Patent US5407609A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5407609A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microencapsulation process and products therefrom
Assignee: Surmodics SMP Inc
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Filing: 1993-05-17
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Granted: 1995-04-18
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Expires: 2013-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A method of microencapsulating an agent to form a microencapsulated product, having the steps of dispersing an effective amount of the agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion, combining the dispersion with an effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains the process medium and microdroplets having the agent, the solvent and the wall forming material and adding rapidly the emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract the solvent from the microdroplets to form the microencapsulated product.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas R. Tice
- 👤 Richard M. Gilley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:42
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J13/00; B01J13/02; B01J13/06; B01J13/12; A; A61; A61K; A61K9/00; A61K9/14; A61K9/16; A61K9/1682; A61K9/1694; A61K9/48; A61K9/50; A61K9/5089
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 84
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
An emulsion-based method of microencapsulating an agent to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction media.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
An emulsion-based method of microencapsulating an agent to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction media.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said adding step comprises the addition of said emulsion to said extraction medium within 3 minutes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said dispersing step comprises dissolving said agent in said solvent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said solvent is immiscible with said process medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said process medium is water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said process medium is an organic solvent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said process medium is an oil.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said process medium contains a surfactant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said surfactant is present in the process medium from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, and further comprising the step of saturating said process medium with said solvent prior to said step of adding said dispersion to said continuous process medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, and further comprising the step of preventing the evaporation of said solvent from said microdroplets.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said extraction medium is water.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1, wherein said extraction medium is an organic solvent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said extraction medium is an oil.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, and further comprising the step of dissolving an effective amount of a salt in said extraction medium to adjust its ionic strength.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, and further comprising the step of controlling the pH of said extraction medium by adding an acid or base.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, and further comprising the step of separating said microencapsulated product from said extraction medium.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent is a highly water soluble compound.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent has a solubility of greater than 10 milligrams per milliliter in said continuous process medium.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the ratio of said agent to said wall forming material in said dispersion is high to affect the porosity of said microencapsulated product.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material in said dispersion is greater than 20 wt. %.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material in said dispersion is from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. %.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material in said dispersion is low to affect the porosity of said microencapsulated product.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material in said dispersion is less than 20 wt. %.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said continuous process medium is soluble in said solvent to control the porosity of said microencapsulated product.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said continuous process medium has a solubility of from about 2% to about 25% in said solvent to provide said microencapsulated product with a high porosity.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said continuous process medium has a solubility of less than about 2% in said solvent.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said solvent is selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, diethyl carbonate, chloroform and methylene chloride and said continuous process medium is water.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent is soluble in said continuous process medium.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent has a solubility greater than 100 mg/mL in said continuous process medium.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, and further comprising the step prior to step b) of mixing a water soluble auxiliary compound with said agent.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 31, wherein said auxiliary compound has a solubility greater than 100 mg/mL in said continuous process medium.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 31, wherein said auxiliary compound has a solubility greater than 1 gram/mL in said continuous process medium.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 31, wherein said agent is a solid compound.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 34, wherein said microcapsule exhibits zero-order release kinetics.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 31, wherein said auxiliary compound has a solubility greater than 100 mg/mL in said extraction medium.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 31, wherein said auxiliary compound has a solubility greater than 1 gram/mL in said extraction medium.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent is a solid compound.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent is a liquid.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the percentage of wall forming material to solvent in said dispersion is between about 3 wt. % and 40 wt. %.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent is removed from said microencapsulated product during or after said extraction of said solvent from said microdroplets to provide a microbubble.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 41, wherein said agent is a solid having a solubility over 1 gram/mL in said continuous process medium.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 41, wherein said agent is a liquid.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 43, wherein said liquid is mannitol dissolved in water.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said wall-forming material is present at a concentration greater than 20 wt. % in said solvent.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 45, wherein said agent is a solid having a solubility over 1 gram/mL in said extraction medium.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said wall-forming material is present at a concentration less than 20 wt. % in said solvent.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent has a solubility of greater than 10 milligrams per milliliter in said extraction medium.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said agent has a solubility greater than 100 mg/mL in said extraction medium.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said method comprises a continuous process.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the microencapsulated agent is an analgesic, anesthetic, anorexic, antiarthritic, antiasthmatic, antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer agent, anticoagulant, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, antihistamine, hormone, tranquilizer, antispasmodic, vitamin, mineral, cardiovascular agent, enzyme, peptide, protein, prostaglandin, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, fat, narcotic, psychotherapeutic, antimalarial, L-dopa, diuretic, antiulcer drug, or immunological agent.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the microencapsulated agent is an adhesive, pesticide, fragrance, antifoulant, dye, salt, oil, ink, cosmetic, catalyst, detergent, curing agent, flavor, food, fuels, herbicides, metal, paint, photographic agent, biocide, pigment, plasticizer, propellant, solvent, stabilizer or polymer additive.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the wall-forming material is poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(caprolactone), poly(hydroxybutyrate) or copolymers thereof.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the microencapsulated product comprises a central core comprising said agent surrounded by an outer membrane.