Method for the Production of Polymerized Nanoparticles and Microparticles by Ternary Agent Concentration and Temperature Alteration Induced Immiscibility

Abstract

Polymerized drug delivery devices are described. Additionally, methods are described for producing and for using polymerized particles for use as drug delivery devices.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method for the production of a drug delivery system comprising:
 combining: (a) a non-solvent; (b) a ternary agent; (c) a surfactant; (d) a monomer, a macromonomer, or a combination thereof; and (e) an initiator, to produce a non-solvent solution;   combining: (a) a solvent that is miscible with said non-solvent; and (b) a polymer, a matrix material, or a combination thereof that is miscible in said solvent, to produce a solvent solution;   combining: (a) an agent solvent; and (b) a therapeutically active agent, to produce an agent solution, wherein said agent solvent is miscible in said non-solvent, is not a good solvent for said ternary agent, and has a temperature-dependent miscibility in said non-solvent solution;   combining said non-solvent solution, said solvent solution and said agent solution to produce a mixture;   changing a temperature of said mixture to produce emulsions as a result of said changing said temperature, said emulsions resulting in polymerized particles containing said therapeutically active agent.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said non-solvent comprises water; said ternary agent comprises sodium chloride or sodium bromide; said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) triblock copolymers, Tweens, Sorbitans, and triacyl glycerols; said solvent comprises acetone or acetonitrile solvent; said polymer comprises polyurethane or polysaccharide; said matrix material comprises trehalose, dextrose or triethanolamine; and said agent solvent comprises ethyl acetate. 
     
     
         6 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 4  or  5 , wherein said therapeutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of beta-blockers, anti-glaucoma agents, anti-cataract agents, anti-diabetic retinopathy agents, anti-cancer agents, anti-clotting agents, anti-tissue damage agents, proteins, nucleic acids, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, anti-pathogens, anti-viral agents, cycloplegic agents, mydriatic agents, anticholinergics, anticoagulants, antifibrinolytics, antihistamines, antimalarials, antitoxins, chelating agents, hormones, immunosuppressives, thrombolytics, vitamins, salts, desensitizers, prostaglandins, amino acids, metabolites and antiallergenics. 
     
     
         32 - 42 . (canceled)