Abstract: The invention relates to a structured mixed phase formed by the incorporation of a biological macromolecule into a liquid-crystal phase of amphiphiles, preferably a lamellar phase, wherein said biological macromolecule is present in said structured mixed phase in an amount of at least 5% by weight, based on the amphiphilic compounds constituting said liquid-crystal phase of amphiphiles, and wherein at least one of the two entities consisting of the biological macromolecules, on the one hand, and all the amphiphilic compounds, on the other, is of an uncharged nature. The biological macromolecules incorporated into the structured mixed phases of the invention are preferably selected from polynucleotides, particularly DNA or RNA, proteins and polysaccharides. The invention further relates to vesicles obtained by dispersion of the above structured mixed phases.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel media in the form of complex dispersions, method for preparing same and their uses. Said media consist of a first medium in the form of droplets wherein is dispersed a phase containing organized double layers of surfactants, preferably in the form of multilamellar vesicles, said droplets being in emulsion in a second medium called continuous phase non-miscible with the first medium. Said media can be used as base for cosmetic compositions. They can contain active principles, in particular for controlling their release and/or protecting and/or controlling their pH. They can also be used to make polymer microspheres containing an active principle. They are also useful as antigen vector.

Abstract: A method for oral administration of an active principle includes the steps of incorporating an active principle in multilamellar vesicles having a diameter of between 0.1 and 25 &mgr;m, and a lamellar liquid-crystal internal structure formed, from the center to the periphery of the vesicles, of a stack of concentric bilayers based on amphiphilic agents alternating with layers of water, aqueous solution or solution of a polar liquid, and orally administering a composition containing the active principle incorporated within the vesicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of multilamellar vesicles having a lamellar liquid-crystal internal structure made up of amphiphilic agent-based concentric bilayers alternated with layers of water, aqueous solution or a solution of a polar liquid, from the center to the periphery of the vesicles, and in which at least one active agent is incorporated, for producing a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration. Said vesicles act as vectors of the active agent and enable said active agent to cross the gastro-intestinal barrier more easily. The vesicles also protect the active agent from decomposition, especially decomposition by the enzymes present in the gastro-intestinal environment. The invention also relates to novel compositions for oral administration, especially compositions containing heparin, incorporated in vesicles such as those described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structured mixed phase formed by the incorporation of a biological macromolecule into a liquid-crystal phase of amphiphiles, preferably a lamellar phase, wherein said biological macromolecule is present in said structured mixed phase in an amount of at least 5% by weight, based on the amphiphilic compounds constituting said liquid-crystal phase of amphiphiles, and wherein at least one of the two entities consisting of the biological macromolecules, on the one hand, and all the amphiphilic compounds, on the other, is of an uncharged nature.

Abstract: A composition containing a plurality of multicellular vesicles and at least one nucleic acid, at least one part of which is found included inside the multilamellar vesicles. Each of the vesicles is formed of a succession of lamellar bi-layers extending from each vesicle center to its periphery and including at least one surfactant agent. The bi-layers are concentric and are separated by a liquid medium. Such compositions can be used in pharmaceutics, particularly gene therapy, and in in vitro and in vivo transfection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition containing at least one nucleic acid a part of which at least is enclosed in multilamellar vesicles, characterised in that said vesicles consist of two layers comprising at least one surfactant, the said two layers being concentric and giving said vesicles an onion-like structure. The surfactants used are non-cationic surfactants. The invention concerns the use of such compositions in pharmaceutics, particularly in gene therapy and in in vitro and in vivo transfection.

Abstract: Method of making a product adhere to a surface, in which a composition is brought into contact with the surface, the composition containing the product incorporated in substantially spherical, multilamellar vesicles, with a diameter of between 0.1 and 100 &mgr;m, and including concentric membranes based on at least one surfactant and separated by a solvent medium. Each of the vesicles has an onion-like structure formed of a succession of concentric bi-layers extending from each vesicle center to its periphery, and containing therein at least one cationic agent, resulting in the vesicles carrying a positive overall charge.

Abstract: Multilamellar lipid vesicles are prepared by a two-step method. In the first step, a sterol is completely dissolved in a mixture comprising an aqueous solvent and a surfactant. In the second step, a lipid surfactant is added to a solution resulting from the first step, to prepare a homogeneous lamellar liquid crystal phase or a liquid crystal phase suspension in water. The liquid crystal phase or liquid crystal phase suspension can then be converted into multilamellar lipid vesicles.

Abstract: Novel active principle carriers containing non-ionic surfactants are disclosed. The surfactants mainly consist of sucrose and fatty acid esters and form onion-structured microcapsules within which the active material is encapsulated. Compositions suitable for use as food, diet food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, containing at least one active materiel or additive encapsulated in said microcapsules, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of microcapsules with controlled sizes in which a homogeneous liquid crystal lamellar phase is prepared comprising at least one surfactant and at least one solvent and, if need be, one substance to be encapsulated. The invention is characterized in that the lamellar phase is subjected to constant shearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an odoriferous composition containing a dispersion of microcapsules consisting of at least one surfactant with an odoriferous ingredient encapsulated therein.A method for preparing said compositions and their use for giving off a scent for repelling animals are also disclosed.