Layered Bodies, Compositions Containing Them and Processes for Producing Them

Abstract

A layered body comprising: a core region; at least one intermediate layer disposed around the core region; and an outer layer disposed around the at least one intermediate layer, wherein at least one of the at least one intermediate layers comprises a gas, the layered body having at least one dimension, measured across the body and through the core region, of 100 μm or less.

1 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A layered body comprising:
 a core region;   at least one intermediate layer disposed around the core region; and   an outer layer disposed around the at least one intermediate layer,   wherein at least one of the at least one intermediate layers comprises a gas, the layered body having at least one dimension, measured across the body and through the core region, of 100 μm or less.   
     
     
         25 . A layered body according to  claim 24  wherein at least two intermediate layers are disposed around the core region. 
     
     
         26 . The layered body according to  claim 24  wherein the core region and the outer layer each independently comprises a solid or a liquid medium, and the at least one intermediate layer comprises a gas. 
     
     
         27 . The layered body according to  claim 24  wherein the core region comprises a first gas, at least two intermediate layers are disposed around the core region, the intermediate layer disposed adjacent the core region comprises a solid or a liquid medium, at least one of the further outwardly disposed intermediate layers comprises a second gas which may be the same as or different from the first gas, and the outer layer comprises a solid or liquid medium. 
     
     
         28 . The layered body according to  claim 24  wherein the body is in the form of a capsule. 
     
     
         29 . The layered body according to  claim 24  wherein the body is in the form of a thread. 
     
     
         30 . The layered body according to  claim 24  wherein at least one of the core region, the intermediate layer or layers, and the outer layer comprises an agent selected from a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent. 
     
     
         31 . An electrohydrodynamic device for producing one or more layered bodies, the device comprising:
 at least four concentrically arranged, spaced apart hollow needles, the needles together defining a core channel, at least two intermediate concentrically disposed tubular channels, and an outer concentrically disposed tubular channel; and   a means for applying a voltage to the needles.   
     
     
         32 . The electrohydrodynamic device according to  claim 31  wherein at least one of the at least two intermediate concentrically disposed tubular channels is fluidly connected to a means for supplying a second fluid medium comprising a volatile liquid, and the remaining channels are each fluidly connected to a means for supplying a fluid medium selected from a first fluid medium comprising a liquid comprising a non-volatile component and a second fluid medium comprising a volatile liquid. 
     
     
         33 . A process for producing one or more layered bodies comprising the steps of:
 providing an electrohydrodynamic device, the device comprising at least three concentrically arranged, spaced apart hollow needles, the needles together defining a core channel, at least one intermediate concentrically disposed tubular channel, and an outer concentrically disposed tubular channel,   a means for applying a voltage to the needles,   providing a first fluid medium comprising a liquid comprising a non-volatile component,   providing a second fluid medium comprising or consisting of a volatile liquid,   passing the second fluid medium through an intermediate concentrically disposed tubular channel, and, at the same time, passing the first fluid medium through each of the plurality of channels disposed adjacent to the intermediate concentrically disposed tubular channel through which the second fluid medium is passed, and   applying a voltage to the needles such that, on leaving the needles, one or more layered bodies is or are formed.   
     
     
         34 . The process according to  claim 33  wherein one or more layered bodies according to claim  1  are formed. 
     
     
         35 . The process according to  claim 33  wherein the first fluid medium comprises a non-halogenated liquid solvent and a polymer, and wherein the second fluid medium comprises a perfluorocarbon having 10 carbons or less and/or a halogenated hydrocarbon having 10 carbons or less. 
     
     
         36 . The process according to  claim 33  wherein the device comprises four concentrically arranged, spaced apart hollow needles, the needles together defining a core channel, at least two intermediate concentrically disposed tubular channels, and an outer concentrically disposed tubular channel, and the fluid medium passed through the core channel is the second fluid medium, the fluid medium passed through the channel disposed adjacent the core channel is the first fluid medium, the fluid medium passed through the other intermediate channel is the second fluid medium, and the fluid medium passed through the outer channel is the first fluid medium. 
     
     
         37 . A process according to  claim 33  wherein one or more bodies in the form of a capsule is or are formed. 
     
     
         38 . A process according to  claim 33 , wherein one or more bodies in the form of a thread is or are formed. 
     
     
         39 . A composition comprising a plurality of layered bodies according to  claim 24 .