Abstract: Methods for NMR microimaging of biological tissue are provided. Polymeric nanoparticles are provided as a contrast agent to subject tissue to be imaged. Each polymeric nanoparticle may include an iron oxide core that exhibits superparamagnetic properties that enhance tissue imaging when placed within a magnetic field, an anionic surfacant applied to the core, a polymeric layer that encapsulates the core and the anionic surfacant, and an antibody attached to the polymeric layer to facilitate attachment to the subject tissue. Following the provision of the polymeric nanoparticles as a contrast agent to the subject tissue, the subject tissue may be images utilizing a twenty-one Tesla microimaging technique.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers that recognize and bind the complement protein C3 or its biologically active proteolytic products and methods of their use. Particularly preferred are bi-functional aptamer construct that binding specifically with C3b or iC3b, and another target protein. Use of these molecular constructs for commandeering the opsonization process is also described herein.

Abstract: Multifunctional nanoparticles for imaging and therapeutic drug delivery made from amphiphilic block copolymers having a hydrophobic block and one or more hydrophilic blocks, and at least one internal and one terminal chelating agent units having a paramagnetic metal ion associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic contrast agent comprising an amine-functionalized iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core a targeting ligand attached to the nanoparticle core via a linker and an inert outer layer of a hydrophilic polymer conjugated to the targeting ligand and imaging methods using the biomimetic contrast agents. Also, provided is a dual functional contrast agent comprising a metal-doped iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core, an inert layer of gold coating the nanoparticle core and a biodegradable cationic polymer linked thereto. The dual functional contrast agent is complexed to a therapeutic gene and when transfected into mesenchymal stem cells comprises a dual contrast agent and gene delivery system. In addition, methods of using the dual functional system are provided. Furthermore, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents and the dual contrast agent and gene delivery system are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent, radio-opaque and magnetic quantum nanoparticles, useful as multifunctional contrast agents or probes for in vivo bioimaging, and methods of their use. The invention provides for multifaceted bioimaging (e.g., intra-arterial pre-operative brain mapping and broad based in vivo diagnostic imaging), including imaging of various cell types, such as stem cells.

Abstract: Provided are a positively-charged superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION), a contrast agent using the same, and a method of preparing the same. The positively-charged SPION includes a SPION, a polymer layer including a polymer containing many carboxyl groups coated on a surface of the SPION, and a cationic material coupled via an amide bond to a surface of the polymer layer. Therefore, the SPION may be prepared in a simple and reproducible process to have hydrophilicity and a strong positive charge. The prepared positively-charged SPION may have high uptake into a cell and stability, and be used in various applications as an effective contrast agent through non-invasive in vivo imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible contrast agent and a method of its preparation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multifunctional contrast agent manufactured by prepairing a novel polysuccinimide-based polymer by introducing an alkanolamine group to the main group of the polysuccinimide in addition to a biocompatible hydrophilic group, which improves bioavailability, and a hydrophobic group, which enables to maintain the form of stable nanoparticles during the formation of nano particles for a long period of time and to encapsulate a hydrophobic anticancer agent.

Abstract: Methods of non-invasive imaging of complement-mediated inflammation are provided. Compositions including CR-targeted ultrasmall superparamagnetic nanoparticles or aggregates thereof for use with those methods are also provided.

Abstract: Unsaturated polyesters e.g. poly (ethylene glycol fumarate) (PEGF) were developed as new coating materials for iron oxide nanoparticles. Different strategies were adopted in their synthesis to provide different characteristics including solubility, molecular weight and structure also degrees of unsaturation. After synthesis of the nanoparticles; the material was applied as a coating on them. These materials were applicable without further processing, however, coatings were cured via thermal, redox or photo initiated crosslinking on the nanoparticles to provide rigid shells on the surface of nanoparticles.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a gold coated SPIONs with jagged surface. The gold coated SPIONs have a core and a shell. The core is a SPION molecule and the shell is a jagged gold layer. A non-uniform polymeric gap exists between the core and the shell. The embodiments also provide a method of producing the jagged gold coated SPIONs by mixing a colloidal dispersion of SPIONs with pH sensitive polymers. Adding a gold salt to the above mixture and reducing the gold salt to form jagged gold coated SPIONs.

