Abstract: The present invention provides: a microcapsule composition for electrophoretic displays; a production process for the microcapsule composition for the electrophoretic displays; a production process for a sheet for the electrophoretic displays; and a handling method for microcapsules for the electrophoretic displays; wherein the microcapsule composition contains microcapsules and, when used for the electrophoretic displays, can make them as excellent as conventional in various performances (e.g. longtime stability of displaying, respondability of displaying, contrast, and number of times of display rewritability) and, particularly above all, can make the electrophoretic displays exhibit a very high performance as to the contrast.

Abstract: A conductive adhesive agent of the invention contains an elution preventing film-forming agent 4, which becomes reactive after electric continuity through a conductive particle 3 appeared in the conductive adhesive agent when a binder resin 2 is being hardened, to thereby form an elution preventing film 5 on a surface of the conductive particle 3. By using this conductive adhesive agent, the packaging structure is made migration resistant and sulfurization resistant.

Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusogenic liposome comprising a lipid capable of adopting a non-lamellar phase, yet capable of assuming a bilayer structure in the presence of a bilayer stabilizing component; and a bilayer stabilizing component reversibly associated with the lipid to stabilize the lipid in a bilayer structure. Such fusogenic liposomes are extremely advantageous because the rate at which they become fusogenic can be not only predetermined, but varied as required over a time scale ranging from minutes to days. Control of liposome fusion can be achieved by modulating the chemical stability and/or exchangeability of the bilayer stabilizing component(s). The fusogenic liposomes of the present invention can be used to deliver drugs, peptide, proteins, RNA, DNA or other bioactive molecules to the target cells of interest.

Abstract: A process for forming certain aqueous polymeric dispersions including a first emulsion polymer having an average particle diameter of 150 to 3000 nanometers and a second emulsion polymer having an average particle diameter of 40 to 600 nanometers where at least the first emulsion polymer particles, when dry, contain at least one void is provided. Also provided are the aqueous polymeric dispersions made by the process and paper or paperboard coatings and paints including the aqueous polymeric dispersions.

Abstract: A liposome having a lipid bilayer, where the lipid bilayer includes either the L or D stereoisomer of an ether lipid or a non-equal mixture of both. Most preferably the liposome also comprises (a) an underivatized phosphatidylcholine; (b) a sterol; (c) about 5-20 mole % of a phosphatidylethanolamine linked to a dicarboxylic acid at the ethanolamine group of the phosphatidylethanolamine, and (d) greater than about 10 mole % to less than about 30 mole % of either the L or D stereoisomer of an ether lipid. The liposome may be used as an anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns liposome vectors, in powder form, of active principles, and more particularly active principles sensitive to digestive and/or plasmatic degradation, such as proteins, and their application as medicine. Said liposome vectors of active principles consist of a powder composition essentially constituted of unilamellar liposomes comprising an external lipid phase consisting of class 4 lipids (phospholipids), optionally associated with class 2 substances, class 3 substances and/or class 5 substances and an internal aqueous nucleus consisting of a mixture M of at least two different non-polymerisable gelling agents (G1 and G2) whereof the gel-sol phase transition is not less than 37° C.

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 modular cytomimetic biocompatible biomaterial, comprising a phospholipid or phospholipid derivative comprising various functional groups (e.g., lipid, peptide, sugar) having specific chemical properties which can function as a modular surface design unit to be incorporated or appended to a desired substrate (e.g., a polymer or a metal) on which it is then polymerized in situ, thereby contributing new or specified biochemical characteristics to the polymerized and stabilized biomaterial.

Abstract: Use of intumescent coating materials for the flame-inhibiting finishing of articles containing microencapsulated organic latent-heat storage materials.

Abstract: A reversible thermochromic composition which can be freely adjusted in its discoloration temperature even if the kind of electron donating compound and electron accepting compound to be used in combination remain the same and exhibits a remarkably improved light-fastness during quenching. A reversible thermochromic composition having an improved light-fastness comprising (a) an electron donating compound, (b) an electron accepting compound ultraviolet absorbing capacity represented by the following general formula I: wherein X represents a hydrogen atom, —CnH2n+1 or —OCmH2m+1; m represents an integer of from 1 to 9; n represents an integer of from 1 to 10; and p represents an integer of from 1 to 3, and (c) a discoloration temperature adjustor and a product comprising same.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising an agglomeration of primary microcapsules, each individual primary microcapsule having a primary shell and the agglomeration being encapsulated by an outer shell, may be prepared by providing an aqueous mixture of a loading substance and a shell material, adjusting pH, temperature, concentration and/or mixing speed to form primary shells of shell material around the loading substance and cooling the aqueous mixture until the primary shells agglomerate and an outer shell of shell material forms around the agglomeration. Such microcapsules are useful for storing a substance and for delivering the substance to a desired environment.

