Abstract: A composition for the controlled release of a nucleic acid such as short interfering RNA or messenger RNA,comprising silicon nanoparticles, at least one amino acid,and at least one lipid, wherein the silicon nanoparticles comprise at least 50% by weight silicon. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: Encapsulated particles comprising one or more particle cores of silicon-containing material, wherein the one or more particle cores are encapsulated in a waxy lipid shell comprising: a) two lipidic components present at from 55% to 95% of the total encapsulated particle weight; b) a surfactant present at from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total encapsulated particle weight; c) a co-surfactant present at from 0.01% to 1% by weight of the total encapsulated particle weight; d)a regulator of metastable state present at from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total encapsulated particle, wherein the regulator of metastable state is selected from one or more of: the terpenes; the terpenoids; fatty acids, from myristic to docosanoic, pegylated by methyl ether of polyethylene glycol (PEG. Me M. W. 750-2000); diacylphosphatidylethanolamines pegylated with PEG;poloxamers (Pluronics); and derivatives thereof. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A method for promoting the controlled binding and release of a bioactive or pharmaceutical agent from a composition comprising silicon nanoparticles, wherein the silicon nanoparticles comprise at least 50% by weight silicon, the method comprising treating the surface of the silicon nanoparticles with at least one lipid, and treating the surface of the silicon nanoparticles with at least one amino acid, wherein the ratio of lipid to silicon is from 1:1 to 15:1. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a bioactive herbaceous extract in a composition comprising silicon particles, the method comprising bringing the bioactive herbaceous extract into contact with the silicon particles, in the presence of at least one non-reducing disaccharide. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically compatible nanoparticles comprising at least 50% by weight hydrolysable silicon, wherein the nanoparticles are surface coated with a phospholipid, and wherein the coated nanoparticlesare associated with fluorouracil. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A composition for use as a topical delivery system for an active material is provided, the composition comprising a plurality of skin cell removal particles and a plurality of active material molecules, at least some of the skin cell removal particles each carrying at least one active material molecule, wherein carrying of an active material molecule by a skin cell removal particle maintains activity of the active material molecule. A topical delivery system for an active material, and a method of topical delivery of an active material are also provided.