Abstract: A method and device for generating solid particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of a compound of interest is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the compound in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: Present invention provides a method and device for the formation of fine particles of a desired substance and for the immediate subsequent administration to an external environment like human or animal tissues. It also provides ways to control the output and solvent, antisolvent concentrations in the particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides storage stable, shaped particles of allotropic organic compounds. The particles of the present invention can be shaped according to the desired application. Preferred shapes of such particles are microspheres, particularly those having diameters of about 1 to about 1,000 microns. The stable shaped particles of the present invention are particularly well-suited to the fabrication of pharmaceutical formulations, particularly where sustained release and uniform bioavailability are desired. The storage stable particles are formed by a solid state crystallization of allotropic organic compounds. The solid state crystallization process of the present invention affords a means for achieving a storage stable crystalline form of said allotropic compound without loss or deterioration of the original particle dimensions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a solvent-free suspension of a low-melting point water-insoluble solid agrochemical active ingredient, which comprises suspending 1-40% by weight of a silica-based carrier in 40 to 97% by weight of water in the presence of 1-40% by weight of anionic dispersant, heating the suspension thus obtained to a temperature above that of the active ingredient, and adding, with stirring, 1-25% by weight of a molten active ingredient with a melting point of <80° C. or a mixture of at least two active ingredients each having a melting point of <80° C. The present invention furthermore relates to the preparation of suspension concentrates, water-dispersible powders and water-dispersible granules based on the suspensions prepared via the abovementioned process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for drying the liquid of microorganism cells where, in a manufacturing step of a dried microorganism cell product or of a composition such as pharmaceutical or food containing the same, extinction or damage of microorganism cells is suppressed as much as possible and survival rate is able to be highly retained and another object is to provide a dried microorganism cell product in a single micron size having many cell numbers per unit weight and being easily made into pharmaceutical or food.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions exhibiting a combination of immediate release and controlled release characteristics. The compositions comprise at least one poorly soluble active ingredient having a nanoparticulate particle size, at least one surface stabilizer adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticulate active agent particles, and at least one active ingredient having a microparticulate particle size.

Abstract: A method and device for generating pharmaceutical agent particles using focused acoustic energy are provided. A solution of the pharmaceutical agent is provided in a solvent, which may be an aqueous fluid, a nonaqueous fluid, or a supercritical fluid. Focused acoustic energy is used to eject a droplet of the solution, which is then directed into or through an antisolvent that upon admixture with the solution droplet causes the pharmaceutical agent in the droplet to precipitate. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent is an aqueous or organic liquid, and the antisolvent is a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A process for preparing ultrafine powders of biological macromolecules comprises atomizing liquid solutions of the macromolecules, drying the droplets formed in the atomization step, and collecting the particles which result from drying. By properly controlling each of the atomization, drying, and collection steps, ultrafine dry powder compositions having characteristics particularly suitable for pulmonary delivery for therapeutic and other purposes may be prepared.

Abstract: A process for preparing a target for use in production of a thin metal oxide film that comprises molding an amorphous powder of organic metal chelate complexes to obtain the target. The process also includes mixing metallic materials with an organic chelating agent so as to give a predetermined metal composition to prepare a transparent aqueous solution of organic metal chelate complexes. The process also includes spray-drying the aqueous solution to obtain an amorphous powder of the organic metal chelate complexes.

Abstract: Preparations of particles having a glass surface, wherein more than 75% by weight of these particles have a particle size between 0.5 &mgr;m and 15 &mgr;m and a glass surface which contains between 2 and 6 mole % zinc oxide, have proven to be particularly advantageous in processes for the purification of nucleic acids. This in particular results in an increased nucleic acid yield.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a hydrocolloid powder composition exhibiting good dispersibility in an aqueous medium, without formation of lumps, and whereof the hydration time is controllable, comprising steps which consist in: preparing a potentially reactive crosslinking powder by contacting a highly absorbent support powder with a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking a hydrocolloid powder, optionally under effect of heat; mixing, optionally by dry process, said powder with a hydrocolloid powder; optionally treating said mixture of powders with water optionally containing salts; and optionally heat-treating said mixture of powders. The invention also concerns said hydrocolloid powder composition comprising at least a crosslinked hydrocolloid constituent, a residual amount of crosslinking agent less than 1000 ppm, a support powder and optionally water.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a co-processed carbohydrate system, and formulations produced therefrom, which formulations are directly compressible into solid dosage forms, some of which rapidly and completely dissolve or disintegrate in the oral cavity within 60 seconds. The invention also comprises the solid dosage forms produced by directly compressing the co-processed carbohydrate system, some of which, when placed in the oral cavity, shall dissolve or disintegrate, preferably within about 60 seconds.