Abstract: A stable aqueous dispersion which comprises a cationic lipid which is a molecule which comprises a cholesterol-derived lipophilic group, a linker bond which is hydrolyzable by cellular enzymes and relatively resistant to base-catalyzed hydrolysis, a spacer arm and a cationic amino group, and an appropriate co-lipid. The invention also includes the cationic lipids and mammalian plasmid DNA or other cells in admixture with the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: A method of sizing liposomes by passing a suspension of liposomes through an aluminum oxide porous film by entering the film via the smaller pores and extruded via the larger pores, under pressure, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the porous film is a branched-pore type anodic aluminum oxide porous film. The process produces a population of liposomes substantially free of liposomes above a predetermined maximum size. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing nanocapsules and microcapsules comprising a polyelectrolyte shell by surface precipitation from the solution, by applying a shell to template particles comprising the steps (a) providing a dispersion of template particles of suitable size in a salt-containing liquid phase which contains the components required to form the shell in a dissolved form and (b) precipitating the components from the liquid phase onto the template particles under conditions which enable the formation of a shell around the template particles that has a thickness of from 1 to 100 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle comprising an active dispersed in a visco-elastic liquid matrix having a &eegr;′ and a &eegr;″ between 103 to 1014 Pa measured in a cone-and-plate rheometer at 25° C. and a sinusoidal frequencies &ohgr; of 1 Hz.

Abstract: A liposome suspension forms spontaneously upon adding a diacylglycerol-PEG lipid to an aqueous solution when the lipid has appropriate packing parameters and the adding occurs above the melting temperature of the lipid. Combinations of lipids may be used in the invention. The liposome suspensions are useful for a variety of purposes, including delivery of theraputic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres, processes for the manufacture of said microspheres, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said microspheres, and sustained release methods of administering an effective pharmaceutical amount of a bioactive compound to a subject. The microspheres of the present invention comprise a water insoluble organic matrix comprising an interior region, throughout which are homogeneously dispersed a plurality of microcapsules consisting essentially of a core of bioactive compound coated with material containing charged organic groups and a surface region substantially free of said bioactive compound.

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: Modified starch encapsulated oil particles, and a process for making said particles and products comprising such particles are disclosed. Such particles provide a simple, efficient and effective delivery system that can be used to deliver oils to compositions.

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: Microcapsules having a carotenoid content of between about 10% and 50% by weight. A crystalline form of one or more carotenoids is processed in a fluidized bed coating machine where a protective coating of a sugar or polyhydric alcohol, a starch, and optionally a protein, is applied. The carotenoid content of the finished microcapsules is in excess of 80% of the carotenoids present in the starting material.

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: An insulating composite material comprising expanded microcells and fiber media and methods for producing same. Microcells incorporated into the fiber media engage the surface projections and the intra-fiber and inter-fiber voids, resulting in increased microcell retention, thereby improving the characteristics of the composite material.

Abstract: A process for producing liposomes having a desired mean particle size wherein the desired mean particle size is obtained by varying the initial organic solvent concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel encapsulation compositions and methods. In particular, the invention relates to fluorescent capsule compositions, which consists of a layer of a polymer shell enclosing one or more fluorescent materials such as fluorescent microspheres and which are capable of emitting at least two distinct fluorescent signals. Also provided are methods for their preparation. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful in a variety of applications, including preparation of multiplexed arrays for industrial, chemical, immunological, and genetic manipulation and analysis especially as related but not limited to flow cytometry.

Abstract: A process for producing a small-sized, lipid-based cochleate. Cochleates are derived from liposomes which are suspended in an aqueous two-phase polymer solution, enabling the differential partitioning of polar molecule based-structures by phase separation. The liposome-containing two-phase polymer solution, treated with positively charged molecules such as Ca2+ or Zn2+, forms a cochleate precipitate of a particle size less than one micron. The process may be used to produce cochleates containing biologically relevant molecules.

Abstract: A method for making a printing blanket resulting from assembling a plurality of layers employs elastomer layers which do not contain thermal cross-linking agents and are of the thermoplastic type. Such a printing blanket is useful in the field of printing machines.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A method for making a printing blanket having an outer lithographic layer and at the back, on the side opposite to the lithographic layer, a layer made of polymer material, entails providing polymer material that can be rectified, and then rectifying the polymer material to help control a thickness of the blanket. The invention is useful in the field of printing machines.