Abstract: Macromolecular contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging are described. Biomolecules and their modified derivatives form stable complexes with paramagnetic ions thus increasing the molecular relaxivity of carriers. The synthesis of biomolecular based nanodevices for targeted delivery of MRI contrast agents are described. Nanoparticles (NP) have been constructed by self-assembling of chitosan (CHIT) as polycation and poly-gamma glutamic acids (PGA) as polyanion. NP's are capable of Gd-ion uptake forming a particle with suitable molecular relaxivity. Folic acid (FA) is linked to the NP's to produce NP-FA bioconjugates that can be used for targeted in vitro delivery to a human cancer cell line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer-metal complex composite, which comprises a block copolymer capable of serving as a constituent member of a polymeric micelle and a metal complex having MRI contrast ability, accumulates in a tumor-specific manner, achieves high image contrast even in a small amount, and has reduced side effects and a long retention time in blood. The polymer-metal complex composite of the present invention comprises a block copolymer (A) represented by general formula (a) and a metal complex (B) having MRI contrast ability, wherein the composite comprises a structure in which a carboxyl anion of poly(carbo) in the copolymer (A) is attached to the metal complex (B) via a metal atom (M).

Abstract: The present invention proposes a magnetic nanocomposite with multi-biofunctional groups, which comprises a core and a shell wrapping the core, wherein the core contains magnetic nanoparticles, and wherein the shell is made of a conductive polymer with multi-biofunctional groups where a medicine, an antibody or a fluorescent label can be attached.

Abstract: The role of synaptic adhesion molecules in human cell development and function is largely unknown. This invention provides methods to study ?-cell function in native tissue through the use of novel adhesion and migrations assays. Through the use of these assays, the inventors have been able to for the first time describe the contribution of SAMs to human ?-cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. Furthermore, the inventors have used the results of these assays to develop methods for detection, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to the pancreas.

Abstract: Fixed-dried blood cells carrying an active agent are described, along with methods of making the same, methods of using the same, and compositions containing the sane. The blood cells may be red blood cells or blood platelets.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions and methods utilizing delivery agents comprising protein cages, medical imaging agents and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: It is disclosed here that nucleic acid-based agents can be delivered to the brain of a human or non-human animal having a leakage in the blood brain barrier by administering the agents through the eye. Brain tissues and cells can be imaged in vivo (e.g., by magnetic resonance imaging) by linking a contrast agent to a targeting nucleic acid that can hybridize to a target nucleic acid located at the brain site to be imaged and administering the contrast agentltargeting nucleic acid conjugate through the eye. Similarly, a nucleic acid based drug (e.g., as an antisense nucleic acid or a therapeutic agent linked to a targeting nucleic acid that can hybridize to a target nucleic located at a disease site in the brain) can be administered through the eye to treat a brain disease.

Abstract: Immunomagnetic nanoparticles are used as a contrast agent for enhancing medical diagnostic imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present invention is directed to methods of making targeted MRI contrast agents from immunomagnetic particles, and to methods of using such MRI contrast agents. Typically, such targeted MRI contrast agents provide enhanced relaxivity, improved signal-to-noise, targeting ability, and resistance to agglomeration. Methods of making such MRI contrast agents typically afford better control over particle size, and methods of using such MRI contrast agents typically can afford enhanced blood clearance rates and distribution. The ability to use the contrast agents im MRI provides a tool in the diagnosis and treatment of several disease states.

Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on chemical exchange-dependent saturation transfer (CEST), a novel carrier for CEST contrast agents is provided. The carrier is non-spherical and comprises a semipermeable shell, wherein the shell comprises a paramagnetic compound. The shell encloses a cavitycomprising an MR analyte, wherein the semipermeable shell allows diffusion of the MR analyte. The CEST effect is based on the 5 bulk magnetic susceptibility effect caused by the anisotropy of the carrier. This leads to a versatile carrier that does not require interaction of the analyte with a paramgnetic chemical shift reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of general formula (I) below: Signal?Linker?Peptide (I) in which Signal represents a signal entity; Linker, which may or may not be present, represents a chemical bond and Peptide represents a peptide comprising an apoptosis-targeting peptide, the apoptosis-targeting peptide being chosen from the peptides having the formula below and the functional equivalents thereof: X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6 (1) (SEQ ID No 1) in which X1 and X2 represent, independently of one another, leucine or isoleucine, X3 and X4 represent lysine, X5 represents proline and X6 represents phenylalanine, advantageously the peptide L-I-K-K-P-F (SEQ ID No 11) and the functional equivalents thereof; D-A-H-S-X7-S (2) (SEQ ID No 2) in which X7 represents phenylalanine or leucine; P-G-D-L-X8-X9 (3) (SEQ ID No 3) in which X8 represents serine or valine and X9 represents threonine or arginine; H-G-X10-L-S-X11 (4) (SEQ ID No 4) in which X10 represents aspartic acid or histidine, and X11 represents thre

