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: 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: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.

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 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 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 encapsulation material, intended for use in encapsulated electrophoretic displays, comprises the coacervation product of a polyanionic polymer having a vinyl main chain and a plurality of anionic groups bonded to the main chain, with a cationic or zwitterionic water-soluble polymer capable of forming an immiscible second phase on contact with the polyanionic polymer.

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: 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: 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: 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: An improved method for the preparation of a microsphere from an emulsion wherein an organic phase containing an organic solvent having a boiling point lower than that of water and a hardly-water-soluble polymer is emulsified in an aqueous phase by an in-water drying method, which method includes: (1) providing a gas separation membrane; (2) supplying the emulsion to be subjected to in-water drying to one side of the gas separation membrane; and (3) evaporating off the organic solvent contained in the emulsion to the other side of the gas separation membrane, which can remove the organic solvent with high efficiency and can be carried out in a closed system and hence is favorable from an environmental viewpoint.

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: Thermo-expansive microcapsules comprising a shell of a polymer produced by polymerizing a mixture of monomers, which comprises (I) a nitrile monomer, (II) a monomer having an unsaturated double bond and carboxyl groups in a molecule, (III) a monomer having two or more of polymerizable double bonds in a molecule, and optionally, (IV) a monomer different from and copolymerizable with the monomers (I), (II) and (III) and a blowing agent encapsulated in the shell. The volume retention of the expanded microcapsules of the thermo-expansive microcapsules is 50% or more after loaded with 15 MPa.

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: 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: 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 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 microencapsulation of substances is provided. The substance(s) is/are dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent of the kind that is partially miscible in water media. This organic solution is then mixed with an aqueous solution, which is saturated with an organic solvent and an emulsifier to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then poured into water under continuous agitation for the extraction of residual solvent. The formation of the solid capsules takes place during this extraction process. The capsules are undergone to further purification, whereby the microcapsules can be separated from the water and dried. By conditions of incubation of microcapsules in water-containing formulations the wall-softening process takes place. The unique system for controlled releasing the ingredients from microcapsules is based on the above-mentioned process.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 is directed to a method for producing macrocapsules containing therein a plurality of microcapsules. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the microcapsules contain a phase change material.

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: An improved process for the preparation of microcapsules consist sentially of a wall material and a core material in condensing a melamine-formaldehyde precondensate and/or methyl ethers thereof in an aqueous dispersion of a water-insoluble core material and in the presence of an acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer at acidic pH and at a temperature in the range of from 20° to 100° C., and hardening thereafter the melamine-formaldehyde precondensate to form the walls of the microcapsules at an elevated temperature, wherein the core material is dispersed in the precondensate/copolymer solution without initial partial condensation of the precondensate and copolymer and wherein the hydrophobe point of the precondensate and/or its methyl esters is less than 90° C., as well as microcapsules, paper and pressure-sensitive recording material comprising such microcapsules.

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 invention involves methods and products related to the micronization of hydrophobic drugs. A method of micronizing hydrophobic drugs using a set of solutions including an aqueous solution is provided. The invention also relates to products of micronized hydrophobic drugs and related methods of use.

Abstract: Methods for preparing microparticles having reduced residual solvent levels. Microparticles are contacted with a non-aqueous washing system to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles. Preferred non-aqueous washing systems include 100% ethanol and a blend of ethanol and heptane. A solvent blend of a hardening solvent and a washing solvent can be used to harden and wash microparticles in a single step, thereby eliminating the need for a post-hardening wash step.

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 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: The present invention is directed to a method for producing macrocapsules containing therein a plurality of microcapsules. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the microcapsules contain a phase change material.

Abstract: A method is described for the formation of microcapsules which contain a liquid composition in the core, which is surrounded by a polymeric shell, membrane, or coating. The microcapsules are produced by simultaneously extruding the liquid core material along with a polymerizable liquid through concentrically-aligned nozzles to form spherically-layered biliquid droplets, followed by energy input in the form of heat or light which causes polymerization of the outer layer. The capsules formed by this method are capable of containing a variety of liquid materials having a composition ranging from completely aqueous to completely non-aqueous.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of drug-containing microcapsules employs one or more atomizers to form the microcapsules by the phenomenon of solvent exchange. A plurality of microdroplets of an aqueous solution is contacted with a plurality of microdroplets containing a polymer dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent under conditions whereby the polymer solution envelops the aqueous microdroplet. Exchange of solvent molecules between the aqueous core and its polymer-containing shell deposits the polymer as a membrane around the aqueous core. A preferred atomizer is a coaxial ultrasonic atomizer. Microcapsules can be generated in air as well as when submersed in a collection bath. Desired properties of the microcapsules, e.g., controlled release, can be achieved by providing protective excipients within the aqueous core, providing a hydrophilic polymer capable of undergoing a sol-to-gel transition within the aqueous core, optimizing selection of the polymer solvent, adjusting relative flow rates, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing enzyme and water- and oil-soluble active components using polyol/polymer microcapsules, and to a cosmetic composition containing the enzyme and the microcapsules. More particularly, the present invention relates to polyol/polymer microcapsules which effectively stabilize the enzyme and active components, which are unstable in the formulations, through increasing the solubility thereof in hydrophobic polymer by using polyol, and to a method for preparing the polyol/polymer microcapsules.

Abstract: Optical lenses and methods of preparing the same, in which an active material encapsulated in resin capsules is impregnated in said lens, adjacent an optical surface thereof. The active material may be a coloring material for producing a printed color pattern in the iris or other areas of the lens, or it may be a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polyurethane capsules for molded product of polyurethane foam and to methods for manufacturing the same, the inventive biodegradable polyurethane capsule comprises a powder made from a biodegradable material, first coating layer of calcium alginate gel formed on the surface of said power and second coating layer of foamable polyurethane resin formed on the surface of said first coating layer. Products manufactured from the biodegradable polyurethane capsule according to the present invention can be widely used as heat isolating materials and heat isolating structural materials because the basic physical properties such as heat insulation are good.

Abstract: A method and composition for the encapsulation of hydrophilic molecules in submicron particles is disclosed. The particles are composed of a water-in-oil microemulsion surrounded by one or more biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a plurality of particles having a narrow particle size distribution, a processes for forming the same, and films containing the same. The plurality of particles, includes one or more discrete polymer shells, wherein at least one of the polymer shells is crosslinked with at least one monomer containing two or more double bonds polymerizable by free radical means; and a core material encased in the polymer shells, wherein the plurality of particles have a polydispersity of from 1.3 to 1.0.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing a dispersion of microcapsules by condensing a partially methylated melamine-formaldehyde resin having a molar ratio of melamine:formaldehyde:methanol of from 1:3.0:2.0 to 1:6.0:4.0 in water in which the essentially water-insoluble material forming the capsule core is present in dispersion in the presence of an alkali metal salt of a homopolymer or copolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid as protective colloid at a pH of from 3 to 6.5 by preforming the microcapsules at a temperature of from 20 to 50° C. and then curing the capsule wall of the preformed microcapsules at >50 to 100° C., which comprises adding from 5 to 100% by weight of melamine, based on the melamine-formaldehyde resin, in the course of curing. The microcapsule dispersions are formaldehyde-reduced and of low viscosity.

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.