Abstract: A multivesicular liposome composition containing at least one acid other than a hydrohalic acid and at least one biologically active substance, the vesicles having defined size distribution, adjustable average size, internal chamber size and number, provides a controlled release rate of the biologically active substance from the composition. A process for making the composition features addition of a non-hydrohalic acid effective to sustain and control the rate of release of an encapsulated biologically active substance from the vesicles at therapeutic levels in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates to small sized particles.These particles comprise at least on the surface thereof a wall composed of a mixture of at least one protein and at least one polysaccharide which are cross-linked, preferably by interfacial cross-linking with a polyfunctional acylating agent which forms at least amide and ester bonds, and optionally anhydride bonds with amine, hydroxyl or carboxyl functions of the protein and of the polysaccharide, and which comprise hydroxamic groups on the surface thereof for chelating metal ions.These particles can be used in cosmetics or in pharmacy notably for the chelation or release of metal ions.

Abstract: High concentration drag reducing agents may be prepared by microencapsulating polymer drag reducing agent. The microencapsulation may be performed prior to, during, or after the polymerization of monomer into effective drag reducing polymer. If encapsulation is done before or during polymerization, a catalyst may be present, but little or no solvent is required. The result is very small scale bulk polymerization within the microcapsule. The inert capsule or shell may be removed before, during or after introduction of the microencapsulated drag reducer into a flowing liquid. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing slurry into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic otherwise) of the polymer necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent.

Abstract: A method of making a ceramic casting mould contains forming a contact layer on a disposable wax-type pattern of the article to be cast, placing the pattern in a preparation mould for defining the outer shape of the casting mould and filling the cavity formed between the pattern and the preparation mould with a ceramic slip which expands to form a coherent cellular foam adhering to the surface of the pattern, removing the pattern and adhered foam from the preparation mould after from 5 to 30 minutes, eliminating the pattern to leave a casting mould formed by the contact layer and the adhered foam, and then firing the casting mould to strengthen said mould. Ceramic slip compositions are also described.

Abstract: A liposome composition containing encapsulated compound in stable precipitated form, and a method for producing the composition, are disclosed. The concentration of precipitated compound within the liposomes is severalfold higher than that in the bulk medium, and the concentration of compound within the liposomes is not reduced in the presence of a proton or alkali metal-ion ionophore added to the suspension.

Abstract: Gas-containing microcapsules useful as imaging agents, e.g. as ultrasound contrast agents, may be prepared by forming a dispersion of gas microbubbles in an aqueous medium comprising a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material and subsequently inducing direct microencapsulation of these microbubbles by the wall-forming material.

Abstract: Provided are microcapsules enclosing therein a magnetic fluid, which are useful for imparting sound-absorbing and insulating ability to building materials, etc. by incorporation thereinto or adhesion thereto by means of an adhesive, and processes for producing the microcapsules. The heat-expandable microcapsule of the present invention comprises (i) a shell composed of a thermoplastic resin and (ii) a magnetic fluid which is a dispersion of magnetic substance fine particles having an average particle diameter of 5-200 nm in a hydrophobic organic solvent and a hydrophobic liquid foaming agent, both enclosed in the shell. The hollow microcapsule of the present invention comprises (i) a shell composed of a thermoplastic resin, and (ii) a magnetic fluid which is a dispersion of magnetic substance fine particles having an average particle diameter of 5-200 nm in a hydrophobic organic solvent and a vacant cell both included in the shell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making liposomes, for example multivesicular liposomes (MVLs), containing one or more biologically active agents, wherein the loading of the active agents into the liposomes is modulated by adjusting the osmolarity of the aqueous component into which the agents are dissolved prior to encapsulation. To increase the loading of the active agent, the osmolarity of the aqueous component is reduced, and to decrease the loading of the active agent, the osmolarity of the aqueous component is increased. In the making of MVLs, the process involves dissolving the active agent and an optional osmotic excipient in a first aqueous component encapsulated within the liposomes. For any given concentration of drug, the osmolarity of the first aqueous component can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the concentration or molecular weight of the osmotic excipients used therein.

Abstract: A method and a device for gentle continuous mixing of a droplet dispersion with a liquid are described, wherein the liquid is injected into the droplet dispersion in the form of a plurality of fine liquid jets, such that the kinetic energy of the liquid jets is dissipated at a short distance from the injection point and further mixing is effected by circulating flow generated in the vessel and exhibiting shear rates of less than 20/s.

