced by the so-called coacervate method. They may contain non-living ingredients, e.g. solids, liquids, etc. and also living cells or micro organisms such as bacteria, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for making a collapsible water-containing capsule having a water phase encapsulated or dispersed in a pigment phase, the pigment phase comprising at least a first pigment component having a particle size of less than 1 ?m and a hydrophobic surface; wherein the water phase and the pigment phase is mixed by a mixing apparatus such as external energy sourcing type and container shaking type, fluidizer type, mechanical mixing type and container rotating type. Also disclosed are products made by the processes above. Also disclosed are preparation-at-use products for providing a collapsible water-containing capsule.

Abstract: Temperature-responsive amphipathic glycopeptides and temperature-responsive micelles are provided by utilizing oligopeptide. A synthesized glycopeptide that does not occur naturally and is represented by the following chemical formula (1), and a temperature-responsive micelle composed of the glycopeptide are provided. (where x is any amino acid residue, L1 and L2 are linkers, SUGs are sugar chains, m is 0 or 1 and n is an integer from 1 to 10, and L1 and L2 may be identical with or different from each other and SUGs may be identical with or different from each other.

Abstract: A method for forming microcapsules comprises the steps of: forming a core; enclosing a first, a second and a third layer of shells sequentially; wherein the microcapsules has one of the three properties of anti-ultraviolet and can endure a high temperature of 280° C.; and temperature sensitive and color changed and can endure a high temperature of 280° C., and endure a high temperature of 280° C. Furthermore, the three layers of the shells encloses the core so that the releasing speed of the material or drug therein is changeable, and the tension of the micro capsule is changed so as to adjust the size of the microcapsules to be between 0.01˜1000 Micron.

Abstract: Emulsions for use in precipitating water-insoluble drug nanoparticles. The continuous phase of the emulsions include water and an external surfactant. The discontinuous phase of the emulsions include butyl lactate, a co-solvent, an internal surfactant and a water-insoluble drug that is solubilized in the discontinuous phase. The emulsions allow for the precipitation of nanoparticles of water-insoluble drugs that are otherwise difficult or impossible to precipitate using conventional emulsion techniques.

Abstract: Microencapsulated particles having improved resistance to moisture and extended release capabilities are produced by microencapsulating the particles in a film-forming, cross-linked, hydrolyzed polymer.

Abstract: Highly efficient cationic liposomes have been developed as an improved delivery system for biologically-active reagents. A novel structure, the sandwich liposome, is formed and comprises one or more biologically active agents internalized between two bilomellar liposomes. This structure protects the incoming agent and accounts for the high efficiency of in vivo delivery and for the broad tissue distribution of the sandwich liposome complexes. These novel liposomes are also highly efficient carriers of nucleic acids. By using extruded DOTAP:cholesterol liposomes to form complexes with DNA encoding specific proteins, expression has been improved dramatically. Highest expression was achieved in the lung, while increased expression was detected in several organs and tissues.

Abstract: One of the most prominent amino acids found in biological proteins is aspartic acid. In the present invention L-aspartic acid was heated at 150 deg C for up to 100 hrs to form thermal polyaspartylimide which when heated in boiling water without addition of base hydrolyzed to form thermal polyaspartic acid which upon cooling formed protective biocompatible microcapsules.

Abstract: A microcapsule is produced by dispersing a liquid organic dispersion in an aqueous medium to form a capsule particle in the aqueous medium, the liquid organic dispersion containing an acid group-containing resin, a colored particle and an organic solvent, and the capsule particle comprising a disperse system containing the liquid organic dispersion, and a wall encapsulating the disperse system, wherein the acid group of the resin has been at least partly neutralized with an alkanolamine. The wall comprises the resin, and the resin may be crosslinked or cured with a crosslinking agent. Moreover, the process may comprise crosslinking or curing the resin constituting the wall with the crosslinking agent, and further crosslinking or curing the residual crosslinking agent with a polyfunctional compound. Such a process can produce a microcapsule has a small and uniform particle size while encapsulating a disperse system dispersed a colored particle in an oil phase.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nanoscale particulate material is described comprising: (i) combining one or more functional material to be precipitated as nanoscale particles and one or more surface active material in a compressed CO2 phase with a density of at least 0.1 g/cc, where the functional material is substantially insoluble in the compressed CO2 in the absence of the surfactant, the surfactant comprises a compressed CO2-philic portion and a functional material-philic portion, and the compressed CO2 phase, functional material and surfactant interact to form an aggregated system having a continuous compressed CO2 phase and a plurality of aggregates comprising surfactant and functional material molecules of average diameter less than 10 nanometers dispersed therein; and (ii) rapidly depressurizing the compressed CO2 phase thereby precipitating the dispersed functional and surfactant materials in the form of composite particles of average diameter from 0.5 to less than 10 nanometers.

Abstract: A novel emulsion comprising a material which is stabilised by a polymer resin precursor having interface active molecules incorporated therein by reaction from poorly or non-surface active materials is disclosed. The process for producing such emulsions is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A microcapsule encapsulating a disperse system is produced by preparing a liquid organic dispersion containing a resin whose acid group has been neutralized, a colored particle, and an organic solvent; dispersing the liquid organic dispersion in an aqueous medium to produce a capsule particle in the aqueous medium, the capsule particle comprising a disperse system in which the colored particle is dispersed in the organic solvent, and a wall encapsulating the disperse system; and separating the capsule particle from the aqueous medium for dryness. The liquid organic dispersion may comprise, as an organic solvent, a hydrophobic organic solvent and a polar solvent dissolving the resin constituting the wall and being miscible to the aqueous medium. The wall of the capsule particle may be crosslinked or cured with a crosslinking agent. The microcapsule is utilized for an image display device in which the colored particle is electrophoretically movable in the oil phase by a potential difference.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.

Abstract: A delivery system including a body construction (7) and at least one capsule (8) containing a pharmaceutical composition, the capsule having at least a first end and a second end. The body construction (7, 12, 34) has at least two locking parts (9, 10), each locking part (9, 10) having at least a first end and a second end, the first end of each locking part (9, 10) having a surface adapted to face and cover one of the at least first and second ends of the capsule (8). The diameter of at least one of the locking parts varies along its length between the first end and the second end, and the capsule (8) is mounted between the at least two locking parts. Also disclosed is a manufacturing process of a delivery system, the system including a body construction and at least one capsule containing a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to encapsulation of drugs and other agents into liposomes.

Abstract: This invention provides an aqueous/t-butanol solvent-system, facile reconstitute, submicron-reconsitiute preliposome-lyophilaye and method of its preparation and use. In one embodiment this entails a modified method for the preparation of a submicron and stable liposome formulation of the non-cross-resistant anthracycline Annamycin is described. The optimal lipid composition was DMPC:DMPG at a 7:3 molar ratio and the optimal lipid:drug weight ratio 50:1. The selected formulation is a preliposome lyophilized powder that contains the phospholipids, Annamycin, and 1.7 mg Tween 20 per mg of Annamycin. The liposome suspension is obtained on the day of use by adding normal saline at 37° C. (1 ml per mg Annamycin) and hand-shaking for one minute. The presence of Tween 20 is essential in shortening the reconstitution step (from >2 hours to 1 minute), avoiding the early formation of free drug crystals, and reducing the median particle size (from 1.5 ?m to 0.15-0.20 ?m) without destruction of the liposome vesicles.

Abstract: A method for producing a display capsule includes the following steps. A multichromal bead having at least two surfaces differing from each other in optical and electrical characteristics is formed. A dispersing agent on an outer surface of the multichromal bead is applied, preferably via spray coating. The multichromal bead is then encapsulated. The invention is also directed to a method for producing multichromal capsules. A multichromal bead having at least two surfaces differing from each other in optical and electrical characteristics and further includes a charge control additive. A dispersing agent is applied on an outer surface of the multichromal bead to prevent diffusion of the charge control additive from the multichromal bead. The multichromal bead is encapsulated at an encapsulation reaction temperature greater than 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a capsule product through the increase in the polymerization cure temperature and cure time during the capsule-making process. The microcapsule products prepared according the process of the present invention exhibit enhanced retention of active materials in consumer products which promote instability.

Abstract: The invention in its various embodiments provides a microcapsule product with reduced levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde levels are reduced by the inclusion of a formaldehyde scavenger.

