Abstract: A water-absorbing composite, containing water-absorbing polymer particles immobilized on a fibrous substrate wherein at least a part of said water-absorbing polymer particles consist of primary particles having an average particle diameter of about 50-1000 &mgr;m, wherein about 30% by weight or more of said primary particles are combined to form agglomerates having a shape satisfying the conditions below while nearly maintaining their primary particle shapes and a part of particles of said agglomerates are not adhered to said fibrous substrate. This water-absorbing composite shows excellent water-absorbing properties and a high water-absorbing speed, and most of the highly water-absorbing polymer is stably immobilized on the fibrous substrate and the immobility of swollen gel after absorbing water is also excellent.

Abstract: Encapsulation compositions in which an encapsulate (A) is encapsulated in a matrix (B) may be prepared by:

Abstract: The invention involves methods and products related to the micronization of hydrophobic drugs. A method of micronizing hydrophobic drugs using a set of solutions including an aqueous solution is provided. The invention also relates to products of micronized hydrophobic drugs and related methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for encapsulating an inorganic component in a wax, wherein the method comprises the following steps: i) subjecting the inorganic component to shearing forces such that deagglomeration of the inorganic component takes place, which step is carried out in the presence of the wax, with the wax functioning as a spacer to prevent reagglomeration, ii) subsequently increasing the temperature of the mixture from step i) to a value above the melting temperature of the wax, iii) quickly cooling the mixture obtained in step ii), and finally iv) reducing the solidified mixture from step iii) so as to obtain a wax comprising an inorganic component. The invention further relates to a wax particle obtained by the method and to the use of such wax particles in water-based protection systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hard shell capsules consisting of two parts made from a poly(1,4-&agr;-D-glucan)and starch based composition and the manufacturing thereof, preferentially by a dipping and pin molding process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising meloxicam. The meloxicam particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.

Abstract: A microcapsule having a mean diameter of from about 0.1 to about 5 mm, a membrane and a matrix containing at least one active principle wherein the microcapsule is the product of the process comprising the steps of (a) forming an aqueous matrix by heating an aqueous solution comprised of a gel former, a chitosan and active principle; (b) forming a dispersed matrix by adding the aqueous matrix in an oil phase; (c) contacting the dispersed matrix with an aqueous solution of an anionic polymer selected from the group consisting of a salt of alginic acid and an anionic chitosan derivative.

Abstract: In forming pressure sensitive adhesive microspheres by copolymerizing a nonionic monomer of an alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate ester of a non-tertiary alcohol and an acid monomer copolymerizable with said non-ionic monomer, anelectolyte is present during the polymerization to promote formation of solid rather than hollow microspheres.

Abstract: A waterproof heat-preservative film is formed by providing a melt of a waterproof material, mixing phase-change microcapsules with the melt to form a mixture, solidifying the mixture and pulverizing the solidified mixture to form particles containing phase-change microcapsules, and forming a film with the particles by means of extruding or blowing.

Abstract: A particle coated with a nonlamellar material such as a nonlamellar crystalline material, a nonlamellar amorphous material, or a nonlamellar semi-crystalline material includes an internal matrix core having at least one a nanostructured liquid phase, or at least on nanostructured liquid crystalline phase or a combination of the two is used for the delivery of active agents such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, pesticides, etc.

Abstract: Reactive polymeric surfactants are disclosed, and their use in processes for preparation of microcapsules, and in stabilising emulsions. The surfactants are random graft polymers or block copolymers which contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic units and in which the hydrophobic unit includes a hydrophilic cross-linking unit which reacts with (a) a wall forming ingredient in a microencapsulation process, or (b) an ingredient in the disperse phase of an emulsion.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules for which the walls comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates, guanidine compounds, and optionally amines, wherein the polyisocyanates have an isocyanurate content of at least 30% by weight, based on polyisocyanate, and the walls comprise on average less than 9% by weight, based on the total weight of the microcapsule.