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the diameter of said microencapsulated product ranges from nanoparticles to about 2 millimeters.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the diameter of said microencapsulated product ranges from about 1 μm to about 10 μm.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the diameter of said microencapsulated product ranges from about 1 μm to about 5 μm.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the diameter of said microencapsulated product ranges from about 5 μm to about 10 μm.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the diameter of said microencapsulated product ranges from about 45 μm to about 250 μm.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting high porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, an extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material being greater than about 20 wt. %; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once alter step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting high porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, an extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material being greater than about 20 wt. %; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once alter step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 60, wherein said continuous process medium is highly soluble in said solvent.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 61, wherein said continuous process medium has a solubility of from about 2% to about 25% in said solvent.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 60, wherein the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material in said dispersion is from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. %.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting low porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, and extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material being less than about 20 wt. %; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once after step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part par 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting low porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, and extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; the percentage of said agent to said wall forming material being less than about 20 wt. %; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once after step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part par 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 64, wherein said continuous process medium has a solubility of less than about 2% in said solvent.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting high porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, and extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, said continuous process medium having a solubility of from about 2% to about 25% in said solvent; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once after step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting high porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, and extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, said continuous process medium having a solubility of from about 2% to about 25% in said solvent; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once after step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting low porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, and extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, said continuous process medium having a solubility of less than about 2% in said solvent; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once after step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of preparing a microencapsulated product having an encapsulating wall exhibiting low porosity, wherein the encapsulated agent is soluble in a continuous process medium, and extraction medium, or both media, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, said continuous process medium having a solubility of less than about 2% in said solvent; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once after step b) said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of microencapsulating an agent from media in which said agent is soluble, to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with and effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, wherein said agent is soluble in said continuous process medium; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said agent is soluble in said extraction medium, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of microencapsulating an agent from media in which said agent is soluble, to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with and effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, wherein said agent is soluble in said continuous process medium; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said agent is soluble in said extraction medium, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of microencapsulating an agent, to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with and effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, wherein said agent is soluble in said continuous process medium; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of microencapsulating an agent, to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with and effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, wherein said agent is soluble in said continuous process medium; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of microencapsulating an agent from media in which said agent is soluble, to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with and effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said agent is soluble in said extraction medium, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of microencapsulating an agent from media in which said agent is soluble, to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with and effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said agent is soluble in said extraction medium, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
159 words
An emulsion-based method of microencapsulating an agent that is soluble in a continuous process medium, an extraction medium, or both media, to form a microencapsulated product comprising a central core of said agent surrounded by an outer membrane, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
159 words
An emulsion-based method of microencapsulating an agent that is soluble in a continuous process medium, an extraction medium, or both media, to form a microencapsulated product comprising a central core of said agent surrounded by an outer membrane, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of said continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of said extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
140 words
An emulsion based method of microencapsulating a water-soluble agent to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said water-soluble agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of an aqueous continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said aqueous process medium and microdroplets comprising said water-soluble agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an aqueous extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
140 words
An emulsion based method of microencapsulating a water-soluble agent to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said water-soluble agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of an aqueous continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said aqueous process medium and microdroplets comprising said water-soluble agent, said solvent and said wall forming material; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an aqueous extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
164 words
An emulsion-based method of microencapsulating an agent that has a propensity to partition within minutes into the continuous phase of the emulsion to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, wherein said agent has a propensity to partition within minutes into said continuous process medium; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
164 words
An emulsion-based method of microencapsulating an agent that has a propensity to partition within minutes into the continuous phase of the emulsion to form a microencapsulated product, comprising the steps of: a) dissolving or dispersing an effective amount of said agent in a solvent containing a dissolved wall forming material to form a dispersion; b) combining said dispersion with an effective amount of a continuous process medium to form an emulsion that contains said process medium and microdroplets comprising said agent, said solvent and said wall forming material, wherein said agent has a propensity to partition within minutes into said continuous process medium; and c) immediately after the formation of said emulsion, adding all at once said emulsion to an effective amount of an extraction medium to extract said solvent from said microdroplets to form said microencapsulated product, wherein said solvent has a a solubility of from about 1 part per 100 parts to about 25 parts per 100 parts in said extraction medium.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-04-17 | 1998-10-17 | 1999-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-17 | 2002-10-17 | 2003-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-17 | 2006-10-17 | 2007-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |