28580 results about "Microsphere" patented technology

A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system and method for making the same is disclosed in which microspheres or particles carrying bioactive agents may be combined randomly or in ordered fashion and dispersed on a substrate to form an array while maintaining the ability to identify the location of bioactive agents and particles within the array using an optically interrogatable, optical signature encoding scheme. A wide variety of modified substrates may be employed which provide either discrete or non-discrete sites for accommodating the microspheres in either random or patterned distributions. The substrates may be constructed from a variety of materials to form either two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a modified fiber optic bundle or array is employed as a substrate to produce a high density array. The disclosed system and method have utility for detecting target analytes and screening large libraries of bioactive agents.

The present invention relates to a molecular sustained controlled release system constructed by the conjugation of molecules to be released with biodegradable polyester polymer via covalent bond and method for preparation thereof. In accordance with the present invention, the system may be formulated into microspheres, nanoparticles, or films. The molecular release rate from the above system can be regulated to be proportional to the chemical degradation rate of the biodegradable polyester polymers, resulting in near zero order kinetics profile of release without showing a burst effect, Moreover, a high loading efficiency of hydrophilic drugs can be achieved.

An osteochondral scaffold has a chondrogenic spiral scaffold in one end of an outer shell made of sintered microspheres, and an osteogenic spiral scaffold in the other end of the outer shell. Each spiral scaffold has nanofibers of a composition selected to promote attachment and proliferation of the desired types of cells. The nanofibers for the chondrogenic spiral scaffold have a different composition than the nanofibers for the osteogenic spiral scaffold. The nanofibers of each spiral scaffold are aligned to orient the attached cells so as to recreate the structure of the native tissue.

Self-encoding microspheres having distinct characteristic optical response signatures to specific target analytes may be mixed together while the ability is retained to identify the sensor type and location of each sensor in a random dispersion of large numbers of such sensors in a sensor array using an optically interrogatable encoding scheme, resulting in a microsphere-based analytic chemistry system. Individual microsphere sensors are disposed in microwells at a distal end of a fiber bundle and are optically coupled to discrete fibers or groups of fibers within the bundle to form an optical fiber bundle sensor. The identities of the individual sensors in the array are self-encoded by exposing the array to a reference analyte while illuminating the array with excitation light energy. A single sensor array may carry thousands of discrete sensing elements whose combined signal provides for substantial improvements in sensor detection limits, response times and signal-to-noise ratios.

A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system and method for making the same is disclosed in which microspheres or particles carrying bioactive agents may be combined randomly or in ordered fashion and dispersed on a substrate to form an array while maintaining the ability to identify the location of bioactive agents and particles within the array using an optically interrogatable, optical signature encoding scheme. A wide variety of modified substrates may be employed which provide either discrete or non-discrete sites for accommodating the microspheres in either random or patterned distributions. The substrates may be constructed from a variety of materials to form either two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a modified fiber optic bundle or array is employed as a substrate to produce a high density array. The disclosed system and method have utility for detecting target analytes and screening large libraries of bioactive agents.

Methods and apparatus for genome analysis are provided. A microfabricated structure including a microfluidic distribution channel is configured to distribute microreactor elements having copies of a sequencing template into a plurality of microfabricated thermal cycling chambers. A microreactor element may include a microcarrier element carrying the multiple copies of the sequencing template. The microcarrier element may comprise a microsphere. An autovalve at an exit port of a thermal cycling chamber, an optical scanner, or a timing arrangement may be used to ensure that only one microsphere will flow into one thermal cycling chamber wherein thermal cycling extension fragments are produced. The extension products are captured, purified, and concentrated in an integrated oligonucleotide gel capture chamber. A microfabricated component separation apparatus is used to analyze the purified extension fragments. The microfabricated structure may be used in a process for performing sequencing and other genetic analysis of DNA or RNA.

A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric.

