Microparticles useful as ultrasonic contrast agents and for delivery of drugs into the bloodstream
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A microparticle composition containing microparticles having diameters within the range of about 1 to 10 microns, an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer comprising a biodegradable polymer.
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Abstract
Microparticles are provided comprising a shell of an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer of biodegradable polymer. The core of the microparticles contain a gas, liquid or solid for use in drug delivery or as a contrast agent for ultrasonic contrast imaging. The microparticles are capable of passing through the capillary systems of a subject.
48 Citations
56 Claims
- 1. A microparticle composition containing microparticles having diameters within the range of about 1 to 10 microns, an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer comprising a biodegradable polymer.
- 10. A composition comprising gas-filled microparticles of a size capable of passing the capillary circulation system of the body, wherein said microparticles are mechanically adjusted to resonate at a predetermined resonant frequency.
- 25. A composition comprising gas-filled microparticles of a size capable of passing the capillary circulation system of the body and comprising surface targeting moieties for binding to selected tissues.
- 26. A composition comprising gas-filled microparticles of a size capable of passing the capillary circulation system of the body and comprising surface conjugated hydrophilic polymers.
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43. A process for forming multilayer microparticles which are suspendable in a medium suitable for injection, comprising the steps:
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a. forming a mixture of a first aqueous dispersion of a biologically compatible material and mixing with a second solution of a biodegradable polymer wherein said second solution comprises a relatively volatile water-immiscible solvent and a relatively non-volatile water-immiscible non-solvent for said polymer;
b. emulsifying said mixture from step (a) to form microdroplets having an interior containing said polymer solution and an outer layer comprising said biologically compatible material;
c. removing said relatively volatile solvent from said microparticles to form an inner layer of said polymer on said biopolymer;
d. drying said microparticles to remove said non-solvent and residual water. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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50. A method of generating an image for echogenic inspection comprising the steps of:
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a. introducing into a subject a composition of gas-filled microparticles capable of passing the capillary circulation system of said subject wherein said microparticles have an outer layer comprising a biologically compatible material and an inner layer comprising a biodegradable polymer;
b. subjecting said subject to suitable ultrasonic radiation;
c. detecting ultrasonic radiation reflected, transmitted, resonated and/or frequency and/or amplitude modulated by said microparticles in said subject. - View Dependent Claims (51)
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- 52. A method of delivering a pharmaceutically active agent to a subject comprising the steps of introducing into the subject a composition comprising microparticles capable of passing the capillary circulation of said subject, having an outer layer comprising a biologically compatible material, an inner layer comprising a biodegradable polymer and containing said pharmaceutically active agent.
Specification