Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing matrix capsules having hydrocarbon cores sufficiently large to contain large size particle actives which process comprises dispersing actives in hydrocarbon core material, and dispersing the active containing hydrocarbon in a polymer solution to form a polymer matrix emulsion of drops of said core material in said solution. The key to the invention is to obtain the dispersion by utilizing low shear rates previously uncontemplated using the standard shearing machinery of the art. This in turn is accomplished by maintaining the core within defined rheological parameters. By using lower shear rates, applicants were unexpectedly able to prepare capsules capable of stably incorporating large size actives in the core.

Abstract: A method and product for preparing a controlled-release composition are provided. The method comprises formation of a mixture containing at least one amphiphilic substance capable of forming a liquid crystalline phase, in contact with a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. The method includes a step of providing in such mixture a bioactive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dry, stable compositions which can be reconstituted to form pharmaceutical or cosmetic emulsions, and to methods for making such compositions. An emulsion is formed from about 0.2 to 25 weight percent of a first component of an oil, about 0.1 to 5 weight percent of a second component of an emulsifier, about 0.25 to 25 weight percent of a cryoprotectant of an amino compound, such as one or more amino acids, peptides or protein hydrolysates, and an aqueous component, wherein the amino compound is present in an amount that is equal to or greater than that of the first component. Optionally, a co-emulsifier, a suspension agent, a preservative, an antioxidant and a drug can be added to these emulsions. Thereafter, the emulsion is lyophilized to form dry compositions that have from about 40 to about 90 weight percent of the amino compound; from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent of the emulsifier; and from about 0.2 to about 40 weight percent of the oily component.

Abstract: Microspheres, of controllable shape and size, encapsulating active ingredients, are made by the internally controlled gelation of an emulsion including a water-soluble polysaccharide, a salt of a di- or trivalent metal cation, a polymerization inhibitor, water, a water-immiscible solvent (as a non-aqueous phase), and the active ingredient. The components of the aqueous phase, containing the water-soluble polysaccharide, polymerization inhibitor, di- or trivalent metal salt, active substance, and water, are blended together. This aqueous phase is then gradually mixed with the oil phase and agitated to form an emulsion. After sufficient time for solidification, the emulsion is broken and the resulting microspheres are collected. The active ingredient may be various substances, including live microorganisms.

Abstract: An alcoholic, aqueous gel-like phospholipid composition is disclosed which contains, as alcohols, ethanol, 1-propanol or 2-propanol, which is characterized in that this composition is a liposomal gel composed of 15.00 to 30.00 parts by weight of a phospholipid concentrate, 14.00 to 20.00 parts by weight of alcohol and 50 to 71.00 parts by weight of an aqueous solution as the remainder. The use of this phospholipid composition for the preparation of liposomal solutions by dilution with a solution and topical preparations which contain these solutions are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A encapsulation method applicable to pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics, pigment imparting materials such as inks, paints, dyes, electrostatic toner, and others is disclosed, as are methods of use thereof. According to the disclosed method, the use of auxiliary materials such as emulsifiers or surfactants can be dispensed with, and ultramicrocapsules having a readily controllable diameter of 1 .mu.m and less can be produced. The disclosed method includes the steps of preparing an organic phase consisting of a mixture of one or more hydrophobic liquid and/or solid materials and self dispersable resin which through the action of an aqueous phase, self disperses into particles with a diameter of 0.1 .mu.m and less; combining an aqueous phase with the organic phase, whereby self emulsification takes place, thereby encapsulating the one or more hydrophobic liquid and/or solid materials.

Abstract: A method for preparing a radio labelled liposome, the method including the steps of at least once dehydrating and rehydrating a treated liposome to form a binding liposome, and adding a radio label to said binding liposome to form the radio labelled liposome.