Abstract: Liposomes containing PEG-substituted neutral lipopolymers provide similar circulation times to liposomes incorporating conventional, negatively charged PEG-substituted phospholipids. Use of the uncharged lipopolymers can also present advantages in terms of interactions with cell surfaces and reduced leakage of charged substances, particularly cationic drugs, from the liposomes. The lipopolymers are of the formula: wherein each of R1 and R2 is an alkyl or alkenyl chain having between about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, n is about 10 to about 300, Z is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkoxy, benzyloxy, carboxylic ester, sulfonic ester, alkyl or aryl carbonate, amino, and alkylamino, and the linkage L is selected from the group consisting of (i) —X—(C═O)—Y—CH2—, (ii) —X—(C═O)—, and (iii) —X—CH2—, wherein X and Y are independently selected from oxygen, NH, and a direct linkage.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising one or more lipophilic substances as core material and a polymer as capsule shell, which are obtainable by free-radical polymerization of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible material, comprising a phospholipid or phospholipid derivative comprising various functional groups having specific chemical properties, which can function as a modular surface design unit to be incorporated or appended to a desired substrate on which it is then polymerized, thereby contributing new or specified biochemical characteristics to the polymerized and stabilized biomaterial.

Abstract: This invention provides a liposome having a drug included therein, which has active targeting property and ensured stability in blood and can be used effectively in the diagnosis and/or treatment of diseases, particularly renal diseases, that accompany production of proteoglycan, comprising (1) a basic compound which takes positive charge within a physiological pH range, (2) a lipid derivative of a hydrophilic polymer and (3) a lipid which constitutes the liposome, as its membrane constituting components, wherein their constituting ratios are from 1 to 20 mol % of (1) based on (3) and from 0.2 to 5 mol % of (2) based on the total of (1) and (3).

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tissue product with improved flushability. Specifically, the incorporation of both a temporary wet strength agent and an alkaline reagent into the tissue product results in the tissue product having high initial wet tensile strength and a high rate of wet tensile loss. The high rate of wet tensile loss is caused by the high pH of the alkaline reagent that is incorporated during the dry end of a tissue manufacturing process. The temporary wet strength agent is added in the wet end of a tissue manufacturing process. In certain embodiments of the present invention, glyoxylated polyacrylamide may be used as the temporary wet strength agent, while the alkaline reagent may be in dry form or may be encapsulated.

Abstract: Disclosed are silica-coated nanoparticles and a process for producing silica-coated nanoparticles. Silica-coated nanoparticles are prepared by precipitating nano-sized cores from reagents dissolved in the aqueous compartment of a water-in-oil microemulsion. A reactive silicate is added to coat the cores with silica. Also disclosed are methods for functionalizing silica-coated nanoparticles for use in a variety of applications.

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 present invention relates to methods of forming a humidity barrier using fats or other materials that can form an amorphous coating for particles comprising sensitive biological materials in a dehydrated and/or a vitrified state. Since the hydrophobic coating may be sticky, a second hard-shell coating is applied to prevent the particles from sticking together. This approach would minimize exposure of the dried biological material to atmospheric moisture and the consequent loss of biological activity.

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) adding the aqueous matrix to an aqueous solution of an anionic polymer selected from the group consisting of a salt of alginic acid and an anionic chitosan derivative.

Abstract: A new method of producing liposomes is described using an in-line mixing system. The liposomes produced by this method find utility in numerous therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for an improved dye composition for encapsulation in casing structures adapted for projectile motion and rupture upon contact with a target surface, such as paint balls. The dye composition adapted for use in an impact-rupturable capsule of the invention comprises a water-soluble dye and a lipophilic carrier having an oil and an emulsifier, said emulsifier comprising ethoxylated mono- and diglycerides. The invention further provides for an impact-rupturable capsule containing the dye composition. Advantages of the dye composition of the invention include improved consistency and reduced separation of ingredients; greater viscosity and thickness; greater “smearability” and splattering of dye on target surface upon impact and rupture of the casing; and greater water solubility and improved machine washability.

