Abstract: A filter unit comprises a metallic supporting plate possessed of stepped through holes opening with a larger diameter in one main surface and with a smaller diameter in the other main surface (wherein the diameter ratio of larger-diameter openings to smaller-diameter openings is desired to be in the range of 1:0.01 to 1:0.5) or a pressureproof supporting plate having in one surface thereof inclined liquid flow grooves arranged in a radial pattern and concentric circular liquid flow grooves adapted to intersect the radially arranged liquid flow grooves and a membrane filter disposed on the surface of the supporting plate containing larger-diameter openings or liquid flow grooves. This filter unit is ideally used for finely dividing and uniformly sizing suspended lipid particles assuming a definite average particle size and a specific particle size distribution.

Abstract: The present invention concerns liposomes with a negative excess charge and pharmaceutical compositions produced therefrom. The liposomes contain 30 to 50 mol % cholesterol, 49 to 56 mol % phospholipids and 1 to 14 mol % of one or several compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## or salts thereof in relation to the total lipid components of the liposomes, in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups or saturated or unsaturated C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 acyl groups which are unbranched or branched or/and unsubstituted or substituted, provided that at least one of the residues R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is an acyl group as defined above. A process for the production of the liposomes in accordance with the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating hydrogel particles within liposomes, which entails: a) encapsulating an effective amount of each of one or more hydrogel substances and one or more release agents in liposomes in a liquid medium, b) removing any unencapsulated hydrogel substances and release agents from the liquid medium, c) adding initiator to the liquid medium and into the liposomes, thereby initiating reaction of the one or more hydrogel substances, whereby hydrogel particles are formed in the liposomes, and d) removing any extra-liposomal initiator from the medium.

Abstract: Substantially dry, rehydratable, water-dispersible, gel-forming, porous hydrocolloid microparticulates containing internally or internally and externally at least one water-soluble, non-gelling, hydration enhancing hydrocolloid, processes and intermediates for their preparation, and their uses.

Abstract: A cutting tool blank formed of material having a composition comprising of 0.1 to 20 wt % of BaCO.sub.3 and/or MgCO.sub.3, and/or 0.05 to 10 wt % of CaMg(CO.sub.3).sub.2 or CaCO3, the balance being preferably substantially diamond forming a matrix is heated and maintained at a temperature of 800.degree. to 1400.degree. C. in a vacuum to change, by chemical reaction, the above BaCO.sub.3 and/or MgCO.sub.3, and/or CaMg(CO.sub.3).sub.2 or CaCO.sub.3 into 0.05 to 13% of BaO and/or MgO and/or 0.02 to 5% of CaO, and to form pores. In this manner, a cutting tool formed of a diamond-based ultra-high-temperature-sintered material having a structure in which BaO, MgO and/or CaO are distributed finely and uniformly in a diamond matrix is obtained.

Abstract: A method for accumulating drugs or other chemicals within synthetic, lipid-like vesicles by means of a pH gradient imposed on the vesicles just prior to use is described. The method is suited for accumulating molecules with basic or acid moieties which are permeable to the vesicles membranes in their uncharged form and for molecules that contain charge moieties that are hydrophobic ions and can therefore cross the vesicle membranes in their charged form.The method is advantageous over prior art methods for encapsulating biologically active materials within vesicles in that it achieves very high degrees of loading with simple procedures that are economical and require little technical expertise, furthermore kits which can be stored for prolonged periods prior to use without impairment of the capacity to achieve drug accumulation are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules with a mixed wall of crosslinked atelocollagen and polyholosides, for example glycosaminoglycans, and to processes for the manufacture of the said microcapsules.According to the invention, the microcapsules comprise a mixed wall of crosslinked atelocollagen and polyholosides, for example glycosaminoglycans, the proportion of polyholosides, for example glycosaminoglycans, relative to the atelocollagen preferably being between 18 and 50% by weight. These microcapsules can be manufactured either by a process involving interfacial crosslinking or by the extrusion of a laminar flow which is broken up by vibrations into individual droplets, which fall into a crosslinking bath.These microcapsules are biocompatible by virtue of the presence of atelocollagen, which has most of the advantageous properties of collagen, namely a very low antigenicity and a perfect biodegradability.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for nonliposomal lipid complexes in association with toxic hydrophobic drugs such as the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B. Lipid compositions are preferably a combination of the phospholipids dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) in about a 7:3 mole ratio. The lipid complexes contain a bioactive agent, and may be made by a number of procedures, at high drug:lipid ratios. These compositions of high drug:lipid complexes (HDLCs) may be administered to mammals such as humans for the treatment of infections, with substantially equivalent or greater efficacy and reduced drug toxicities as compared to the drugs in their free form. Also disclosed is a novel liposome-loading procedure, which may also be used in the formation of the HDLCs.

