Abstract: A method of preparing micro-capsules. The active ingredient, preferably provided in the form of an acid salt dissolved in a basic aqueous solution, is emulsified into a polymer solution, preferably PLGA in a relatively volatile solvent such as dichloromethane, to create a water in oil emulsion. This emulsion is further emulsified into an aqueous solution having a pH of a between about 7.4 and 8.0 and most preferably between about 7.8 and 8.0 to create a water in oil in water solution. The polymer solvent is allowed to evaporate, causing the emulsified active ingredient and surrounding polymer matrix to precipitate, thereby forming the micro-capsules. The micro-capsules are separated from the suspension, washed and freeze dried. The method has a very high encapsulation efficiency, even at high loading rates. Additionally, the dissolution rate of the micro-particles produced by the method is very steady over a long period of time.

Abstract: A microcapsule, in particular of spherical shape, having a hollow capsule core encased by a capsule shell, characterized in that the capsule shell is at least partially made of hydrated cementitious material. A method for the production of a microcapsule includes the steps of: a) preparing of a suspension of particulate cementitious material in a solvent b) preparing a dispersion by mixing the suspension of step a) with an immiscible fluid so that (i) the suspension is present as a dispersed phase in the fluid as a dispersion medium or that (ii) the fluid is present as the dispersed phase in the suspension as the dispersion medium, such that the particulate material of the suspension adsorbs at least partially at a phase boundary between the fluid and the suspension, and c) allowing the particulate material adsorbed at the phase boundary to hydrate with the formation of an individual microcapsule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microcapsules that include a shell material and a core material. The core material of the microcapsules contains an environmentally sensitive luminescent colorant which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics capable of changing upon exposure to a given environment, and a luminescent standard which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics do not change upon exposure to said given environment.

Abstract: A device for producing a crosslinked substance, e.g., of crosslinked microcapsules (1) of a crosslinkable capsule substance, in particular crosslinked alginates, is described, having a first dispensing device (2) for dispensing a jet of the crosslinkable capsule substance and a crosslinking device for applying a crosslinking agent to the capsule substance, whereby the crosslinking device has a second dispensing device (5) which directs a jet (9, 13) of the crosslinking agent at the jet or at a layer of the capsule substance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microcapsule and a method of forming a microcapsule which may be used for oxygen sensitive materials. The microcapsule may comprise a shell encapsulating a core material having a surface, wherein the shell comprises a first organic or inorganic polyelectrolyte providing a plurality of cationic or anionic charges. This may then be followed by forming a first layer comprising an inorganic or organic polyelectrolyte on the microcapsule surface, where the polyelectrolyte of the first layer provides a plurality of cationic or anionic charges, opposite to the charge of the shell polyelectrolyte. This may then be followed by forming a second layer comprising a second organic or inorganic polyelectrolyte providing a plurality of cationic or anionic charges, opposite to the charge of the first layer polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: Coatings configured to change between a relatively higher reflectivity state and a relatively lower reflectivity state depending at least partially upon temperature are generally disclosed. Some example coatings may include a selectively reflective layer including a plurality of microcapsules, which may include an ionic liquid and/or a surfactant within a shell. The microcapsules may have a relatively higher reflectively when at temperatures above a cloud transition temperature and/or a relatively lower reflectivity when at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature. When at temperatures above the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a first fraction of the incident light. When at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a second fraction of the incident light. The first fraction of the incident light may be greater than the second fraction of the incident light.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for the construction of liquid-phase alloy nanoparticles are presented. Particle formation is directed by molecular self-assembly and assisted by sonication. In some embodiments, eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) nanoparticles are formed. In these embodiments, the bulk liquid alloy is ultrasonically dispersed, fast thiolate self-assembly at the EGaIn interface protects the material against oxidation. The assembly shell has been designed to include intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which induce surface strain, assisting in cleavage of the alloy particles to the nanoscale. X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses reveal that the nanoscale particles are in an amorphous or liquid phase, with no observed faceting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsification method and an emulsification apparatus, capable of attaining easy control of particle size and particle size distribution, and simple scale-up and maintenance, and providing an emulsifying amount sufficient for industrial production. Namely, the method comprises continuously and successively passing two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other through two or more mesh members disposed at certain intervals in the presence of an emulsifier to thereby perform emulsification, and the emulsification apparatus as an apparatus for carrying out the method comprises liquid feed pumps for feeding two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other, and a cylindrical flow passage to which the two or more types of liquids are fed by the liquid feed pumps, the cylindrical flow passage including a predetermined number of wire gauzes disposed therein at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: Superoleophilic particles and surfaces and methods of making the same are described. The superoleophilic particles can include porous particles having a hydrophobic coating layer deposited thereon. The coated porous particles are characterized by particle sizes ranging from at least 100 nm to about 10 ?m and a plurality of nanopores. Some of the nanopores provide flow through porosity. The superoleophilic particles also include oil pinned within the nanopores of the porous particles The plurality of porous particles can include (i) particles including a plurality of spaced apart nanostructured features comprising a contiguous, protrusive material, (ii) diatomaceous earth particles, or (iii) both. The surfaces can include the superoleophilic particles coupled to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat-expanded microspheres having high packing efficiency, and a production method thereof. The heat-expanded microspheres are produced by expanding heat-expandable microspheres, which comprise shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and have an average particle size from 1 to 100 micrometer, at a temperature not lower than their expansion initiating temperature, and the heat-expanded microspheres result in a void fraction not higher than 0.70.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a carbon nanocapsule conjugated with at least one of the anticoagulants on the surface and an antithrombotic drug containing the anticoagulant-conjugated carbon nanocapsule as an active ingredient. The anticoagulant-conjugated carbon nanocapsule has less cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. A method for preparing the anticoagulant-conjugated carbon nanocapsule is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making core-shell capsules containing a water-immiscible liquid, comprising the steps of (a) dispersing into the water-immiscible liquid a crosslinking agent that is inactive under the conditions of the dispersion; (b) emulsifying the resulting dispersion into an aqueous solution of a crosslinkable hydrocolloid; and (c) activating the crosslinking agent to cause the hydrocolloid to crosslink at the dispersion/solution interface. The method is simple and provides capsules that can be cold-loaded. The capsule material may be made of vegetable-derived materials.

