Abstract: Compounds and compositions, their use and methods using the compounds and compositions for preventing an infection, e.g. an infection by a virus or bacterium, or treating an infection, e.g. a virus or bacterial infection, or treating a disease caused by an infection, e.g. a virus or bacterial infection, and a method of increasing the binding of virus neutralizing antibodies, an in vitro method of detecting virus-specific antibodies in a sample obtained from a subject, a compound for use in a method of detecting of virus-specific antibodies in a subject, and a kit for the detection of virus-specific antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing biocompatible/biodegradable hydrogels obtained by crosslinking of biopolymers (for example polysaccharides or proteins) in the semi-solid (modelling-clay like) state at water content below 70% by weight. The resulting materials can be applied in medicine, pharmacy and/or in cosmetics.