Abstract: In the context of a consumer-care environment, for example a patient-care environment, a system and a process are described for optimising the process of meal preparation for consumers having particular dietary requirements and dietary preferences. Using a database to manage the dietary requirements and dietary preferences of particular consumers and the nutritional content of meal ingredients, meals can be tailored for particular consumers. An automated system of inspection and checking of the meal before delivery to the consumer is disclosed. Furthermore, an automated system of inspection of the meal before delivery to the consumer and further inspection of the remains of the meal when the consumer has finished, allows the system to optimise the meal preparation process in such a way that the consumers' dietary requirements and preferences are met while minimising food waste.

Abstract: In the context of a consumer-care environment, for example a patient-care environment, a system and a process are described for optimising the process of meal preparation for consumers having particular dietary requirements and dietary preferences. Using a database to manage the dietary requirements and dietary preferences of particular consumers and the nutritional content of meal ingredients, meals can be tailored for particular consumers. An automated system of inspection and checking of the meal before delivery to the consumer is disclosed. Furthermore, an automated system of inspection of the meal before delivery to the consumer and further inspection of the remains of the meal when the consumer has finished, allows the system to optimise the meal preparation process in such a way that the consumers' dietary requirements and preferences are met while minimising food waste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound comprising a polyelectrolyte and, covalently linked thereto, an immunological adjuvant and/or cell targeting ligand, wherein the covalently linked entity can have both adjuvant and cell targeting characteristics. The compound is used in the preparation of hydrophilic vaccine nanoparticles, which preferably have an antigenic compound or therapeutic agent, or genetic information encoding such compounds or agents entrapped in their matrix, or covalently linked to their surfaces. Vaccine compositions comprising the particles of the invention are advantageous, because a strong and long-lasting immune response is obtained following administration of a single dose. In a preferred embodiment, the polyelectrolyte of the compound is an anionic polymer, and the particle comprises a matrix comprising chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention provides new nanoparticles and microparticles of hydrophilic character, prepared out of a cationic chitosan derivative and a polyanionic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new binary system of hydrophilic nanoparticles and microparticles, using chitosan and polyanionic polysaccharides carrying carboxymethyl groups, sulfate groups or carboxy plus sulfate groups.