Abstract: Microparticles that encapsulate a fire extinguishing agent or combination of fire extinguishing agents, methods for preparing these microcapsules, methods for using such microcapsules, and articles of manufacture including at least one of such microparticles either in a coating or in a matrix that makes up a structural component of the article of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microcapsule composition for inhibiting an ethylene response in plants, which comprises a plurality of microcapsules, each including an agent for blocking an ethylene binding site in plants in an oil droplet, and a coating encapsulating the oil droplet and the agent for blocking the ethylene binding site in plants. A method for preparing microcapsules of an agent for blocking the ethylene binding site in plants, and a method for inhibiting an ethylene response in plants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microcapsule which is able to stably retain a benefit agent such as a volatile substance for an extended period, and which is also suitable for encapsulating fragrances and the like. Such capsule encapsulates a mixture comprising a volatile substance, and an additive that has a higher melting point than the volatile substance and is able to undergo mutual dissolution with the volatile substance, wherein the mixture exhibits a melting point range, and a portion of, or all of, that melting point range falls within a range from ?20 to 60° C. The present invention also relates to consumer products including cleaning and/or treatment compositions comprising such microcapsules, and processes of making and using same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns microcapsules comprising a capsule core and a capsule wall composed of thermoset polymer and also, disposed on the outer surface of the capsule wall, a polyelectrolyte having an average molecular weight in the range from 500 g/mol to 10 million g/mol, and also a process for their production and their use in bindered building materials, textiles, heat transfer fluids and dumped beds.

Abstract: The present invention concerns microcapsules comprising a capsule core and a capsule wall, the capsule wall being constructed from 30% to 90% by weight of one or more C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and/or maleic acid (monomers I), 10% to 70% by weight of a mixture of divinyl and polyvinyl monomers (monomers II), the fraction of polyvinyl monomers being in the range from 2% to 90% by weight based on the monomers II, and also 0% to 30% by weight of one or more miscellaneous monomers (monomer III), all based on the total weight of the monomers, a process for their production and their use in textiles, bindered building materials and heat transfer fluids.

