Abstract: A skin cosmetic composition comprising: a hydrogel particle comprising a non-crosslinked hydrogel containing an oil component therein dispersed in an aqueous medium; a hydrogel particle comprising a non-crosslinked hydrogel containing an oil component therein; and a process for preparing a hydrogel particle comprising the steps of discharging an oil component-emulsified or dispersed solution prepared by dissolving a non-crosslinked hydrogel in an aqueous solution, with vibration from an orifice to form droplets; and cooling the droplets to solidify.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for making and using a stabilized emulsion. A method of generating a stabilized emulsion is provided. In the method, an aqueous phase may be provided. The aqueous phase may include an effective concentration of one or more skin-forming proteins. An emulsion may be formed. The emulsion may include droplets of a dispersed phase disposed in a continuous phase, with the aqueous phase being the continuous phase or the dispersed phase. The emulsion may be heated to create an interfacial skin between each droplet and the continuous phase, to transform the droplets into capsules.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, compositions, and kits, for assays with an emulsion including capsules. A method of performing an assay is provided. In the method, an aqueous phase may be provided. The aqueous phase may include a sample and an effective concentration of one or more skin-forming proteins. An emulsion may be formed. The emulsion may include droplets of the aqueous phase disposed in a nonaqueous continuous phase. The emulsion may be heated to create an interfacial skin between each droplet and the continuous phase, to transform the droplets into capsules. Assay data related to the sample may be collected from the capsules.

Abstract: A process for preparing a vesicle composition based upon mixing an organopolysiloxane having at least one hydrophilic substituent group, a water miscible solvent, and water is disclosed. The vesicle compositions produced by the method are useful in various personal, household, and health care applications.

Abstract: A method of producing microcapsules of the type having a core and a coating encapsulating the core comprises the steps of providing a core-forming fluid stream and a coating-forming fluid stream, providing a two spray nozzle arrangement having a core nozzle disposed concentrically about a second nozzle, spraying the core-forming fluid stream from the core nozzle and the coat-forming fluid stream from the concentric nozzle to produce microcapsules, and solidifying the microcapsules upon formation in a suitable gas. Spray drying or spray chilling may be employed as the means of solidifying the microcapsules. Microcapsules having a core and a solid coat are also described.

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: 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: Nanocapsule and nanoemulsion particle compositions having improved physical and pharmacological properties are provided. The nanocapsule or nanoemulsion particle composition can comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid oil phase, a surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant. The liquid oil phase can comprise a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, a triglyceride, a propylene glycol ester, or a propylene glycol diester. In certain embodiments, the nanocapsule or nanoemulsion particle composition can be lyophilized and subsequently re-hydrated without increasing the mean particle size and/or adversely affecting the potency or efficacy of a therapeutic agent (e.g., paclitaxel) present in the nanocapsules or nanoemulsion particles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method to produce a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) emulsion, comprising: a. preparing a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion; b. atomizing said w/o emulsion in the presence of a carrier material comprising at least a water soluble matrix material and at least one emulsifier, to form agglomerates; c. dispersing said agglomerates in an aqueous liquid, such as water or an aqueous solution. Also provided is a new instant powder (obtained after step b) that can be used to prepare the w/o/w emulsion. The emulsion of the invention is advantageously suited for the encapsulation of active components.

