The invention relates to methods for encapsulating a material comprising the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous solution or suspension of the material that is to be encapsulated, (b) warming the aqueous solution or suspension to a temperature that is sufficient to enable dissolution of a first biocompatible polymer in the aqueous solution or suspension without adversely affecting the properties of the material to be encapsulated, (c) dissolving the first biocompatible polymer in the aqueous solution or suspension, (d) de-aerating the solution or suspension obtained in step (c), (e) emulsifying the solution or suspension obtained in (d) in a biocompatible oil comprising a surfactant to create microdroplets, and (f) hardening the microdroplets by dropwise addition of an aqueous solution comprising Zn.sup.2+ ions and a second biocompatible polymer to form microcapsules; the invention further relates to microcapsules obtained by methods of the invention and their uses.

Polyguanidines and methods of use thereof are described. In particular, polyguanidines of formula (I), formula (II), and formula (III) are described. The polyguanidines can be used to treat infection, such as bacterial, viral or fungal infection, and as an ex vivo microbial agent.

##STR00001##

Polyguanidines and methods of use thereof are described. In particular, polyguanidines of formula (I), formula (II), and formula (III) are described. The polyguanidines can be used to treat infection, such as bacterial, viral or fungal infection, and as an ex vivo microbial agent.

##STR00001##

A method for preparing polycondensation products of guanidine, aminoguanidine or diaminoguanidine G with one or more benzyl or allyl derivatives BA according to the following reaction scheme is provided: ##STR00001##
wherein X, R.sub.1, Gua, Y and Z are as defined in the specification. In the disclosed method, at least one benzyl or allyl derivative BA is subjected to a polycondensation reaction with excessive guanidine, aminoguanidine or diaminoguanidine G upon elimination of HX.

A method for preparing polycondensation products of guanidine, aminoguanidine or diaminoguanidine G with one or more benzyl or allyl derivatives BA according to the following reaction scheme is provided: ##STR00001##
wherein X, R.sub.1, Gua, Y and Z are as defined in the specification. In the disclosed method, at least one benzyl or allyl derivative BA is subjected to a polycondensation reaction with excessive guanidine, aminoguanidine or diaminoguanidine G upon elimination of HX.

Method for removing toxic oxyanions (e.g., selenate) from an aqueous source as follows: (i) dissolving an oxyanion precipitating compound (OPC) in the aqueous source to result in precipitation of a salt containing sulfate, toxic oxyanion, and the OPC, wherein the sulfate in the aqueous source is in a molar concentration at least equal to the total molar concentration of the toxic oxyanion, and the OPC is included in the aqueous source in a molar concentration equal to or greater than the total molar concentration of sulfate and toxic oxyanion; and (ii) removing the precipitated salt from the aqueous source to result in a supernatant containing a substantially lower concentration of the toxic oxyanion compared to the aqueous source.

Method for removing toxic oxyanions (e.g., selenate) from an aqueous source as follows: (i) dissolving an oxyanion precipitating compound (OPC) in the aqueous source to result in precipitation of a salt containing sulfate, toxic oxyanion, and the OPC, wherein the sulfate in the aqueous source is in a molar concentration at least equal to the total molar concentration of the toxic oxyanion, and the OPC is included in the aqueous source in a molar concentration equal to or greater than the total molar concentration of sulfate and toxic oxyanion; and (ii) removing the precipitated salt from the aqueous source to result in a supernatant containing a substantially lower concentration of the toxic oxyanion compared to the aqueous source.

Novel compositions that promote hair growth or hair restoration, and compositions that prevent hair loss. Compositions including an iNOS inhibitor as an active ingredient are provided. Advantageous affects for hair growth or hair restoration are obtained when a composition including an iNOS inhibitor as an active ingredient is administered to a mammal. For the iNOS inhibitor, a low-molecular compound, an antibody, or a nucleic acid drug such as an antisense oligonucleotide or siRNA may be used. A method of screening for effective substances for promotion of hair growth or hair restoration or prevention of hair loss is also provided.

The ketone-based gas adsorbent of the present invention is characterized by containing a primary amine compound. The primary amine compound is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrazide compounds, aminoguanidine compounds, and polyamines.

The ketone-based gas adsorbent of the present invention is characterized by containing a primary amine compound. The primary amine compound is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrazide compounds, aminoguanidine compounds, and polyamines.