Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprising a nanoparticulate transition metal oxide covalently functionalized with a silane-functionalized non-targeting zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites. Included herein are methods for forming such agents, comprising forming an ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles, wherein the mean diameter of the ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles is selected so as to render the nanoparticles in the ensemble substantially clearable by a mammalian kidney.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Composition of non-radioactive traceable metal isotope-enriched nanoparticles, and methods of their use for determining in-vivo biodistribution are provided. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) introducing the nanoparticles into the biological material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one inorganic core, and the inorganic core comprises at least two metal isotopes in a predetermined ratio; wherein at least one metal isotope is enriched non-radioactive traceable metal isotope and (b) determining the distribution of the nanoparticles in the biological material based on the predetermined ratio of the metal isotopes.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Composition of non-radioactive traceable metal isotope-enriched nanoparticles, and methods of their use for determining in-vivo biodistribution are provided. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) introducing the nanoparticles into the biological material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one inorganic core, and the inorganic core comprises at least two metal isotopes in a predetermined ratio; wherein at least one metal isotope is enriched non-radioactive traceable metal isotope and (b) determining the distribution of the nanoparticles in the biological material based on the predetermined ratio of the metal isotopes.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites. Included herein are methods for forming such agents, comprising forming an ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles, wherein the mean diameter of the ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles is selected so as to render the nanoparticles in the ensemble substantially clearable by a mammalian kidney.