Abstract: Biopolymers and biopolymer blends, including block copolymers, prepared via enzyme-mediated catalysis preferably in a microorganism host in which the reaction conditions are selected to produce biopolymers and biopolymer blends having particular chemical compositions and microstructures.

Abstract: A method is described for the formation of microcapsules which contain a liquid composition in the core, which is surrounded by a polymeric shell, membrane, or coating. The microcapsules are produced by simultaneously extruding the liquid core material along with a polymerizable liquid through concentrically-aligned nozzles to form spherically-layered biliquid droplets, followed by energy input in the form of heat or light which causes polymerization of the outer layer. The capsules formed by this method are capable of containing a variety of liquid materials having a composition ranging from completely aqueous to completely non-aqueous.

Abstract: A vibration damping silicone composition with excellent long term storage stability and vibration damping ability contains as components (A) a silicone oil, (B) hollow particles of an organic resin having an inorganic material powder supported on its surfaces, and (C) a solid inorganic material powder.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the formation of photonic polymer-blend structures having tunable optical and mechanical properties. The photonic polymer-blend structures comprise monomer units of spherical microparticles of a polymer-blend material wherein the spherical microparticles have surfaces partially merged with one another in a robust inter-particle bond having a tunable inter-particle separation or bond length sequentially attached in a desired and programmable architecture. The photonic polymer-blend structures of the present invention can be linked by several hundred individual particles sequentially linked to form complex three-dimensional structures or highly ordered two-dimensional arrays of 3D columns with 2D spacing.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of drug-containing microcapsules employs one or more atomizers to form the microcapsules by the phenomenon of solvent exchange. A plurality of microdroplets of an aqueous solution is contacted with a plurality of microdroplets containing a polymer dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent under conditions whereby the polymer solution envelops the aqueous microdroplet. Exchange of solvent molecules between the aqueous core and its polymer-containing shell deposits the polymer as a membrane around the aqueous core. A preferred atomizer is a coaxial ultrasonic atomizer. Microcapsules can be generated in air as well as when submersed in a collection bath. Desired properties of the microcapsules, e.g., controlled release, can be achieved by providing protective excipients within the aqueous core, providing a hydrophilic polymer capable of undergoing a sol-to-gel transition within the aqueous core, optimizing selection of the polymer solvent, adjusting relative flow rates, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the formation of photonic polymer-blend structures having tunable optical and mechanical properties. The photonic polymer-blend structures comprise monomer units of spherical microparticles of a polymer-blend material wherein the spherical microparticles have surfaces partially merged with one another in a robust inter-particle bond having a tunable inter-particle separation or bond length sequentially attached in a desired and programmable architecture. The photonic polymer-blend structures of the present invention can be linked by several hundred individual particles sequentially linked to form complex three-dimensional structures or highly ordered two-dimensional arrays of 3D columns with 2D spacing.

Abstract: A particulate composition comprising particles having a core comprising a hydrophobic polymer within a shell, characterised in that the shell comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Particulate composition can be used for making a stable dispersion of particles uniformly distributed throughout a first hydrophobic liquid, wherein the particles comprise a core within a shell and the core comprises a hydrophobic polymer into has been imbibed a second hydrophobic liquid, Compositions can be used to encapsulate active substances and may be used in sustained release mechanisms.

Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: Optical lenses and methods of preparing the same, in which an active material encapsulated in resin capsules is impregnated in said lens, adjacent an optical surface thereof. The active material may be a coloring material for producing a printed color pattern in the iris or other areas of the lens, or it may be a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A curable resin composition comprising (A) reactive particles prepared by bonding (A1) at least one of oxide particles of an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, zirconium, titanium, zinc, germanium, indium, tin, antimony, ruthenium, rhenium, silver, nickel, cupper and cerium, and (A2) an organic compound which comprises a polymerizable unsaturated group, (B) a compound having two or more polymerizable unsaturated groups in the molecule, and optionally (C) a terminal reactive polysiloxane compound having at least one polymerizable group, other than organic compound (A2).