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

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for efficiently manufacturing microspheres having a uniform particle diameter. The apparatus comprises: case 1 having a lower body 1a and an upper body 1b. A seal ring 3, a first plate 4 which is comprised of a transparent plate such as a glass plate or a plastic plate, an annular spacer 5, an intermediate plate 6 which is comprised of a silicon substrate or the like, an annular spacer 7, a second plate 8 and a seal ring 9 are inserted in this order into a concave portion 2 formed in the lower body 1a. The upper body 1b is superposed thereon. Further, the upper body 1b is attached to the lower body 1a with bolts or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods for producing solid dispersions, especially pharmaceutical dispersions. These methods involve the dissolution of one or more insoluble or relatively insoluble substances, preferably pharmaceutically active substances, and/or one or more water-soluble substances, preferably carriers, in supercritical fluids and the subsequent removal of solvent by rapid expansion. These methods offer a number of advantages over traditional preparation methods and form formulations with highly desirable dissolution properties, especially for pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Comprises a) dissolving a compound C in a fluid A to provide a solution A; b) Thermostatization of said solution A to a temperature ranging between −50° C. and 200° C.; c) Adding a fluid B to said solution A until a pressure P is obtained, and is characterized in that said fluid B at a pressure P is miscible with said solution A, and acts as a co-solvent to form a solution AB; and d) Reduce the pressure of said solution AB so as to produce the precipitation of said compound C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing particles with polymorph and size control of a pharmaceutical compound, the method including the steps of: (1) providing a pharmaceutical compound in a first phase; (2) seeding the compound; (3) causing a phase change in the pharmaceutical compound to a second phase of a desired polymorphic form; and (4) wherein the mean particle size of the particles is less than 7 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of diazepam through an inhalation route. Specifically, it relates to aerosols containing diazepam that are used in inhalation therapy. In a composition aspect of the present invention, the aerosol comprises particles comprising at least 5 percent by weight of diazepam. In a method aspect of the present invention, diazepam is delivered to a mammal through an inhalation route. The method comprises: a) heating a composition, wherein the composition comprises at least 5 percent by weight of diazepam, to form a vapor; and, b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming a condensation aerosol comprising particles, which is inhaled by the mammal. In a kit aspect of the present invention, a kit for delivering diazepam through an inhalation route to a mammal is provided which comprises: a) a composition comprising at least 5 percent by weight of diazepam; and, b) a device that forms a diazepam containing aerosol from the composition, for inhalation by the mammal.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a pharmaceutical preparation which is rapidly dissolved or disintegrated in an oral cavity and a process for the formulation thereof. The orally disintegrating solid pharmaceutical preparations are obtained by dispersively ejecting melts containing sugars (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, sugar alcohols, etc.) and pharmaceutically active components under an atmosphere at a temperature equal to or lower than the solidifying point of the sugar, solidifying in a filamentous or flocculent state, and subsequently collecting flocculent masses followed by molding into a given dosage form and processes for the production thereof are also provided. The orally disintegrating solid preparations are safe, sweet and easily ingestible which can be rapidly dissolved or disintegrated in the oral cavity since they have a high porosity due to the formulation from filamentous or flocculent masses and contain highly water-soluble sugars as their major bases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nanoscale polymers having a particle diameter ranging from 10-500 nm in the production of surface active preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming particles of a substance, comprising the step of introducing into a mixing chamber (8), in which the temperature and pressure are controlled, a fluid gas (4) and at least one vehicle system (1) comprising at least one substance in solution or suspension such that droplet formation and extraction of the vehicle occur substantially simultaneously by the action of the fluid gas (4). Turbulence is induced in at least one of said fluid gas (4) and said vehicle system (1) so as to create a controlled disorder in the flow of the at least one of the fluid gas (4) or the vehicle system (1) in order to control the particle formation in said mixing chamber (8), said controlled disorder being created by at least one flow perturbation means (11).