Implantable devices are configured to be positioned in or near the heart and to carry and deliver an anti-apoptotic drug to a treatment site in or near the heart. The implantable devices include, but are not limited to, leads, stents, heart valves, atrial septal defect devices, cardiac patches and ventricular restraint devices. Depending on the composition of the device, the drug may be carried by the device through a coating applied to the device, or may be included in the device during the device manufacturing process. The drug may also be included in microparticles, such a microspheres, that are delivered locally through a conduit, such as a catheter.

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the use of microsphere arrays to detect and quantify a number of nucleic acid reactions. The invention finds use in genotyping, i.e. the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids, particularly alterations such as nucleotide substitutions (mismatches) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Similarly, the invention finds use in the detection and quantification of a nucleic acid target using a variety of amplification techniques, including both signal amplification and target amplification. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used in nucleic acid sequencing reactions as well. All applications can include the use of adapter sequences to allow for universal arrays.

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the use of microsphere arrays to detect and quantify a number of nucleic acid reactions. The invention finds use in genotyping, i.e. the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids, particularly alterations such as nucleotide substitutions (mismatches) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Similarly, the invention finds use in the detection and quantification of a nucleic acid target using a variety of amplification techniques, including both signal amplification and target amplification. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used in nucleic acid sequencing reactions as well. All applications can include the use of adapter sequences to allow for universal arrays.

Methods for the creation of microspheres treat the clear, intact crystalline lens of the eye with energy pulses, such as from lasers, for the purpose of correcting presbyopia, other refractive errors, and for the retardation and prevention of cataracts. Microsphere formation in non-contiguous patterns or in contiguous volumes works to change the flexure, mass, or shape of the crystalline lens in order to maintain or reestablish the focus of light passing through the ocular lens onto the macular area, and to maintain or reestablish fluid transport within the ocular lens.

The present invention relates to lightweight high strength microsphere containing ceramic particles having controlled microsphere placement and / or size and microsphere morphology, which produces an improved balance of specific gravity and crush strength such that they can be used in applications such as proppants to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the microsphere containing ceramic particles.

Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic delivery applications are also provided. Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a contrast agent or drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in therapeutic delivery applications are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of inter-macromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and / or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other and are then either dried into membranes or sponges or are used as fluids or microspheres. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, antiadhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The antiadhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes and gels can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH and / or cation content of the polymer casting solutions, polyacid composition, the polyalkylene oxide composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use. Multi-layered membranes can be made and used to provide further control over the physical and biological properties of antiadhesion membranes. Membranes and gels can be used concurrently. Antiadhesion compositions may also be used to lubricate tissues and / or medical instruments, and / or deliver drugs to the surgical site and release them locally.

The invention relates to a liquid phase chip for joint detection of multiple tumor markers and a preparation method thereof. The liquid phase chip comprises micro-balloons of a coupled antibody (at least two of the followings: AFP, CEA, CA125, CA153, CA19-9, CA242, CA72-4, PSA, HGH, Beta-HCG), corresponding biotin-labeled detection antibodies, streptavidin phycoerythrin and vegetable hydrosol or polysaccharide hydrosol which has a solute content of 1-10 wt per thousand and does not contain protein. The preparation of the liquid phase chip comprises refining and purification of hydrosol, coupling between captured antibodies and micro-balloons, preparation of biotin-labeled antibodies, dispersing the coupled micro-balloons into the vegetable hydrosol or the polysaccharide hydrosol, and the like. The liquid phase chip has the advantages of stable performance, good micro-balloon dispersivity, long preservation time, fast and convenient use and operation, small amount of samples in use, high detection sensitivity, wide linear scope and low detection cost, can detect ten tumor markers at most at one time, and requires a cost which is a quarter of the total fee of conventional methods.

