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: 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 relates to the preparation of hydrophilic nanoparticles and in particular hydrophilic nanoparticles that are biocompatible. Free radical monovinyl-divinyl monomer copolymerization/cross-linking reactions of water-soluble, monovinyl N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP) with a bi-unsaturated divinyl, comonomer (poly{ethylene glycol}dimethacrylate) (PEGDMA), has been found to yield hydrophilic nanoparticles (NPs). These nanoparticles are built from three-dimensional nanopolymer networks. In the polymers' synthesis the composition of the monomers, and the total monomer concentration were varied. The characteristics of copolymers were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and elemental analysis. Particle size and morphology of nanoparticles were confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible and biodegradable, stimuli sensitive, polymeric nanoparticles, which are formed by ion-ion interaction in aqueous media. Synthetic and biological macromolecules with ionizable functional groups are capable of forming nanoparticles whose size and surface properties are sensitive to environmental factors such as pH, temperature and salt concentration. Nanodevices made from these nanoparticles are designed for therapeutic applications included but not limited to use as drug carriers and/or used as contrast agents in MRI diagnosis and the like. The adjustable size of the nanodevices and their stimuli sensitivity allows specific delivery applications. Thus, these nanosystems are potential carrier tools for delivery of active ingredients such as drugs, as well as DNA, RNA, siRNA for cosmetics, pharmaceutical applications, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible and biodegradable stimuli-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles, which were formed by ion-ion interaction in aqueous media. Synthetic and biological macromolecules with ionizable functional groups are capable of forming nanoparticles whose size and surface properties are sensitive to environmental influences such as pH, temperature and salt concentration. Nanodevices are designed for therapeutic applications as drug and nucleic acid carriers, and/or for MRI diagnosis as contrast agents. These nanodevices are designed for therapeutic applications as targeted drug carriers. Additionally, they can be used as contrast agents for MRI diagnosis. These nanosystems are also potential carriers for delivery of active ingredients as DNA, RNA, short interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ON), and triple helix forming oligonucleotides (TFO) etc. for pharmaceutical applications. Their adjustable size offers yet another advantage.

Abstract: Compounds having utility in achieving the foregoing objects of the invention are prepared by reacting a 2,2-bis-(disubstituted-phosphoryl)-ethylsulfanyl-acetic acid compound with a pharmaceutically active chemical entity effective to treat the underlying disease state or with non-pharmaceutical entities such as pesticides, insecticides, fungicides or poisons for vermin.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a non-invasive method to detect H. pylori within the stomach and duodenum. Another object is to provide a non-invasive method to localize this organism within the stomach and duodenum. A further object is to provide a kit containing the reagents for carrying out the diagnostic assay of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions, methods and kits for treating areas of H. pylori infection in the GI tract. The active ingredient is an antibiotic-bisphosphonate adduct wherein the antibiotic is selected for its ability to eradicate H. pylori. Other components include a salt of a divalent cation that is insolubilized in vivo at alkaline pH, and optionally a substrate from which the enzyme urease liberates NH.sub.3.

Abstract: Novel chemotherapeutic agents having utility in treating infectious diseases such as periodontal disease, certain urinary tract infections, and infectious urinary tract stones, are obtained by combining chemically a diphosphonate compound with a therapeutic agent effective against the foregoing diseases.

Abstract: Novel chemotherapeutic agents having utility in treating infectious diseases such as periodontal disease, certain urinary tract infections, infectious urinary tract stones, and bone cancer, are obtained by combining chemically a diphosphonate compound with a therapeutic agent effective against the foregoing diseases.

Abstract: Process and compositions for lowering blood pressure in diabetic by employing a cyclopeptide compound is described.