Abstract: Methods of forming crosslinked polymer particles in situ from polymer precursors such as monomers or oligomers, comprising exposing a composition comprising at least one polymer precursor, a solvent or solvent mixture, and an antisolvent or antisolvent mixture to photoradiation under conditions whereby particles are formed are provided. The polymer precursor may be photosensitive, or a separate polymerization initiator may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer precursor is insoluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture and the solvent or solvent mixture is soluble in the antisolvent or antisolvent mixture at the concentrations used. Crosslinked polymer particles and crosslinked polymer particles comprising a polymer and a bioactive material are also provided. The polymer may be erodable, and the polymer particles formed may be used in a variety of applications, including controlled release of bioactive materials such as drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel encapsulation compositions and methods. In particular, the invention relates to fluorescent capsule compositions, which consists of a layer of a polymer shell enclosing one or more fluorescent materials such as fluorescent microspheres and which are capable of emitting at least two distinct fluorescent signals. Also provided are methods for their preparation. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful in a variety of applications, including preparation of multiplexed arrays for industrial, chemical, immunological, and genetic manipulation and analysis especially as related but not limited to flow cytometry.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing core-shell type metallic nanoparticles involving (i) providing a dispersion of a first metal as nanoparticles in an appropriate organic solvent; (ii) providing a solution of a metallic precursor containing a second metal in an appropriate organic solvent, in which the second metal has a reduction potential higher than that of the first metal; and (iii) combining the dispersion from (i) and the solution from (ii) together to carry out the transmetalation reaction of the first and second metals, thereby forming core-shell type metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention includes a plurality of micro-porous granulate structures made of polypropylene comprising phase change material. The micro-porous polypropylene granulate structure absorbs and holds about 60% to 75% of a phase change material. The micro-porous polypropylene granulate structures with incorporated phase change material are free flowing, conformable powders or pellets possessing particle sizes between 0.01 millimeter and 1.0 millimeter. The phase change materials incorporated in the micro-porous polypropylene granulate structures are alkyl hydrocarbons, salt hydrates, poly-alcohols, or eutectics with melting and freezing temperatures between −10° C. and 150° C. In order to manufacture the micro-porous polypropylene granulates comprising phase change material the granulate is stirred into the liquefied phase change material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carrier particle having a diameter of from 5 to 20 nm which contains an HDL apolipoprotein, an amphipathic lipid such as a phospholipid, and a drug which is either a hydrophobic drug, amphipathic drug, or a cationic hydrophilic drug. The carrier particle is formed by a process in which the components are co-sonicated in a buffer. The apolipoprotein is preferably apo A-I or apo A-II. The carrier particle is particularly useful for increasing plasma circulation time of a hydrophobic drug relative to conventional hydrophobic drug carrier particles. Thus, drug efficacy is improved and toxicity of the drug to renal and reticuloendothelial tissues is reduced. A composition for drug delivery comprises the carrier particle suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable medium, and is particularly suited to administration by parenteral infusion, systemic injection, transdermal patch, oral tablet or oral spray.

Abstract: Two or more hydrophilic polymers that are not soluble in each other at a particular concentration and temperature, but which have a positive spreading coefficient in solution, are used to form multi-layered polymeric microspheres. The multi-layer microspheres produced by the method are distinguished by extremely uniform dimensioned polymer layers and actual incorporation of a substance to be delivered into the polymer layers. In the preferred embodiment of the method, two polymers are dissolved in an aqueous solvent, the substance to be incorporated is dispersed or dissolved in the polymer solution, the mixture is suspended in an organic solvent or polymer/water mixture and stirred, and the solvent is slowly evaporated, creating microspheres with an inner core formed by one polymer and an outer layer formed by the second polymer.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing luminescent nanoparticles and nanoparticles prepared by such methods are provided. The nanoparticles are prepared by a method in which an additive is included in the reaction mixture. The additive may be a Group 2 element, a Group 12 element, a Group 13 element, a Group 14 element, a Group 15 element, or a Group 16 element. In additions, a luminescent nanoparticle is provided that comprises a semiconductive core surrounded by an inorganic shell, an interfacial region and an additive present in the interfacial region or both the interfacial region and the shell.

Abstract: High concentration drag reducing agents may be prepared by microencapsulating and/or macroencapsulating polymer drag reducing agent. The encapsulation may be performed prior to, during, or after the polymerization of monomer into effective drag reducing polymer. If encapsulation is done before or during polymerization, a catalyst may be present, but little or no solvent is required. The result is very small scale bulk polymerization within the capsule. The inert capsule or shell may be removed before, during or after introduction of the encapsulated drag reducer into a flowing liquid. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing slurry into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic or otherwise) of the polymer necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent.

Abstract: A one-part curable epoxy adhesive composition is provided. The adhesive comprises curable epoxy resin, a latent curative system comprising (a) at least one first curative encapsulated in thermoplastic polymeric microcapsules and (b) a second latent curative admixed in the curable epoxy resin, and sufficient particulate thermoplastic polymeric material to at least partially regionally plasticize the cured epoxy resin wherein up to all of the particulate thermoplastic polymeric material may be provided by the walls of the microcapsules. A method of curing the adhesive by heating the composition is also provided. A joint made by adhering members together with the adhesive composition and a method of making the joint are also provided.