Abstract: Processes for making microparticles, preferably containing an active agent, are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the process involves preparing (1) a dispersed phase containing an agent in a solution of polymer and a first solvent; (2) a continuous phase containing a surfactant, a second solvent that is totally or partially immiscible with the first solvent, and sufficient first solvent to saturate the continuous phase; and (3) an extraction phase that is a nonsolvent for the polymer, a solvent for the continuous phase components, and a solvent for the first solvent, wherein the continuous phase solvent has solubility in the extraction phase of between about 0.1% and 25% by weight. Then, the dispersed phase and the continuous phase are mixed to form an emulsion, and the emulsion is then briefly mixed with a suitable quantity of extraction phase to induce skin formation at the interface of the dispersed and continuous phases. Remaining solvent is removed by an evaporation process step.

Abstract: Lipid-therapeutic agent particles are prepared containing a charged therapeutic agent encapsulated in lipid portion containing at least two lipid components including a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid such as an amino lipid and a lipid that prevents particle aggregation during lipid-therapeutic agent particle formation such as a PEG-modified or polyamide oligomer-modified lipid. Other lipid components may also be present and these include a neutral lipid such as DSPC, POPC, DOPE or SM, and a sterol such as Chol. The therapeutic agent is encapsulated by combining a mixture of the lipids with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent to form an intermediate mixture containing lipid-encapsulated therapeutic agent particles, and changing the pH of the intermediate mixture to neutralize at least some surface charges on the particles. The method permits high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.

Abstract: Described are compositions comprising core/shell particles and fluoropolymer, wherein the core comprises an ultraviolet absorber, as well as multiphase polymeric compositions comprising a polymeric core phase and a polymeric shelf phase, wherein the polymeric core phase comprises an ultraviolet absorber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new structural class of amphiphilic molecules which incorporate a hydrophilic material or polymer attached, at spatially distinct sites, to at least two hydrophobic residues. Certain of the amphiphilic molecules comprise a plurality of hydrophobic moieties. All such amphiphilic molecules have a common structural motif and, in contact with water, display surface activity and self-assemble into multimolecular aggregates and liquid crystalline phases. Also disclosed are enhanced stability liposomes that incorporate such amphiphilic molecules via unique interactions, and methods of using such formulations in a variety of applications including drug delivery, nutrition, bio-diagnostics, cosmetics, blood products and related applications.

Abstract: Process comprising the following steps: (a) preparation of liposomes (bilayers) by extrusion from lipids, such as dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine; (b) preparation of polymers (−) PTOBEE (C26H20O8)n, both being liquid crystals of the cholesteric type; ( ) addition of the polymers to the suspension of liposomes. These systems have biomedical and pharmacologic applications such as ‘stealth liposomes’, or ‘ghost liposomes’, for the encapsulation of drugs with, as a result, an extension of their average life in the blood flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to gel-coated microcapsules which have improved mechanical stress- and flame-resistance. A method for making the gel coated microcapsules is also provided. Phase change materials can be included in the microcapsules to provide thermal control in a wide variety of environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the rapid production of homogeneous, ultrafine inorganic material via liquid-phase reactions. The method of the present invention employs electrohydrodynamic flows in the vicinity of an electrified injector tube placed inside another tube to induce efficient turbulent mixing of two fluids containing reactive species. The rapid micromixing allows liquid-phase reactions to be conducted uniformly at high rates. This approach allows continuous production of non-agglomerated, monopispersed, submicron-sized, sphere-like powders.

Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by polycondensation of a melamine/formaldehyde resin mixture in water, in which essentially water-insoluble material forming the capsule core is dispersed, in the presence of an anionic protective colloid, by a process wherein the melamine/formaldehyde resin mixture is composed of: a) an aqueous solution of a condensate of a1) 1 mol of melamine, a2) from 2 to 5 mol of formaldehyde and a3) from 0 to 0.5 mol of a melamine derivative which can undergo an addition or condensation reaction with formaldehyde and a4) from 1 to 5 mol of a C1-C3-alkanol and b) from 0.01 to 1 mol of a water-soluble primary, secondary or tertiary amine or ammonia.

