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.

Abstract: The invention relates to pellets and a production process therefor. Pellets comprise at least one oily component, which is either an active component alone or comprises such an active component. The aim of the invention is to ensure that such active components can be provided at elevated concentration in a long-term stable form for subsequent administration or further processing using such inventive pellets. The at least one oily oxidation-sensitive or else readily volatile active component is distributed homogeneously and discretely in a matrix and encapsulated without a core with at least one water-soluble polysaccharide as filmforming agent. The individual pellets have a respective particle size of at least 100 ?m, preferably of at least 300 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipecolic acid derivative-containing liposome preparation having has an excellent rapid action capable of coping with an emergent situation such as cerebral infarction. A liposome preparation characterized by comprising, as an active ingredient, a pipecolic acid derivative of the ingredient described in the present specification or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof entrapped into liposomes, wherein lecithin is mainly used as the liposome-forming lipid, said liposome preparation containing no cholesterol as a stabilizer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a liposome preparation having excellent rapid action and excellent redispersion into aqueous medium. The present invention provides a method for producing a liposome preparation by vacuum drying wherein liposome condensed solution, which is obtained by removing solvent from liposome solution, is subjected to vacuum drying without freezing while bubbling the condensed solution or after the condensed solution is bubbled.

Abstract: A microcapsule having a mean diameter of from about 0.1 to about 5 mm, a membrane and a matrix containing at least one active principle wherein the microcapsule is the product of the process comprising the steps of (a) forming an aqueous matrix by heating an aqueous solution comprised of a gel former, an anionic polymer selected from the group consisting of a salt of alginic acid and an anionic chitosan derivative and active principle; (b) forming a dispersed matrix by adding the aqueous matrix in an oil phase; (c) contacting the dispersed matrix with an aqueous solution of chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a suspension of a pharmaceutically-active compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first organic solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving a first quantity of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the water-miscible first organic solvent to form a first solution; (ii) mixing the first solution with the second solvent to precipitate the pharmaceutically-active compound; and (iii) seeding the first solution or the second solvent or the pre-suspension.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising an agglomeration of primary microcapsules, each individual primary microcapsule having a primary shell and the agglomeration being encapsulated by an outer shell, may be prepared by providing an aqueous mixture of a loading substance and a shell material, adjusting pH, temperature, concentration and/or mixing speed to form primary shells of shell material around the loading substance and cooling the aqueous mixture until the primary shells agglomerate and an outer shell of shell material forms around the agglomeration. Such microcapsules are useful for storing a substance and for delivering the substance to a desired environment.

Abstract: Described herein are microcapsules and emulsions prepared from low Bloom gelatin and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: A dye, such as a fluorescent dye, is incorporated into polymer microparticles using a solvent system composed of a first solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are soluble, a second solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble, and a third solvent in which the dye and the microparticle polymer are not or only weakly soluble. The first and second solvents are immiscible with each other, or at most partially miscible. The third solvent is miscible with the first and second solvents. The formulation provides substantially complete partitioning of the dye to the microparticles. The method may be used to obtain dyed polymer microparticle formed of cross-linked or non-cross-linked polymers. Libraries are provided comprising two or more sets of microparticles of different dye loadings.

Abstract: A liposome suspension forms spontaneously upon adding a lipid composition to an aqueous solution. The liposomes include diacylglycerol-PEG compounds. The melting point of the diacylglycerol-PEG is below about 40 degrees C., and the acyl chains of the diacylglycerol-PEG are greater than or equal to 14 carbons in length. Such liposome suspensions are useful for a variety of purposes, including the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A process for making microcapsules of an oil which are in dispersion in water comprises the steps of; (i) forming an initial dispersion of the oil in water in the presence of a surfactant, (ii) heating the initial dispersion above its phase inversion temperature, to form a bicontinuous phase composition, (iii) allowing or causing the composition to cool to below the phase inversion temperature so as to form an emulsion of oil droplets in the water, and (iv) encapsulating the oil droplets. The oil preferably has dissolved in it an oil-soluble or oil-dispersible active ingredient selected from agrochemicals, cosmetics, fragrances, sun-screens, ink-jet dyes, pigments, toners, biocides and pharmaceutical and veterinary products including drug delivery systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method to prepare encapsulated cyclopropenes, a method to purify cyclopropene gas, and a method to prepare an ?-cyclodextrin/cyclopropene complex.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing polyhydroxyalkanoate-containing structure, at least a part of a base material surface of the structure being coated with polyhydroxyalkanoate, the method comprises the steps of immobilizing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase on the base material surface, synthesizing, on the base material surface, polyhydroxyalkanoate using a 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A to become the substrate of the synthase and the synthase and coating at least a part of the base material surface with the synthesized polyhydroxyalkanoate, wherein the synthase contains an amino acid sequence capable of binding to the base material.

