Abstract: A process for preparing nanocapsules having a core-shell structure, comprising: (a) preparing an oil-in-water emulsion by emulsification of an oily phase that comprises a core material, in an aqueous phase, under high shear forces, wherein one or both of the oily phase, and the aqueous phase comprises a sol-gel precursor; (b) subjecting the emulsion obtained in (a) to a high pressure homogenization to obtain a nano-emulsion; and (c) applying conditions for hydrolyzing and polycondensing the sol-gel precursor to obtain nanocapsules having a metal oxide shell encapsulating the core material, said nanocapsules have a particle size distribution of: d10=10-80 nm, d50=30-200 nm, and d90=70-500 nm, in diameter. The invention also relate to nanocapsules having the above particle size distribution and to composition comprising the nanocapsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for topical application comprising as an active ingredient a peroxide and a retinoid wherein one of said peroxide and retinoid is in the form of first microparticles comprising a solid particulate matter of the active ingredient coated by a metal oxide layer and the other of said peroxide and retinoid is present in an uncoated free form or in a coated form of the active ingredient. The invention further relates to method for treating a surface condition in a subject using said composition, a method for preparing a composition exhibiting improved stability, and a kit comprising: (a) a first composition comprising a peroxide as a first active ingredient; and (b) a second composition comprising a retinoid as a second active ingredient; at least one of said first and said second active ingredient being coated by a metal oxide layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a solid, water-insoluble particulate matter, with a metal oxide comprising: (a) contacting the solid, water-insoluble particulate matter with an ionic additive and an aqueous medium to obtain a dispersion of said particulate matter having positive charges on its surface; (b) subjecting the particulate matter to a coating procedure comprising precipitating a metal oxide salt onto the surface of the particulate matter to form a metal oxide layer thereon to thereby obtain particulate matter coated by a metal oxide coating layer; (c) repeating step (b) at least 4 more times; and (d) aging said coating layer. The invention further relates to particles comprising a particulate matter coated by a metal oxide layer, to a use of the particles for topical administration, and to a method for preventing, reducing, or eliminating pests at a locus, using the particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for crop protection comprising administering to one or both of the crop and its environment a composition comprising a carrier; and microcapsules having a core material comprising a pesticide encapsulated by a silica shell, wherein the silica shell constitutes up to 10% w/w out of the total weight of the microcapsules, and wherein said administration gives rise to pesticide activity with immediate onset and prolonged effect. The invention further relates to a method for acute treatment of a pest-infested crop.