Aerogel compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to gel compositions comprising at least one entrapped active component.

1 . A composition comprising a gel wherein is entrapped at least one active component such that release of said at least one active component from said composition is substantially caused by degradation of said gel. 
     
     
         2 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said gel is a solvent containing gel an aerogel, a xerogel or a cryogel. 
     
     
         3 . The composition according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one active component substantially is not liberated from said composition by diffusion out of said composition. 
     
     
         4 . The composition according to  claim 1 , wherein said degradation of the gel is caused by mechanical wear, by hydrolysis, by UV radiation or by ultrasonication of the composition. 
     
     
         5 . The composition according to  claim 1 , comprising two or more interpenetrating networks or semi interpenetrating networks of gel forming materials. 
     
     
         6 . The composition according to  claim 5 , wherein said gel forming materials are selected from metal alcoxides based on Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Y, Zr, Nb, Ru, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Si, Al, Ge, In, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and/or organic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, polypropylene glycol, polyvinylpyrilidone and from organic crosslinkers. 
     
     
         7 . The composition according to  claim 1 , comprising at least one enzyme or protein. 
     
     
         8 . The composition according to  claim 7  wherein said at least enzyme is selected from the group consisting of hemicellulolytically active enzymes, amylolytically active enzymes and/or cellulolytically active enzymes. 
     
     
         9 . The composition according to  claim 1 , comprising at least one bacteriophage. 
     
     
         10 . The composition according to  claim 9  comprising at least two different bacteriophages. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . Film comprising the composition according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . The film according to  claim 13 , which is a liquid film or a solidified liquid film. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A solvent containing gel functioning as an antifouling, antibacterial or biofouling/bioprotective agent where the solvent composition in the Sol state has been selected to be compatible with the paint or coating to be prepared.