Abstract: Methods for encapsulating ionizable antineoplastic agents in liposomes using transmembrane potentials are provided. Trapping efficiencies approaching 100% and rapid loading are readily achieved. Dehydration protocols which allow liposomes to be conveniently used in the administration of antineoplastic agents in a clinical setting are also provided. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, transmembrane potentials are used to reduce the rate of release of ionizable drugs from liposomes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the encapsulation of liquids within a continuous impervious coating of thermoplastic material. The method is carried out with continuous agitation during which the adsorbent and adsorbate are coated with a plurality of sprayed layers of thermoplastic coating material while maintaining the adsorbent in free-flowing powder consistency during the coating steps. The method is especially advantageous for the encapsulation of volatile liquids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for encapsulated polymeric gels swollen with nonaqueous reactive materials are provided. The methods include gel synthesis, swelling of a gel precursor with a first nonaqueous reactive material, and encapsulation of the swollen gel with a second nonaqueous reactive material. Gels precursors may be synthesized from crosslinking polymers, or alternatively, may be formed by crosslinking and polymerizing a monomer starting material. An accelerator may be utilized to facilitate swelling of the gel precursor with the first nonaqueous reactive material. Foams and composites may also be swollen with the first nonaqueous reactive material. The swollen gel is then contacted with a second nonaqueous reactive material such that an encapsulation layer is formed thereby. The encapsulated gels may be stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosensitive liposome which permits temperature-sensitive drug release and exhibits variable release temperatures. The process for preparing a thermosensitive liposome of the invention, comprises a step of coating the surface of a liposome with a copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide/octadecylacrylate/acrylic acid, by the addition of the copolymer to the liposome suspension in a weight ratio of 1:0.05 to 1:0.2 (liposome:copolymer), and the incubation of the polymer-liposome suspension at a temperature range of 0.degree. to 10.degree. C., for 10 to 14 hours. The thermosensitive liposome of the present invention is able to control the temperature of drug release at a temperature range of above 28.degree. C., preferably at 28.degree. to 36.degree. C., depending on the acrylic acid content in the copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide/octadecylacrylate/acrylic acid.

Abstract: A method of forming microspheres containing a hydrophilic drug or agent for injection to provide localized treatment over a protracted time with sustained delivery in a therapeutically indicated rate band. The drug or agent is first dispersed or suspended as a micropulverized solid in an inert hydrophobic oil and sonicated with a non-aqueous solution of a biodegradable polymer. The dispersion is then stabilized in a second oil to remove solvent from the microspheres. Non-aqueous solvents are used throughout, and high drug concentrations are obtained simultaneously with enhanced control over a uniform and sustained delivery rate with extended duration of delivery. In vitro studies of ganciclovir in a silicone oil/fluorosilicone oil/PLGA system yield microsphere fractions that provide dose levels in a therapeutic range for CMV retinitis from only a single intravitreal injection that lasts substantially in excess of one month. The preparation method allows drug loading efficiencies above ninety percent.

Abstract: A cosmetic or medical composition for topical application to the skin. It results in the transdermal passage of an active ingredient, or in the introduction of such agent into the skin. The essential components of such compositions are phospholipids, an aliphatic alcohol of three or four carbon atoms or a combination of these alcohols, water and a compatible active ingredient, optionally with propylene glycol. Compositions advantageously comprise from 0.5% to 10% phospholipids, from 5% to 35% of a C.sub.3 - or C.sub.4 -alcohol, 15 to 30% ethanol, which contain together at least 20% but not more than 40 wt. % of ethanol and the C.sub.3 -alcohol; up to 20 wt. % propylene glycol, at least 20% water and at least one active ingredient. The compositions are suitable for the topical application of a wide variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutically active compounds.

Abstract: A method of producing sustained-release microcapsules containing a biologically active substance from an W/O emulsion comprising an inner aqueous phase containing said biologically active substance and an external oil phase containing a biodegradable polymer, characterized in that microcapsules formed on microencapsulation of said biologically active substance with said biodegradable polymer are heated at a temperature not lower than the glass transition temperature of said biodegradable polymer but not so high as to cause aggregation of the microcapsules. This method enables the production of very useful sustained release microcapsules adapted to release a bologically active substance at a calculated rate over a protracted time period starting immediately following administration without an initial burst within one day following administration.