Abstract: A novel method of forming water in oil microcapsules is disclosed. According to the invention microcapsules are obtained by steps comprising dispersing an oil soluble amine modified polyfunctional polyvinyl monomer and an oil soluble bi- or polyfunctional vinyl monomer along with a thermal or UV free radical initiator (optionally included in one or both of the oil or water phases) and an organic acid into an internal phase oil; heating or UV exposing for a time (and temperature) sufficient to oligomerize the amine modified polyfunctional polyvinyl monomer and oil soluble bi- or polyfunctional vinyl monomer forming a pre-polymer. Thereafter the process involves adding to the oil phase oil a water phase comprising a dispersion in water of an anionic emulsifier (and optionally initiator), and adding an emulsifying agent. Emulsifying the water phase into the oil phase (W/O) is controlled through the quantity of water employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides gas-containing liposomes. In particular, the present invention provide methods of generating gas-containing liposomes where the gas is introduced under pressure, as well as gas-containing liposomes which contain a large volume of gas (e.g., 10 ul of gas per 5 mg of gas-containing liposomes). In certain embodiments, the gas-containing liposomes contain nitric oxide gas. In some embodiments, such nitric oxide containing liposomes are used to treat a medical condition that is treatable by nitric oxide gas (e.g., intimal hyperplasia).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for preparation of liposomes, comprises a reaction tank and an infusion unit. The reaction tank comprises a collector mounted in a predetermined position of the reaction tank; Two inlet ports are included: the first inlet port for infusing an aqueous solution; and the second inlet port for infusing an organic solution. The infusion unit can introduce a bioactive agent containing-aqueous solution into the reaction tank. The infusion unit comprises a filter connected to one end of the infusion unit and being adjacent to the collector.

Abstract: A vesicle is produced by: a step of producing a W/O emulsion from an aqueous solution containing a substance to be entrapped in a vesicle in a dissolved or suspended state and an organic solvent phase containing a lipid having emulsification capacity, which can constitute the vesicle; a step of producing a W/O/W emulsion from the W/O emulsion and an external water phase solution of a water-soluble emulsifier, which does not destroy a vesicle lipid membrane; and a step of removing the organic solvent phase from the W/O/W emulsion, so as to form a vesicle. This method simultaneously achieves a high entrapment yield of an active ingredient and the control of a particle diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-aqueous capsules suitable as display cells for an electrophoretic display and the encapsulation process for their manufacture. The present invention is also directed to an encapsulation process for the preparation of non-aqueous capsules suitable as display cells for an electrophoretic display. The process comprises emulsifying an internal phase comprising pigment particles or pigment-containing microparticles dispersed in a halogenated solvent and a halogenated shell-forming material into an external phase comprising a complementary chain extender or crosslinker in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preparing polymer hydrogel spherical particles on a nanometer scale (nanogels). The method includes encapsulating hydrogel-forming components into liposomes, diluting the large unilamellar liposomes suspension to prevent polymerization outside the liposomes, and polymerizing the encapsulated hydrogel-forming components. The lipid bilayer may be solubilized with detergent. The phospholipid and detergent molecules and their micelles may then be removed by dialysis. The resulting nanogels may then be dried by evaporation in a temperature gradient. Poly(acrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) hydrogel particles with a diameter from 30 to 300 nm were detected and characterized by dynamic light scattering technique. The solvent, temperature, pH, and ionic sensitivities of the nanogels were studied.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a solvent which is able to produce microparticles where content of the drug is still high and no initial burst takes place even when a drug having a low solubility in a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent is used. The present invention provides a process for production by a solvent-evaporation microencapsulation method, of microparticles which are composed of biodegradable polymer and contain a drug having a low solubility in a halogenated hydrocarbon, which is characterized in that the drug and the biodegradable polymer are dissolved in a mixed solvent comprising a first solvent: halogenated hydrocarbon, and a second solvent: a water-immiscible organic solvent in which solubility of the above-mentioned drug is 0.3% (w/v) or more.

Abstract: The methods of the invention employ electrostatic atomization to form a compound droplet of at least two miscible fluids. The compound droplet comprises a core of a first fluid and a layer of a second fluid completely surrounding the core. The first fluid contains the agent to be encapsulated and the second fluid contains an encapsulating agent. The first and second liquids are miscible. The encapsulated droplets can contain a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polynucleotides such as DNA and RNA, proteins, bioactive agents or drugs, food, pesticides, herbicides, fragrances, antifoulants, dyes, oils, inks, cosmetics, catalysts, detergents, curing agents, flavors, fuels, metals, paints, photographic agents, biocides, pigments, plasticizers, propellants and the like and components thereof. The droplets can be encapsulated by a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, lipid bilayers and polymer shells.

