Abstract: We disclose a composition, comprising a compound, comprising a melanin precursor that spontaneously synthesizes a melanin when in free form in vivo, and a peptide directly covalently bonded to or indirectly linked to the melanin precursor, wherein the direct covalent bond or indirect link of the peptide to the melanin precursor blocks spontaneous synthesis of the melanin in vivo in the absence of protease activity. We also disclose methods of tumor imaging, tumor detection, diagnosis, and treatment, including methods comprising administering, to a patient suffering from a tumor, the composition; and either surgically resecting the tumor or thermally ablating the tumor, wherein the surgical resection is guided at least in part by contrast imparted by, or the thermally ablating targets cells containing, the melanin, wherein the melanin is spontaneously synthesized in the tumor after administering the composition.

Abstract: A method for preparing 18F radiolabeled biomolecules and agents for 18F-PET imaging is disclosed herein. A perfluoroaryl-conjugated target tracer is synthesized and purified with temperature and solvent conditions that are mild for the tracer molecule. The purified perfluoroaryl-conjugated target tracer is then labeled with 18F using 18F salts within a short reaction time, and with temperature and solvent conditions that are mild for the tracer molecule. The method provides a quick and convenient process that maintains the biological activities of the target molecules. The radio-labeled biomolecules may be used as contrast agents for Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

Abstract: A method for preparing 18F radiolabeled biomolecules and agents for 18F-PET imaging is disclosed herein. A perfluoroaryl-conjugated target tracer is synthesized and purified with temperature and solvent conditions that are mild for the tracer molecule. The purified perfluoroaryl-conjugated target tracer is then labeled with 18F using 18F salts within a short reaction time, and with temperature and solvent conditions that are mild for the tracer molecule. The method provides a quick and convenient process that maintains the biological activities of the target molecules. The radio-labeled biomolecules may be used as contrast agents for Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for analyzing biomedical images using new models. Example models include a linear reference region model and a reference agent model. In one example aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method may involve determining, based on a set of biomedical images, a first concentration-activity curve and a second concentration activity-curve. Additionally, the method may further include determining a value of at least one pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter based on the first concentration-activity curve and the second concentration-activity curve and a linear model that relates the first concentration-activity curve to the second concentration-activity curve. The value of the at least one PK parameter may be determined based on application of a linear least square fitting algorithm to the linear model. Also, the method may include causing a graphical display to provide a visual indication of the value of the at least one PK parameter.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for analyzing biomedical images using new models. Example models include a linear reference region model and a reference agent model. In one example aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method may involve determining, based on a set of biomedical images, a first concentration-activity curve and a second concentration activity-curve. Additionally, the method may further include determining a value of at least one pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter based on the first concentration-activity curve and the second concentration-activity curve and a linear model that relates the first concentration-activity curve to the second concentration-activity curve. The value of the at least one PK parameter may be determined based on application of a linear least square fitting algorithm to the linear model. Also, the method may include causing a graphical display to provide a visual indication of the value of the at least one PK parameter.

Abstract: A solid phase peptide synthesis method for synthesizing a peptidyl contrast agent is disclosed. In one example, the method includes synthesizing an amino-chelator loaded resin, coupling of the amino-chelator loaded resin to the C-terminus and/or backbone of a peptide, cleaving the amino-chelator-peptide from a resin, and chelating a lanthanide metal to the amino-chelator-peptide.

Abstract: A solid phase peptide synthesis method for synthesizing a peptidyl contrast agent is disclosed. In one example, the method includes synthesizing an amino-chelator loaded resin, coupling of the amino-chelator loaded resin to the C-terminus and/or backbone of a peptide, cleaving the amino-chelator-peptide from a resin, and chelating a lanthanide metal to the amino-chelator-peptide.

Abstract: A solid phase peptide synthesis method for synthesizing a peptidyl contrast agent is disclosed. In one example, the method includes synthesizing an amino-chelator loaded resin, coupling of the amino-chelator loaded resin to the C-terminus and/or backbone of a peptide, cleaving the amino-chelator-peptide from a resin, and chelating a lanthanide metal to the amino-chelator-peptide.