Abstract: Multilamellar lipid vesicles are prepared by a two-step method. In the first step, a sterol is completely dissolved in a mixture comprising an aqueous solvent and a surfactant. In the second step, a lipid surfactant is added to a solution resulting from the first step, to prepare a homogeneous lamellar liquid crystal phase or a liquid crystal phase suspension in water. The liquid crystal phase or liquid crystal phase suspension can then be converted into multilamellar lipid vesicles.

Abstract: Disclosed are microcapsules comprising a polymer shell enclosing two or more immiscible liquid phases in which a drug, or a prodrug and a drug activator are partitioned into separate phases, or prevented from diffusing out of the microcapsule by a liquid phase in which the drug is poorly soluble. Also disclosed are methods of using the microcapsules for in situ activation of drugs, where upon exposure to an appropriate energy source the internal phases mix and the drug is activated in situ.

Abstract: Methods for preparing soft gelatin capsules containing fragrances are disclosed. The desired fragrance is dissolved in a solvent system comprising a volatile solvent, a non-volatile cosolvent, or a combination of a volatile solvent and a non-volatile cosolvent or cosolvents. The resulting mixture is then encapsulated between gelatin ribbions prepared with an odor-free gelatin plasticized with a partially dehydrated, hydrogenated glucose syrup.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition containing a sized liposome comprising a lipid and an inducer; the sized liposome has a diameter of at most about 1 micron and the inducer is present in an amount effective to induce interdigitation-fusion of the sized liposome. Also provided herein are interdigitation-fusion liposomes and gels, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A method for encapsulation of antineoplastic agents in liposomes is provided, having preferably a high drug:lipid ratio. Liposomes may be made by a process that loads the drug by an active mechanism using a transmembrane ion gradient, preferably a transmembrane pH gradient. Using this technique, trapping efficiencies approach 100%, and liposomes may be loaded with drug immediately prior to use, eliminating stability problems related to drug retention in the liposomes. Drug:lipid ratios employed are about 3-80 fold higher than for traditional liposome preparations, and the release rate of the drug from the liposomes is reduced. An assay method to determine free antineoplastic agents in a liposome preparation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for drying microspheres in a fluidized bed is provided, along with a composition comprising microspheres dried by that method.

Abstract: A pollutant-reducing catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine. The catalytic converter is of ceramic and operates at higher temperatures for increased efficiency. A ceramic foam is used as the substrate for the catalyst. The foam is an open-celled foam and the substrate is deposited on the walls of the cells. Thus, there is a maximum area of catalyst with a minimum amount of catalyst required. The catalytic converter can be placed in the engine compartment adjacent the engine for maximum efficiency without causing temperature problems within the engine compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for liposomes formed with alkylammonium fatty acid salts, and methods for manufacturing same. The liposomes of the invention may deliver entrapped load material or materials at the occurrence of a preset triggering condition. Preferred liposomes of the invention are cationic liposomes. The preferred liposomes of the invention are formed with alkylammonium fatty acid salts, e.g., trialkylammonium fatty acid salts of long chain amides. The liposomes of the invention are used to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic load materials. The liposomes formed accordingly are capable of delivering their loads upon the occurrence of a trigger or control condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are multivesicular liposomes containing biologically active substances, and having defined size distribution, adjustable average size, adjustable internal chamber size and number, and a modulated release of the biologically active substance. The liposomes are made by a process comprising dissolving a lipid component in volatile organic solvents, adding an immiscible aqueous component containing at least one biologically active substance to be encapsulated, and adding to either or both the organic solvents and the lipid component, a hydrochloride effective to control the release rate of the biologically active substance from the multivesicular liposome. A water-in-oil emulsion is made from the two components, the emulsion is immersed into a second aqueous component, and then divided into small solvent spherules which contain even smaller aqueous chambers. The solvents arc finally removed to give an aqueous suspension of multivesicular liposomes encapsulating biologically active substances.

Abstract: A liposomal aqueous dispersion and method of making the liposomal aqueous dispersion is useful for encapsulation of drugs. The liposomal aqueous dispersion comprises: an aqueous suspension medium; multilamellar liposomes comprising an anionic phospholipid and cholesterol as essential components; neutral phospholipid in a mole ratio of 0 to 40% based on the total amount of said multilamellar liposomes; and a cation moiety-containing water-soluble drug, wherein the electrolyte concentration of said aqueous suspension medium is not more than 40 mM.

Abstract: A method for loading a therapeutic compound having a cis diol moiety into pre-formed liposomes is described. The method includes adding to a suspension of liposomes (i) the compound to be loaded into the liposomes and (ii) a boronic acid compound, thereby achieving accumulation of the compound within the liposomes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilization of vesicles formed from a lipid-phase membrane containing at least one ionic and/or nonionic amphiphilic lipid encapsulating an aqueous phase, in the form of a dispersion in an aqueous phase, by addition of at least one stabilizing agent to the aqueous dispersion phase, in which the stabilizing agent (s) is/are chosen from the group composed of glycerol alginates, propylene glycol alginates, gellan gum and wellan gum. The invention also relates to a composition for topical application containing vesicles stabilized by the said process.

Abstract: A method for preparing encapsulated lipid-bilayer materials in a silica matrix comprising preparing a silica sol, mixing a lipid-bilayer material in the silica sol and allowing the mixture to gel to form the encapsulated lipid-bilayer material. The mild processing conditions allow quantitative entrapment of pre-formed lipid-bilayer materials without modification to the material's spectral characteristics. The method allows for the immobilization of lipid membranes to surfaces. The encapsulated lipid-bilayer materials perform as sensitive optical sensors for the detection of analytes such as heavy metal ions and can be used as drug delivery systems and as separation devices.

Abstract: A controlled release delivery system includes a functional gene vector in a biodegradable polymeric microsphere encapsulating the vector. The present invention further provides a method of making a controlled release delivery system by encapsulating the functional gene vector in a biologically degradable polymeric microsphere.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining local anesthetics encapsulated in liposomes, such as multivesicular liposomes, with high encapsulation efficiency and slow release in vivo. When the encapsulated anesthetic is administered as a single intracutaneous dose, the duration of anesthesia and half-life of the drug at the local injection site is increased as compared to injection of unencapsulated anesthetic. The maximum tolerated dose of the encapsulated anesthetic is also markedly increased in the liposomal formulation over injection of unencapsulated anesthetic. These results show that the liposomal formulation of local anesthetic is usefuil for sustained local infiltration and nerve block anesthesia.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an amphiphilic flavor or fragrance compound into a microcapsule having a hydrogel shell and an oil core. The flavor or fragrance compound is transported into and solubilized in the core by partition coefficient equilibrium using water in the capsule wall to transport the compound into the core. Microcapsules made by the method of the invention may have a wall thickness and contain a high concentration of the flavor or fragrance compound that has not previously been feasible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating various kinds of drain water and waste liquid which treatment now becomes a problem, for example, drain water and waste liquid containing hardly removable phosphorus and nitrogen, waste liquid containing organochlorine compounds such as tetrachloroethylene, etc., excretive drain water from a piggery containing organonitrogen compounds at a high level, waste liquid containing heavy metals such as lead, hexavalent chromium, cadmium and the like, drain water from dairy product plants, fishery processing plates, slaughterhouses, etc. which contains water soluble protein at a high level, drain water from pulp plants, photo developing waste liquid, car wash drain water containing a mixture of car polishing wax and detergent and the like by the use of porous ceramics provided with amorphous pore surfaces.

Abstract: Enzymatic cross-linking of protein-encapsulated oil particles by complex coacervation. A complex coacervate of oil particles, each encapsulated in a protein shell, is stabilized by gelling the protein shell and is subsequently enzymatically cross-linked to form thermostable capsules of about 100-300 microns. The preferred enzyme is transglutaminase, and the reaction is performed at pH 7 to achieve the optimal cross-linking rate. The transglutaminase-catalyzed cross-linking reaction takes place with the complex coacervate maintained at a temperature in the range of about 5.degree. C.-10.degree. C. to maintain the structural stability of the complex coacervate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method of producing noggregating, filterable dispersion of liposome encapsulated agent or therapeutic of interest, specifically hemoglobin. A key step in the method of the present invention is the addition of a passivating protein prior to hydration of the liposomes with the agent of interest. The resulting dispersion is composed of unilamellar vesicles having a diameter of less than or equal to 0.2 microns.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by a process comprising the steps of (i) spray-drying a solution or dispersion of a wall-forming material in order to obtain intermediate microcapsules and (ii) reducing the water-solubility of at least the outside of the intermediate microcapsules.Suitable wall-forming materials include proteins such as albumin and gelatin.The microcapsules have walls of 40-500 nm thick and are useful in ultrasonic imaging. The control of median size, size distribution and degree of insolubilisation and cross-linking of the wall-forming material allows novel microsphere preparations to be produced.

