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Microcapsules and Methods for MakingThis invention relates to methods for forming multi-lamellar microcapsules of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic immiscible liquid phases using several polymer/solvent systems. Liquid-Liquid diffusion and spontaneous emulsification are controlled by properly timed sequence exposures of immiscible phases in aqueous vehicles dispersed in hydrocarbon solvents containing small quantities of oil, co-surfactants, and glycerides. Water-in-oil and oil-in-water microcapsules are formed containing selected combinations of several types of drugs, co-encapsulated within fluid compartments inside the microcapsule. Commercial applications of the process and the resultant product relate to drug therapy for treating medical conditions such as cancer, circulatory conditions, and other conditions in which pharmaceuticals are advantageously targeted to specific organs, or delivered in combination with other pharmaceuticals. Small microcapsules may be delivered intravenously to diseased organs or clotted vessels. The use of multiple drugs within the same microcapsule structure provides advantages for applications such as chemoembolization treatments and may be used to deliver both chemotherapeutic drugs, against tumor cells, and an immuno-adjuvant or immunological stimulant to enhance the patient's immune response. Active forms of urokinase and other enzymes may be delivered without dilution to the local site of an embolism for dissolving the embolism. Thus, the invention has several potentially valuable commercial applications related to pharmaceutical and medical applications.
Document ID
19970018048
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Other - Patent Application
Authors
Morrison, Dennis R.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Mosier, Benjamin
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
December 2, 1994
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.71:MSC-22489-1
Accession Number
97N20129
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Patent
NASA-Case-MSC-22489-1
Patent Application
US-Patent-Appl-SN-349169
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