Abstract: Provided are a production process for a polymeric micelle which is stable and has a high drug content and a composition containing such polymeric micelle. Disclosed are a production process for a polymeric micelle, comprising the steps of dissolving a drug and a specific copolymer in a water non-miscible organic solvent to prepare a solution, mixing the resulting solution with water to form an O/W type emulsion and then slowly volatilizing the organic solvent from the solution, and a polymeric micelle composition charged therein with a water-scarcely soluble drug, which can be obtained by the above production process.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible vesicles comprising semi-permeable, thin-walled encapsulating membranes which are formed in an aqueous solution, and which comprise one or more synthetic super-amphiphilic molecules. When at least one super-amphiphile molecule is a block copolymer, the resulting synthetic vesicle is termed a “polymersome.” The synthetic, reactive nature of the amphiphilic composition enables extensive, covalent cross-linking of the membrane, while maintaining semi-permeability. Cross-linking of the polymer building-block components provides mechanical control and long-term stability to the vesicle, thereby also providing a means of controlling the encapsulation or release of materials from the vesicle by modifying the composition of the membrane. Thus, the encapsulating membranes of the present invention are particularly suited for the reliable, durable and controlled transport, delivery and storage of materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to core-shell polymers having a hydrophilic copolymer shell, and a high level of core material of from 75 to 95 weight percent. The hydrophilic shell provides better coverage of the core resulting in better powder properties such as anti-blocking. The hydrophilic shell also allows for a thinner shell and a larger elastomeric core. Core-shell polymers of the invention are especially useful as impact modifiers for plastic materials.

Abstract: A method of spherifying a sustained release ionic conjugate which contains a free carboxyl group-containing biodegradable polymer and a free amino group-containing drug which are ionically bonded to each other.

Abstract: A microcapsule composition comprising a core material in a matrix of polymorphic shell material, releases said core material in an aqueous environment in accordance with zero order linear release profile. A preferred composition comprises a core material having a degree of water solubility entrapped in a beta crystalline matrix of water insoluble shell material which matrix may, optionally, be surrounded by a contiguous core material-free layer of water insoluble shell material. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of microcapsules comprising subjecting a flowable mixture of core material and a first amount of water insoluble shell material to a pressure force to form a pressure-treated mixture, and passing said pressure-treated mixture through a spray nozzle into a chilling zone to form a solidified composition.

Abstract: A method of making a multichromal sphere includes the steps of preparing a composition of at least (1) a matrix material and (2) at least two sets of particles, each of the sets of particles having a color different from at least one of another of the sets of particles and a segregation (e.g., an electrical or magnetic) property different from at least one of another of the sets of particles, encapsulating the composition within a shell to form an encapsulated sphere, immobilizing the encapsulated sphere in a manner to restrict at least rotation of the encapsulated sphere, subjecting the immobilized encapsulated sphere to an external field associated with the segregation property different among the sets of particles, under conditions in which the sets of particles are able to migrate within the matrix material, thereby producing color segregation in the immobilized encapsulated sphere, and solidifying the matrix material while substantially maintaining the color segregation.

Abstract: A process is described for encapsulating a solution of color reactants of color-reaction systems present in an aqueous emulsion accomplished by means of conventional microencapsulation processes, in which the color reactant is first dissolved in a solvent and a non-dissolver, which may insignificantly dissolve the color reactant, is mixed into the resulting solution in an amount that establishes a supersaturated solution while mixing at high speed, the supersaturated solution is emulsified immediately in the aqueous phase while mixing at high speed, and immediately thereupon the encapsulation is performed. A vegetable oil C1–C8 alkyl ester is used as the solvent. This process has economic and technological advantages. For example, it can be used to produce microcapsules that have an advantageous narrow monomodal particle distribution, which results in improved writing performance.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a microcapsule which can effectively and easily achieve: the prevention and adjustment of the bleeding-out of the encapsulated liquid substance from the capsule shell; and the enhancement and adjustment of the physical strength of the microcapsule; and to further provide a sheet and an electrophoretic display, both of which involve using the above microcapsules. As means of achieving these objects, the microcapsule according to the present invention is a microcapsule comprising a shell and a liquid substance that is encapsulated in the shell, with the microcapsule being characterized in that the shell contains fine particles having particle diameters of not larger than 1 ?m. And the sheet according to the present invention comprises the microcapsules according to the present invention and a binder resin or comprises the microcapsules according to the present invention and a base material.

