초록 ▼

A dispensing device and method for forming a least partially solid or gel-like material from a liquid. At least one liquid issuing from an outlet is subjected to an electric field causing the liquid to form at least one electrically charged jet which, after formation, forms a fiber (F) or breaks up

A dispensing device and method for forming a least partially solid or gel-like material from a liquid. At least one liquid issuing from an outlet is subjected to an electric field causing the liquid to form at least one electrically charged jet which, after formation, forms a fiber (F) or breaks up into fiber fragments (FF) or particles (D). The thus formed at least partially solid or gel-like material may be directly deposited, by virtue of the energy in the electrical field, onto a surface area, for example an area of skin enabling, for example, formation of a dressing for a wound or burn which is of high specific area and extremely absorbent. A biologically active ingredient such as a pharmaceutical ingredient or biological matter such as DNA may be incorporated into the fibers (F), fragments (FF) or particles (D). Fibrils, particles or microcapsules incorporating a biologically active ingredient may be supplied for oral or nasal administration to an animal such as a human being.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of forming composite matter, which comprises supplying a liquid to a first outlet and supplying a further liquid to a second outlet located adjacent the first outlet and subjecting the liquids to an electric field so as to form at least one jet, the liquids bei

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of forming composite matter, which comprises supplying a liquid to a first outlet and supplying a further liquid to a second outlet located adjacent the first outlet and subjecting the liquids to an electric field so as to form at least one jet, the liquids being such that, after formation, the jet forms a fiber which has a core formed substantially by one of the two liquids and a coating formed substantially by the other of the two liquids or breaks up into fiber fragments or particles which have a core formed substantially by one of the liquids and a coating formed substantially by the other of the two liquids. [2.]2. A method of forming a dressing for an area of animal such as a wound, a burn or an area exposed by a surgical procedure, the method comprising the step of subjecting first and second liquids to an electric field at an outlet in the vicinity of the area to be dressed thereby causing the liquids to form at least one jet of electrically charged liquid, the first and second liquids being such that, after formation, the at least one jet forms a fiber that has a core formed substantially by one of the first and second liquids and a coating formed substantially by the other of the first and second liquids or breaks up into fiber fragments or particles which have a core formed substantially by one of the first and second liquids and a coating formed substantially by the other of the first and second liquids.