Multilayer thin film devices that include a bioactive agent for elution to the surrounding tissue upon administration to a subject are provided. The multilayer thin film devices are useful as medical devices, such as ocular devices. Also provided are methods and kits for localized delivery of a bioactive agent to a tissue of a subject, and methods of preparing the subject devices. The multilayer thin film medical device includes a first layer, a bioactive agent and a second layer. The first and the second layers may be porous or non-porous. The devices have a furled structure, suitable for administration to a subject.

This invention relates to biodegradable starch-based pellets which foamable by irradiation, which are particularly suitable for the manufacture of foam articles, characterised in that they have a porous structure with a low porous external skin. This invention also relates to foam articles obtained from these.

The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a glycerol-tricarboxylic acid polyester foam which comprises the steps of combining glycerol and a tri-carboxylic acid to provide a liquid reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a substrate under polymerization conditions, wherein the substrate has a top layer comprising one or more of metal, metal oxide, and metal halide. The invention also pertains to a glycerol-tricarboxylic polyester foam, in particular a glycerol-citric acid polyester foam, which has a closed cell foam structure wherein at least 90 vol. % of the foam, preferably at least 95% of the foam, is built up from cells having a diameter below 2 mm. The foamed polyester of the present invention is green, biodegradable, and non-toxic, and can be cleanly combusted. It finds application in, int. al., packaging materials, insulation materials, and materials with a short life cycle.

A masterbatch is disclosed, along with associated methods, and biodegradable filaments, fibers, yarns and fabrics. The masterbatch includes 0.2 to 5 mass % CaCO.sub.3, an aliphatic polyester with a repeat unit having from two to six carbons in the chain between ester groups, with the proviso that the 2 to 6 carbons in the chain do not include side chain carbons, and a carrier polymer selected from the group consisting of PET, nylon, other thermoplastic polymers, and combinations thereof.

The present invention relates to a masterbatch composition comprising high concentration of biological entities having a polymer-degrading activity and uses thereof for manufacturing biodegradable plastic articles.

A method for processing a mix of lignocellulose fibers, such as miscanthus or sorghum fibers, for the production of a bio-based composite, having the steps of: harvesting lignocellulosic crops and processing the harvested lignocellulosic crops to obtain a raw mix of lignocellulose fibers, separating the raw mix of lignocellulose fibers, such as by sieving or grinding, into a first fraction (f1) having a mix of fibers having a fiber size of approximately <s1 and having first physical/chemical properties and a second fraction (f2) having a mix of fibers having a fiber size of approximately >s1 and having second physical/chemical properties being different from the first physical/chemical properties, mixing the fibers of the first fraction (f1) or the fibers of the second fraction (f2) with a binding agent, letting the binding agent harden, to obtain the bio-based composite.

A method and system are used to enhance a marker material to include a plurality of air bubbles. The method of manufacturing a marker includes enhancing a marker material to include a plurality of air bubbles using at least a first EFD and a second EFD. The method may include cycling repeatedly through a transfer process between a first container and a second container. A system for enhancing a marker material includes a transfer apparatus configured to receive a marker material and a selected amount of air. The system comprises a first EFD coupled to a first end of the transfer apparatus and a second EFD coupled to a second end of the transfer apparatus.

Provided are: a method for preparing biodegradable polymer microparticles and, particularly, porous microparticles of a biodegradable polymer; and biodegradable polymer microparticles prepared thereby, particularly, porous microparticles of a biodegradable polymer.

The present invention relates to a new liquid composition comprising biological entities having a polymer-degrading activity, a carrier and a solvent that may be advantageously used for the manufacture of a biodegradable plastic product.

A masterbatch is disclosed, along with associated methods, and biodegradable filaments, fibers, yarns and fabrics. The masterbatch includes 0.2 to 5 mass % CaCO.sub.3, an aliphatic polyester with a repeat unit having from two to six carbons in the chain between ester groups, with the proviso that the 2 to 6 carbons in the chain do not include side chain carbons, and a carrier polymer selected from the group consisting of PET, nylon, other thermoplastic polymers, and combinations thereof.