The present invention relates to improved methods for making and using bioadhesive, bioresorbable, anti-adhesion compositions made of intermacromolecular complexes of carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, polyethers, polyacids, polyalkylene oxides, multivalent cations and / or polycations. The polymers are associated with each other, and are then either dried into membranes or sponges, or are used as fluids or microspheres. Bioresorbable, bioadhesive, anti-adhesion compositions are useful in surgery to prevent the formation and reformation of post-surgical adhesions. The compositions are designed to breakdown in-vivo, and thus be removed from the body. Membranes are inserted during surgery either dry or optionally after conditioning in aqueous solutions. The anti-adhesion, bioadhesive, bioresorptive, antithrombogenic and physical properties of such membranes and gels can be varied as needed by carefully adjusting the pH and / or cation content of the polymer casting solutions, polyacid composition, the polyalkylene oxide composition, or by conditioning the membranes prior to surgical use. Multi-layered membranes can be made and used to provide further control over the physical and biological properties of antiadhesion membranes. Membranes and gels can be used concurrently. Antiadhesion compositions may also be used to lubricate tissues and / or medical instruments, and / or deliver drugs to the surgical site and release them locally.

A coating composition for fabrics includes wetted microspheres containing a phase change material dispersed throughout a polymer binder, a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a thickener. Preferred phase change materials include paraffinic hydrocarbons. The microspheres may be microencapsulated. To prepare the coating composition, microspheres containing phase change material are wetted and dispersed in a dispersion in a water solution containing a surfactant, a dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polymer mixture. The coating is then applied to a fabric. In an alternative embodiment, an extensible fabric is coated with an extensible binder containing microencapsulated phase change material to form an extensible, coated fabric. The coated fabric is optionally flocked. The coated fabrics are manufactured using transfer techniques.

The present invention relates to microspheres useful for embolization which comprises polyvinylalcohol. The present invention also relates to an injectable suspension suitable for embolization which comprises the polyvinylalcohol microspheres and a suitable liquid carrier. The present invention further relates to a method for prophylactic or therapeutic embolization which comprises administering to a mammal an injectable suspension containing the polyvinylalcohol microspheres and a suitable liquid carrier. Finally, the present, invention relates to a process for producing the polyvinylalcbhol microspheres.

The invention relates to compositions and methods for decoding microsphere array sensors.

Methods and apparatus for genome analysis are provided. A microfabricated structure including a microfluidic distribution channel is configured to distribute microreactor elements having copies of a sequencing template into a plurality of microfabricated thermal cycling chambers. A microreactor element may include a microcarrier element carrying the multiple copies of the sequencing template. The microcarrier element may comprise a microsphere. An autovalve at an exit port of a thermal cycling chamber, an optical scanner, or a timing arrangement may be used to ensure that only one microsphere will flow into one thermal cycling chamber wherein thermal cycling extension fragments are produced. The extension products are captured, purified, and concentrated in an integrated oligonucleotide gel capture chamber. A microfabricated component separation apparatus is used to analyze the purified extension fragments. The microfabricated structure may be used in a process for performing sequencing and other genetic analysis of DNA or RNA.

The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process.

New composite materials having a high density of small particles, such as hollow microspheres, in a matrix material are disclosed. The microspheres are densely packed in the matrix material such that adjacent microspheres are positioned in contact with each other or very close together. Fiber flanking may be provided on the opposite sides of a layer of a core of composite material having the small particles and matrix material. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the composite materials.

This invention relates to deployable hemostatic materials comprising chitosan fibers upon which hemostatic microporous polysaccharide microspheres and a medicament or biologically active substance are deposited. The hemostatic materials are suitable for use in controlling active bleeding from artery and vein lacerations, sealing femoral artery punctures, and controlling oozing from tissue.

A method was developed to prepare silk fibroin microspheres using lipid vesicles as templates to efficiently load therapeutic agents in active form for controlled release. The lipids are subsequently removed through the use of a dehydration agent, such as methanol or sodium chloride, resulting in β-sheet structure dominant silk microsphere structures having about 2 μm in diameter. The therapeutic agent can be entrapped in the silk microspheres and used in pharmaceutical formulations for controlled-release treatments.