Abstract: A process is described for the enzyme catalyzed synthesis of polymeric microspheres from monomers such as ethylphenol, naphthols and hydroxypyrenes in reverse micelles in the presence of a detergent. Polymeric microspheres synthesized are porous with nonuniform densities. Polymers prepared from naphthols and hydroxypyrenes are fluorescent with electroluminescent properties. A number of materials such as enzymes, drugs and inorganic materials such as iron oxide and cadmium sulfide are encapsulated in the hollow polymeric microspheres synthesized. These encapsulations are carried out during or after the syntheses of the polymeric microspheres. Functional properties of the encapsulated materials such as enzyme, magnetic and nonlinear optical properties are demonstrated in the polymeric composites.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to novel encapsulation compositions and methods. In particular, the invention relates to stabilized microcapsule compositions which comprise a layer of a crosslinked, mixed functionality, polymer matrix, and methods for their preparation. The encapsulated compositions may comprise the crosslinked polymer matrix layer as an inner layer, an outer layer, or an intermediate layer of an overall encapsulated composition. The compositions will generally also comprise a biological material, e.g., cells, proteins, and the like, encapsulated within the composition. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful in a variety of applications, including cell culturing and transplant therapy.

Abstract: A process for making a liposome preparation comprised of liposomes that contain an encapsulated material is disclosed. The process comprises (A) providing a plurality of portions of a lipid or liposome formulation; (B) hydrating each of the plurality of portions with a solution comprising a material to be encapsulated; and (C) combining each of the plurality of portions to form a single liposome preparation. The liposome preparations can be used for drug delivery or as vaccines.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of preparing liposome-containing pharmaceutical compositions, the liposomes containing headgroup-derivatized lipids and etherlipids having the formula: ##STR1## Such compositions are useful in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including various cancers and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeted polymerized liposomes for oral and/or mucosal delivery of vaccines, allergens and therapeutics. In particular, the present invention relates to polymerized liposomes which have been modified on their surface to contain a molecule or ligand which targets the polymerized liposome to a specific site or cell type in order to optimize the immune response to the encapsulated antigen or the efficacy of the encapsulated drug.

Abstract: Disclosed are multivesicular liposomes (MVL's) containing biologically active substances, the multivesicular liposomes having defined size distribution, adjustable average size, adjustable internal chamber size and number, and a controlled and variable release rate of the biologically active substance. The process involves encapsulating at least one biologically active substance and optionally an osmotic spacer in a first aqueous component encapsulated within the liposomes. The rate of release of the active substance into the surrounding environment in which the liposomes are introduced can be decreased by increasing the osmolarity of the first aqueous component or increased by decreasing the osmolarity.

Abstract: A biphasic multilamellar lipid vesicle comprising a plurality of spaced apart lipid bilayers that include a liposome-forming component and optionally a biologically active agent entrapped within the lipid bilayers. The lipid vesicle also comprises peripheral aqueous solution compartments formed between the lipid bilayers and a central lipophilic core compartment substantially at the center of the multilamellar lipid vesicle.

Abstract: A composition for transdermal administration of an immunogen is described. The immunogen is entrapped in lipid vesicles having a oil-in-water emulsion in the central core compartment. The vesicles are administered transdermally to elicit an immune response in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a ceramic foam made by mixing a liquid pre-ceramic resin and a liquid phenolic resin, allowing the resultant mixture to chemically foam, curing the mixture for a time and at a temperature sufficiently to convert the mixture to a polymeric foam, and then heating the resultant polymeric foam for a time and at a temperature sufficient to break-down polymers of the polymeric foam and convert the polymeric foam to a ceramic foam. The ceramic foam of the present invention contains residual decomposed components of the liquid phenolic resin and/or liquid pre-ceramic resin.

Abstract: An imaging agent for ultrasound to be administered into a vein is provided. More specifically, an imaging agent for ultrasound containing microbubbles, which has a long-life and is stable within a human body even after is has passed through a lung, and a method for producing the same, are provided.A method for producing an imaging agent for ultrasound comprises a mixing step wherein a mixture of water, Sodium Stearate, Saponin and CaCl.sub.2 and gas are mixed by a homogenizer for forming bubbles, and a separation step wherein bubbles having a desired size are separated according to their buoyancy after the mixing step. The mixing step further includes two stages, i.e., a low speed mixing stage and a high speed mixing stage. In the low speed mixing stage, a shaft of the homogenizer is immersed into a solution containing a preset amount of Sodium Stearate, Saponin, and CaCl.sub.2, which is mixed at a low rotation speed for a given period of time and is then left for a given period.

