Southwest Research Institute

James R Scott

Mary C Marshall

Stephen Thomas Wellinghoff

Herman W Schlameus

Donald J Mangold

Michael G MacNaughton

Herman W Schlaemus

Matthew L Alexander

A microcapsule for use in degrading a hydrocarbon comprising a core material, a coating material, and at least one microorganism capable of degrading said hydrocarbon, said core material comprising a lipophilic material containing nutrients necessary for the sustenance of said microorganism, said coating material being water-insoluble, and said capsule having a density such that said microcapsule is kept in close proximity to said hydrocarbon to be degraded whens said microcapsule is applied thereto; and the method of using the microcapsule to degrade hydrocarbons.

Microcapsules and method for degrading hydrocarbons

A biodegradable composition comprising a polymer matrix having distributed substantially uniformly therethrough hollow sphere-like inclusions or microcapsules, said polymer matrix consisting essentially of a water-soluble polymer/polymer-compatible salt complex with said salt present in an amount sufficient to render said polymer insoluble in water and products made by shaping such composition.

Biodegradable composition and products

Growing community of inventors

San Antonio, TX, United States of America

James R Scott