초록 ▼

Biodegradable, protein microspheres for in vivo release of a biologically active agent, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. The microspheres can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously for subsequent release. By selecting particular size ranges and the specific p

Biodegradable, protein microspheres for in vivo release of a biologically active agent, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. The microspheres can be administered orally, intravenously, or subcutaneously for subsequent release. By selecting particular size ranges and the specific protein used to form the microsphere, it is possible to target the microspheres to a cell types such as macrophages, or to effect localized absorption of the microspheres to regions such as the mucosal membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, or urogenital areas. Larger forms of the microspheres can also be made using standard techniques of the desirable degradation properties.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for administering a biologically active compound comprising administering at a site the compound in a prolamine microsphere produced by a) contacting a protein solution, wherein the protein consists of prolamine, and contains biologically active compound to be incorporated, with an oil, whi

A method for administering a biologically active compound comprising administering at a site the compound in a prolamine microsphere produced by a) contacting a protein solution, wherein the protein consists of prolamine, and contains biologically active compound to be incorporated, with an oil, which is of limited miscibility with the prolamine solvent and does not dissolve the prolamine, to form a prolamine-oil mixture having a ratio of 1:18.75, prolamine solvent:oil; b) agitating the prolamine-oil mixture to form a dispersion of the prolamine solution in the oil; and c) extracting the prolamine solvent into the oil to form stable prolamine microspheres having dispersed throughout the prolamine the biologically active compound, wherein all of the procedures are performed at a temperature which does not denature the prolamine and the resulting prolamine microsphere has a diameter between 50 nm and 100 microns and releases incorporated compound in a controlled manner in the absence of amide linkages or heat denaturation of the prolamine.