Abstract: A process for producing parenterally administrable microparticles, in which an at least 20% by weight aqueous solution of purified amylopectin-based starch of reduced molecular weight is prepared, the solution is combined with biologically active substance, an emulsion of starch droplets is formed in an outer phase of polymer solution, the starch droplets are made to gel, and the gelled starch particles are dried. A release-controlling shell is optionally also applied to the particles. Microparticles which essentially consist of said starch, have an amino acid content of less than 50 ?g and have no covalent chemical cross-linking.

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: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: An improvement to a package is provided that includes a container having a label secured thereto by an adhesive and a closure secured to the container. The improvement is for identifying the package and includes at least one of the container, the adhesive and the closure having a plurality of micro-particle taggants with multiple colored layers to provide a code for identifying the package.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a novel method for encapsulating in liposomes substantially water immiscible carotenoids. Therefore, there are provided by the present invention formulations comprising liposomes loaded with an amount of at least one water immiscible carotenoid, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such a formulation, and a method for preparing the liposomes loaded with said carotenoid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of biodegradable microspheres that release a radiosensitizing anticancer agent for producing a medicament to be used simultaneously with, separately from or spread over time with a radiotherapy, for treating glioblastoma. The use of said biodegradable microspheres according to the invention results in a patient survival time of at least 90 weeks, a therapeutically effective concentration being maintained in the parenchymatous area throughout this time. The microspheres used preferably contain 5-fluorouracile of the tumor, by intratissular injection. The radiotherapy targeting the tumorous mass is dosed at 60 Gy over approximately 6 weeks. The invention also relates to a method for producing the biodegradable microspheres by emulsion-extraction, and to a suspension containing the biodegradable microspheres obtained using this method.

Abstract: There are provided thermotropic liquid crystal polymer microcapsules which can show behavior of liquid crystal as it is within polymer phase due to phase separation between liquid crystal and polymer, so to be incorporated into cosmetic composition as an additive for visual effect, and in loading active ingredients within liquid crystal, can improve the stability of the active ingredients in cosmetic base; and a method for preparing the same; and cosmetic compositions containing the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to induce opioid drug independence in opioid drug dependent individuals comprising administering opioid agonists and/or antagonists encapsulated in biodegradable polymer microspheres in a dosage formulation.

Abstract: A series of paraffin compounds, the phase change materials (PCMs), were microencapsulated in an interfacial polymerization process to form the double-shell microcapsules with relatively low shell permeability. The inner shell is formed through the reaction between polypropylene glycols and bifunctional polyisocyanates and the outer through the reaction between bifunctional polyisocyanates and polyamines added in the continuous aqueous phase. The so prepared microencapsulated paraffin compounds emulsion can be used as the medium for temperature management in many fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing submicron sized particles of an organic compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous, the process including the steps of: (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution, (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a pre-suspension; and (iii) adding energy to the pre-suspension to form particles having an average effective particle size of 400 nm to 2 microns.

Abstract: A parenterally administrable, biodegradable microparticle preparation containing a biologically active substance which, during the first 24 hours after injection, exhibits a release of the active substance that is less than 25% of the total release, determined from a concentration-time curve in the form of the ratio between the area under the curve during the said first 24 hours and the total area under the curve in question

Abstract: A microcapsule in which a capsule wall of the microcapsule comprises a first polymer component. A surface of the capsule wall is modified with a second polymer component that is formed from a monomer having an ethylenic unsaturated bond.

Abstract: Liposomes containing lipophilic active ingredient are produced by dehydrating a mixture of liposomes, lipophilic active ingredient and sugar, usually followed by a rehydration step to form dehydration-rehydration vesicles. The lipophilic drug is suitably paclitaxel. The sugar is usually sucrose. The liposome forming compounds preferably include cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine, and optionally an anionic lipid. The ratio of sugar:lipid is preferably at least 5:1 w/w. The ratio of lipid:drug is preferably (up to 10):1 w/w.

Abstract: Microcapsules having a capsule core comprising water-soluble organic substances, and a capsule coating which is a condensate of formaldehyde resins and/or alkyl ethers thereof, a process for their preparation, their use, and compositions comprising the microcapsules.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.

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 method for forming polymer microspheres includes dispensing polymeric material from an orifice of a drop-on-demand ink jet printhead while the orifice is immersed in a solvent extraction media.