Abstract: A synthetic particulate vector comprising a non-liquid hydrophilic nucleus which does not have an external lipid layer grafted thereon. A method for preparing a particulate vector by encapsulating an ionizable active principle, vectors obtainable through said method, and pharmaceutical, cosmetological or food compositions containing such vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate complex including a nucleic acid and a biodegradable cationized polyhydroxylated molecule, wherein said molecule has a charge up to approximately 1.0 meq/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the immunogenicity of an antigen, characterized in that the antigen is combined via stable interactions with a particulate vector, said vector containing: a non-liquid hydrophilic core, and, optionally; an outer layer of compounds chosen from the group comprising phospholipids and fatty acids. The present invention also relates to a product thereby obtained and to a pharmaceutical composition containing such product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ionic conjugate, which is stable in a biological medium, and which is comprised of a particle vector with at least one cationic, nonliquid, hydrophilic nucleus and of polyanionic oligonucleotides. The invention further concerns the pharmaceutical compositions containing these conjugates and the use of a particle vector to carry the oligonucleotides to the cells.

Abstract: This invention concerns stable particulate complexes with a neutral or negative global charge of lamellar structure made consisting of at least one globally anionic biologically active substance and mixture of a cationic constituent and an anionic constituent. The invention also concerns unilamellar vesicles for preparation of these complexes as well as their preparation and utilisation.

Abstract: A novel method for the mucosal administration of a substance to a mammal is provided. The method comprises contacting a mucosal surface of the mammal with the substance in combination with a Biovector. The Biovector has a core that comprises a natural polymer, or a derivative or a hydrolysate of a natural polymer, or a mixture thereof. A preferred natural polymer is a polysaccharide or an oligosaccharide. The core is optionally coated with an amphiphilic compound, such as a lipid.

Abstract: A novel method for the mucosal administration of a substance to a mammal is provided. The method comprises contacting a mucosal surface of the mammal with the substance in combination with a Biovector. The Biovector has a core that comprises a natural polymer, or a derivative or a hydrolysate of a natural polymer, or a mixture thereof. A preferred natural polymer is a polysaccharide or an oligosaccharide. The core is optionally coated with an amphiphilic compound, such as a lipid.

Abstract: A synthetic particulate vector comprising a non-liquid hydrophilic nucleus and an outer layer at least partially consisting of amphiphilic compounds, which is combined with the nucleus by hydrophobic interactions and/or ionic bonds. A process for preparing a particulate vector by encapsulating an ionizable active principle, vectors obtained according to such a process, and pharmaceutical, cosmeticological and food compositions comprising such vectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A biodegradable particulate vector for transporting biologically active molecules is prepared containing a nucleus formed of a cross-linked polysaccharide or oligosaccharide matrix having grafted ionic ligands, a layer of fatty acid compounds covalently bonded to the nucleus and a layer of phospholipids hydrophobically bonded to the layer of fatty acid compounds. Dextran, cellulose or starch may be cross-linked with epichlorohydrin to form a cross-linked polysaccharide matrix. Ionic ligands may be grafted using an acidic compound such as succinic acid, phosphoric acid or phosphorous oxychloride, or a basic compound such as choline, hydroxycholine, 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol or 2-(dimethylamino) ethylamine fastened onto the grafted acidic compound. Phosphoric acid or phosphorous oxychloride in one step provide both cross-linking and ionic ligands. Co-cross-linking can be obtained using a protein such as keratin, collagen or elastase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particulate vector, characterized in that it comprises, from the inside to the outside, a non-liquid hydrophilic core, an external layer comprised of lipid compounds grafted on the core by covalent bonds. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing such vectors, as well as to a process for enhancing the activity of the polypeptide cellular mediator.