The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture

Clarence A Knutson

George F Fanta

Kenneth Eskins

Frederick C Felker

Martin C Cadmus

Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.

Starch microcapsules for delivery of active agents

A high-pyruvate xanthan gum, substantially free of insolubles and undesirable coloration, is produced by fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris on a carbohydrate-containing nutrient medium having (NH.sub.4).sub.2 HPO.sub.4 at a level of at least 0.15% as the primary nitrogen source, and having a total phosphate level of at least about 0.25%.

Production of high-pyruvate xanthan gum on synthetic medium

The extracellular heteropolysaccharide produced by the bacterium Arthrobacter stabilis NRRL B-3225 is treated by acidification, drying, and controlled heating to substantially increase its viscosity in aqueous solutions and to tailor it to particular conditions of use.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, IL, United States of America

Clarence A Knutson