Abstract: Provided is a bilayer membrane vesicle capable of undergoing a phase transition. The bilayer membrane vesicle includes: (a) a fatty acid salt having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; (b) an alcohol or an amine compound having an aliphatic chain of 6 to 20 carbon atoms; and (c) an artificial synthetic lipid or a phospholipid capable of forming a bilayer membrane. Preferably, this bilayer membrane vesicle further contains (d) a tertiary amine as a component of the membrane. Also provided is a method of inducing a phase transition of a bilayer membrane vesicle, the method including the step of adding a dehydrating condensing agent or a dehydrating condensing agent precursor having the property of accumulating at an interface to the bilayer membrane vesicle. By causing the lipids that form a molecular aggregate to chemically change, it is possible to change the physical property and the morphology of the molecular aggregate and control the timing of phase transitions such as membrane fusion.

Abstract: An article comprises a substrate, a first functional polymeric phase change material, and a plurality of containment structures that contain the first functional polymeric phase change material. The article may further comprise a second phase change material chemically bound to at least one of the plurality of containment structures or the substrate. In certain embodiments, the article further comprises a second phase change material and a binder that contains at least one of the first polymeric phase change material and the second phase change material. The containment structure may be a microcapsule or a particulate confinement material.

Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble membrane. The capsules are ballasted to sink. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. The gas burial disposal capsules may be formed of non-degradable material for substantially permanent gas storage, or of degradable material to allow the gases to slowly permeate the surrounding earth for slow and relatively harmless release. The gas may be pressurized within the capsules to approximately the pressure of the surrounding earth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule with a core/shell structure, comprising a core which comprises at least one sparingly water-soluble or water-insoluble organic active ingredient, to a method for producing such capsules having a core/shell structure, to the use of the capsules having the core/shell structure and to preparations comprising the capsules having the core/shell structure.

Abstract: An asphalt-based sheet roofing material includes capsules on its upper surface. When struck, as by hailstones, the capsules break to release a film forming fluid that spreads over the surface to heal the damage created by the hailstones.

Abstract: Dry liquids having a particle size distribution (cumulative undersize) D10% ?80 to 140 ?m D50% 140 to 200 ?m D90% 190 to 340 ?m are prepared by passing the liquids and a hydrophobic, pyrogenically prepared silica through a clearly defined, spatially limited shear zone in which the liquids are broken up into small droplets and are surrounded by the hydrophobic, pyrogenically prepared silica.

Abstract: A method that heat-expandable microspheres includes the use of a shell of thermoplastic resin and a non-fluorine blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin. The method includes, a step of dispersing an oily mixture containing a polymerizable component, the blowing agent, and a polymerization initiator containing a peroxydicarbonate in an aqueous dispersing medium to polymerize the polymerizable component contained in the oily mixture. The resultant heat-expandable microsphres have a shell which is less apt to become thinner than its theoretical value, contain minimum amount of resin particle inside their shell, and have excellent heat-expanding performance.

Abstract: Injectable hydrogel microspheres are prepared by forming an emulsion where hydrogel precursors are in a disperse aqueous phase and polymerizing the hydrogel precursors. In a preferred case, the hydrogel precursors are poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and N-isopropylacrylamide and the continuous phase of the emulsion is an aqueous solution of dextran and a dextran solubility reducer. The microspheres will load protein, e.g., cytokines, from aqueous solution.

Abstract: Heat-expandable microspheres include a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin, have a maximum expanding ratio not lower than 50 times, and are thermally expanded into hollow particulates having a repeated-compression durability not lower than 75 percent. The method of producing the heat-expandable microspheres includes the steps of dispersing an oily mixture containing a polymerizable component and the blowing agent in an aqueous dispersing medium containing a specific water-soluble compound and polymerizing the polymerizable component contained in the oily mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coarsely divided microcapsule preparation with particles whose particle sizes are in the range from 200 ?m to 5 cm, comprising microcapsules with a capsule core of latent heat storage material and a thermosetting polymer as capsule wall and one or more polymeric binders whose binder polymer has thermoplastic properties and film-forming properties under processing conditions, where the binder content, calculated as solid, is 1-30% by weight, based on the total weight of the coarsely divided microcapsule preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermochromic color-memory composition comprising a solubilized mixture of (I) an electron donating coloring organic compound, (II) an electron accepting compound and (III) an ester compound represented by the following formula (1) as a reaction medium which controls color reactions of the components (I) and (II): wherein R represents an alkyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 1 to 21 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of from 1 to 3.