Abstract: Paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing lipid bilayers at least two lipid bilayers formed of surfactant materials, each of the bilayers comprising a glucoside primary amphiphile and a steroid. The vesicles may have either an aqueous or oil-filled central cavity and are particularly useful for delivering dermatological, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Microparticles such as propagules of eukaryotic biocontrol agents are encapsulated in cellular-scale polymer capsules that have a diameter similar to normal eukaryotic cells in a range of about 10 &mgr;m to about 400 &mgr;m. The microparticles are encapsulated by adding a hydrophobic dispersion medium such as a mixture of chloroform and hexane or a mixture of corn oil and n-hexadecane having a specific gravity of about 1 and containing an emulsifier such as lecithin to an aqueous suspension of the microparticles and a polymer matrix precursor such as alginate, agitating vigorously to form a stable emulsion of microscopic globules containing a microparticle, and adding the emulsion to an aqueous solution containing a polymerizing agent such as calcium chloride to polymerize and precipitate the globules to form microparticles encapsulated in polymer matrix capsules that may be of a teardrop shape having a length of 40-200% longer than the diameter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods of using intracellular delivery vehicles for delivery and transfection of DNA, RNA, polypeptides, genes, proteins, drugs and biologically active agents into cells in vitro and in vivo. The vehicle comprises a mixture of a liposome and a polypeptide lacking specificity for cellular receptors. In another embodiment, a method for intracellular delivery of biologically active agents comprising combining a non-receptor-binding protein and a liposome, incubating the mixture for a period of time, adding the biologically active agent, incubating again, and finally, introducing the resulting mixture to the cell. Preferably, the liposome is a cationic liposome. The charge ratio of cationic liposome to DNA can effectively be varied from 2:1 to 1:2. Preferably, the non-receptor-binding protein is the serum albumin of the animal source of the cell to be transfected.

Abstract: Microcapsules involving a wall of chitin or chitin derivatives or of polyhydroxylated polyamines or one of their salts, with the wall sheathing a hydrophobic substance, are prepared by forming a hydrophobic phase emulsion of the hydrophobic substance in an aqueous phase containing an anionic surfactant capable of causing insolubilization of chitosan or chitosan derivatives or polyhydroxylated polyamines, mixing the emulsion with a chitosan or chitosan derivative or polyhydroxylated polyamine organic salt so as to cause the coacervation of the chitosan or the chitosan derivatives or the polyhydroxylated polyamines around the droplets of the hydrophobic phase, subjecting the chitosan or chitosan derivative or the polyhydroxylated polyamine coacervate to an acetylation or crosslinking reaction and recovering the microcapsules, and are applicable to cosmetic compositions incorporating sunscreens.

Abstract: The fast-curing photosensitive composition capable of being cured by the irradiation with light, comprises a radical-polymerizable unsaturated compound, a photopolymerization initiator, and a thiol-containing compound, whereby the fast-curing photosensitive composition can be adequately cured even with low exposure energy.

Abstract: A microencapsulated unsaturated fatty acid or fatty acid compound or mixture of fatty acids and/or fatty acid compounds, and particularly an omega-3-fatty acid or omega-6-fatty acid or an ethyl ester or a glyceride thereof or a mixture of such fatty acids and/or fatty acid compounds. Fatty acid compounds are understood to include derivatives. Particles of the compounds are provided with capsule walls composed of two layers. The inner layer is composed of gelatin A, gelatine B. casein or an alginate, or of a derivative or salt of one of these polymers. The outer layer is composed of gelatin B, gum arabic, pectin or chitosan or a derivative or salt of one of these polymers.

Abstract: A heat-expandable microcapsule comprising a polymer shell formed by polymerizing (I) acrylonitrile, a main monomer component, (II) a monomer having carboxyl and (III) a monomer having groups reactive with the carboxyl of the monomer (II) and of a liquid having a boiling point lower than the softening point of the polymer and being encapsulated in the polymer shell. The heat-expandable microcapsules expand within high temperature range, 240° C. or above, and have heat-resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing the controlled-release chitosan microcapsule, more specifically to a process for preparing the sustained-release chitosan microcapsule capable of releasing at an appropriate rate for a long time, which is characterized by: a) Biodegradable chitosan polymer is used for the capsule material; b) The capsule is kept stable during the release time by the rapid and effective crosslinking reaction between the chitosan polymer and the double crosslinking agent on the surface of tiny particles formed by a new emulsion interface reaction method using a double crosslinking agent of sulfuric acid and glutaraldehyde; and c) The microcapsule which is smaller than several &mgr;m s can be easily formed and the capsule is kept stable for a long release time because an insoluble polymer film whose source material is biodegradable is formed after the release.

Abstract: The invention is an encapsulated active agent comprising an active agent encapsulated in a crystallizable or thermoplastic polymer wherein the particle size of the encapsulated active agent is 3,000 microns or less wherein the active agent is not significantly extractable from the particles under ambient conditions. In another embodiment the invention is a process for preparing an encapsulated agent which comprises a) contacting an active agent with a crystallizable or thermoplastic polymer wherein the polymer is molten and the active agent in not volatile under the contacting conditions; b) forming particles of about 3000 microns or less; and c) exposing the particles to conditions such that the portion of the particle at and near the surface undergoes rapid solidification. The encapsulated active agents of the invention do not require washing in order for them to be stable in curable compositions. These encapsulated active agents can be designed to release the active agent at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A process for forming microspheres that includes passing a first composition containing polymer and solvent through an orifice and directly into a second composition containing water and a microsphere-stabilizing agent, under at least one of conditions (a) and (b), wherein (a) the first composition flows through a first conduit along a first path and exits the first conduit at the orifice, the second composition flows through a second conduit along a second path in an upstream to downstream direction, the first conduit is connected to the second conduit and terminates at the orifice, the first and second paths being orientated at an angle &thgr; relative to each other, wherein 0°<&thgr;<180°; (b) the first composition being at a first temperature and including a solvent having a boiling point, the second composition being at a second temperature, the boiling point of the solvent being less than the second temperature; and forming a composition including water and microspheres, the microspheres b