Abstract: Plasmid-lipid particles which are useful for transfection of cells in vitro or in vivo are described. The particles can be formed using either detergent dialysis methods or methods which utilize organic solvents. The particles are typically 65-85 nm, fully encapsulate the plasmid and are serum-stable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry deposit as a precursor to liposome vesicles, the precursor being a three dimensional expanded structure with bulk density between 0.01 and 0.001 g/cm.sup.3. The invention also concerns a method of making liposome vesicles with an enhanced entrapment capacity by dissolving one or more film forming lipids in at least one organic solvent to form a solution in a reaction vessel, evaporating the solvent to form an expanded three dimensional porous lipid structure, contacting the lipid deposit with an aqueous carrier phase, and producing liposome vesicles entrapping the carrier phase as well as an apparatus comprising an array of tubing or an inert packing which serves as a material support or a matrix surface for the deposition of lipids produced according to the method.

Abstract: A process for producing open-celled, inorganic sintered foam products which comprises:a. converting slip material comprising sinterable inorganic powder, a fluid, vaporizable material which makes this slip material capable of flow and, if desired, a material forming blowing gas into a foamed product in a foaming step with liberation of the blowing gas,b. subjecting this foamed product to a treatment which essentially makes the slip material incapable of flow and forms an open-pored intermediate body, with the steps a. and b. being able to proceed essentially simultaneously,c. removing material remaining from the fluid material and any further material from the intermediate body to form a green foam body, andd. sintering the green foam body to form the open-celled, inorganic sintered foam product.

Abstract: Disclosed are uniformly sized domains of liquid crystals, a method for forming the domains, and their performance in polymer dispersed liquid crystal displays. The method provides the ability to form discrete domains of liquid crystal surrounded by a polymer shell, also known as polymer encased liquid crystals, or PELCs. Further, the method provides for the ability to make PELCs that have uniformly sized particles. Displays made comprising uniformly sized PELCs demonstrate markedly improved electro-optical performance over displays made by conventional polymer dispersed liquid crystal processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a porous silicon nitride sintered body having high strength and low thermal conductivity, which comprises of adding more than 10 volume % of rodlike beta-silicon nitride single crystals with a larger mean diameter than that of a silicon nitride raw powder into a mixture comprising the silicon nitride raw powder and a sintering additive, preparing a formed body with rodlike beta-silicon nitride single crystals oriented parallel to the casting plane according to a forming technique such as sheet casting and extrusion forming, sintering said formed body to develop elongated silicon nitride grains from the added rodlike beta-silicon nitride single crystals as nuclei and obtain the sintered body with the elongated grains being dispersed in a complicated state.

Abstract: The present invention provides amphipathic lipid compounds comprising a hydrophilic, catonic, pH-sensitive moiety, the positive charge of which moiety increases as pH decreases over the pH range of 8.0 to 4.5. Vesicular delivery systems comprising such amphipathic compounds and the use of those systems for delivering biologically active substances to cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making insoluble gas-filled, pressure-resistant microspheres containing a liquid or solid hydrophobic barrier within the microsphere shell, and products of this process. This barrier serves to decrease the rate of gas exchange between the microsphere and the aqueous environment surrounding the microsphere and thus enhances resistance to pressure due to gas exchange.

Abstract: A process for fractionating agaroid compositions by dissolving the agaroid in a glycol, precipitating a first fraction by cooling and precipitating a second fraction by incorporating a nonsolvent to form two fractions substantially more soluble in water than the initial agaroid. Optionally the solubility of either fraction can be converted to conventional solubilities.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a stable preliposomal powder which, when reconstituted with water or saline solution, forms a suspension of liposomes containing a polyene drug, such as nystatin. The method involves the steps of combining at least one phospholipid with a first organic solvent to form a first solution, adding a clarifying amount of water to the first solution, combining a polyene with a second organic solvent to form a second solution, combining the first and second solutions to produce a substantially clear combined solution, and then removing the organic solvents, leaving a powder.

Abstract: A liposomal aminoglycoside formulation comprising a neutral lipid, a negatively charged lipid and a sterol. The formulation contains unilamellar vesicles having an average size below 100 nm. A process of making liposomes containing an aminoglycoside is provided. A method is also provide for the treatment of drug susceptible and drug resistant bacteria.

Abstract: Tangential flow filtration is used in the size separation of particles, such as liposomes and lipid particles. These particles may be passed through a tangential flow filtration device of any pore size desired. Tangential flow filter systems of various pore sizes may be used sequentially to obtain particles such as lipid particles or liposomes having a defined size range.