Abstract: A method capable of producing, with industrially realizable production efficiency, microcapsules whose particle diameters are small and whose particle diameter distribution is limited, specifically microcapsules for a heat-sensitive recording material, and a heat-sensitive recording material including the thus produced microcapsules. In this method, microcapsules are produced by the steps of preparing an emulsion from an oil phase that contains a material to be micro-encapsulated and a microcapsule wall material, and an aqueous phase, and micro-encapsulating the materials by using the emulsion, the emulsion preparing step being conducted by using a microreactor having channels whose equivalent diameter is no more than 1 mm, and a heat-sensitive recording material having the thus obtained microcapsules is also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymeric layer having a desired image thereon or a three dimensional article comprising a number of such layers in which a layer of a liquid photocurable composition which comprises photo colourable particles is cured by light and selected areas thereof are irradiated with light of a different dose, thereby forming the desired image which composition comprises particles dispersed in it which are micro-capsules containing a photosensitive colour changing composition within a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the components of the colour changing composition or are solid particles comprising an immobilised photosensitive colour changing composition. The process permits the use of the same initiating mechanism to cure the resin and to change the colour of the particles.

Abstract: An uncured epoxy adhesive comprising a resin component, a hardener component, and a microencapsulated accelerator component. The microencapsulated accelerator component comprises an infrared absorber, an accelerator and a wall that covers substantially the entire surface of the accelerator. The epoxy adhesive is cured by exposing it to infrared energy. The infrared energy is absorbed by the infrared absorber which disintegrates the wall and allows the accelerator to come into contact with the other adhesive components and initiate the curing polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A method and composition for the encapsulation of hydrophilic molecules in submicron particles is disclosed. The particles are composed of a water-in-oil microemulsion surrounded by one or more biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: An image-recording composition comprising: a microcapsule enclosing a leuco-dye; a phenol color-developing agent; and a reaction-accelerating agent catalyzing a color-developing reaction between the leuco-dye and the phenol color-developing agent, the reaction-accelerating agent being an organic compound having at least two carboxyl groups. An image-recording sheet comprising a substrate and a color-developing layer disposed by applying the image-recording composition to the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of obtaining microcapsules, comprising mainly the following stages: preparing a scarcely water-soluble organic phase containing a determined amount of acid chlorides, forming an emulsion of said organic phase in an aqueous phase, adding to the aqueous emulsion an amount of at least one polyoxyalkylene polyamine, reacting the monomers containing the amine and acid chloride functions so as to form a polyamide membrane around the emulsified organic phase, recovering the microcapsules obtained. The present invention also relates to a microcapsule.

Abstract: An image-forming substrate has a sheet of paper, and a layer of microcapsules coated over the paper sheet. The microcapsule layer contains at least one type of microcapsules filled with a liquid dye, and a shell wall of each of the microcapsules is composed of resin that exhibits a temperature/pressure characteristic such that, when each of the microcapsules is squashed under a predetermined pressure at a predetermined temperature, the liquid dye seeps from the squashed microcapsule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to thermal energy storage compositions comprising macrocapsules containing therein a plurality of microcapsules and to methods for producing macrocapsules containing microcapsules. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the microcapsules contain a phase change material.

Abstract: The invention relates to preserving the properties of active particles through use of an encapsulant which may be removable. The encapsulant may protect the active particles against premature deactivation. If desired, the encapsulant may be removed to rejuvenate the active particles. Various processes can be implemented to introduce encapsulated particles to embedding substances which may be used in various products.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a production process for a particulate water-absorbent resin with high productivity, which production process is carried out in such a manner that the particulate water-absorbent resin will contain particles with particle diameters of 150 to 850 &mgr;m (but excluding 850 &mgr;m) in an amount of not smaller than 75 weight % of the particulate water-absorbent resin after the pulverization step or after the pulverization step and the drying step even if the adjustment of the particle diameters is not carried out by the sieving classification procedure; a novel particulate water-absorbent resin having high properties; and a sanitary material comprising this particulate water-absorbent resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-stage method for producing gas-filled microcapsules. In one stage of the method, the substance that forms the coat is polymerized. The microcapsules are formed in a physically and/or temporally separate stage, by means of a structuring process. The polymerization is carried out with moderate stirring, while the microcapsules are structured in dispersing conditions.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a polymeric layer having a desired image thereon or a three dimensional article comprising a number of such layers in which a layer of a liquid photocurable composition which comprises photo colorable particles is cured by light and selected areas thereof are irradiated with light of a different dose, thereby forming the desired image which composition comprises particles dispersed in it which are micro-capsules containing a photosensitive color changing composition within a barrier layer which is substantially impermeable to the components of the color changing composition or are solid particles comprising an immobilized photosensitive color changing composition. The process permits the use of the same initiating mechanism to cure the resin and to change the color of the particles.