Abstract: Described are methods for modifying a substrate by exposing the substrate to a densified fluid. The substrate may be a polymer or a metal alloy, and the densified fluid may be carbon dioxide. Uses of such substrate modification include impregnation of the substrate with one or more drugs, impregnation of microcellular particles, and formation of microcellular compositions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing particles, which particles contain one or more spaces in which a gas phase is present which comprises at least one active ingredient, in particular at least one aroma, flavor or precursor for an aroma or flavor, and which space or spaces are at least substantially surrounded by an enveloping phase which at ambient temperature is at least substantially solid and at least substantially impermeable to the active ingredient, comprising allowing the gaseous active ingredient to migrate from or through the enveloping phase into the space or spaces at a temperature at which the enveloping phase is permeable to the gaseous active ingredient; and then cooling the particles to a temperature at which the enveloping phase of the particles is at least substantially impermeable to the active ingredient in the particles.

Abstract: Anionic non-phospholipids, as well as lipid nanostructures formed therefrom, are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using same.

Abstract: A liposome contains an active agent and has a gel-phase lipid bilayer membrane comprising phospholipid and a surface active agent. The phospholipids are the primary lipid source for the lipid bilayer membrane and the surface active agent is contained in the bilayer membrane in an amount sufficient to increase the percentage of active agent released at the phase transition temperature of the lipid bilayer, compared to that which would occur in the absence of the surface active agent. The surface active agent is present in the lipid bilayer membrane so as to not destabilize the membrane in the gel phase.

Abstract: This invention relates to single solvent polymer extraction methods.

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: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for producing liposomes and a method of producing liposomes by which it is made possible to produce liposomes under sterile conditions during the manufacturing process while monitoring in line the particle diameter of liposomes.

Abstract: A nanodispersion comprises (a) a membrane-forming molecule, (b) a coemulsifier and (c) a lipophilic component, in pharmaceutical end formulations, the nanodispersion being 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 pharmaceutical end formulations, where steps (?) and (?) may be carried out without high energy mixing or homogenization. The nanodispersions prepared according to this invention are suitable as transport vehicles for pharmaceutical active agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method for obtaining a biologically ingestible material having an intended diameter with low energy as compared with conventional methods, the method includes mixing a fluid to be processed in a dispersed phase containing a pharmacologically active substance and a fluid to be processed in a continuous phase including at least a disperse solvent, while each of the fluids are retained in an independent state, in a thin film fluid formed between two processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, through independent pathways corresponding to the respective phases, whereby the components contained in the fluid to be processed in a dispersed phase are formed into microparticles having a desired diameter.

Abstract: Methods of nanoencapsulation are described herein. Embodiments of the method utilize the coacervation of a cationic polyelectrolyte with an anionic polyelectrolyte to form a novel capsular matrix. In particular, the novel methods may be used to encapsulate a suspension of a hydrophobic material such as a carotenoid. The disclosed methods do not require lengthy pH adjustments nor do they require the use of any toxic crosslinking agents. In one embodiment, a method of encapsulation comprises dispersing a hydrophobic compound in an organic solvent to form a solution. The method also comprises admixing an anionic polyelectrolyte and a cationic polyelectrolyte with the suspension to form a mixture. In addition, the method comprises quiescently cooling the mixture so as to cause self-crosslinking of a capsular matrix encapsulating the hydrophobic particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising in an aqueous phase, particles having a diameter in the range of 20 to 500 nm, said particles containing:—an oil phase;—in said oil phase,—an aqueous droplet, or—a nanocapsule (NC) comprising:—an aqueous core, and—a polymeric shell or a shell composed of an amphiphilic substance; and—a surfactant. This composition is particularly useful for encapsulating hydrophilic and/or lipophilic substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for microencapsulation of active ingredients for topical application, whereby double-layer and triple-layer microcapsules are obtained. The microcapsules protect the active ingredients, maintain their original activity throughout processing, formulation and storage, and enable controlled release of the active ingredient only upon application onto the skin.

