The present invention relates to nanoparticles for encapsulating compounds, the preparation and uses thereof, said nanoparticles being based on half (C 1 -C 4 ) alkyl esters of poly (methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (PVM/MA) copolymers. Said nanoparticles can encapsulate or incorporate a product of interest. For use in the agricultural, cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical fields.