Abstract: A process for surface modifying a variety of polymeric support surfaces is disclosed in which a predetermined modifying polymer is irreversibly absorbed onto essentially all the surfaces of the support polymer accessible to the modifying polymer. The modifying polymer is selected to impart the desired surface characteristics to the modified polymeric surface.

Abstract: Transdermal dosage compositions are prepared from hydrated poly(vinyl alcohol) gels and pharmacologically active substances without any chemicals such as crosslinking agents and catalysts. Heating process is not involved in the gel preparation. High water contents of the gels enable the stratum corneum to be swollen, resulting in high permeation of drugs through the skin.

Abstract: A self-adhesive plaster with glycerol trinitrate in a self-adhesive composition of a saturated rubber and a tackifying resin for transdermal administration is characterized in that the saturated rubber comprises a higher-molecular, structure-forming component and a low-molecular, plasticizing component.

Abstract: A hard gelatin capsule is filled with a chewable composition containing an ingredient for buccal absorption or having buccal activity.

Abstract: Dump release microcapsules are formed of a water-reswellable gel having dispersed therein a sorbtive filler material having a median particle size of not more than 1 micron, such as fumed or precipitated silica. The filler material has an active substance absorbed therein and/or adsorbed thereon. The active material can be 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine and the gel formed from crosslinked lignin or a lignosulphonate.

Abstract: There are disclosed processes for preparing biodegradable collagen-based matrices in sponge or sheet form wherein in one embodiment a collagen-based material including a collagen selected from the group consisting of types I, II and II collagens is freeze dried to form a collagen-based sponge which is contacted with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of a carbodiimide or a succinimidyl active ester to form an intermediate collagen-based matrix which is subsequently subjected to conditions of severe dehydration to form the collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form. In another embodiment, a collagen-based sponge or sheet is first subjected to conditions of severe dehydration followed by contacting the thus formed intermediate collagen-based matrix with a carbodiimide crosslinking compound to form the collagen-based matrix in sponge or sheet form.

Abstract: A konjak mannan-containing reversible gel comprising konjak mannan and xanthane gum and free of any alkali agent for solidifying konjak mannan and a process for producing the reversible gel and a foodstuff containing the reversible gel.

Abstract: A sustained release device which comprises a source of at least one trace chemical element incorporated in a cement and releasable therefrom on contact with an aqueous medium. A preferred cement is copper phosphate cement.