Abstract: A process for preparing a perfume composition, the process having the steps of; (a) contacting a perfume ingredient with a molten material to form a pre-mix; (b) contacting the pre-mix with a first solid material to form a soft-solid intermediate high active perfume material; (c) solidifying the molten material to form a hardened-solid intermediate high active perfume material; (d) contacting the hardened-solid intermediate high active perfume intermediate material with a second solid material to form a perfume composition, wherein the ratio of the wt % amount of perfume ingredient present in the hardened-solid intermediate high active perfume material to the wt % amount of perfume ingredient present in the perfume composition is greater than 1.5:1.

Abstract: A blunt impact indicator tape includes a tape strip, a plurality of rupture-able fluid microspheres carried by the tape strip and a colored indicator fluid in each of the plurality of fluid microspheres.

Abstract: Coatings configured to change between a relatively higher reflectivity state and a relatively lower reflectivity state depending at least partially upon temperature are generally disclosed. Some example coatings may include a selectively reflective layer including a plurality of microcapsules, which may include an ionic liquid and/or a surfactant within a shell. The microcapsules may have a relatively higher reflectively when at temperatures above a cloud transition temperature and/or a relatively lower reflectivity when at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature. When at temperatures above the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a first fraction of the incident light. When at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a second fraction of the incident light. The first fraction of the incident light may be greater than the second fraction of the incident light.

Abstract: A W/O emulsion is produced from an aqueous solution containing a substance to be entrapped in a vesicle in a dissolved or suspended state and an oil phase containing an emulsifier; subsequently, the W/O emulsion is cooled to a temperature at which the aqueous solution of the W/O emulsion becomes a frozen particle and the oil phase maintains a liquid state, and the oil phase is removed; thereafter, an oil phase containing a vesicle constituent lipid is added to the frozen particle, and the obtained mixture is then stirred, so as to substitute the emulsifier on the surface of the frozen particle with the vesicle constituent lipid; and thereafter, an external Water phase is added to the frozen particle coated with a lipid membrane, so as to hydrate the lipid membrane by the external water phase. This process achieves a high entrapment yield of a desired substance while controlling desired physical properties such as particle diameter.

Abstract: Photoactivatable prepolymers and methods of use thereof are disclosed for microencapsulation of a substantially water-insoluble material within a nonporous shell. As provided herein, the microencapsulated material is released with no more than a slow release rate. Upon exposure of the nonporous shell to light, the nonporous shell is converted into a porous shell having an increased release rate for the microencapsulated material.

Abstract: The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to amphoteric liposomal formulations which are provided with great serum stability and are suitable for the intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating tissue adjacent a bodily conduit using thermotherapy, while preventing obstructions of the bodily conduit due to edema, includes injection of a drug-encapsulated within a heat-sensitive carrier, such as a liposome, within a region of tissue to be treated. The heat produced by the energy-emitting source heats a portion of the tissue surrounding the bodily conduit to a temperature of approximately 43° C. for a time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue. In addition, the heat produced by the energy-emitting source activates the heat-sensitive carrier to activate the release of the encapsulated drug and the drug targets the tissue to be heated. The focused energy of the energy-emitting source together with the compression acting on the target area can assist in delivering drugs to the target area so that a natural stent has a long term efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention deals with an alternative interfacial polymerization process of microencapsulation, microcapsule's produced thereof, microencapsulated agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, catalysts and phase transfer materials, and formulations thereof, by means of microcapsules and starting materials with much lower toxicological profile than customary microencapsulation materials, and with the participation of acetylene carbamide derivatives in the final structure of the microcapsules' wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of core-shell particles for encapsulating reactive components for single-component resin systems. In particular, the invention relates to the encapsulation of radical initiators such as peroxides. The invention further relates to a method for the 100% encapsulation of reactive components, whereby novel, storage-stable resin systems can be provided. At the same time, the core-shell particles are designed such that they can be opened nearly completely, easily and quickly during application, but have sufficient storage and shear stability before application.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fluid container, wherein at least two half containers are mated in said fluid to be contained in said container. This method allows the incorporation of prefabricated devices into each half containers as well as the functional coupling of these devices after mating of the half containers, thus resulting in a functional hybrid MEMS fluid container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid lipid core/solid lipid shell capsule surface-functionalized with at least one compound containing at least one amino function, characterized in that the lipid core/lipid shell architecture is on the nanometric scale and in that said compound is covalently bonded to said solid lipid shell via a transacylation reaction. It also relates to a method for preparing such capsules.