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 less than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: Long-term local anesthesia is provided by administering to a subject in need thereof a liposomal anesthetic formulation prepared by the dehydration-rehydration method. In this method, lyophilized liposomes encapsulating the local anesthetic are rehydrated by agitating them in an aqueous medium. Preferably this method includes the further step of washing the rehydrated liposomes in hyperosmotic saline solution.

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: The present invention provides novel encapsulation compositions and methods. In particular, the invention relates to fluorescent capsule compositions, which consists of a layer of a polymer shell enclosing one or more fluorescent materials such as fluorescent microspheres and which are capable of emitting at least two distinct fluorescent signals. Also provided are methods for their preparation. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful in a variety of applications, including preparation of multiplexed arrays for industrial, chemical, immunological, and genetic manipulation and analysis especially as related but not limited to flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microcapsule dispersions comprising microcapsules having a capsule core comprising water-soluble organic substances, and a capsule coating which essentially consists of polyurethane and/or polyurea, in a hydrophobic solvent which consists of 50 to 100% by weight of glycerol ester oils and 0 to 50% by weight of solvents miscible with glycerol ester oils, and to a process for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a suspension of a pharmaceutically-active compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first organic solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving a first quantity of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the water-miscible first organic solvent to form a first solution; (ii) mixing the first solution with the second solvent to precipitate the pharmaceutically-active compound; and (iii) seeding the first solution or the second solvent or the pre-suspension.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nanoparticles for the encapsulation of active constituents, the nanocapsules prepared being dispersible in aqueous phase in colloidal form, non-toxic, biocompatible, stable in colloidal suspension and economical. In the process, two non-oily solvents as used, together with a third, oily solvent.

Abstract: Methods of making microcapsules and microcapsules comprising a core material and a shell material with substantially different dielectric constants and dissipation factors. Exposure to appropriate electromagnetic energy selectively (a) heats the core material with the higher dielectric constant and dissipation factor, directly or indirectly fusing the shell material and forming microcapsules, or (b) hardens polymerized shell material, which has a high dielectric constant and dissipation factor.

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: The invention concerns composite nanospheres having a diameter ranging between about 50 and 1000 nm plus or minus 5%, preferably between about 100 and 500 nm plus or minus 5% and advantageously between 100 and 200 nm plus or minus 5%, and comprising an essentially liquid core consisting of an organic phase and inorganic nanoparticles, distributed inside the organic phase, and a skin consisting of at least a hydrophilic polymer derived from the polymerisation of at least one water soluble monomer, in particular N-alkylacrylamide or a N—N-dialkylacrylamide; conjugates derived from said nanospheres; their preparation methods and their uses.

Abstract: This invention relates to micro-encapsulated particles of solid matter and a quasi-continuous method for producing the same, especially those having water-insoluble characteristics or a hydrophobic form, taking into careful consideration ecologically and economically favorable ways of recycling the media used, and the resulting smallest possible amount of waste products such as waste water and polymer residues, while simultaneously ensuring that even exposed parts of the solid bodies are coated, such as crystal tips and grooves, which are insufficiently coated using standard methods due to the hydrodynamic conditions on these areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing silica microcapsules and more particularly, to a process for preparing silica microcapsules comprising the steps of dissolving tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) into an aqueous solution containing a hydrolysis catalyst to control a degree of hydrolysis and contribute hydrophilicity or lipophilicity, adding a core material and an appropriate amount of aminopropyltrialkoxysilane(APS) as a gelling agent into the solution, and emulsifying and dispersing the resulting solution to a solution having a polarity opposite to that of the core material to microcapsulate by coating the core material with silica shell via a sol-gel reaction. The process for preparing microcapsules of the present invention reduces environmental pollution compared to conventional processes using an alkali gelling agent such as an ammonia solution, and are suitable for both organic or inorganic core materials having hydrophilic or lipophilic property.