Abstract: A microencapsulated adhesive and a method for producing that microencapsulated adhesive are disclosed. The adhesive is produced from a solvent-based adhesive composition such as a styrene butadiene rubber composition an acrylic. The solvent-based adhesive composition may be encapsulated by interfacial polymerization, gelatin/gum arabic coacervation or melamine/formaldehyde encapsulation. The solvent is removed from the microcapsules by heating or reduced pressure to form an adhesive that is non-tacky, but becomes tacky upon application of external forces, such as shearing. The microencapsulated adhesive composition may be used, among other applications, as an adhesive for stamps or envelopes.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ceramic body in which a ceramic mixture is formed into a green body and thereafter fired. The ceramic mixture is prepared by mixing at least about 40 weight percent of ceramic material and less than about 60 weight percent of gluten with water. At least about 90 weight percent of the particles of ceramic material are smaller than about 20 microns, and at least about 50 weight percent of the particles of ceramic material are from about 0.5 to about 2 microns. The mixture has a pH of from about 2 to about 8.

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: The invention relates to a novel, advantageous process for the preparation of liposomes for the inclusion of water-soluble or hydrophilic substances or mixtures of substances, which process provides the surprising advantage, in comparison with known processes, that the proportion of substances or mixtures of substances actually included is increased and which, when used pharmaceutically, provides the advantage of sterile working conditions. In this process, a mixture consisting of at least one phospholipid and customary lipophilic excipients is subjected to a mobile carrier phase consisting of carbon dioxide and a polar organic solvent (modifier) under supercritical pressure and temperature conditions, the compressed mixed phase is reduced to normal pressure and transferred to an aqueous phase comprising a substance having water-soluble or hydrophilic properties for encapsulation in liposomes.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions in the form of particles comprising a biodegradable polymer and/or a polysaccharide jellifying and/or bioadhesive polymer, an amphiphilic polymer, an agent modifying the interface properties of the particles and a pharmacologically active substance. Said compositions exhibit improved biocompatibility features and allow a controlled release of the active substance.

Abstract: A ceramics porous body having high porosity as well as high strength is especially suitable for use as a filter for removing foreign matter from a fluid or as a catalytic carrier. The porous body has a porosity of at least 30% and comprises columnar ceramic grains having an aspect ratio of at least 3. In particular, the porous body comprises Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 grains, of which at least 60% are hexagonal columnar .beta.-Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 grains. The porous body further comprises at least one compound of a rare earth element in an amount of at least 1 volume % and not more than 20 volume % in terms of an oxide of the rare earth element, and optionally at least one compound of elements of the groups IIa and IIIb of the periodic table and transition metal elements in an amount of not more than 5 volume % in terms of an oxide of each element.

Abstract: A ceramic porous body for a filter or a catalyst carrier, having a structure in which voids each having the same volume as that of a sphere of 10 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m in diameter are formed and the voids are communicated with each other through smaller fine pores, the ceramic porous body having a volume fraction of the voids and the fine pores of from 15% to 60% and being formed of components 70% or higher by volume of which is silicon nitride.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing cement/concrete mixtures with alkali-intolerant reinforcements and/or aggregate, such as uncoated, common glass filament, plastic filament, fabric and roving made therefrom by reducing the pH of the mixture while in its plastic state, and/or after it has set and cured, to about 7. With a neutral pH, the alkali-intolerant reinforcements need not be coated to protect them from degradation. In the absence of alkalinity, the reinforcement and/or aggregate material bonds with the cement mixture to form a relatively stronger mixture, which can be shaped as desired, made part of permanently poured structures, cement boards and many other small and large products. By selecting appropriate and, if desired, different materials for the reinforcements and/or aggregate, the strength, flexibility, etc. characteristics of the product can be readily changed to adapt the product to the intended use. The pH is reduced by migrating such materials as CO.sub.2 and/or CO and O.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polymer material based on modified hydrocolloids as covering material for critical working substances.