Abstract: A system for introducing a bioactive substance into a target cell within a body. The bioactive substance is transported to the target cell using a superparamagnetic nanoparticle and a controllable magnetic field generator that is capable of moving the nanoparticle to the target cell through the body in three dimensions. The nanoparticle may be covered with a biocompatible shell that forms a covalent bond with the bioactive substance. In an alternative embodiment, the bioactive substance and a plurality of nanoparticles are supported by a bioerodable matrix that forms a nanosphere. The nanosphere may be moved into the target cell using an external magnetic field that is controllable to move the nanosphere in three dimensions through the body and the bioactive substance is released from the nanosphere once inside the target cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metal nanoparticles for the preparation of a composition for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease by MRI.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomimetic contrast agents, dual functional contrast agents effective for therapeutic gene delivery and magnetic nanoparticles which comprise functionalized iron oxide nanoparticle cores, one of an inert gold layer, a layer of inert metal seeds or a silica layer and, optionally, one or both of an outer gold-silver nanoshell or a targeting ligand attached to the inert gold layer or the gold-silver nanoshell. Also provided are methods of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, of treating primary or metastatic cancers or of ablating atherosclerotic plaque using the contrast agents and magnetic particles. In addition, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents, dual contrast agents and magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides hybrid nanomaterials for use as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical and/or multimodal contrast imaging agents. The hybrid nanomaterials comprise a polymeric matrix material and a plurality of coordination complexes, each coordination complex comprising a functionalized chelating group and a paramagnetic metal ion. The nanoparticle can further comprise a luminophore. Methods of synthesizing and using the nanoparticles are provided. The nanoparticles can be used to diagnose diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diseases related to inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoconjugates. In particular, the present invention provides nanoconjugates for diagnostic (e.g., imaging), research, and clinical (e.g., targeted treatment) applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides the synthetic method and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles capable of targeting to the folic acid receptors existing on the cell membranes and with high relaxivity. The iron oxide nanoparticles of the present invention can further be used as the contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Abstract: Nanoparticles that facilitate imaging of biological tissue and methods for formulating the nanoparticles are provided. In order to form suitable nanoparticles for imaging, an anionic surfactant may be applied to superparamagnetic nanoparticles to form modified nanoparticles. The modified nanoparticles may be mixed with a polymer in a solvent to form a first mixture, and a non-solvent may be mixed with the first mixture to form a second mixture. An emulsion may be formed from the second mixture and the polymeric nanoparticles may be isolated from the emulsion. In certain embodiments of the invention, an antibody may be attached to the polymeric nanoparticles to facilitate attachment of the nanoparticles to biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic compositions comprising metal oxide particles, especially iron oxide particles, which are coated with binding peptides. The binding peptides bind with high affinity to the metal oxide particles so that the peptide-coated metal oxide particles are suitable for medical applications, for example as contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a water-soluble paramagnetic substance, in particular a magnetic resonance contrast medium, to reduce the magnetic resonance relaxation time of a coolant for magnetic resonance systems. Furthermore the invention relates to a corresponding method for reducing the magnetic resonance relaxation time of a coolant.

Abstract: A nanostructure and methods of synthesizing same. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a nanospecies, a hydrophobic protection structure including at least one compound selected from a capping ligand, an amphiphilic copolymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the hydrophobic protection structure encapsulates the nanospecies, and at least one histidine-tagged peptide or protein conjugated to the hydrophobic protection structure, wherein the at least one histidine-tagged peptide or protein has at least one binding site.

Abstract: Contrast agents incorporating super-paramagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles have shown promise as a means to visualize labeled cells using MRI. Labeled cells cause significant signal dephasing due to the magnetic field inhomogeneity induced in water molecules near the cell. With the resulting signal void as the means for detection, the particles are behaving as a negative contrast agent, which can suffer from partial-volume effects. Disclosed is a new method for imaging labeled cells with positive contrast. Spectrally-selective RF pulses are used to excite and refocus the off-resonance water surrounding the labeled cells so that only the fluid and tissue immediately adjacent to the labeled cells are visible in the image. Phantom, in vitro, and in vivo experiments show the feasibility of the new method. A significant linear correlation (r=0.87, p<0.005) between the estimated number of cells and the signal has been observed.

Abstract: A charged biomaterial including at least one first hydrophilic polymer, and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with a second hydrophilic polymer substantially identical to or different from the first hydrophilic polymer, wherein the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with the second hydrophilic polymer are distributed substantially homogeneously and substantially without aggregates in the first hydrophilic polymer. A process for preparing a charged biomaterial including forming an aqueous solution of hydrophilic monomers and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with a hydrophilic polymer including monomers substantially identical to or different from the hydrophilic monomers, polymerizing the solution and forming a polymer hydrogel in which are distributed substantially homogeneously and substantially without aggregates the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Superparamagnetic nanoscale particles are disclosed which are useful for providing a contrast agent with high signal intensity, high relaxivity and high intrinsic magnetism. The disclosed contrast agents will have utility and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and associated techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent, radio-opaque and magnetic quantum nanoparticles, useful as multifunctional contrast agents or probes for in vivo bioimaging, and methods of their use. The invention provides for multifaceted bioimaging (e.g., intra-arterial pre-operative brain mapping and broad based in vivo diagnostic imaging), including imaging of various cell types, such as stem cells.