Abstract: A composition and a method for fabricating microcapsules encapsulating phase-change material by interfacial condensation polymerization are provided. In this composition and method, a surfactant and an organic solvent are not needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing microcapsules. The apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one bead generator, having at least one nozzle passed by a liquid during operation, with a liquid reservoir arranged before the nozzle. The liquid reservoir comprises a membrane in the region of at least one boundary wall for generating a mechanical oscillation in the liquid. The apparatus comprises at least one reaction and transport device passed by a reaction medium, in which the beads generated in the bead generator are received. Microcapsules are formed during a predetermined reaction time period between at least one first polymeric component of the beads and at least one second polymeric component in the reaction medium and are transported along a reaction path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for forming nanoparticles by the micellization of blocky copolymers in either subcritical or supercritical solvents and antisolvents. The nanoparticles are suited for use as delivery vehicles for drugs and genes.

Abstract: An apparatus for a continuous encapsulation process is provided. The apparatus is a vibrating tubing used alone, in series, or in combination with an encapsulation apparatus, which is used alone or in series. The vibrating tubing is a flat coil, a standing spiral, or a flume. The encapsulation apparatus includes a winding having coils disposed in an aqueous gelling solution. The winding is rotatable about its longitudinal center axis. The winding has adjacently spaced coils forming a plurality of chambers. Objects to be encapsulated are added to the apparatus such that when the winding is rotated, the chambers transport a volume of objects through the length winding in the aqueous gelling solution in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A marking paint ball includes a shell made of non-water-soluble polymer material and having a substantially spherical shape. A marking paint composition is contained in the shell. The shell is made of an oxo-biodegradable material. A method for making such a ball is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming monodisperse lipoplex assemblies includes providing a microfluidic device having a main microfluidic channel coupled to first and second reactant inlet channels. The first inlet channel is used to deliver a cationic lipid to the main channel while the second channel is used to deliver a nucleic acid. A droplet generation zone is provided in the main channel at the intersection of first and second carrier channels that contain a hydrophobic fluid. The cationic lipid, nucleic acid, and the hydrophobic fluid are then pumped through the device. In the droplet generation zone, shear force from the hydrophobic fluid pinches off droplets. The cationic lipid and nucleic acid are mixed in the generated droplets as the droplets move within a mixing region. A plurality of splitting channels may be coupled to the outlet of the device to produce smaller, monodisperse droplets having picoliter volumes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silicone-acrylic impact modifier having multi-layer structure and a thermoplastic resin composition containing the same, more precisely a silicone-acrylic impact modifier which is composed of i) silicone rubber seed containing one or more vinyl copolymers; ii) acrylic rubber core covering the seed; and iii) a shell containing one or more vinyl copolymers covering the acrylic rubber core, and a thermoplastic resin composition containing the same. The thermoplastic resin having the silicone-acrylic impact modifier of the present invention has improved impact resistance and colorability.

Abstract: A method for forming a gypsum slurry comprises the steps of combining gypsum and water to form a slurry, combining cellulose ether with at least a second material configured to delay solubilization of the cellulose ether, and adding the combined cellulose ether and at least a second material to the slurry.

Abstract: A method of isolating a PHA, includes combining the PHA, a first solvent and a second solvent to form a combination, the first solvent being capable of forming an azeotrope with the second solvent; and heating the combination to form the azeotrope of the first and second solvents.

Abstract: A barrier coating composition includes a polymer material and a structuring agent dispersed in said polymer material, wherein the structuring agent decreases oxygen or water permeability through the polymer material. The barrier coating composition can be used to coat a core component, which can be oxygen or water sensitive, to form a microencapsulated material. The microencapsulated material can be formed by microencapsulation methods, which include atomization or coacervation methods, including forming an oil emulsion of an oil phase and an aqueous phase, the oil phase including the core component and the aqueous phase including the polymer material, adding the structuring agent to one of the oil phase and the aqueous phase, mixing the oil emulsion to form desired particle sizes of the core component, forming the shell component around the core component to form the microencapsulated material, and extracting the formed microencapsulated material from the oil emulsion.

