Abstract: Described herein is a method of induced cell death via ferroptosis by nanoparticle ingestion. Moreover, the present disclosure describes the administration of high concentrations of ultrasmall nanoparticles at multiple times over the course of treatment in combination with a nutrient-depleted environment, thereby modulating cellular metabolic pathways to induce cell death by the mechanism ferroptosis. Ferroptosis involves iron, reactive oxygen species, and a synchronous mode of cell death execution.

Abstract: Presented herein are systems, methods, and architectures related to augmented reality (AR) surgical visualization of one or more dual-modality probe species in tissue. As described herein, near infrared (NIR) images are detected and rendered in real time. The NIR images are registered and/or overlaid with one or more radiological images (e.g., which were obtained preoperatively/perioperatively) by a processor [e.g., that uses an artificial neural network (ANN) or convolutional neural network (CNN) reconstruction algorithm] to produce a real-time AR overlay (3D representation). The AR overlay is displayed to a surgeon in real time. Additionally, a dynamic motion tracker tracks the location of fiducial tracking sensors on/in/about the subject, and this information is also used by the processor in producing (e.g., positionally adjusting) the AR overlay.

Abstract: Described herein are novel conjugates containing an inhibitor (e.g., a PSMA inhibitor, e.g., a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor inhibitor) and metal chelator that are covalently attached to a macromolecule (e.g., a nanoparticle, a polymer, a protein). Such conjugates exhibit distinct properties over the free, unbound inhibitor/chelator construct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanoparticle immunoconjugates useful for therapeutics and/or diagnostics. The immunoconjugates have diameter (e.g., average diameter) no greater than 20 nanometers (e.g., as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in aqueous solution, e.g., saline solution). In certain embodiments, the conjugates are silica-based nanoparticles with single chain antibody fragments attached thereto.

Abstract: Described herein are nanoprobes comprising ultrasmall aminated and cRGDY-conjugated nanoparticles labeled with Zirconium-89 (89Zr) and methods of their use. The provided compositions are renally clearable and possess suitable blood circulation half-time, high tumor active targeting capability, dominant renal clearance, low liver accumulation, and a high tumor-to-background ratio. The described nanoprobes exhibit great potential as “target-or-clear” tracers to human subjects for systemic targeted imaging (or treatment) of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating cancer by inducing favorable effects on tumor microenvironment (e.g., including macrophage polarization, cytokine profile, and/or immunophenotype) via administration of nanoparticles (e.g., silica-based ultra-small nanoparticles and nanoparticle conjugates such as nanoparticle drug conjugates). In certain embodiments, the methods may be used in concert with, or as part of, checkpoint inhibition therapy (e.g., anti-PD1) or radiotherapy, or a combination of both radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of induced cell death via ferroptosis by nanoparticle ingestion. Moreover, the present disclosure describes the administration of high concentrations of ultrasmall nanoparticles at multiple times over the course of treatment in combination with a nutrient-depleted environment, thereby modulating cellular metabolic pathways to induce cell death by the mechanism ferroptosis. Ferroptosis involves iron, reactive oxygen species, and a synchronous mode of cell death execution.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of induced cell death via ferroptosis by nanoparticle ingestion. Moreover, the present disclosure describes the administration of high concentrations of ultrasmall nanoparticles at multiple times over the course of treatment in combination with a nutrient-depleted environment, thereby modulating cellular metabolic pathways to induce cell death by the mechanism ferroptosis. Ferroptosis involves iron, reactive oxygen species, and a synchronous mode of cell death execution.

Abstract: Described herein are nanoparticle conjugates that demonstrate enhanced penetration of tumor tissue (e.g., brain tumor tissue) and diffusion within the tumor interstitium, e.g., for treatment of cancer. Further described are methods of targeting tumor-associated macrophages, microglia, and/or other cells in a tumor microenvironment using such nanoparticle conjugates. Moreover, diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic (diagnostic and therapeutic) platforms featuring such nanoparticle conjugates are described for treating targets in both the tumor and surrounding microenvironment, thereby enhancing efficacy of cancer treatment. Use of the nanoparticle conjugates described herein with other conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and the like, is also envisaged.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for intracellular imaging, assessment, and/or treatment of tissue before, during, and/or after surgical procedures using nanoparticles (e.g., less than 50 nanometers in diameter, e.g., photoswitchable nanoparticles) and/or a super-resolution microscope system. The present disclosure describes nanoparticles (e.g., nanosensors and photoswitchable nanoparticles) that are used to monitor and/or track changes in environmental conditions and/or analytes in the cellular microenvironment before, during, and/or after surgical procedures. The present disclosure also describes systems and methods that provide information related to the distribution and/or delivery of photoswitchable nanoparticles at super resolution (e.g., using super-resolution microscopy).

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for particle-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of diseases such as cancer of the oral cavity and/or ovarian cancer metastases along the lining of the pelvis. The technology includes an imaging system (e.g., a multichannel imaging camera) configured to perform diagnostic and/or therapeutic treatment on diseased tissue. In certain embodiments, the imaging system comprises one or more excitation sources (e.g., one or more lasers) to assess and/or treat diseased tissue.

Abstract: Presented herein is a multichannel imaging system capable of detecting and distinguishing multiple fluorescent light sources simultaneously. Also described herein are methods of using the system to image disease or cellular abnormalities, e.g., for diagnostic and/or intraoperative purposes.

Abstract: Described herein are cyclic peptides, nanoparticles bound with cyclic peptides, and methods for using said cyclic peptides and/or said nanoparticles bound with cyclic peptides for intraoperative nerve tissue imaging.

Abstract: Presented herein are systems, methods, and architectures related to augmented reality (AR) surgical visualization of one or more dual-modality probe species in tissue. As described herein, near infrared (NIR) images are detected and rendered in real time. The NIR images are registered and/or overlaid with one or more radiological images (e.g., which were obtained preoperatively/perioperatively) by a processor [e.g., that uses an artificial neural network (ANN) or convolutional neural network (CNN) reconstruction algorithm] to produce a real-time AR overlay (3D representation). The AR overlay is displayed to a surgeon in real time. Additionally, a dynamic motion tracker tracks the location of fiducial tracking sensors on/in/about the subject, and this information is also used by the processor in producing (e.g., positionally adjusting) the AR overlay.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treatment (e.g., combination treatment) by ferroptotic induction, as well as compositions and dosing regimens that are part of such methods. Surprisingly, it is presently found that delaying administration of a ferroptosis-inducing agent until after starting hormone therapy results in enhanced ferroptotic induction in a subject. Thus, in certain embodiments, combination therapies are presented herein that include multiple administration steps whereby a ferroptosis-inducing agent is administered some time after hormone therapy has begun.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nanoparticle immunoconjugates useful for therapeutics and/or diagnostics. The immunoconjugates have diameter (e.g., average diameter) no greater than 20 nanometers (e.g., as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in aqueous solution, e.g., saline solution). In certain embodiments, the conjugates are silica-based nanoparticles with single chain antibody fragments attached thereto.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of induced cell death via ferroptosis by nanoparticle ingestion. Moreover, the present disclosure describes the administration of high concentrations of ultrasmall nanoparticles at multiple times over the course of treatment in combination with a nutrient-depleted environment, thereby modulating cellular metabolic pathways to induce cell death by the mechanism ferroptosis. Ferroptosis involves iron, reactive oxygen species, and a synchronous mode of cell death execution.