Process for the preparation of spherical microparticles containing biologically active compounds

PCT No. PCT/EP95/02727 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 21, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 21, 1997 PCT Filed Jul. 12, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/03040 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 8, 1996The invention relates to a process for encapsulating biologically active compounds in the form of substantially spherical microparticles, comprising the steps of a) preparing an aqueous solution of surfactants, catalysts and monomers or prepolymers which are suitable for forming a crosslinked polycondensate, b) forming an emulsion of the substantially water-insoluble biologically active compound or mixture thereof in the solution a) by adding said solution under high shear force, and c) forming a solid capsule wall around the biologically active compound or mixture thereof by heating the reaction mixture to a temperature at which the crosslinking reaction tales place, which process comprises fusing the biologically active compound or mixture thereof and adding the melt to the aqueous reaction mixture at a temperature which is higher than the temperature of the reaction mixture.