Abstract: This invention relates to proliposomal drug-delivery systems for medicaments. In particular, it relates to enteric-coated proliposomal formulations for poorly water soluble drugs and methods for making the same. The drug delivery system comprises a pharmaceutical agent, a phospholipid and a coating material. The present invention provides enhanced stability and bioavailability for pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing lipid vesicles, which is equipped with a line (1) for transporting a polar liquid phase, with a line (2) for transporting an organic liquid phase containing lipids, with a collecting receptacle (7) for accommodating produced lipid vesicles, and with means for conveying the liquid phases through lines (1) and (2). At at least one location, the outer side of line (1) forms a common contact surface with line (2) inside of which a common opening (3) is provided that permits the flow of liquid and joins the inside of line (2) to the inside of line (1). Lines (1) and (2) do not contain agitating or dispersing aids in the area of the opening (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery system comprising a water-insoluble drug, a water-miscible organic solvent for the water-insoluble drug, a surfactant, and water, as well as a process for preparing the same. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and such a drug delivery system. In addition, the present invention provides a method of delivering a drug to a host by administering to the host the drug delivery system of the present invention.

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: Methods for producing surfactant-stabilized and polymer-based microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for producing polymer-based microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided. Methods for enhancing delivery of nanocapsules via ultrasound are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing silica microcapsules and more particularly, to a process for preparing silica microcapsules comprising the steps of dissolving tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) into an aqueous solution containing a hydrolysis catalyst to control a degree of hydrolysis and contribute hydrophilicity or lipophilicity, adding a core material and an appropriate amount of aminopropyltrialkoxysilane(APS) as a gelling agent into the solution, and emulsifying and dispersing the resulting solution to a solution having a polarity opposite to that of the core material to microcapsulate by coating the core material with silica shell via a sol-gel reaction. The process for preparing microcapsules of the present invention reduces environmental pollution compared to conventional processes using an alkali gelling agent such as an ammonia solution, and are suitable for both organic or inorganic core materials having hydrophilic or lipophilic property.

Abstract: Microencapslated 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: Disclosed is a method of preparing a silver nanoparticle-containing functional microcapsule harboring the intrinsic antimicrobial and therapeutic functions of silver, as well as characteristic functions supplied by a functional substance contained in its inner core, which comprises mixing a functional substance such as a perfume with a surfactant in water, and emulsifying the mixture; adding an outer shell-forming substance such as a melanin precondensate to the resulting emulsion to form a microcapsule containing the functional substance in a spherical inner core and having an outer shell; and treating the microcapsule before hardening of the outer shell with silver nanoparticles dispersed in a water-soluble styrene maleic anhydride polymer solution to adhere the silver nanoparticles to the outer shell of the microcapsule.

Abstract: A gel capsule charged with an active substance or component in the form of a matrix or storage system containing the active substance or component, the capsule having at least one oil phase containing the active substance or component in a gel matrix based on at least one block copolymer, the active substance or component itself being the oil phase or being dissolved in a carrier oil. Also, a process for making the gel capsules.

