Abstract: Nano-sized particles are provided comprising at least one multi-headed amphiphilic compound, in which at least one headgroup of said multi-headed amphiphilic compound is selectively cleavable or contains a selectively cleavable group, and at least one biologically active agent, which is both encapsulated within the nano-particle and non-covalently associated thereto.

Abstract: Amphiphilic derivatives composed of at least one fatty acid chain are derived from natural vegetable oils such as vernonia oil, lesquerella oil and castor oil, in which the several reactive groups such as epoxy, hydroxy and double bonds can be modified to polar and ionic groups. The head group of the amphiphilic derivative may be in the main fatty acid chain or in a side chain. The amphiphiles are useful for the formation of vesicles and micelles and for use as complexants and surfactants.

Abstract: An amphiphilic compound is provided capable of forming vesicles or liposomes, said amphiphilic compound having at least one headgroup containing a selectively cleavable group or moiety such as a residue of a choline or phenylalanine derivative, and at least one hydrogen-bonding group located either within said headgroup and/or in close proximity thereto. The cleavable group or moiety is cleaved under selective conditions including change of chemical, physical or biological environment and is preferably cleaved enzymatically in a biological environment such as the brain or the blood. Vesicles or liposomes made from said amphiphilic compounds are suitable for delivery of a therapeutic substance or a diagnostic agent specifically to a target organ or tissue, or for delivery of a nucleic acid for gene therapy.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of nano- and mesosized particles consisting of a lipid layer comprising at least one amphiphile and a core of an inorganic compound and/or a metal, comprising: (i) dissolving in a common solvent at least one self-aggregating amphiphile with at least one inorganic, organometallic or metallorganic precursor of said inorganic compound or metal; and (ii) either injecting the resulting solution into an aqueous solution or drying the resulting solution and re-hydrating it, so as to form particles in which the precursor is encapsulated by the amphiphile(s) and is converted therein to said inorganic compound and/or metallic solid form.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for production of biodiesel from Balanites aegyptiaca oil or crushed nuts, and further relates to the biodiesel obtained. The Balanites aegyptiaca biodiesel obtained has a composition of triglycerides of mainly C16:0 and C18:0 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, with a very high content of linoleic acid and of oleic acid, and it further contains Balanites saponins, acting as surfactants, which reduce the rate of corrosion and improve the performance of the engyne.

Abstract: A method is described for producing n-propyl bromide of a high degree of purity, which contains isopropyl bromide in an amount lower than 0.1% w/w, and usually lower than 0.05%. The method is characterized in that n-propanol is reacted with HBr which is in gas form, preferably dry, and which is in excess over the stoichiometric amount, wherein the excess HBr is at the end of the reaction in an aqueous solution formed from the reaction water. The invention further relates to N-propyl bromide of high purity, containing typically less than 500 ppm of isopropyl bromide.

Abstract: An amphiphilic compound is provided capable of forming vesicles or liposomes, said amphiphilic compound having at least one headgroup containing a selectively cleavable group or moiety such as a residue of a choline or phenylalanine derivative, and at least one hydrogen-bonding group located either within said headgroup and/or in close proximity thereto. The cleavable group or moiety is cleaved under selective conditions including change of chemical, physical or biological environment and is preferably cleaved enzymatically in a biological environment such as the brain or the blood. Vesicles or liposomes made from said amphiphilic compounds are suitable for delivery of a therapeutic substance or a diagnostic agent specifically to a target organ or tissue, or for delivery of a nucleic acid for gene therapy.

Abstract: Amphiphilic derivatives composed of at least one fatty acid chain are derived from natural vegetable oils such as vernonia oil, lesquerella oil and castor oil, in which the several reactive groups such as epoxy, hydroxy and double bonds can be modified to polar and ionic groups. The head group of the amphiphilic derivative may be in the main fatty acid chain or in a side chain. The amphiphiles are useful for the formation of vesicles and micelles and for use as complexants and surfactants.

Abstract: A method is described for producing n-propyl bromide of a high degree of purity, which contains isopropyl bromide in an amount lower than 0.1% w/w, and usually lower than 0.05%. The method is characterized in that n-propanol is reacted with HBr which is in gas form, preferably dry, and which is in excess over the stoichiometric amount, wherein the excess HBr is at the end of the reaction in an aqueous solution formed from the reaction water. The invention further relates to N-propyl bromide of high purity, containing typically less than 500 ppm of isopropyl bromide.