Abstract: A dielectric element is formed of a dielectric material exhibiting a magnetic resonance relaxation time, with a relaxation agent incorporated in the dielectric material that reduces the relaxation time of the dielectric material. The dielectric element is adapted for placement on a subject while magnetic resonance data are acquired from the subject, and locally influences the B1 field distribution in the subject during the acquisition of magnetic resonance data.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: An improved contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprises particles to each of which is coupled a multiplicity of chelating agents containing paramagnetic ions. In the improved agent, the position of the ion is offset from the surface of the particle so as to improve the relaxivity imparted by the contrast agent. A tether offsetting the chelate from the surface of the particle may optionally contain cleavage sites permitting more facile excretion of the chelated paramagnetic ion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel targeted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present invention is also directed to methods of making such targeted MRI contrast agents, and to methods of using such MRI contrast agents. Typically, such targeted MRI contrast agents provide enhanced relaxivity, improved signal-to-noise, targeting ability, and resistance to agglomeration. Methods of making such MRI contrast agents typically afford better control over particle size, and methods of using such MRI contrast agents typically afford enhanced blood clearance rates and biodistribution.

Abstract: Emulsions comprising nanoparticles formed from high boiling perfluorochemical substances, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating are made target-specific by directly coupling said nanoparticles to a targeting ligand. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides, and/or other imaging agents.

Abstract: This invention provides an imaging agent which comprises a polypeptide labeled with an imageable marker, such polypeptide having an amino acid sequence substantially present in the fibrin binding domain of naturally-occurring human fibronectin and being capable of binding to fibrin. The invention further provides a method wherein the imaging agent is used for imaging a fibrin-containing substance, i.e., a thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque. Further provided are plasmids for expression of polypeptides having an amino acid sequence substantially present in the fibrin binding domain of naturally-occurring human fibronectin and being capable of binding to fibrin, hosts containing these plasmids, methods of producing the polypeptides, methods of treatment using the polypeptides, and methods of recovering, refolding and reoxidizing the polypeptides.

Abstract: A method of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of blood perfusion in vascularized organs of interest, e.g. the myocardium, the kidneys, the brain, the liver wherein a contrast agent composition comprising a particulate superparamagnetic metal oxide is administered.

Abstract: A microparticle composition(s) comprising nanomagnetic particles and a matrix, wherein said microparticle composition(s) have a least one of the following properties: (a) a VAR of at least about 1 Watts/cm3 subject to appropriate field conditions; (b) a density of about 2.7 or less: or (c) a size of about 100 nm to about 200 microns.

Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula: (Q)d—Ln—Ch, useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The present invention further provides novel compounds useful for imaging atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac ischemia, and myocardial reperfusion injury. The present invention still further provides novel compounds useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety.

Abstract: A polymer is conjugated to a plurality of molecules having at least a functionality and further comprises an active agent, such as a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent. The diagnostic agent is capable of generating a signal detectable by a medical imaging technique. The conjugated polymer has an extended conformation and provides enhanced contrast of images of diseased tissues or enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to these tissues.

Abstract: A method for improving the magnetic resonance imaging contrast of a selected portion of a sample. A selected ferrimagnetic constituent is associated with the sample portion, by molecular or biological attachment or by some other means, so that the sample portion is distinguished from other adjacent portions of the sample that do not have the selected ferrimagnetic constituent associated therewith. Alternatively, the sample portion is suspected, but not yet confirmed, to have the selected ferrimagnetic constituent associated with it. Ferromagnetic resonance imaging is performed on the sample portion, and at least one resonance frequency ?0 of the sample portion is provided. At least one material parameter of the sample portion is measured at or near the frequency ?0, with enhanced imaging contrast relative to adjacent portions of the sample that do not have the selected ferrimagnetic constituent in association.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex. The present invention also provides methods by which pre-existing polymers and medical devices may be made MR-imageable. The invention also provides methods of improving MR-imageability of polymers and medical devices by encapsulating the polymers and medical devices with hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex.

Abstract: An improved contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprises particles to each of which is coupled a multiplicity of chelating agents containing paramagnetic ions. In the improved agent, the position of the ion is offset from the surface of the particle so as to improve the relaxivity imparted by the contrast agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of perfluoroalkyl-containing metal complexes that have a critical micelle formation concentration <10−3 mol/l, a hydrodynamic micelle diameter (2 Rh)>1 nm and a proton relaxivity in plasma (R1)>10 l/mmol·s) as contrast media in MR imaging for visualization of plaque, lymph nodes, infarcted and necrotic tissue and for independent visualization of necrotic tissue and tumor tissue.

Abstract: Compounds able to chelate paramagnetic metal ions and the use thereof as contrast agents in the technique known as “Magnetic Resonance Imaging” (M.R.I.).