Abstract: Compositions for sustained delivery of a biomolecule including an anionic polymer and a cationic polymer which ironically interact with each other and, optionally, with the biomolecule. Methods for making the compositions, including the step of combining the negatively charged polymer with the positively charged polymer to form an ionic complex are also provided. The biomolecule may be complexed with one of the polymers before it is complexed with the oppositely charged polymer. The complex is exposed to conditions that cause the formation of precipitated microcarriers, such as a change in pH or the addition of a complexing molecule. The compositions are preferably formulated into microcarriers.

Abstract: A method of forming, by polymerization in an aqueous dispersion at pressures in excess of one atmosphere, a plurality of porous particles having at least one polymeric phase and, additionally, having a pore filling phase containing a fugitive substance is disclosed. Replacement of the fugitive substance with a gas is further disclosed. Gas-filled porous particles and their aqueous dispersions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a pharmaceutical composition and method for controlling the release of a drug or vaccine to a patient where a slow, controlled release of drug or antigen occurs over a considerable period of time after injection. The drug or vaccine is contained in sugar glass microspheres and then placed in an anhydrous liquid, preferably perfluorocarbon, so that the vaccine is protected against dissolution while remaining surrounded by anhydrous liquid. This simple non-toxic system, deliverable by current syringe or present or future needle-free systems, is inexpensive and reliable and aids in parenteral drug delivery or mass immunization campaigns by reducing the need for repeated injections.

Abstract: A process for forming microcapsules having substantially impermeable microcapsule walls comprising the steps of: forming an emulsion of an internal phase in a continuous aqueous phase, the internal phase including a photosensitive composition and a polyvalent isocyanate, the continuous aqueous phase including a sulfonated polystyrene, at least one of the internal phase or the continuous aqueous phase further including a hydrophilic polymer; and enwrapping particles of the internal phase in an amine-formaldehyde condensation product produced by in situ condensation of an amine and formaldehyde is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing microparticles containing biologically active substance, in which process an aqueous solution of the said substance is prepared, this solution is mixed with an aqueous solution of PEG such that the substance is concentrated and/or solidified, the substance is optionally washed, the substance is mixed with an organic polymer solution, the composition obtained is mixed, after the admixture of said polymer solution, with an aqueous polymer solution, thereby forming an emulsion of droplets of first mentioned polymer as the internal phase, said droplets are solidified into microparticles, the microparticles are dried and a release-controlling shell is optionally applied to these.

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 400 nm to 2 microns.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparations useful for the permanent or substantially permanent treatment of textiles and other webs. More particularly, the preparations of the invention comprise an agent or other payload surrounded by or contained within a polymeric encapsulator that is reactive to webs, to give textile-reactive nanoparticles. By “textile-reactive” is meant that the payload nanoparticle will form a chemical covalent bond with the fiber, yarn, fabric, textile, finished goods (including apparel), or other web or substrate to be treated. The polymeric encapsulator of the payload nanoparticle has a surface that includes functional groups for binding or attachment to the fibers of the textiles or other webs to be treated, to provide permanent attachment of the payload to the textiles. Alternatively, the surface of the nanoparticle includes functional groups that can bind to a linker molecule that will in turn bind or attach the nanoparticle to the fiber.