Abstract: A process for the preparation of microcapsules by the condensation of melamine-formaldehyde resins and/or the methyl ethers thereof in water, in which the substantially water-insoluble material forming the core of the capsule is dispersed, in the presence of an anionic protective colloid at pH's of from 3 to 6.5 by the formation of the microcapsules at temperatures of from 20° to 50° C. followed by curing of the shell of the capsules at from >50° to 100° C., in which, prior to curing, from 10 to 200 wt % of urea, whose amino groups are optionally linked to an ethylene or propylene bridge, based on the melamine-formaldehyde resin are added, the microcapsules produced by this process and also the use thereof in a pressure-sensitive recording system.

Abstract: Microspheres comprising a gelified polar core which is optionally surrounded by concentric and alternating superimposed n lipidic bilayers or n aqueous liquid layers and n gelified polar layers, n being an integer. The microspheres of the invention are obtainable by delipidation of liposomes designated as liposomes having a gelified polar core, of the type comprising at least one outer lipidic bilayer and at least one inner polar aqueous phase containing a gelified substance.

Abstract: A color former composition which is composed of a mixture of the color formers 3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-(2′,4′-dimethylanilino)fluoran and 3-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluoran in defined amounts. Further compositions contain mixtures of color formers including one or both of these fluoran compounds and the color formers 3-dibutylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluoran and/or 3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-(3′-methylanilino)fluoran. Microcapsules containing the color former compositions can be prepared from a composition which also contains an organic solvent and can be used to prepare a pressure sensitive or thermal recording material. The mixture of color formers can provide a higher concentration in various organic solvents and/or can be used with less expensive solvents.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of liposomes is described. The process includes the steps of formation of a lipid film on a ceramic filter, preferably an asymmetric ceramic filter, followed by hydration of the lipid film obtained. The liposomes thus formed are recovered. Multilamellar liposomes prepared by the process are also described.

Abstract: A direct heat-sensitive recording method and device using a light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material in which are layered on a support a heat-sensitive recording layer and at least one light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer, which have heat recording sensitivities higher than a heat recording sensitivity of the heat-sensitive recording layer and which are fixed by electromagnetic waves of respectively different wavelengths, each layer of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording material developing to a respectively different color, including: an exposing device for deactivating imagewise each of the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layers corresponding to respective colors by modulating light amounts of electromagnetic waves having respectively different wavelengths and illuminating the electromagnetic waves onto the light-fixing-type heat-sensitive recording layer; and a heat recording device for developing the heat-sensitive recording layer imagewise and developing undea

Abstract: A composition includes a liposome which has a polynucleic acid and a peptide capable of disrupting membranes under acidic conditions encapsulated within it. The composition is used for efficient transfer of nucleic acids into cells both in vitro as well as in vivo.

Abstract: Provided is a method of fluorescence detection of lipid membranes using lipophilic, functionalized nanocrystals; and lipid membranes labeled by the lipophilic, functionalized nanocrystals. The method comprises contacting an effective amount of lipophilic, functionalized nanocrystals with the lipid membranes; exposing the labeled lipid membranes to an excitation light suitable for exciting the functionalized nanocrystals present in the labeled lipid membranes to emit a fluorescence emission. Also provided is a composition comprising a functionalized nanocrystal which is bound to a substrate in a living tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are liposomes containing etherlipids of the formula: as well as a phosphatidylcholine, a sterol, and a headgroup-derivatized lipid. These liposomes are useful in a variety of therapeutic regimens, including the treatment of cancers and inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: A biochemical membrane encapsulated by neuraminic acid residue to mask the surface of the membrane from recognition and removal by the scavenging RES cells of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides glycophospholipid and peptide-phospholipid conjugates comprising a phospholipid moiety and a saccharide or peptide moiety joined by an ether linkage comprising a secondary or tertiary amine. The conjugate structure of the invention comprises a flexible spacer arm between the phospholipid and saccharide or peptide moieties which, being variable in length, serves to optimize saccharide or peptide bioactivity. This invention further provides a method for the synthesis of such conjugates comprising the step of reductive amination. The method is efficient, economical and provides a high yield of product. Glycophospholipid and peptide-phospholipid conjugates of the invention can be incorporated and, optionally, chemically polymerized in self-assembling systems such as membranes, bilayers, films, liposomes and the like, and find utility diagnostically and therapeutically in medical and immuno-biological applications.

Abstract: Bichromal balls have two hemispheres, typically one black and one white, each having different electrical properties. Each ball is enclosed within a spherical shell and then a space between the ball and shell is filled with a liquid to form a microsphere so that the ball is free to rotate in response to an electrical field. The microspheres can then be mixed into a substrate which can be formed into sheets or can be applied to any kind of surface. The result is a film which can form an image from an applied electrical field.