Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising an N4-based MMC ligand, a cell targeting group, and a fluorophore or a therapeutic compound comprising a formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. In some embodiments, these compositions may be used in the imaging techniques or in the treatment of a disease or disorder such as cancer.

Abstract: A system and method for intraoperative fluorescence imaging. A system for intraoperative fluorescence imaging includes a visible light source, a laser light source, a visible light image detector, a fluorescence image detector, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and an image processing system. The RF circuitry is coupled to the laser light source and the fluorescence image detector. The RF circuitry is configured to modulate laser light generated by the laser source, and modulate an intensifier of the fluorescence image detector. The image processing system is coupled to the visible light image detector and the fluorescence image detector. The image processing system is configured to merge a fluorescence image produced by the fluorescence image detector and a visible light image produced by the visible light image detector to generate an intraoperative image showing an outline of a region of interest identified in the fluorescence image overlaid on the visible light image.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising an N4-based MMC ligand, a cell targeting group, and a fluorophore or a therapeutic compound comprising a formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. In some embodiments, these compositions may be used in the imaging techniques or in the treatment of a disease or disorder such as cancer.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides compositions comprising an N4-based MMC ligand, a cell targeting group, and a fluorophore or a therapeutic compound comprising a formula: wherein the variables are as defined herein. In some embodiments, these compositions may be used in the imaging techniques or in the treatment of a disease or disorder such as cancer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide high affinity recombinant EpCAM-binding antibodies. Methods of using a such antibodies as imaging agents, diagnostics and therapeutics are also provided. Dual-nuclear and fluorescently labeled or singly fluorescently labeled contrast agents promise the advantage of molecularly-guided surgical resection via surgical field near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging following (in the case of dual labeled agents) nuclear imaging for general localization. Currently, nodal staging of most cancers is performed following lymph node (LN) biopsy and dissection for subsequent pathological examination.

Abstract: A system and method for intraoperative fluorescence imaging. A system for intraoperative fluorescence imaging includes a visible light source, a laser light source, a visible light image detector, a fluorescence image detector, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and an image processing system. The RF circuitry is coupled to the laser light source and the fluorescence image detector. The RF circuitry is configured to modulate laser light generated by the laser source, and modulate an intensifier of the fluorescence image detector. The image processing system is coupled to the visible light image detector and the fluorescence image detector. The image processing system is configured to merge a fluorescence image produced by the fluorescence image detector and a visible light image produced by the visible light image detector to generate an intraoperative image showing an outline of a region of interest identified in the fluorescence image overlaid on the visible light image.

Abstract: Methods and imaging agents are used to functionally image lymph structures and to identify, diagnose, assess, monitor and direct therapies for lymphatic disorders. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques capable of rapid temporal resolution to non-invasively track or monitor packets of imaging agents flowing in one or more lymphatic structures in human patients to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and functionality of the lymphatic structures. An imaging agent comprises a fluorophore labeled peptide capable of binding integrin ?9?1 on a lymphatic structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide high affinity recombinant EpCAM-binding antibodies. Methods of using a such antibodies as imaging agents, diagnostics and therapeutics are also provided. Dual-nuclear and fluorescently labeled or singly fluorescently labeled contrast agents promise the advantage of molecularly-guided surgical resection via surgical field near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging following (in the case of dual labeled agents) nuclear imaging for general localization. Currently, nodal staging of most cancers is performed following lymph node (LN) biopsy and dissection for subsequent pathological examination.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided and include the construction of a simple solid phantom and a measurement approach for the quantification of excitation light leakage and measurement sensitivity of fluorescence imaging devices.

Abstract: Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments for methods and compositions that identify the presence of or risk for developing heterotopic ossification, particularly prior to mineralization of the bone. In particular embodiments, MMP-9 and/or MMP-2 agents comprising dual imaging moieties are used to identify patterns of MMP-9 and/or MMP-2 localization, respectively, that is then predictive of heterotopic ossification.

