Abstract: This invention refers to biocompatible carbohydrate polymers such as modified polysaccharides (e.g. chitosan, alginate), associated with milk protein (e.g. caseinate and/or whey proteins) designed to carry bioactive agents. The formulations may be used in various delivery systems including beads, tablets, microencapsulating agents and coatings for oral dosage forms, implants for subcutaneous devices and films for topic administration and food protection. These formulations present improved chemical resistance and exert their activity for prolonged time into gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and blood circulation as well as for preserving food qualities over long period. The association of modified chitosan, modified alginate with milk proteins results in a stabilized structure able to control the release of drugs, bacteria, bacteriocines, enzymes, nutraceutics, etc. into enteric, topic or systemic route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible support structure for culturing cells in three dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is constituted essentially of cross-linked polyvinylalcohol (PVA). More preferably, the matrix has the form of a sponge and is used for the culture of hepatocytes. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing such structure and to methods of using the same in vitro, ex vivo as well as in vivo. The invention further relates to a bioartificial organ and to a tridimensional cell culture system which may be used for the production of therapeutic proteins, used as a detoxification device, used as a tool in predictive toxicology of compounds in the pharmaceutical industry and/or used for transplantation.