Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for making and use of metal-based coated nanoparticles. The metal-based, PEG-coated nanoparticles of the invention comprise folic acid molecules on their surface exercise dual functionality by specifically targeting renal tubule cells and treating renal fibrosis.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions of a probe comprising two pH-reversible forms, including the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorescent form and the non-fluorescent leuco-BODIPY form, for use in confocal imaging methods of intracellular vesicles as well as extracellular vesicles that are present in conditioned culture medium and/or secreted by living cells, without inducing severe cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A composition of an anti-psoriatic drug and methods of applying the anti-psoriatic drug for transdermal delivery of nanoparticles and entry into skin cells are provided. The composition of the anti-psoriatic drug includes a core having at least one gold nanoparticle, a shell of polyethylene glycol (PEG) strands conjugated to the core, and a plurality of alkyl groups conjugated to the shell of PEG strands. Moreover, a chain length of the plurality of alkyl groups, chain loading of the plurality of alkyl groups, or a diameter of the core is configured to optimize a distribution of the composition in the skin cells. The distribution may include skin permeability or an entry into keratinocytes. Further, methods of modulating effectiveness of the anti-psoriatic drug for inhibiting development of a psoriasis phenotype or for treatment of the psoriasis phenotype are provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for making and use of metal-based coated nanoparticles. The metal-based, PEG-coated nanoparticles of the invention comprise folic acid molecules on their surface exercise dual functionality by specifically targeting renal tubule cells and treating renal fibrosis.

Abstract: Provided are DNA-coated nanoparticles (DNA-NPS), superparamagnetic nanoparticles (DNA-SPNs), and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanopa rticles (DNA-SPIONs) as efficient imaging agents for targeting and imaging atherosclerotic lesions and treating atherosclerotic disease. The DNA-NS, DNA-SPNs, and DNA-SPIONs can enter macrophage cells via the Class A scavenger receptor (SR-A)-mediated pathways and can be used to specifically target atheroscleortic plaques.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to delivering a polynucleotide into a target cell, particularly, into the nucleus of the target cell. The method comprises the steps of contacting the polynucleotide with the cell and applying pressure on the polynucleotide and the cell in a manner that forces the polynucleotide into the cell. The pressure can be between about 0.1 Pa to about 50 Pa; whereas, the polynucleotide is contacted with the cell at a concentration of between about 0.1 ?M and about 100 ?M. The method can be practiced for cells in culture or cells in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nano-constructs useful for delivering polynucleotides into cells, methods of using the nano-constructs, and methods of making the nano-constructs.

Abstract: Provided are DNA-coated nanoparticles (DNA-NPS), superparamagnetic nanoparticles (DNA-SPNs), and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (DNA-SPIONs) as efficient imaging agents for targeting and imaging atherosclerotic lesions and treating atherosclerotic disease. The DNA-NS, DNA-SPNs, and DNA-SPIONs can enter macrophage cells via the Class A scavenger receptor (SR-A)-mediated pathways and can be used to specifically target atheroscleortic plaques.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to delivering a polynucleotide into a target cell, particularly, into the nucleus of the target cell. The method comprises the steps of contacting the polynucleotide with the cell and applying pressure on the polynucleotide and the cell in a manner that forces the polynucleotide into the cell. The pressure can be between about 0.1 Pa to about 50 Pa; whereas, the polynucleotide is contacted with the cell at a concentration of between about 0.1 ?M and about 100 ?M. The method can be practiced for cells in culture or cells in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel nano-constructs useful for delivering polynucleotides into cells, methods of using the nano-constructs, and methods of making the nano-constructs.