Abstract: A high speed agitation granulator method of preparing a substantially spherical granule for pharmaceutical use comprising a medicament for pharmaceutical use, wherein the medicament has an aqueous solubility of 0.01 to 0.30 g/ml, which method comprises introducing a mixture of medicament and excipients comprising at least 5% crystalline cellulose into the granulator and spraying on water or a mixture of ethanol and water as binder solution; a substantially spherical granule for pharmaceutical use comprising famiciclovir and 5% or more crystalline cellulose, together with an optional coating; and a sachet containing a unit dose of famiciclovir in the form of such granules.

Abstract: A method for producing composite fine particles, which comprises one or more growth steps of growing, on surfaces of fine particles of a first Group II-VI compound, layers of a second Group II-VI compound having a bandgap different from that of the first Group II-VI compound and/or having an impurity or impurity concentration different from that of the first Group II-VI compound. This method enables production of composite fine particles of Group II-IV compounds having favorable performances in a simple manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for producing powdered preparations for inhalation comprising a substance having a smaller particle size distribution and a substance having a larger particle size distribution, wherein a substance having a smaller particle size distribution and a substance having a larger particle size distribution are continuously metered into a suitable mixing container such that the quotient N of the delivery speed for the metering of the substance having the smaller particle size distribution and the delivery speed for the metering of the substance having the larger particle size distribution is at least as great as the quotient M of the total mass of the substance having the smaller particle size distribution and the total mass of the substance having the larger particle size distribution.

Abstract: Dual shell microcapsule aggregate particles and copy materials coated therewith, such aggregate particles having inner shells surrounding chromogenic nucleus material, and outer shells encompassing multiple such inner shells to form aggregate particles thereof. The inner shells are derived from polar pre-polymer compositions. The outer shells are derived from complex colloids such as gelatin and gelatin derivatives. The outer shell material causes agglomeration of the inner shells into aggregate particles, thus increasing the sizes of the particles without increasing the sizes of the respective inner-shell microcapsules which contain the chromogenic material.

Abstract: A process for making spherically-shaped sterol preparations involving: (a) providing a liquid sterol preparation; (b) forming the liquid sterol preparation into liquid sterol droplets; and (c) solidifying the liquid sterol droplets to form the spherically-shaped sterol preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing submicron sized nanoparticles of a poorly water soluble compound by lyophilizing a dispersion or microdispersion of a multiphase system having an organic phase and an aqueous phase, the organic phase having the poorly water soluble organic compound therein. The method is preferably used to prepare nanoparticles of a poorly water soluble, pharmaceutically active compound suitable for in vivo delivery, particularly by parenteral routes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing mineral capsules consisting of aqueous liquid core enclosed in mineral coating, said method consisting in: 1) emulsifying an aqueous fluid in a phase non-miscible with said aqueous fluid so as to disperse it therein in the form of droplets; 2) contacting, in the resulting emulsion, at least a zirconium, silicon, aluminium and/or a transition metal capable of being hydrolysed or subjected to condensation polymerisation in temperature and pH conditions suitable for forming a precipitate consisting of the corresponding oxide or hydroxide; 3) recuperating the resulting mineral capsules and, if required, purifying them.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of controlling the porosity of porous spherical particles produced from a polysaccharide dissolved in a solvent, in which it can be gelled. The polysaccharide solution is finely divided by mechanical means into spherical droplets which are allowed to pass through a humid atmosphere and transferred to a capturing medium while controlling the temperature and humidity of humid atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for preparing crystalline particles of a drug substance is disclosed, said process comprising recirculating an anti-solvent through a mixing zone, dissolving the drug substance in a solvent to form a solution, adding the solution to the mixing zone to form a particle slurry in the anti-solvent, and recirculating at least a portion of the particle slurry back through the mixing zone. Particles produced from the process are also disclosed. The present invention has the ability to be operated in a continuous fashion, resulting in a more efficient process and a more uniform product. The present invention has the additional advantage of having the ability to operate at a relatively low solvent ratio, thereby increasing the drug to excipient ratio.

