Abstract: A nanoparticle comprising at least one sterol, e.g. cholesterol and a component from Quillaja Saponaria Molina (QuilQ) selected from quillaja saponin, characterized in that said nanoparticles do not comprise a phospholipid and in that the sterol molecule is bound by a hydrophobic bond between a hydroxyl group of the sterol and terpene moieties in a Quil A micelle and by an hydrophilic ester bond between a sterol OH? and COOH? or aldehyde groups in the QuilA micelle. It also relates to a composition comprising the nanoparticles, and the use thereof as carriers for amphipathic or hydrophobic molecules and as agents for treatment of cancer. Further, it regards a method for producing the phospholipid-free nanoparticles, a method for the treatment of cancer and a method for assessing the applicability of the cancer treating method.

Abstract: A nanoparticle comprising at least one sterol, e.g. cholesterol and a component from Quillaja Saponaria Molina (QuilQ) selected from quillaja saponin, characterized in that said nanoparticles do not comprise a phospholipid and in that the sterol molecule is bound by a hydrophobic bond between a hydroxyl group of the sterol and terpene moieties in a Quil A micelle and by an hydrophilic ester bond between a sterol OH? and COOH? or aldehyde groups in the QuilA micelle. It also relates to a composition comprising the nanoparticles, and the use thereof as adjuvant, especially in vaccines, as carriers for amphipathic or hydrophobic molecules and as agents for treatment of cancer. Further, it regards a method for producing the phospholipid-free nanoparticles, a method for the treatment of cancer and a method for assessing the applicability of the cancer treating method.