Abstract: Protein particles are prepared by causing or allowing protein molecules dispersed in a liquid medium at a concentration of 8 mg.mL?1 or greater to react in the presence of a zero-length crosslinker, so as to produce protein particles comprising protein molecules that are covalently bonded together. The protein particles may be produced with sizes in the sub-micron range with closely defined sizes and size distributions. The particles have applications in many fields, but are useful inter alia for the delivery of therapeutic agents and other agents, eg imaging contrast agents, to the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to the delivery of agents to the body. One particular class of such agents are contrast agents useful in medical imaging techniques. The agents may be metals useful as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or in nuclear imaging, including positron emission tomography (PET), or as therapeutic agents in radiotherapy. The agents may alternatively be contrast agents useful in X-ray imaging. The invention also relates to methods by which agents for delivery to the body can be coupled to carriers and to targeting moieties effective to direct the agent to a specific locus within the body.

Abstract: Protein particles are prepared by causing or allowing protein molecules dispersed in a liquid medium at a concentration of 8 mg.mL-1 or greater to react in the presence of a zero-length crosslinker, so as to produce protein particles comprising protein molecules that are covalently bonded together. The protein particles may be produced with sizes in the sub-micron range with closely defined sizes and size distributions. The particles have applications in many fields, but are useful inter alia for the delivery of therapeutic agents and other agents, eg imaging contrast agents, to the body.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an image of a part of a patient, comprising: (a) providing microcapsules which have been formed by (i) providing a solution of a material in an aqueous solvent containing water and a liquid of greater volatility than water and (ii) spraying the said solution into a gas such that the aqueous solvent evaporates, thereby forming hollow microcapsules suitable for use as an echogenic contrast agent, (b) injecting the microcapsules into a patient, and (c) subjecting the patient to ultrasonic energy to obtain an image based on the ultrasound reflectivity transmissibility or resonance of the microcapsules, characterized in that at least 5 minutes elapse between steps (b) and (c). The patient can be exercised between administration and imaging without having to be reinjected.