Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. More specifically, the present invention includes apparatus and devices for the preparation of pharmaceutical formulations containing large diameter synthetic membrane vesicles, such as multivesicular liposomes, methods for preparing such formulations, and the use of specific formulations for therapeutic treatment of subjects in need thereof. Formation and use of the pharmaceutical formulations containing large diameter synthetic membrane vesicles produced by using the apparatus and devices for therapeutic treatment of subjects in need thereof is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of pharmaceutical sciences. More specifically, the present invention includes apparatus and devices for the preparation of pharmaceutical formulations containing large diameter synthetic membrane vesicles, such as multivesicular liposomes, methods for preparing such formulations, and the use of specific formulations for therapeutic treatment of subjects in need thereof. Formation and use of the pharmaceutical formulations containing large diameter synthetic membrane vesicles produced by using the apparatus and devices for therapeutic treatment of subjects in need thereof is also contemplated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing liposome-containing preparations which contain liposomes exhibiting superior stability in vivo and high enclosure rate of a drug is disclosed, comprising mixing a supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide, one or more liposome membrane constituents including a phospholipid exhibiting a phase transition temperature and a water-soluble chemical.

Abstract: A method of making core-shell capsules containing a water-immiscible liquid, comprising the steps of (a) dispersing into the water-immiscible liquid a crosslinking agent that is inactive under the conditions of the dispersion; (b) emulsifying the resulting dispersion into an aqueous solution of a crosslinkable hydrocolloid; and (c) activating the crosslinking agent to cause the hydrocolloid to crosslink at the dispersion/solution interface. The method is simple and provides capsules that can be cold-loaded. The capsule material may be made of vegetable-derived materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a benefit agent delivery particle having an average diameter of less than 50 micron comprising; at least one shell formed by a step-growth polymerisation reaction, preferably involving an isocyanate monomer, more preferably a urethane and/or a urea, interior said shell, at least one region formed by chain-growth polymerisation reaction (preferably a free-radical polymerisation) which does not involve an isocyanate, c) optionally, a benefit agent interior to said shell, and/or a deposition aid exterior to said shell. The invention further provides a process for the preparation of such particles wherein the shell is formed prior to the chain-growth polymerisation of the at least one region interior of the shell, preferably be forming the shell at a temperature at which the chain-growth reaction is inhibited.

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

Abstract: Water-dispersible core-shell microcapsules that are essentially free of formaldehyde. Also, oligomeric compositions of, and microcapsules obtained from, particular reaction products between a polyamine component and a particular mixture of glyoxal and a C4-62,2-dialkoxy-ethanal. These compositions and microcapsules can be used as part of a perfuming composition or of a perfumed consumer product.

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: Method for the preparation of nano- and mesosized particles consisting of a lipid layer comprising at least one amphiphile and a core of an inorganic compound and/or a metal, comprising: (i) dissolving in a common solvent at least one self-aggregating amphiphile with at least one inorganic, organometallic or metallorganic precursor of said inorganic compound or metal; and (ii) either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution or drying the resulting solution and re-hydrating it, so as to form particles in which the precursor is encapsulated by the amphiphile(s) and is converted therein to said inorganic compound and/or metallic solid form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of copper ions to achieve enhanced retention of a therapeutic agent within a liposome. The invention may be employed to more effectively deliver a liposomally encapsulated therapeutic agent to a target site in vitro and in vivo for anti-cancer or other therapy. The liposome may comprise an interior buffer solution containing the therapeutic agent, the solution having a pH less than 6.5 and most preferably approximating pH 3.5. At least some of the copper ions are retained within the interior solution. In a particular embodiment the therapeutic agent may be a chemotherapeutic drug, such as irinotecan. The invention may also comprise an ionophore to facilitate loading of drug into the liposome. In one particular embodiment the combination of the ionophore A23187 and encapsulated divalent copper (Cu2+) resulted in an irinotecan formulation that exhibited surprisingly improved drug retention attributes.

Abstract: To provide capsular fine particles comprising an olefinic polymer which have a uniform particle size distribution and a uniform particle size, and which are spherical and free from the coagulation between particles. Capsular fine particles comprising the olefinic polymer, of which the ratio (L/M) of the outer diameter (L) to the inner diameter (M) is 1.1 to 6.0, and the average diameter is 0.6 to 40 ?m.

Abstract: The invention provides a microcapsule array comprising a plurality of microcapsules immobilized on a surface, optionally in microwells in said surface. Each of the microcapsules comprises an outer layer or shell defining a microcapsule interior, said outer layer having a permeability towards a nanoscale species which is dependent on an environmental condition to which said array is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and processes for producing liposomes. By providing a buffer solution in a first reservoir, and a lipid solution in a second reservoir, continuously diluting the lipid solution with the buffer solution in a mixing chamber produces a liposome. The lipid solution preferably comprises an organic solvent, such as a lower alkanol.

Abstract: A microencapsulated formulation of pendimethalin comprising an alkali or an alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid. Also described are processes for the preparation of the formulation and a method of controlling weeds at a locating by using the described formulation.