Abstract: A method of producing fine medicament particles suitable for inhalation, particles produced by the method and apparatus suitable for carrying out the method. The method comprises contacting a stream or streams of a solution of medicament with a stream or streams of a liquid in which the medicament is insoluble in a confined chamber such that a region of intense turbulence and mixing is formed. The medicament crystallises as fine particles with minimal inclusion of solvent or anti-solvent impurities. The crystallised medicament is separated from suspension by standard techniques. Careful control of relative stream velocity, solution concentration and proportion of solution and anti-solvent in the streams ensures a uniform product.

Abstract: Artificial particles known as calcium phosphate nanoclusters, which contain high concentrations of calcium, particularly for use in nutritional products, neutraceuticals and pharmacological preparations. There is also provided a simple mixing method for producing nanoclusters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing nanoscale metal-based powders from a metal salt and an amphiphilic copolymer containing ethylene oxide. The copolymer and metal salt are mixed to form a metal salt/copolymer paste which is then calcined at a temperature sufficient to remove water and organics and to form a metal oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides coated granules using drug granules containing a water soluble drug as an active ingredient at a high density, which is superior in uniform content and stability, and which is capable of providing a pharmaceutical preparation superior in drug release control and having a smaller size than conventional preparations, and a production method of the granules, and further, a pharmaceutical preparation using the drug granules.

Abstract: The decorative vitreous beads of the present invention have a hard, solid, substantially vitreous, unitary body comprised primarily of silica and having a generally spherical form, with the largest dimension being in the range between ⅛ inch to 2 inches. The body by weight comprising 35% to 70% of silica and the remaining ingredients by weight are from 65% to 30% for a total of 100% taken from the group comprising potash, soda, calcia, strontia, alumina, zinc oxide, boric oxide, zirconia, magnesia and potassium. Methods are further disclosed for making the decorative beads comprising mixing together a batch of minerals in powder state comprising by weight 35% to 70% of silica and the remaining oxides by weight from 65% to 30% for a total of 100% taken from a group comprising the oxides mentioned previously. The mixed batch is placed in the container which is inserted into a kiln.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a suspension of a pharmaceutically-active compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first organic solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous. The process includes the steps of: (i) dissolving a first quantity of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the water-miscible first organic solvent to form a first solution; (ii) mixing the first solution with the second solvent to precipitate the pharmaceutically-active compound; and (iii) seeding the first solution or the second solvent or the pre-suspension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a granulate while using spray-dried D-mannitol and to the production of pharmaceutical dosage forms comprised of granulates of this type. The invention additionally relates to granulates obtained by using this method and to pharmaceutical dosage forms, which contain statins, especially cerivastatin, and which can be produced from said granulates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns pulverulent mannitol characterized in that it has an average diameter of between 60 and 200 &mgr;m, preferably of between 80 and 180 &mgr;m, a packed density, determined according to a Test A, of between 0.65 and 0.85 g/ml, preferably of between 0.7 and 0.8 g/ml and a flow factor of at least 60, preferably of between 60 and 90a process for obtaining and using the said pulverulent mannitol as an excipient in preparations intended in particular for the pharmaceutical field, and especially as a powder for filling hard capsules.

Abstract: A method of making nanoparticles of interferon gamma for use in pharmaceutical formulations, and the treatment of various ailments by inhalation of these formulations are described. The interferon gamma is made into nanoparticle size using supercritical fluids technology.