Abstract: A process for the production of a microporous body having heat insulation properties by(a) mixing of(I) 0.5%-60% by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of magnesium carbonate/calcium carbonate, and magnesium carbonate/calcium hydroxide(II) 5%-95% by weight of highly dispersed SiO.sub.2 with a content of 0%-20% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 (based on the SiO.sub.2 employed);(III) 0%-60% by weight of an opacifying agent having at least one absorption maximum in the wavelength range of 1.5-10 .mu.m; and(IV) 0.1%-10% by weight of an organic fiber selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers and carbon fibers;(b) compressing the mixture prepared to form a shaped article; and(c) heating the shaped article under oxidizing conditions produced at a temperature between 750.degree. C. to 950.degree. C. to oxidize the organic fibers and to produce the microporous body.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions which are incorporated into the skin with the aid of novel microaggregates as carriers. The object of the invention is to make available pharmacological active compounds in a biologically and chemically inert carrier for therapeutic and diagnostic administration to the skin or for systemic administration, and in this way to make deeper penetration into the skin or transdermal transport possible. According to the invention, this is effected by means of a pharmaceutical composition for topical administration, which contains asymmetric lamellar aggregates, consisting of phospholipids, pharmacological active compounds and fluorocarbons or fluorocarbon mixtures, the proportion of fluorocarbon being in the range from 1 to 100% weight/volume, in a pharmaceutical excipient which is suitable for topical administration.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for preparing foamed gypsum products. The invention can utilize a single mixing chamber and significantly improve the efficiency of foaming agent usage. In the method of the invention the point of insertion of aqueous foam into calcined gypsum slurry is positioned such that the foam is agitated less than the calcined gypsum to thereby minimize destruction of the foam while still uniformly dispersing the foam in the calcined gypsum slurry. This is accomplished, for example, by locating an inlet for foam closer to the discharge outlet of a slurry mixing chamber than the location of the inlet for calcined gypsum or by locating the foam inlet in a discharge conduit connected to the discharge outlet of the slurry mixing chamber.

Abstract: A high-temperature ceramic filter having a three-dimensional reticulated skeleton structure is prepared by applying a ceramic slurry to a synthetic resin foam having an open cell three-dimensional reticulated skeleton structure, followed by drying and firing. The ceramic slurry contains 20-40 parts by weight of aluminum titanate, 40-60 parts by weight of mullite, 2-20 parts by weight of alumina, and agalmatolite. The filter is useful for the filtration of molten metals.

Abstract: Agents for inhibiting adsorption of proteins on the liposome surface and liposomes which are agglutination-free by binding said inhibiting agent on the surface are disclosed. The above-mentioned inhibiting agents comprise a hydrophobic moiety and a hydrophilic macromolecular chain moiety. Adsorption of plasma proteins on the liposomes is inhibited due to the hydrophilic moiety exposed on the liposome surface with a result that agglutination of the liposomes in plasma is prevented. Therefore, there is no danger of embolism in blood vessels inhibiting blood flow when the liposomes are introduced into the living body. Accordingly, the liposomes are especially highly useful as artificial erythrocytes for which a large dose of liposomes is needed for administration.

Abstract: The method for producing microparticles is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: preparation of an emulsion of a solution of a substance or a mixture of substances in a dispersing liquid wherein said substance or said mixture are substantially insoluble; incorporating to said dispersed phase a chemical agent substantially insoluble in the dispersing liquid so as to cause within the dispersed phase a chemical or physicochemical reaction responsible for the formation of microparticles which are then isolated.

Abstract: Process for obtaining submicronic particles, for example, pigments in the presence of lipidic vesicles having a lamellar structure, starting with at least one precursor of said particles involves preparing a dispersion of vesicles starting with at least one lipid capable of forming the walls of the vesicles and an aqueous phase E intended to be encapsulated in the said vesicles, and optionally an aqueous phase D, intended to form a dispersion medium of the said vesicles, at least one precursor of the said vesicles being dissolved in phase E and/or D, before and/or during and/or after the preparation of the vesicular phase, at least one agent capable of transforming the said precursor(s) into sought after particles being reacted with it (them) after introduction into the preparation medium.

Abstract: Methods for preparing microspheres are provided. A carrier vehicle and a precipitator are nebulized and contacted. Alternatively, a carrier is nebulized in an aqueous acid and the concentration of the acid is decreased. Apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lipid particle forming matrix, characterized by, that from a defined system of at least two lipid components chosen from classes of different polarity, in which at least one of the lipid components is bilayer forming, discrete lipid particles are formed spontaneously when interacting with aqueous systems. Preferably at least one of the lipid components is amphiphatic and polar and one is nonpolar. These discrete particles are formed spontaneously from the matrix without any chemical or physical treatment or initiation. The invention also relates to a process for producing the matrix and use thereof.

