Abstract: A process for the formation of an ionic gel comprising contacting a first polyelectrolyte reactant having a backbone comprising a plurality of ?-1,4-glycosidic linkages in the 4C1 conformation and an oligoelectrolyte reactant or second polyelectrolyte reactant, having a backbone containing a plurality of ?-1,4-glycosidic linkages in the 4C1 conformation, in aqueous solution under pH conditions such that one reactant is charged and the other uncharged; adding a donor to adjust the pH such that said uncharged reactant possesses a charge opposite to that of the charged reactant so as to form an ionic gel.

Abstract: Low molecular weight low molecular weight chitosan oligomers were able to self-assemble siRNA into nanosized particles, provide protection against enzymatic degradation, and mediate gene silencing that is stable over a long period of time in vitro. The control of structural variables in formulating complexes of siRNA with low molecular weight chitosans provides an efficient alternative delivery system for siRNA in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: Low molecular weight low molecular weight chitosan oligomers were able to self-assemble siRNA into nanosized particles, provide protection against enzymatic degradation, and mediate gene silencing that is stable over a long period of time in vitro. The control of structural variables in formulating complexes of siRNA with low molecular weight chitosans provides an efficient alternative delivery system for siRNA in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of chitosan which process comprises swelling particulate chitin with an aqueous solution for a period of at least 36 hours, and subsequently reacting the resultant swollen particulate chitin with an alkaline solution at an elevated temperature whereby to cause a deacetylation to occur.