Abstract: The invention relates to a structured mixed phase formed by the incorporation of a biological macromolecule into a liquid-crystal phase of amphiphiles, preferably a lamellar phase, wherein said biological macromolecule is present in said structured mixed phase in an amount of at least 5% by weight, based on the amphiphilic compounds constituting said liquid-crystal phase of amphiphiles, and wherein at least one of the two entities consisting of the biological macromolecules, on the one hand, and all the amphiphilic compounds, on the other, is of an uncharged nature. The biological macromolecules incorporated into the structured mixed phases of the invention are preferably selected from polynucleotides, particularly DNA or RNA, proteins and polysaccharides. The invention further relates to vesicles obtained by dispersion of the above structured mixed phases.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel media in the form of complex dispersions, method for preparing same and their uses. Said media consist of a first medium in the form of droplets wherein is dispersed a phase containing organized double layers of surfactants, preferably in the form of multilamellar vesicles, said droplets being in emulsion in a second medium called continuous phase non-miscible with the first medium. Said media can be used as base for cosmetic compositions. They can contain active principles, in particular for controlling their release and/or protecting and/or controlling their pH. They can also be used to make polymer microspheres containing an active principle. They are also useful as antigen vector.

Abstract: A composition containing a plurality of multicellular vesicles and at least one nucleic acid, at least one part of which is found included inside the multilamellar vesicles. Each of the vesicles is formed of a succession of lamellar bi-layers extending from each vesicle center to its periphery and including at least one surfactant agent. The bi-layers are concentric and are separated by a liquid medium. Such compositions can be used in pharmaceutics, particularly gene therapy, and in in vitro and in vivo transfection.

Abstract: Method of making a product adhere to a surface, in which a composition is brought into contact with the surface, the composition containing the product incorporated in substantially spherical, multilamellar vesicles, with a diameter of between 0.1 and 100 &mgr;m, and including concentric membranes based on at least one surfactant and separated by a solvent medium. Each of the vesicles has an onion-like structure formed of a succession of concentric bi-layers extending from each vesicle center to its periphery, and containing therein at least one cationic agent, resulting in the vesicles carrying a positive overall charge.

Abstract: Multilamellar lipid vesicles are prepared by a two-step method. In the first step, a sterol is completely dissolved in a mixture comprising an aqueous solvent and a surfactant. In the second step, a lipid surfactant is added to a solution resulting from the first step, to prepare a homogeneous lamellar liquid crystal phase or a liquid crystal phase suspension in water. The liquid crystal phase or liquid crystal phase suspension can then be converted into multilamellar lipid vesicles.

Abstract: Novel active principle carriers containing non-ionic surfactants are disclosed. The surfactants mainly consist of sucrose and fatty acid esters and form onion-structured microcapsules within which the active material is encapsulated. Compositions suitable for use as food, diet food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, containing at least one active materiel or additive encapsulated in said microcapsules, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of microcapsules with controlled sizes in which a homogeneous liquid crystal lamellar phase is prepared comprising at least one surfactant and at least one solvent and, if need be, one substance to be encapsulated. The invention is characterized in that the lamellar phase is subjected to constant shearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an odoriferous composition containing a dispersion of microcapsules consisting of at least one surfactant with an odoriferous ingredient encapsulated therein.A method for preparing said compositions and their use for giving off a scent for repelling animals are also disclosed.