Abstract: A gel manufacturing apparatus adapted to generate gel by making a first solution and a second solution react with each other includes: a flow mechanism adapted to make the second solution flow; an ejection mechanism having a nozzle plate provided with a nozzle adapted to eject the first solution to the second solution made to flow using a droplet ejection method; and a gap plate provided with a through hole communicated with the nozzle, wherein the gap plate is disposed between the flow mechanism and the ejection mechanism.

Abstract: Hydrophobic liquids are microencapsulated by an enteric matrix in an environment substantially free of organic solvents, the process including forming an emulsion of the enteric material and hydrophobic liquid in water, the emulsion titrated with an acid to form a particulate precipitate of the microencapsulated hydrophobic liquid in an enteric matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed are biodegradable microspheres, capable of releasing a glucose-regulating peptide in a controlled manner, comprising a biodegradable polymer carrier with the glucose -regulating peptide encapsulated therein, and methods for the preparation thereof. In addition to ensuring high encapsulation efficiency and high stability of the encapsulated drug, the microspheres shows neither an initial burst effect nor incomplete release and allows the zero -order release of drugs over a prolonged period of time, thus improving the therapeutic effect of the drug.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema, includes injection of a drug-encapsulated within a heat-sensitive carrier, such as a liposome, within a region of tissue to be treated. The heat produced by the energy-emitting source heats a portion of the tissue surrounding the bodily conduit to a temperature of approximately 43° C. for a time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue. In addition, the heat produced by the energy-emitting source activates the heat-sensitive carrier to activate the release of the encapsulated drug and the drug targets the tissue to be heated. The focused energy of the energy-emitting source together with the compression acting on the target area can assist in delivering drugs to the target area so that a natural stent has a long term efficacy.

Abstract: A plasticized polymer of PLGA employing ethanol as the plasticizing agent prepared at a temperature higher than the Tg and lower than the boiling point of ethanol can be used in subcutaneous implants containing active ingredients therein.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and methods for loading both magnetic resonance contrast agents and therapeutic agents into liposomes, such as low temperature sensitive liposomes (LTSLs). In certain embodiments, a passive technique is used to load the liposomes. In other embodiments, an active technique is used to load the liposomes. In further embodiments, a magnetic resonance contrast agent and Doxorubicin are loaded into the liposomes. The liposome compositions have higher contrast-agent loadings and are more stable, than those known in the art.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, a process is provided for the preparation of amorphous particles comprising a homogeneous distribution of one or more dyes encapsulated by an amorphous, siliceous encapsulating agent, the process comprising: (a) providing a precursor of the encapsulating agent in liquid form; (b) providing the one or more dyes in liquid form; (c) mixing the liquid forms; (d) aerosolizing the mixture to form droplets comprising the one or more dyes and encapsulating agent; and (e) heating the droplets to form the particles comprising the one or more dyes encapsulated by the siliceous encapsulating agent; wherein at least one of the liquid forms provided is aqueous and the or each aqueous liquid form is acidic. According to a second aspect of the invention, encapsulated dyes made by the process of the first aspect of the invention are provided.

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 method for providing an encapsulated flavorant or chemesthetic agent in a smoking article includes forming an emulsion including: (i) a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides; and (ii) a hydrophobic additive comprising one or more flavorants or chemesthetic agents. The method also includes extruding the emulsion into a second aqueous solution in the form of an elongated structure, cross-linking at least a portion of the one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides, removing the cross-linked elongated structure from the second aqueous solution, introducing the cross-linked elongated structure into a filter, or into a rod including a smoking composition, or both; and forming the filter or the rod of the smoking composition into a smoking article. The method can include a drying step.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel methods for forming hybrid thin films that contain multi-lamellar assemblies of phospholipid bilayers and can incorporate proteins, polypeptides, biological complexes, transmembrane proteins and other membrane-associated compounds. The present disclosure further provides uses for such bilayer lipid membranes including, biosensing for medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring, chemical and biological warfare agent sequestration, actuator development, and bio-fuel cell development.

Abstract: Examples of compositions of liposomes and methods of making the same containing high concentrations of contrast-enhancing agents for computed tomography are provided. Example compositions of such liposomes, when administered to a subject, provide for increased contrast of extended duration, as measured by computed tomography, in the bloodstream and other tissues of the subject. Also provided are example methods for making the liposomes stable, that is, resistant to leakage of the contrast-enhancing agents, including the extrusion of the liposomes at high pressures and at high flow rates per total pore area of the extrusion filters.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: In a seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus that ejects a droplet from a nozzle into hardening liquid to manufacture a seamless capsule SC, tube passages which are synthetic resin tubes are provided as flexible sections between pumps and the nozzle. The vibration caused by the pumps is absorbed in the flexible sections and thus is not transmitted to the nozzle, whereby eyes or the like of the seamless capsule caused by vibration noises can be suppressed. Instead of a synthetic resin tube, a vibration absorbing block formed of an elastic member may be attached to the tube passages. Alternatively, a vibration absorbing unit, which is provided with a pad formed of an elastic member and for holding the tube passages, may be provided.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating or sorting colloidal objects, comprising the step of flowing said objects in a first flow stream partly or fully surrounded by at least one second flow stream in a channel comprising a narrow strait, wherein along an elongated part of the path of said first flow stream either (a) the bidimensional size of said first flow stream is smaller than the largest bidimensional size of at least some of said objects, either (b) the smallest unidimensional size of said first flow stream is smaller than the largest unidimensional size of at least some of said objects, either (c) said first flow stream is splitting, in the absence of said objects, into droplets with a volume smaller than the volume of at least some of said objects, or (d) said first flow stream would have in the absence of said particles, a shape that cannot entirely encompass some of said objects.