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: The drug loaded polymeric material containing a therapeutic drug can be applied to a structure of an intravascular stent. A therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic drug is incorporated into such a layer of polymeric material, without significantly increasing the thickness of the stent, to avoid interfering with the function of the stent. The drug loaded polymer coating of the stent can formed to include pores, can be multi-layered to permit the combination of a plurality of different drug containing materials in a single stent, and can include a rate controlling membrane to allow for controlled retention and delivery of selected drugs within the affected blood vessel upon implantation. The layer of polymeric material is manufactured by combining the selected polymeric material with a relatively high loading of the therapeutic drug in a thermal process, such as coextrusion of the therapeutic drug with the polymeric material.

Abstract: Recognizing substances, including epidermal growth factor, gelatin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, have been covalently bound to liposomal surfaces and utilized to attach liposomes onto a cellular or an extracellular matrix (ECM) target site. These "bioadhesive" liposomes offer several advantages including the mutual protection of both the drug and biological environment; an increase in drug bioavailability and retention at the target site; and improved adherence or adhesion to the designated target site.

Abstract: An active material encapsulated in a coating material immiscible therewith is contacted with a solvent that dissolves residual active material on the surface of the coating material without dissolving the coating material. The resultant encapsulated material has improved stability as compared to the material not contacted with solvent.

Abstract: Liposomal compositions encapsulating bioactive agents and having improved circulation longevity of the agents are disclosed. Such liposomes combine a low pH of the solution in which a bioactive agent is entrapped and a sugar-modified lipid or an amine-bearing lipid, the combination of which enhances the retention of the encapsulated bioactive agent and thereby promotes circulation longevity. The present invention also discloses methods of making and using such compositions.

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: A process for the production of a non-aggregating, filterable dispersion of liposomal encapsulated hemoglobin includes the addition of a plasma protein such as human serum albumin to a liposome dispersion and the application of liposome-forming energy to the dispersion sufficient to form unilamellar vesicles having a diameter smaller than 0.2 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved curing or hardening process for the continuous production of capsules containing a sensitive material. The process allows capsules to be formed continuously without aggregating. The process is also a contained system so that exposure to possibly harmful aerosols is avoided.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing temperature activated gaseous precursor-filled liposomes are described. Gaseous precursor-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Dehydrated liposomes are prepared by drying liposome preparations under reduced pressure in the presence of one or more protective sugars, e.g., the disaccharides trehalose and sucrose. Preferably, the protective sugars are present at both the inside and outside surfaces of the liposome membranes. Freezing of the liposome preparation prior to dehydration is optional. Alternatively, the protective sugar can be omitted if: (1) the liposomes are of the type which have multiple lipid layers; (2) the dehydration is done without prior freezing; and (3) the dehydration is performed to an end point which results in sufficient water being left in the preparation (e.g., at least 12 moles water/mole lipid) so that the integrity of a substantial portion of the multiple lipid layers is retained upon rehydration.

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: Disclosed are heterovesicular liposomes containing substances of different biologically active compositions each encapsulated in separate chambers of the liposomes, having defined size distribution, adjustable average size, adjustable internal chamber size and number, methods of making them, and treatment of patients with them.

Abstract: Water soluble macromers are modified by addition of free radical polymerizable groups, such as those containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, which can be polymerized under mild conditions to encapsulate tissues, cells, or biologically active materials. The polymeric materials are particularly useful as tissue adhesives, coatings for tissue lumens including blood vessels, coatings for cells such as islets of Langerhans, coatings, plugs, supports or substrates for contact with biological materials such as the body, and as drug delivery devices for biologically active molecules.

Abstract: Cordierite honeycomb ceramics comprises a cordierite phase as a main ingredient. A value of [Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 wt %/(MgO wt %+Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 wt %)].times.100 is 2-10, where a ferric component is calculated as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. A thermal expansion coefficient of the cordierite honeycomb ceramics is less than 0.5.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree. C. within a temperature range of 40.degree.-800.degree. C. in a direction parallel to a flow passage of a honeycomb body. In the cordierite honeycomb ceramics including a ferric component, a ferric component is added from a talc as raw materials. The cordierite honeycomb ceramics having a low thermal expansion coefficient is obtained by mixing raw materials for cordierite generation to obtain a batch, extruding the batch into a honeycomb formed body, drying the honeycomb formed body, and firing the dried honeycomb formed body at a temperature range of 1350.degree.-1450.degree. C. After that, the sintered honeycomb body is immersed in an acid solution if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing liposomes useful for encapsulating and delivering a wide variety of biologically active materials. The invention provides liposomes and a production method which is simple, feasible and inexpensive for the large-scale commercial manufacturing of liposomes and encapsulated materials. The method involves the formation of a liposome dispersion in the absence of an organic solvent or detergent, one or several cycles of freezing and thawing the liposomes, and dehydration of the liposome dispersion to form a lipid powder. When desired, the lipid powder is hydrated in the presence of the biologically active material whereby the material is encapsulated in reconstituted liposomes. The method can also include combining the liposome dispersion with a bulking agent prior to the dehydration and formation of the lipid powder. The addition of the bulking agent facilitates the handling of the lipid powder as well as its rapid dispersal upon hydration.

