Abstract: The invention relates to the field of drug delivery, in particular, to compounds and methods for the chemical modification of a proteinaceous channel to be used in pharmaceutical delivery vehicles for controlled and/or localized release of therapeutic molecules (e.g., small molecules, peptides, proteins or other macromolecules). Provided are pH- and/or light-responsive compounds capable of controlling the channel activity of a mechanosensitive channel, such as the MscL channel protein of E. coli, or a functional equivalent thereof, and use of these compounds to convert a mechanosensitive channel protein into a pH- and/or light-responsive channel. Also provided are drug delivery vehicles comprising a pH- and/or light-responsive channel protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing particles of a compound of interest. In a method according to the invention a solution is provided of the compound of interest in a solvent. This solution is thickened or gelled and particles are formed. The invention further relates to a particle that is obtainable by the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to delivery vehicles for delivering a substance of interest to a predetermined site. The delivery vehicle includes a substance and means for inducing availability of at least one compartment of the delivery vehicle toward the exterior, thus, allowing access of the substance to the exterior of the delivery vehicle at the predetermined site. The invention is further directed to uses of the delivery vehicle and methods for preparing the delivery vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an orthopedic cervical pillow which is intended to be used to support the neck and head of a person. The pillow is generally rectangular and is made of an upper casing and a lower casing each being sewn together along their edges to constitute the outer cover of the pillow. The pillow is filled with fibre. In addition, it includes two or more elongated pieces of woven material which are disposed lengthwise and upstanding relative to the pillow. Each of these pieces are sewn along their upper and lower edges by continuous lateral stitching respectively to the upper and lower casings. The pieces of woven material are distributed inside the pillow to constitute one central, one wider and one narrower lateral tubular shaped compartments which extend lengthwise inside the pillow. The narrower lateral compartment is wider than the central compartment.