Abstract: A composition for the controlled release of a nucleic acid such as short interfering RNA or messenger RNA,comprising silicon nanoparticles, at least one amino acid,and at least one lipid, wherein the silicon nanoparticles comprise at least 50% by weight silicon. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: Encapsulated particles comprising one or more particle cores of silicon-containing material, wherein the one or more particle cores are encapsulated in a waxy lipid shell comprising: a) two lipidic components present at from 55% to 95% of the total encapsulated particle weight; b) a surfactant present at from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total encapsulated particle weight; c) a co-surfactant present at from 0.01% to 1% by weight of the total encapsulated particle weight; d)a regulator of metastable state present at from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total encapsulated particle, wherein the regulator of metastable state is selected from one or more of: the terpenes; the terpenoids; fatty acids, from myristic to docosanoic, pegylated by methyl ether of polyethylene glycol (PEG. Me M. W. 750-2000); diacylphosphatidylethanolamines pegylated with PEG;poloxamers (Pluronics); and derivatives thereof. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A method for promoting the controlled binding and release of a bioactive or pharmaceutical agent from a composition comprising silicon nanoparticles, wherein the silicon nanoparticles comprise at least 50% by weight silicon, the method comprising treating the surface of the silicon nanoparticles with at least one lipid, and treating the surface of the silicon nanoparticles with at least one amino acid, wherein the ratio of lipid to silicon is from 1:1 to 15:1. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a bioactive herbaceous extract in a composition comprising silicon particles, the method comprising bringing the bioactive herbaceous extract into contact with the silicon particles, in the presence of at least one non-reducing disaccharide. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically compatible nanoparticles comprising at least 50% by weight hydrolysable silicon, wherein the nanoparticles are surface coated with a phospholipid, and wherein the coated nanoparticlesare associated with fluorouracil. Also related compositions and methods.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system (1) configured to deliver an active agent to human or animal tissue, comprising a penetrative electrode (2) of one polarity that provides an electrical contact (3) beneath the stratum corneum (20); a surface electrode (4) of the opposite polarisation to that of the penetrative electrode (2) that provides an electrical contact to the external surface of the skin (21) on the opposite side of the stratum corneum (20) to the electrical contact (3) of the penetrative electrode (2); a dispenser (5) configured to deliver of an active agent to the external surface of the skin (21) adjacent to an electrical contact of the surface electrode (4); a method of delivering the active agent to the tissue of a human or animal body using the transdermal delivery system (1) and an electrode assembly (10) for use in preparing the transdermal delivery system (1).

Abstract: A transdermal delivery system (1) configured to deliver an active agent to human or animal tissue, comprising a penetrative electrode (2) of one polarity that provides an electrical contact (3) beneath the stratum corneum (20); a surface electrode (4) of the opposite polarisation to that of the penetrative electrode (2) that provides an electrical contact to the external surface of the skin (21) on the opposite side of the stratum corneum (20) to the electrical contact (3) of the penetrative electrode (2); a dispenser (5) configured to deliver of an active agent to the external surface of the skin (21) adjacent to an electrical contact of the surface electrode (4); a method of delivering the active agent to the tissue of a human or animal body using the transdermal delivery system (1) and an electrode assembly (10) for use in preparing the transdermal delivery system (1).