Abstract: A method and composition for the prevention of aggregation of liposomes which include a multivalent anion disposed on the outer surface thereof comprises the addition of a divalent cation to the external aqueous phase.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a process for preparing a drug-containing liposome composition in which (1) a drug to be included into liposomes, particularly a physiologically active protein having a molecular weight of from 500 to 100,000, can be prevented from decomposition and (2) a high rate of drug inclusion can be attained; (3) the resulting liposome composition can be subcutaneously or intramuscularly administered and (4) makes contribution to sustained release of the drug. The process comprises (1) dissolving a lipid in a first organic solvent, (2) adding a drug-containing aqueous solution to the lipid solution, followed by emulsifying to obtain an emulsion, (3) mixing the emulsion at a low temperature with a second organic solvent in which the lipid is sparingly soluble, (4) collecting the precipitated fraction, and (5) suspending the precipitated fraction in an aqueous solvent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramic filter media for water filters involves the steps of mixing a plurality of raw ceramic materials and a plurality of extrusion-aid materials to form a mixture of constituent materials, extruding the constituent materials to form tubular filter media, drying the tubular filter media, and firing the tubular filter media to create ceramic tubular filter media. The step of drying the tubular filter media preferably comprises placing the tubular filter media on top of rotating rollers which dries the tubular filter media evenly and preserves the desired characteristics of the tubular filter media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 eight pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3.degree.. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous crosslinked polymeric microbeads having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein at least some of the cavities at the interior of each microbead communicate with the surface of the microbead. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a porous, crosslinked polymeric microbead as well as the product of this process. This process involves combining an oil phase with an aqueous discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, adding the emulsion to an aqueous suspension medium to form an oil-in-water suspension of dispersed emulsion droplets, and polymerizing the emulsion droplets to form microbeads. At least 10% of the microbeads produced in accordance with the present invention are substantially spherical or substantially ellipsoidal or a combination of the two.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the preparation of liposomes utilizing aerosolization of a solution comprising bilayer-forming materials and optional additional molecules onto an aqueous surface, the aerosolization being mist spraying through a frequency-generated vibrating nozzle.

Abstract: A lock unimolecular micelle includes at least one engineered acceptor specifically binding a ligand (or specifically a "key" unimolecular micelle) thereto. A key unimolecular micelle comprises a core molecule and a plurality of branches extending therefrom, at least one of the branches including a shank portion extending therefrom having a terminal moiety at an end thereof for binding to a complimentary acceptor of a lock unimolecular micelle. Together, the lock and key micelles form a unit, either irreversibly or reversibly bound wherein the lock micelles is a soluble receptor engineered to specifically bind to the specifically engineered key micelle.

Abstract: Hollow microcapsules or solid microspheres for use in diagnostic procedures, as well as methods for making the microcapsules, are provided, which are formed by combining a volatile oil with an aqueous phase including a water soluble material such as a starch, modified starch or proteinaceous material, or a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate, to form a primary emulsion. The primary emulsion then is combined with a second oil, to form a secondary emulsion, and the material is permitted to harden and to form microcapsules around a liquid core of the volatile oil. At least part of the volatile oil then may be removed by evaporation to produce hollow microcapsules. Optionally, all of the volatile oil may be removed prior to hardening of the material, which produces solid microspheres. The The microcapsules can be used in a variety of applications for diagnostic purposes and for drug delivery.

