Externally triggered microcapsules

US7968117B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Dennis R. Morrison · Kemah, US
• Benjamin Mosier · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 9, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 28, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01F33/30
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed are microcapsules comprising a polymer shell enclosing one or more immiscible liquid phases in which a drug or drug precursor are contained in a liquid phase. The microparticles also contain magnetic particles that can be heated by application of an external magnetic field and thus heated to a predetermined Curie temperature. Heating of the particles melts the polymer shell and releases the drug without causing heating of surrounding tissues.