Abstract: Spray dried particles having specified aerodynamic characteristics are produced by atomizing a liquid feed and contacting the liquid feed with a drying gas, such as, for example, air or nitrogen. The humidity of the drying gas is controlled to a value, expressed, for instance, as dew point, which is known to produce particles having a specified tap density or aerodynamic diameter. Particles having a volume median geometric diameter greater than about 5 microns and a tap density less than about 0.4 g/cm3 are preferred.

Abstract: Non-denatured triple-helix collagen extracted from animal tendons and skin is purified and brought into the form of a stable, sterile, sterile and meterable powder having a particle size of not more than 20 microns. The powdered collagen so obtained has favourable characteristics of distribution and asepsis and is particularly efficacious in the more delicate phases of the wound-healing process compared with powdered collagens obtained by known methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming fine particles of a substance, the method including contacting a non-gaseous fluid containing the substance with a dense gas to expand the fluid, the dense gas including (a) an anti-solvent and (b) a modifying agent which modifies the polarity of the anti-solvent, and particles formed by the method.

Abstract: A colored rotating granular body 21 has a surface color-coded in two different colors and electrification characteristics for each color and rotates by an effect of an electric field to display an associated color face. For producing the colored rotating granular bodies 21, a suspension 11 of granular bodies 1 each already in a colored state and functioning as a base and an emulsion 12 of a monomer 2 sill in an uncolored state are mixed, the monomer 2 is unevenly attached to a part of a surface of each of the granular bodies 1, the monomer attached to the granular bodies 1 are polymerized to obtain granular bodies 3 composed of the polymerized monomer, thereafter only the granular bodies 3 are selectively colored, and snowman-shaped complexed resin granular bodies 4 composed of the granular bodies 1 and the granular bodies 3 are integrally spheroidized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing submicron sized particles of an organic compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous, the process including the steps of: (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution, (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a pre-suspension; and (iii) adding energy to the pre-suspension to form particles having an average effective particle size of less than about 2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to nanoscale active anti-dandruff ingredients having a particle diameter ranging from 10-500 nm in the production of hair-cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic biomaterial compound based on stabilized calcium phosphates and more particularly to the molecular, structural and physical characterization of this compound. The compound comprises calcium, oxygen and phosphorous, wherein at least one of the elements is substituted with an element having an ionic radius of approximately 0.1 to 1.1 Å. The knowledge of the specific molecular and chemical properties of the compound allows for the development of several uses of the compound in various bone-related clinical conditions.

Abstract: A process for producing a free-flowing powder comprising water dispersible sterols, the process comprising commingling sterols and lecithin in an organic solvent, removing the solvent to produce a commingled solid material, grinding the commingled solid to produce a powder, hydrating the powder in water, adding a spray drying adjunct before or after homogenization of the powder, and spray drying the homogenized product.

Abstract: Improved methods for forming fine particles of a material have been developed, wherein the method steps include dissolving the material in a solvent to form a dilute solution, immobilizing the dilution solution, and then removing the solvent to yield particles of the material. Methods of immobilizing the dilute solution include freezing, gelation, and chelation. In a preferred embodiment, the immobilized solvent is removed by lyophilization, i.e. reducing the ambient pressure while avoiding application of sufficient heat to power a phase transition. Essentially any material and solvent for the material can be used in the methods described herein. Proteins and peptides in an aqueous solvent are the preferred systems.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced lightweight resin molded article with pores has a portion having a porosity lower than that of other general portions. Such a low-porosity portion serves as a rib in the resultant molded articles, to thereby enables to provide a fiber-reinforced lightweight resin molded article having excellent rigidity, bending strength, impact strength, uniformity of strength, resistance to local stress and torsion. The present invention also provides an efficient method for manufacturing the fiber-reinforced lightweight resin molded article.

Abstract: A novel process for producing extended release formulation of a water-soluble drug comprising the steps of making a “modified drug” comprising a hot-melt granulation of the drug with soluble or dispersible polymeric material of a suitable molecular weight and melting point, coating portions of the modified drug to different thicknesses or weights so as to produce subbatches, and blending the subbatches to achieve a specific drug release profile.