Methods and apparatus are provided for assaying cell samples, which may be living cells, using probes labeled with composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles (COINs) and microspheres with COINs embedded within a polymer matrix to which the probe moiety is attached. COINs intrinsically produce SERS signals upon laser irradiation, making COIN-labeled probes particularly suitable in a variety of methods for assaying cells, including biological molecules that may be contained on or within cells, most of which are not inherently Raman-active. The invention provides variations of the sandwich immunoassay employing both specific and degenerate binding, methods for reverse phase assay of tissue samples and cell microstructures, in solution displacement and competition assays, and the like. Systems and chips useful for practicing the invention assays are also provided.

A pharmaceutical composition for treating allergy is described. The composition comprises as an active ingredient a recombinant polyclonal antibody or a mixture of different monoclonal antibodies capable of reacting with or binding to an allergen together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The composition may be used topically as a solution, dispersion, powder, or in the form of microspheres. The polyclonal antibody is preferably a recombinant polyclonal antibody produced by phage display technology. The pairing of specific immunoglobulin variable region light chain and heavy chain maintained from the original polyclonal immune response or selected by panning using the allergen in question is preferably maintained by bulk transfer of the pairs into an expression vector.

An improved method of making a series of bead or microsphere or particle populations characterized by subtle variation in a proportion or ratio of at least two fluorescent dyes distributed within a single bead of each population is provided. These beads, when excited by a single excitation light source are capable of giving off several fluorescent signals simultaneously. A set containing as many as 64 distinct populations of multicolored, fluorescent beads is provided and when combined with analytical reagents bound to the surface of such beads is extremely useful for multiplexed analysis of a plurality of analytes in a single sample. Thus, methods of staining polymeric particles, the particles themselves, and methods of using such particles are claimed.

The invention relates to a controlled release bait material and a preparation method thereof. The controlled release bait material refers to small pills, micro-pills, microcapsules, microspheres, particles or sticks prepared from raw materials including a basic material, a feed attractant, a bonding agent, a hydrophilic high-polymer material, a water-insoluble high-polymer material, a quick-release material, a filler, a colorant, a flavoring agent and the like through a preparation means; and the controlled release bait material can be coated for improving the controlled release effect. The invention further discloses a preparation method of the bait material. The controlled release material has rapid and lasting attracting force on fishes, the fish attracting time can be adjusted according to the habit of a fisherman and the habits of fishes, the food ration and frequency of fishes are increased, the fishing success rate can be increased, the food intake of fishes in cultivation of fishes can be increased, the corrosion ratios of remnant feeds and feeds in water bodies are reduced, the utilization ratios of feeds is increased, and the water body environmental pollution is lowered. The preparation method provided by the invention is suitable for industrial production.

The present invention relates to an improved controlled release system that can encapsulate different flavors, sensory markers, and active ingredients, or combinations of flavors, sensory markers and various active ingredients and release multiple active ingredients in a consecutive manner, one after the other. The controlled delivery system of the present invention is substantially free-flowing powder formed of solid hydrophobic nanospheres that are encapsulated in a moisture sensitive microspheres. The flavors, and active ingredients encapsulated in the hydrophobic nanospheres, in the water sensitive microsphere, or in both the nano and the microsphere. The flavors and active ingredients encapsulated in the nanospheres can be the same or different from those encapsulated in the microspheres. The encapsulation of different flavors or active agents in the various components of the system, such as nanospheres and microspheres, provides flavor transition (change in flavor character) during the use of the products. The controlled release system of the present invention enhances the stability and bioavailability of wide range of flavors, sensory markers, and other active ingredients, prolong their residence time in the oral cavity, control their release characteristics, and prolong the sensation of flavors and other sensory markers in the mouth to provide long lasting organoleptic perception or long lasting mouthfeel. The invention further relates oral care, food products, and beverages comprising the controlled release system of the present invention.