Abstract: Microencapsulated delivery vehicles comprising an active agent are disclosed. The microencapsulated delivery vehicles may be introduced into products such that, upon activation, the product provides a functional benefit to a substrate, such as a user's skin.

Abstract: A viscose fiber comprises a fiber body including a regenerated cellulosic material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed in the regenerated cellulosic material. The regenerated cellulosic material is derived from an organic plant material and the plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material has a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C., the phase change material providing thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of latent heat at the transition temperature.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, a process is provided for the preparation of amorphous particles comprising a homogeneous distribution of one or more dyes encapsulated by an amorphous, siliceous encapsulating agent, the process comprising: (a) providing a precursor of the encapsulating agent in liquid form; (b) providing the one or more dyes in liquid form; (c) mixing the liquid forms; (d) aerosolizing the mixture to form droplets comprising the one or more dyes and encapsulating agent; and (e) heating the droplets to form the particles comprising the one or more dyes encapsulated by the siliceous encapsulating agent; wherein at least one of the liquid forms provided is aqueous and the or each aqueous liquid form is acidic. According to a second aspect of the invention, encapsulated dyes made by the process of the first aspect of the invention are provided.

Abstract: Heat-expanded microspheres having high packing efficiency are produced by expanding heat-expandable microspheres, which include a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin and have an average particle size from 1 to 100 micrometer, at a temperature not lower than their expansion initiating temperature, and the heat-expanded microspheres result in a void fraction not higher than 0.70.

Abstract: Encapsulated cure systems are provided wherein a curative is incorporated into a solid or semi-solid carrier material whereby mere fracturing or failure of the capsule wall encapsulating such cure systems will not provide for or allow sufficient release of the curative. Also provided are adhesive systems incorporating said encapsulated cure systems.

Abstract: A decomposable thin film comprising a plurality of polyelectrolyte layers of alternating charge, wherein decomposition of the thin film is characterized by degradation of at least a portion of the polyelectrolyte layers.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, two panels of different materials may be bonded with a structural adhesive composition comprising microcapsules containing corrosion inhibiting materials for protecting the panels from corrosion. For example, a steel vehicle door outer panel may be bonded to an aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy inner panel using an epoxy adhesive. Dispersed within the uncured adhesive are an abundance of microcapsules filled with a fluid or mobile material for reacting with the iron and/or aluminum or magnesium to inhibit corrosion arising from the facing surfaces of the mixed metal panels. The protective material is released from the microcapsules for diffusion through the cured or uncured interfacial adhesive to react with one or both panel surfaces and form a protective coating on the surfaces.

Abstract: In one aspect, hollow nanoparticles are described herein. In some embodiments, a hollow nanoparticle comprises a metal shell and a cavity substantially defined by the shell, wherein the shell has a thickness greater than or equal to about 5 nm and the cavity has a curved surface. In another aspect, methods of making hollow nanoparticles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of making hollow nanoparticles comprises forming a plurality of gas bubbles and forming a shell on the surface of at least one of the plurality of gas bubbles, wherein at least one of the gas bubbles is electrochemically generated. In another aspect, composite particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a composite particle comprises at least one nanoparticle and a polycrystalline metal shell substantially encapsulating at least one nanoparticle, wherein at least one surface of at least one nanoparticle is not in contact with the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing 20 to 80% w/w of glucosyl-glycerol and 0.5 to 20% w/w of one or several mono- and/or disaccharides. Surprisingly, it has been found that an especially aqueous solution containing a high concentration of glucosylglycerol offers exceptionally high long-term stability. The composition has bactericidal and fungicidal effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of unagglomerated, highly dispersed, stable core/shell nanocomposite particles comprised of preparing a reverse micelle microemulsion that contains nanocomposite particles, treating the microemulsion with a silane coupling agent, breaking the microemulsion to form a suspension of the nanocomposite particles by adding an acid/alcohol solution to the microemulsion that maintains the suspension of nanocomposite particles at a pH of between about 6 and 7, and simultaneously washing and dispersing the suspension of nanocomposite particles, preferably with a size exclusion HPLC system modified to ensure unagglomeration of the nanocomposite particles. The primary particle size of the nanocomposite particles can range in diameter from between about 1 to 100 nm, preferably from between about 10 to 50 nm, more preferably about 10 to 20 nm, and most preferably about 20 nm.