Abstract: A medical device includes a body, a member in the body, and a contrast agent in the member. The device can be visible by magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enveloping membrane for discharging an enclosed agent in an aqueous medium. The aqueous solution of an oxidizing chlorine-oxygen compound is enclosed is said enveloping membrane which is insoluble in a neutral aqueous medium. In an advantageous embodiment, the enveloping membrane represents a capsule structure, particularly according to the core/shell principle. The core has a spongy, moist structure and contains the aqueous solution of an oxidizing chlorine-oxygen compound while the shell is water-insoluble and is provided with pores to discharge the chlorine-oxygen compound over an extended period of time, particularly in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Methods for making self-assembled, selectively permeable elastic microscopie structures, referred to herein as colloidosomes, that have controlled pore-size, porosity and advantageous mechanical properties are described. In one form of the invention, a method of forming colloidosomes includes providing particles formed from a biocompatible material in a first solvent and forming an emulsion by adding a first fluid to the first solvent wherein the emulsion is defined by droplets of the first fluid surrounded by the first solvent. The method includes coating the surface of droplet with the particles and the stabilizing the particles on the surface of droplet. The colloidosomes produced typically have a yield strength of at least about 20 Pascals. In certain forms of the invention, the particles are spherical and are formed of a biocompatible polymer. Colloidosomes formed according to the methods described herein are also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing an antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted cationic immunoliposome or polymer complex comprises the steps of (a) preparing an antibody or antibody fragment; (b) mixing said antibody or antibody fragment with a cationic liposome to form a cationic immunoliposome or with a cationic polymer to form a polyplex; and (c) mixing said cationic immunoliposome or said polyplex with a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to form said antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted cationic immunoliposome or polymer complex.

Abstract: Injectable hydrogel microspheres are prepared by forming an emulsion where hydrogel precursors are in a disperse aqueous phase and polymerizing the hydrogel precursors. In a preferred case, the hydrogel precursors are poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and N-isopropylacrylamide and the continuous phase of the emulsion is an aqueous solution of dextran and a dextran solubility reducer. The microspheres will load protein, e.g., cytokines, from aqueous solution.

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: Described herein are improved methods for microparticle encapsulation. In one aspect, the disclosed methods comprise a substantially continuous double emulsion process. In a further aspects, microparticles comprising a bioactive agent therein are made by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Sterile compositions for administration as aerosols are described. They contain an active agent which is poorly water-soluble, a non-ionic surfactant acomponent and a phospholipid component. The compositions are suitable for oral or nasal inhalation, but also for topical or oromucosal administration. They are particulary useful for the efficient pulmonary administration of poorly soluble corticosteroids and can be aerosolized with common nebulizers.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel microcapsule formulations of (A) a particulate disperse phase of microcapsules comprising (1) a polyurea and/or polyurethane coating with average layer thicknesses of between 5 and 20 nm, and (2) a capsule filling comprising at least one penetrant and, optionally, additives, and (B) a suspension comprising (1) at least one solid agrochemical active compound, (2) additives, (3) water, and (4) optionally, one or more agrochemical active compounds that are liquid at room temperature. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of these microcapsule formulations and to their use for applying agrochemical active compounds.

Abstract: The instant invention discloses methods of preparing phospholipid delivery systems encapsulating one or more bio-affecting compounds, said methods comprising solubilizing a heterogeneous phospholipid mixture into a suitable organic solvent to form a concentrated formulation of phospholipids, wherein the phospholipids comprise a charged phospholipid species, and mixing the concentrated formulation with an aqueous solution comprising at least one bio-affecting compound. The instant invention also discloses methods of using a phospholipid delivery system encapsulating at least one bio-affecting compound for administration to an individual in need thereof.

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