Abstract: A stable composition including a water-sensitive pharmacologically active agent, such as an enzyme, an antibiotic or a vitamin, a hydrophilic non-polar primary solvent, an optional hydrophilic non-polar secondary solvent and optional pharmaceutical or cosmetic adjuvants to enhance appearance for topical use. Where the water-sensitive or water-degradable component is L-Ascorbic acid and the principal solvent is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (“NMP”) the composition is stable for many months at a concentration of L-Ascorbic acid of up to about 40 % w/v. This composition using NMP as a solvent and enhancer of skin penetration together with appropriate adjuvants is useful for preparing dermatological topical dosage for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Delivery of metal particles to living tissue, then applying external energy that interacts with the metal particles, is found to selectively increase the energy deposition and interaction surrounding the metal particles. The method is useful to improve treatment of various conditions, since targeted cells may be selectively altered or killed. Metal particles are also loaded into cells or membrane vesicles by placing metal seed particles into the cells or vesicles, then chemically depositing additional metal on the metal seed particles. The metal particles are useful to improve imaging and therapies by their interaction with externally applied energy.

Abstract: A container comprising an aqueous lipid suspension and a gaseous phase substantially separate from the aqueous stabilizing phase, useful in diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and in therapeutic applications, is disclosed.