Controlled release microstructures
AssigneesThe Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Geo-Centers, Inc.
InventorsRonald R. Price, Joel M. Schnur, Paul E. Schoen, Mary Testoff, Jacque H. Georger, Jr., Alan Rudolph, Robert F. Brady
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Tubules which contain an active agent in their lumen and compositions containing such microtubules are effective for providing a slow, controlled release of the active agent. Such microtubules are useful in the production of coating compositions for the protection of surfaces coming into contact with water, adhesive resins for the production of laminated wood products, and devices for dispensing pesticides.
Claims3
A composition for effecting the controlled release of an active agent to an environment, comprising a tubule containing a solution, dispersion, or blend of an active agent in a carrier in the lumen thereof, wherein said tubule has an inner diameter of from 0.1 to 1 .mu.m, a wall thickness of from 5 to 50 nm, an optional 200-2,000 nm thick metal coating on said wall, and a length of 1 .mu.m to 1 mm, wherein said active agent is tetracycline and said carrier is a water-soluble epoxy resin, said composition providing a zero order or first order release rate of said active agent from said tubule for a period of at least 30 days.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.