Abstract: A liposome composition having a compound entrapped in a supersaturated solution and method for preparing such a composition are described.

Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant, for example, a breast implant, having a shell filled with a fluid. One or more components of the soft prosthetic implant receive a unique identifier for traceability during the manufacturing process. The unique identifier is placed on one component, such as a patch molded-in-place with a shell to form a soft prosthetic implant. Information about the respective components, as well as process parameters, can be stored on the unique identifier for later reference. The unique identifier may be a two-dimensional printed label or laser-etched characters, or may be a three-dimensional embossed or indented region. The unique identifier may be a separate label attached to the respective component, or may be formed in the component, such as with embossing.

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: 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: 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: Provided is a device for formulating a large quantity of many kinds of liposomes quickly and efficiently using a small amount of organic solvent through computer-based automatic control. To this end, an automatic multifunctional liposome manufacturing device (1) is equipped with a cylindrical reaction vessel (2), an eccentric motor (3), a heater (4), a vacuum pump (10), a syringe pump (SP3) for supplying an organic solvent into a reaction space, a syringe pump (SP4) for supplying an aqueous solution into the reaction space, an ultrasonic processor (6), and a computer (15) for automatic control of the individual mechanisms in accordance with a program.

Abstract: Encapsulates, compositions, packaged products and displays comprising such encapsulates, and processes for making and using such encapsulates, compositions, packaged products and displays. Such compositions have improved deposition and retention properties that may impart improved benefit characteristics to a composition and/or situs.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules made of a core which contains at least one rubber additive and of a shell made of a first polymer. At least one coating made of a second polymer, which differs from the first polymer, and/or of a low molecular inorganic or organic compound, is deposited on the surface of the microcapsules as sliding or wearing layer in order to reduce the static friction.

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: The present invention is directed to a dried seamless capsule comprising an alginate shell membrane encapsulating fill material, wherein: (i) said alginate shell membrane comprises a polyvalent metal ion alginate having: (a) an average M content of from 50%-62% by weight based on the weight of the M and G content, and (b) a viscosity of 35 to 80 cps when measured as a monovalent metal ion alginate in a 3.5% water solution at 20° C. using a Brookfield LV viscometer at 60 rpm and spindle #1; (ii) said alginate shell membrane encapsulates an oil present in an amount of at least 50% by weight of said fill material; (iii) said dried seamless capsule has a disintegration time of less than 12 minutes in an intestinal buffer after pretreatment for 20 minutes in a solution of 0.1 M NaCl and HCl, pH of 3, at 37° C.; and (iv) said dried seamless capsule has a dry break force strength of at least 7 kg. The present invention is also directed to methods of making and using such dried seamless capsules.

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: 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: 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: 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: An improved process for the preparation of microcapsules consisting essentially 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 stabilized emulsion is employed to produce shelf stable, controlled release, discrete, solid particles or pellets which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component, such as a readily oxidizable component, such as omega-3 fatty acids. An oil encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, dissolved and/or dispersed in an oil is admixed with an aqueous component and a film-forming component, such as a protein, to form an emulsion. The emulsion is admixed with a matrix material for obtaining a formable mixture or dough. An acidic antioxidant for prevention of oxidation of the active, sensitive encapsulant, and a plasticizer which solubilizes the acidic antioxidant are included in the matrix material which encapsulates film-coated oil droplets containing the readily oxidizable component. The plasticizer, such as glycerol, provides mobility for the acidic antioxidant within the matrix material of the pellets for reaction with any ambient oxygen and malodorous amines.

Abstract: A stabilized emulsion is mixed with plasticizable matrix material to produce shelf stable, controlled release, discrete, solid particles or pellets which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component, such as a readily oxidizable component, such as omega-3 fatty acids. An oil encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, dissolved and/or dispersed in an oil is admixed with an aqueous component and a film-forming component, such as a protein, to form an emulsion. The emulsion is admixed with a matrix material for obtaining a formable mixture or dough. An acidic antioxidant for prevention of oxidation of the active, sensitive encapsulant, and a plasticizer which solubilizes the acidic antioxidant are included in the matrix material which encapsulates film-coated oil droplets containing the readily oxidizable component.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of intravenous administration of nanoparticulate drug formulations to a mammal to avoid adverse hemodynamic effects: by reducing the rate and concentration of the nanoparticles in the formulations; or by pre-treating the subject with histamine; or by pretreating the subject with a desensitizing amount of the nanoparticulate drug formulations.