Abstract: Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Novel methods and imaging agents for functional imaging of lymph structures are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques to track or monitor packets of organic dye flowing in one or more lymphatic structures. The packets of organic dye may be tracked to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and function. In particular, lymph flow velocity and pulse frequency may be determined using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Methods and imaging agents are used to functionally image lymph structures and to identify, diagnose, assess, monitor and direct therapies for lymphatic disorders. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques capable of rapid temporal resolution to non-invasively track or monitor packets of imaging agents flowing in one or more lymphatic structures in human patients to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and functionality of the lymphatic structures. An imaging agent comprises a fluorophore labeled peptide capable of binding integrin ?9?1 on a lymphatic structure.

Abstract: Methods and imaging agents are used to functionally image lymph structures and to identify, diagnose, assess, monitor and direct therapies for lymphatic disorders. Embodiments of the methods utilize highly sensitive optical imaging and fluorescent spectroscopy techniques capable of rapid temporal resolution to non-invasively track or monitor packets of imaging agents flowing in one or more lymphatic structures in human patients to provide quantitative information regarding lymph propulsion and functionality of the lymphatic structures. An imaging agent comprises a fluorophore labeled peptide capable of binding integrin ?9?1 on a lymphatic structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting lymph nodes in a human includes introducing a fluorescent contrast agent into a lymph node system of a body, directing near-infrared time-varying excitation light into the tissue of the body, causing the near-infrared time-varying excitation light to contact a lymph node of the lymphatic system, whereby a redshifted and time-varying emission light is generated, detecting the time-varying emission light at a surface of the body, filtering the time-varying emission light to reject excitation light re-emitted from the lymph node, and imaging the lymph node of the lymphatic system.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasive biomedical optical imaging and spectroscopy with low-level light is described. The technique includes a modulated light source coupled to tissue to introduce excitation light. Fluorescent light emitted in response to the excitation light is detected with a sensor. The AC intensity and phase of the excitation and detected fluorescent light is provided to a processor operatively coupled to the sensor. A processor employs the measured emission kinetics of excitation and fluorescent light to “map” the spatial variation of one or more fluorescence characteristics of the tissue and generate a corresponding image of the tissue via an output device. The fluorescence characteristic may be provided by exogenous contrast agents, endogenous fluorophores, or both. A technique to select or design an exogenous fluorescent contrast agent to improve image contrast is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for biomedical imaging includes directing time-varying excitation light at a surface area of a light scattering material, the material comprising a fluorescent target. Time-varying emission light from the fluorescent target is detected, substantially at a two-dimensional sensor surface, in response to the time-varying excitation light stimulating the fluorescent target. The time-varying emission light is filtered to reject excitation light re-emitted from the material. A three-dimensional image of the fluorescent target is generated based on the detection substantially at the sensor surface.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasive biomedical optical imaging and spectroscopy with low-level light is described. The technique includes a modulated light source coupled to tissue to introduce excitation light. Fluorescent light emitted in response to the excitation light is detected with a sensor. The AC intensity and phase of the excitation and detected fluorescent light is provided to a processor operatively coupled to the sensor. A processor employs the measured emission kinetics of excitation and fluorescent light to “map” the spatial variation of one or more fluorescence characteristics of the tissue and generate a corresponding image of the tissue via an output device. The fluorescence characteristic may be provided by exogenous contrast agents, endogenous fluorophores, or both. A technique to select or design an exogenous fluorescent contrast agent to improve image contrast is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for measuring isotropic scattering coefficients of suspensions using multiply scattered radiation that is modulated in amplitude at selected modulation frequencies. The radiation may be light. Quantities describing diffusion of the multiply scattered radiation are preferably measured at a plurality of distances between source and receiver and a plurality of frequencies. Linear regression techniques are provided for maximizing accuracy of the scattering data at a selected wavelength of a radiation. Methods are provided for inversing an integral equation so as to determine a calculated value of scattering coefficient. Parameters are varied to minimize the difference between the calculated and measured scattering coefficients and thereby to determine volume fraction, particle size distribution and interparticle force between the particles in a suspension.