Abstract: A solvent exchange method is employed to provide microencapsulated compositions, such as microcapsules of pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on an exchange of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent, whereby a decline in solvent quality for the organic solvent causes a polymer dissolved therein to be deposited onto an aqueous core. Optimal results are rationalized in terms of a balance of water solubility and surface tension for the organic solvent. In a preferred embodiment, microcapsules of selected drugs are formed by contacting microdroplets of an aqueous solution containing the drug with the organic solvent containing a polymer dissolved therein. A preferred method employs biodegradable poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) dissolved in acetic acid, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, or ethyl formate, to form a PLGA membrane around an aqueous drug core. The method is particularly attractive for encapsulating protein-based drugs without substantial denaturation.

Abstract: A novel adhesive formed in situ in a microcapsule and method for forming such a pressure sensitive or flowable adhesive in situ in a microcapsule is disclosed. The method for forming the novel adhesive comprises providing an aqueous mixture of wall material in water; adding a substantially water insoluble core material, free radical initiator, and a solvent for the pre-polymers to the aqueous mixture. The core material comprises a first addition polymerizable pre-polymer having a Tg of less than about 0° C., a flash point of at least 75° C., and a boiling point of at least 175° C. These are typically selected from acrylate or methacrylate type materials. Optionally included is a second addition polymerizable pre-polymer for providing cross-linking or interaction between polymer chains. High shear agitation is provided to the aqueous mixture to achieve a particle size of about 0.1 to 250 microns.

Abstract: A first heat-sensitive microcapsule of the present invention comprises a shell wall and a liquid coloring composition, and has such a temperature-breaking characteristic that the shell wall is broken by heating to a temperature equal to or higher than a boiling point of the liquid coloring composition. The first heat-sensitive microcapsule is stable to light and easy to handle. A second heat-sensitive microcapsule of the present invention comprises a shell wall, a coloring composition and a heat decomposition-type gas-developing agent, and has such a temperature-breaking characteristic that the shell wall is broken by heating to a temperature equal to or higher than a decomposition temperature of the gas-developing agent. The second heat-sensitive microcapsule can be sensitively broken even by heating in a short time.

Abstract: These crosslinked microparticles between 10-300 nm in size are obtained by dispersion polymerization, in non-aqueous medium which is non-solvent for the polymer formed, of a composition of ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable compounds, comprising: at least one monomer A, comprising only one ethylenic unsaturation, giving the microparticles formed in the said non-aqueous medium self-stabilization during and after polymerization, without any addition of polymer having the function of a stabilizing agent, tither before, during or after polymerization, at least one compound B comprising at least two ethylenic unsaturations and optionally, depending on the case: at least one compound C comprising only one ethylenic unsaturation and/or at least one compound D which is different from A, B and C and comprising at least one ethylenic unsaturation which can undergo radical-mediated polymerization and at least one second reactive function f1 which is other than an ethylenic unsaturation.

Abstract: The invention relates to microcapsules for which the walls comprise reaction products of polyisocyanates with guanidine compounds and amines.

Abstract: Microencapsulated particles having improved resistance to moisture and extended release capabilities are produced by microencapsulating the particles in a film-forming, cross-linked, hydrolyzed polymer.

Abstract: Microcapsules formed from an aminoplast shell wall and an encapsulated ingredient or ingredients enclosed within the wall in which the wall contains a base-cleavable ester moiety. These capsules have been found to be sensitive to the presence of base such that in the presence of base, the capsule walls are relatively quickly disintegrated or degraded so as to produce a relatively quick release of the encapsulated materials. Microcapsules of this invention are particularly suitable for use in controlling insects having an alkaline gut such as certain lepidoptera in that the capsule shell wall may be designed so as to quickly disintegrate under the alkaline conditions present in the gut of the insect thus providing a microcapsule which is safe to handle but which is selectively effective against certain undesirable insects while not harmful to beneficial insects or insects which do not feed on the capsule materials.

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.