Abstract: Liposome and lipidic particle formulations of compounds are prepared by dissolving in a solution of liposome-forming lipids in an aprotic solvent such as DMSO, optionally containing a lipid-solubilizing amount of a lower alkanol, and either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution, or the aqueous solution into the resulting solution. The resulting liposome or lipidic particle suspension may then be dialyzed or otherwise concentrated. This method is particularly useful for compounds which are poorly-soluble in aqueous solution, but is generally useful for any compound or combination of compounds which can be dissolved in the aprotic solvent or aprotic solvent/lower alkanol mixture.

Abstract: The invention concerns the production of polysaccharide wall microcapsules or microspheres containing primary alcohol functions crosslinked by a crosslinking agent. Said microcapsules or microspheres contain an active food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredient and are hence used in the preparation of food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An improvement process for producing a coated porous ceramic, ceramic composite or metal structure, wherein the impregnation step is carried out by (a) fluidizing said slurry with steam or heated water and spraying said shape with said fluidized slurry or (b) heating said slurry so as to reduce its viscosity and spraying said shape with said reduced viscosity slurry. Manufacture of a single component which functions both as a filter and as a heating element, is made possible by the process of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of extruding liposomes from liposomal material comprising extruding the liposomal material through a frit, and apparatus for extrusion.

Abstract: The present application features methods and apparatus for making liposomes with critical, supercritical or near critical fluids. The methods and apparatus combine a phospholipid and an aqueous phase, or multilamellar vesicles, with a critical, supercritical or near critical fluid. Upon a reduction in pressure, liposomes are formed.

Abstract: A method for microencapsulating agriculturally active substances such as pesticides to provide improved resistance to environmental degradation, especially ultra-violet light. The method employs as the UV protectant lignosulfonates, such as sulfite lignin or sulfonated lignin, or alternately sulfonated lignite, sulfonated tannins, napthalene sulfonates or other related compounds in combination with a protein such as a high bloom gelatin to form a capsule wall. The capsule wall formed by the interaction of these components is durable and has an ultra-violet protectant as an integral part of its structure.

Abstract: Liposome and lipidic particle formulations of compounds are prepared by dissolving in a solution of liposome-forming lipids in an aprotic solvent such as DMSO, optionally containing a lipid-solubilizing amount of a lower alkanol, and either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution, or the aqueous solution into the resulting solution. The resulting liposome or lipidic particle suspension may then be dialyzed or otherwise concentrated. This method is particularly useful for compounds which are poorly-soluble in aqueous solution, but is generally useful for any compound or combination of compounds which can be dissolved in the aprotic solvent or aprotic solvent/lower alkanol mixture.

Abstract: A composition of carbohydrates having an edible coating is disclosed, whereby the coated carbohydrate, when orally ingested, causes a time delay release of the carbohydrate into the digestive system. The method of administering carbohydrates in this manner may be useful in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and exercise programs calling for sustained effort.

Abstract: An activated carbon body and method for making the body which involves forming a wet mixture of in percent by weight based on activated carbon, about 2% to 10% organic binder which can be cellulose ethers, and/or their derivatives, 0 to about 4% of polyvinyl alcohol, about 5% to 40% bentonite clay, about 10% to 50% silicone resin, vehicle having a boiling point of at least about 100.degree. C., and the balance of the mixture being activated carbon particles. The mixture is formed into a green body which is then dried and heat-treated.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of liposomes by combining an organic phase and an aqueous at a volume ratio of less than 3:1; the process can be conducted under conditions which obtain a single-modal population distribution of liposomes encompassing a pre-selected mean particle size. A novel intermediate product obtained during the process, which can itself be used for the topical delivery of a bioactive agent, is also provided.