Abstract: A process for encapsulation of polar organic solvents with amphiphilic copolymer shell using controlled/living polymerization is provided for the first time. To encapsulate polar core-oils an amphiphilic polymer is required that has low interfacial tensions with both the oil phase and the water phase. For example, Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (PMMA-co-PegMA) was prepared in suspension polymerization conditions using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ATRP ensures that the water soluble comonomer, PegMA, is incorporated into every polymer chain throughout the polymerization reaction so that all chains possess the desired amphiphilic character. Crosslinking of PMMA-co-PegMA with diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DegDMA) yielded hollow capsular particles at 31 mol % PegMA in the terpolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microcapsule dispersions comprising microcapsules having a capsule core comprising water-soluble organic substances, and a capsule coating which essentially consists of polyurethane and/or polyurea, in a hydrophobic solvent which consists of 50 to 100% by weight of glycerol ester oils and 0 to 50% by weight of solvents miscible with glycerol ester oils, and to a process for their preparation.

Abstract: A method for administering a radiosensitizer to a tumor site in a subject is described. The method includes preparing liposomes composed of a vesicle-forming lipid and a lipid-derivatized radiosensitizer. In one embodiment, the radiosensitizer is dipalmitoyl-5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine. A method for preparing the liposome composition including the lipid-derivatized radiosensitizer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microcapsule having a mean diameter of from about 0.1 to about 5 mm, a membrane and a matrix containing at least one active principle wherein the microcapsule is the product of the process comprising the steps of (a) forming an aqueous matrix by heating an aqueous solution comprised of a gel former, a chitosan and active principle; (b) forming a dispersed matrix by adding the aqueous matrix in an oil phase; (c) contacting the dispersed matrix with an aqueous solution of an anionic polymer selected from the group consisting of a salt of alginic acid and an anionic chitosan derivative.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a product to make capsules is disclosed; each capsule (12) is comprised of a shell (10) which holds the product and is formed of polymeric material which consists substantially totally of a single polymer. A method of encapsulating comprises forming droplets (4) of a liquid mixture of the product and a single suitable prepolymer and then exposing the droplets to a polymerising medium (8) for the prepolymer so as to polymerise the outer surfaces of the droplets, thereby forming the shells and thus the desired capsules (12). An alternative method is disclosed in which the method of encapsulating comprises forming shells containing no product by exposing droplets of a prepolymer to a polymerising medium for the prepolymer, so as to polymerise the outer surfaces of the droplets and thus form the shells and exposing these shells to an environment containing the product, and causing or allowing the product to diffuse through and into the shells, thus forming the desired capsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to pellets and a production process therefor. Pellets comprise at least one oily component, which is either an active component alone or comprises such an active component. The aim of the invention is to ensure that such active components can be provided at elevated concentration in a long-term stable form for subsequent administration or further processing using such inventive pellets. The at least one oily oxidation-sensitive or else readily volatile active component is distributed homogeneously and discretely in a matrix and encapsulated without a core with at least one water-soluble polysaccharide as filmforming agent. The individual pellets have a respective particle size of at least 100 &mgr;m, preferably of at least 300 &mgr;m.

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: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is_ prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.

Abstract: Reactive polymeric surfactants are disclosed, and their use in processes for preparation of microcapsules, and in stabilising emulsions. The surfactants are random graft polymers or block copolymers which contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic units and in which the hydrophobic unit includes a hydrophilic cross-linking unit which reacts with (a) a wall forming ingredient in a microencapsulation process, or (b) an ingredient in the disperse phase of an emulsion.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: A method for preparation of inorganic fine particle-organic crystal hybrid fine particle comprising; pouring an organic material having &pgr;-conjugated bond as a water soluble solution into aqueous dispersion in which inorganic fine particles of 50 nm or less selected from the compound group consisting of metal fine particles, semi-conductor fine particles, fine particles of inorganic fluorescent material and fine particle of inorganic luminescent material, are dispersed, co-precipitating said inorganic fine particle which forms a core into said organic material which forms a shell in said dispersion and forming shell of fine crystal of said organic material on the surface of the core of said inorganic fine particles of 50 nm or less by controlling the size of said inorganic fine particle and by controlling the adding amount of said organic material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.

Abstract: This invention provides a stable aqueous/aqueous emulsion system which is prepared with a hydrophilic polymer. This invention also provides the method of preparing a stable aqueous/aqueous emulsion. Finally, this invention provides an encapsulation comprising the emulsion system which is prepared with a hydrophilic polymer.