Abstract: A nanostructure includes a nanoparticle core (110) and a ligand (120) bonded to the nanoparticle core (110). The ligand includes a linking group (130) having a first end bonded to a polyethylene imine (PEI) polymer (140) and a second end bonded to the nanoparticle core (110) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer (150) grafted to the PEI polymer (140). Methods for making these nanostructures and their use in magnetic resonance imaging and management of inflammatory conditions are provided.

Abstract: A nanostructure includes (1) an inorganic nanoparticle core; (2) a first ligand, having a first chain length, bonded to the inorganic nanoparticle core; the first ligand having a charge; and (3) a second ligand, having a second chain length, bonded to the inorganic nanoparticle core; the second ligand is hydrophilic. The second chain length is longer than the first chain length such that varying a mole percent quantity of the first ligand does not substantially alter a hydrodynamic diameter of the nanostructure. Methods for making these nanostructures and their use in magnetic resonance imaging and management of inflammatory conditions are provided.

Abstract: By patterning a catalyst layer in a micrometer scale and growing nanotubes on it, the emission area is formed by many small emitter islands. Each emitter island comprises finite nanotubes in a nominal density. Due to the vast amount of gaps between emitter islands, relatively more nanotubes are exposed to the edge region of the emitter, which effectively increases the average inter-spacing of nanotubes. The field shielding effect is significantly reduced this way.

Abstract: A method of conjugating a carboxylate-containing molecule to an amine-containing macromolecule to form a substituted macromolecule is provided. The method includes (a) forming a first solution by dissolving a substance comprising at least one macromolecule having free amine groups in an aqueous basic solution; (b) forming a second solution by combining at least one carboxylate-containing molecule with at least one acid acceptor in an aprotic solvent; (c) adding at least one carboxylate activating agent to the second solution to form an activated carboxylate-containing molecule; (d) combining the first solution and second solutions to form a multiphasic solution; and (e) isolating the resultant substituted macromolecule from the mixture. A substituted macromolecule produced by the aforementioned method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring tumor response to a cancer therapy is provided. The method comprises the steps of injecting a polymeric contrast agent in a subject; obtaining a series of magnetic resonance image signals of the contrast agent in the tumor for up to about 60 minutes; and determining a slope of the magnetic resonance image signal as a function of time.

Abstract: A contrast agent comprising a polypeptide is provided. The polypeptide contains lysine residues and optionally, one or more types of amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid residues and aspartic acid residues, wherein the lysine residues are substituted with a group derived from a steric hindrance molecule; and an image producing entity is present in a range between about 100 units and about 2000 units. Methods for administering the aforementioned contrast agent are also provided.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing extended poly(amino acids) conjugated to imaging agents, such as DTPA, is disclosed. The amino acid is initially conjugated to the imaging agent at the monomer stage, followed by formation of the corresponding N-carboxyanhydride. The method utilizes catalyzed ring opening polymerization of the N-carboxyanhydride of the amino acid-imaging agent monomer allowing the formation of a poly(amino acid) backbone having 100% imaging agent conjugation if desired. However, the present method also permits the degree of conjugation to be controlled by copolymerizing the N-carboxyanhydride of the amino acid-imaging agent monomer with one or more unconjugated monomers, i.e. N-carboxyanhydrides of the same or of other amino acids. Various imaging agents may be employed, and new hybrid random, block, and mixed copolymers may be prepared.