Abstract: A composition of carbohydrates having an edible coating is disclosed, whereby the coated carbohydrate, when orally ingested, causes a time delay release of the carbohydrate into the digestive system. The method of administering carbohydrates in this manner may be useful in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and exercise programs calling for sustained effort.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a "glue" to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules having a combined atelocollagen/polyholoside coagulated wall as well as to a method for producing them. According to the invention, the microcapsules are characterized in that they include a combined atelocollagen/polyholoside wall coagulated by a coagulant, preferably a divalent cation. These microcapsules are preferably prepared by a method which includes laminar-flow extrusion dislocated by individual droplet vibrations falling into a coagulation bath. The presence of the atelocollagen renders the microcapsules biocompatible. They are particularly suitable for the production of cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food compositions.

Abstract: A foamed glass product and its manufacturer are disclosed. According to the present invention, crushed glass particles and a foaming agent, preferably selected from CaCO.sub.3 and CaSO.sub.4, are provided. The glass particles and foaming agent are mixed and heated to a desired foaming temperature for creating foamed glass. A nonreactive gas having desired insulative properties, preferably selected from SO.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 is provided to sweep air away from the mixture during heating.

Abstract: This invention concerns delivery vehicles entrapping active materials suspended in a water immiscible carrier. Methods of making these materials, preferably using a carboxymethylcellulose support martrix, are disclosed. The vehicles of the invention are especially well adapted to delivery of incompatible actives that can be entrapped separately and kept separately until release from the vehicle.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a shaped enteric material having distributed therethrough preferably substantially uniformly, pharmaceutical loaded particles, said particles having a size no greater than about 10 microns in any dimension and being alkali insoluble and the method of delivering pharmaceuticals to Peyer's glands.

Abstract: Encapsulation of active materials in chitosan beads of uniform size and improved mechanical and chemical stability. The active material is suspended in an acidic aqueous solution of a chitosan having a molecular weight of less than 250,000, the suspension is added dropwise to a crosslinking solution of diphosphate and glyoxal hydrate and the resulting beads are cured. It is possible to coat the active material with oil prior to suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly efficient method of preparing modified microcapsules exhibiting selective targeting. These microcapsules are suitable for encapsulation surface attachment of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. In one aspect of the invention, surface charge of the polymeric material is altered by conjugation of an amino acid ester to the providing improved targeting of encapsulated agents to specific tissue cells. Examples include encapsulation of radiodiagnostic agents in 1 .mu.m capsules to provide improved opacification and encapsulation of cytotoxic agents in 100 .mu.m capsules for chemoembolization procedures. The microcapsules are suitable for attachment of a wide range of targeting agents, including antibodies, steroids and drugs, which may be attached to the microcapsule polymer before or after formation of suitably sized microcapsules. The invention also includes microcapsules surface modified with hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A process for producing microcapsules with an adhesive coating layer which comprises forming a slurry of microcapsules in a medium selected from water, one or more organic solvents or a mixture thereof by a coacervation method, adding powders of a pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic compound which is insoluble in the medium to the slurry, so that the inorganic compound adheres to substantially the overall surface of the adhesive coating layer, and separating the microcapsules from the medium.

Abstract: A process for producing a seamless capsule wherein a two-layer droplet is ejected from a double orifice type nozzle in an aqueous hardening liquid, and an outer layer of the droplet is hardened under cooling, the viscosity of the aqueous hardening liquid being made within the range of 20 to 100 mPa.multidot.s, and any difference in specific gravity between any two of the liquids of the layers ejected from the nozzle and the aqueous hardening liquid is made within 0.05.

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.

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: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Microcapsules formed from urea-, thiourea- and/or melamine-formaldehyde prepolymers which are particularly useful in formulating agrochemicals.

Abstract: A remarkably low odor carbonless paper solvent is provided comprising a mixture of diisopropylbiphenyl and triisopropylbiphenyl, generally in an amount of 50 to 90% by weight diisopropylbiphenyl and 10 to 40% by weight triisopropylbiphenyl. The solvent and a chromogenic substance such as a leuco dye are encapsulated to form microcapsules which are coated onto one surface of a carrier sheet. A color developing substance is then applied to another sheet to form a carbonless marking system. When the microcapsules are ruptured, the solubilized chromogenic substance contacts and reacts with the developer to form an image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micro-capsules constituted by a solid envelope consisting of a layer of coating materials including at least one gastro-resistant polymer, said solid envelope containing an oily liquid.

Abstract: For the determination of the rate of nucleic acid synthesis in eukaryotic cells a nucleotide which is non-radioactively labelled or derivatized with a hapten is introduced into the cells with the addition of liposomes and the rate of synthesis of the nucleic acids is determined by means of the incorporation of the nucleotide via its label or derivatization.