Abstract: A slurry containing a precursor fiber convertible to carbon fiber and/or a carbon fiber and, based on 100 parts by weight of the fiber, 10 to 300 parts by weight of a thermosetting resin, e.g. phenol resin, is processed into a random web. This web may contain a pitch or an organic granular material. The web is hot-pressed between a pair of belts while curing of the resin is inhibited to prepare a prepreg sheet. This sheet is disposed, leaving a clearance, in a mold having ribs on a molding surface and heated over the melting point of the resin for expansion and complete cure to provide a porous composite sheet equipped with grooves. This porous composite sheet is carbonized or graphitized to produce a porous carbonaceous material for use as a fuel cell electrode material and so on. This porous carbonaceous material has high homogeneity, gas permeability, electrical conductivity, heat conductivity and mechanical strength.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a method of producing a ceramic foam. The steps for producing the ceramic foam include first mixing a liquid pre-ceramic resin with a liquid phenolic resin, second allowing the resultant mixture to chemically foam, third 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 sufficiently to completely break-down polymers of the polymeric foam and convert the polymeric foam to a ceramic foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cosmetic for assisting the transport of oxygen in the skin, a process for its preparation and the use thereof. The problem with the known cosmetics is the inadequate oxygen supply to the skin and the adjoining tissue. The object of the invention is therefore to get through the horny layer of the skin and the epidermis by penetration processes in order to increase the oxygen concentration in the dermal area and adjoining tissue and to activate metabolic processes. According to the invention, this is effected by a cosmetic containing asymmetric lamellar aggregates, consisting of phospholipids and oxygen-laden fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, the amount of fluorocarbon being in the range from 0.2 to 100% weight/volume, in a carrier suitable for dermatological use. Preparation is effected by emulsification of the corresponding constituents, and use in ointments, creams, lotions, waters, alcoholic extracts, pastes, powders, gels, tinctures or on dressings and plasters or in a spray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for topical use, having light protection properties and in a special application form. In the known light protection agents containing the naturally occurring active compound melanin, the problem is inadequate transport of the melanin to its site of action. According to the invention, this problem is solved by a preparation for topical use which is characterised in that it contains melanin, dissolved or dispersed in one or more fluorocarbons, which are present as asymmetric lamellar phospholipid aggregates in an aqueous system together with a phospholipid, with a particle size of the aggregates in the range from 200 to 3000 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dermatological agent for assisting the transport of oxygen in the skin, a process for its preparation and the use thereof. The problem with the known dermatological agents is the inadequate supply of oxygen to the skin and the adjoining tissue. The object of the invention is therefore to get through the horny layer of the skin and the epidermis by penetration processes in order to increase the oxygen concentration in the dermal area and adjoining tissue and to activate metabolic processes. According to the invention, this is effected by means of a dermatological agent containing asymmetric lamellar aggregates, consisting of phospholipids and oxygen-laden fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, the amount of fluorocarbon being in the range from 0.2 to 100% weight/volume, in a carrier which is suitable for dermatological use.

Abstract: Particles, preparation methods therefor, and compositions containing same. The particles include at least one esterified polysaccharide and at least one polyamine, as well as at least one gellable polysaccharide when neither the esterified polysaccharide nor the polyamine can be gelled under the selected operating conditions. Said particle includes, at least on its surface, a membrane consisting of the product of the transacylation reaction between the esterified polysaccharide and said polyamine within an optionally gellable gel, said reaction causing the formation of covalent amide bonds. Such particles may be used to encapsulated various active principles useful in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and agri-foodstuffs, enzymes, cells and micro-organisms.

Abstract: Bloated minerals previously used as aggregates for light-weight concrete are here fragmented, wetted, and intermixed with particulate chemical reactants or catalysts, to serve as inert carriers therefor in industrial processes. One use is in the deep-bed flow-through process of reacting and removing hydrogen sulfide as contained in natural gas.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for intracellular transfer of a wide variety of agents, by using Sendai virus comprising liposomes having various compositions in the liposome lumen. A preferred method for preparing the liposomes provides for enhanced levels of luminal concentrations, as well as incorporation of high molecular weight molecules. The method comprises fusing liposomes, where one liposome comprises the Sendai virus proteins and the other liposome comprises the luminal composition. The subject methods find particular application with intranuclear transfer of nucleic acids, more particularly with cells of the vasculature.

Abstract: A lipid-polymer conjugate for use in forming long-circulating liposomes is disclosed. The conjugate includes a vesicle-forming lipid having covalently attached to its polar head group, one of the polymers: polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylmethylether, polyhydroxypropyl methacrylate, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamide, polyhydroxyethyl acrylate, polymethacrylamide, polydimethylacrylamide, polymethyloxazoline, polyethyloxazoline, polyhydroxyethyloxazoline, polyhydroxypropyloxazoline, or polyaspartamide. A method for preparing liposomes containing the lipid-polymer conjugate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A starch hydrolysate composition is particularly suited for use as a sequesterer, i.e., it readily interacts noncovalently with other molecules to form stable inclusion complexes which are useful in a variety of applications. The starch molecules in the composition which act as sequesterers are in the form of single helical inclusion complexes with starch molecules having a D.P. of about 10 to 200 and a weight-average D.P. of about 10 to 50 as the host molecule holding one or more guest molecules within their internal cavities. These hydrolysates are prepared by first converting amylopectin molecules from the double helix form to the single helix form and then by cleaving chain segments from the molecules.