Abstract: Silica-coated nanodiamonds and methods of preparing silica-coated nanodiamonds are disclosed. The method comprises contacting a nanodiamond entrapped in a liposome with a silica precursor and reacting the silica precursor to form a coating of silica on the nanodiamond.

Abstract: Backbone-substituted 1,4,7,10-tetraaza cyclododecane-N,N?,N?,N??-tetraacetic acid compounds, metal complexes thereof, compositions thereof, conjugates thereof, and methods of use in diagnostic imaging and treatment of a cellular disorder.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling convection enhanced delivery of a therapeutic agent to a target tissue is disclosed. A tracer that is detectable, for example, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or by X-ray computed tomography (CT) is co-infulsed with the therapeutic agent and used to monitor the distribution of the therapeutic agent as it moves through the target tissue. The images obtained during delivery are used to confirm delivery of the therapeutic agent to the target tissue and to avoid exposure of tissue outside of the targeted area to the therapeutic agent. In addition, the signal intensity of the images may be used to confirm that the therapeutic agent has been delivered to the target tissue at a desired concentration.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for lymphatic system imaging using dendrimer conjugates as contrast agents. The disclosed methods are applicable to the imaging of all lymphatic structures, but in particular embodiments are particularly suited for imaging specific parts of the lymphatic system such as lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels. The methods permit the assessment of abnormal conditions within the lymphatic system, such as lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disease, inflammation, and cancer metastasis. The methods also may be used to identify and locate lymph nodes into which lymph fluid flows from a tumor.

Abstract: Substituted 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N,?N?-triacetic acid compounds with a pendant donor amino group, metal complexes thereof, compositions thereof, and methods of use in diagnostic imaging and treatment of a cellular disorder.

Abstract: Macromolecular imaging agents comprising a polyalkylenimine dendrimer conjugated to a metal chelate are disclosed. In particular embodiment, the imaging agent is a diaminobutane-core polypropylenimine dendrimer having surface amino groups conjugated to gadolinium metal chelates. Administration of this gadolinium conjugate to a subject permits visualization of liver micrometastases as small as about 0.3 mm in a magnetic resonance image of the subject's liver.

Abstract: The present invention provides transition metal complexes of N,N′,N″-trialkyl-cis,cis-1,3,5-triaminocyclohexane and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use in vitro and in vivo, such as a therapeutic agent or a delivery/imaging agent.