Abstract: Disclosed are hydrophilic functionalized silica compositions that are stable and do not show significant pH increases upon heat sterilization. Also provided are methods to make hydrophilic functionalized silica compositions by reacting acidic silica particles with hydrophilic organosilanes. Further provided are methods of separating components in a mixture using hydrophilic functionalized silica compositions.

Abstract: Agents and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis a protein complex or protein complexes using isotope-labeled symmetrical bifunctional crosslinkers and mass spectrometry are provided. Targeting moieties, cell permeability moieties, or affinity moieties, may be appended to the bifunctional crosslinkers. The isotope-labeled symmetrical bifunctional crosslinkers may be used in a kit or as a library.

Abstract: A contrast agent comprising a polypeptide is provided. The polypeptide contains lysine residues and optionally, one or more types of amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of glutamic acid residues and aspartic acid residues, wherein the lysine residues are substituted with a group derived from a steric hindrance molecule; and an image producing entity is present in a range between about 100 units and about 2000 units. Methods for administering the aforementioned contrast agent are also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring tumor response to a cancer therapy is provided. The method comprises the steps of injecting a polymeric contrast agent in a subject; obtaining a series of magnetic resonance image signals of the contrast agent in the tumor for up to about 60 minutes; and determining a slope of the magnetic resonance image signal as a function of time.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing extended poly(amino acids) conjugated to imaging agents, such as DTPA, is disclosed. The amino acid is initially conjugated to the imaging agent at the monomer stage, followed by formation of the corresponding N-carboxyanhydride. The method utilizes catalyzed ring opening polymerization of the N-carboxyanhydride of the amino acid-imaging agent monomer allowing the formation of a poly(amino acid) backbone having 100% imaging agent conjugation if desired. However, the present method also permits the degree of conjugation to be controlled by copolymerizing the N-carboxyanhydride of the amino acid-imaging agent monomer with one or more unconjugated monomers, i.e. N-carboxyanhydrides of the same or of other amino acids. Various imaging agents may be employed, and new hybrid random, block, and mixed copolymers may be prepared.

Abstract: A polymer is conjugated to a plurality of molecules having at least a functionality and further comprises an active agent, such as a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent. The diagnostic agent is capable of generating a signal detectable by a medical imaging technique. The conjugated polymer has an extended conformation and provides enhanced contrast of images of diseased tissues or enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to these tissues.

Abstract: Pharmaceuticals for enhanced delivery to a disease target comprises a pair of compounds. The first compound comprises a first oligopeptide conjugated to a first moiety for coupling with a diagnostic or therapeutic active agent. The second compound comprises a second oligopeptide conjugated to a targeting species having a targeting moiety capable of binding to a target. The second oligopeptide has a sequence that is complementary to a sequence of the first oligopeptide. The first and second oligopeptides can be complementary PNA sequences. The pharmaceuticals are administered into a subject in methods for diagnosing or treating a disease condition, or assessing the effectiveness of a treatment of the disease condition.

Abstract: A target-specific image-enhancing agent for medical imaging comprises an extended poly(amino acid), wherein at least 90 percent of the amino acid residues are conjugated to signal-generating moieties attached to signal-controlling moieties via bonds that are cleavable by a physiological substance produced by the target. The image-enhancing agent becomes activated when the bonds is cleaved by the physiological substance. The image-enhancing agent is used in detecting and/or diagnosing a disease that is characterized by an overproduction of the substance.

Abstract: An annexin, annexin analogue or phosphatidylserine binding compound (PSC) labeled with an MR, CT, or optical contrast agent. The conjugate is administered into a subject and specifically binds to the surface of apoptotic and necrotic cells. The subject is imaged using conventional MRI, CT and optical imaging techniques and dead and dying tissue is identified. The identification and development of analogues specific for phosphatidylserine for purposes of non-invasive imaging of dead or dying cells.

Abstract: The cloning and expression of genes in the common aromatic pathway of E. coli are described. A compound for which chorismate, the final product of the common aromatic pathway, is an anabolic intermediate can be produced by cloning and expressing selected genes of the common aromatic pathway and the genes coding for enzymes necessary to convert chorismate to the selected compound. Plasmids carrying selected genes of the common aromatic pathway are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyestercarbonates comprising residues of at least one branched aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and methods for preparation of polyestercarbonates comprising residues of at least one branched aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. This invention further relates to articles and methods of making articles from the polyestercarbonates.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of production of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, with purification and recovery of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid directly from the fermentation medium of a cultured organism, in the presence of other chemical species. Ion exchange resin is used during the fermentation process to recover the chemical product without the necessity of separating the biomass from the fermentation supernatant by filtration after fermentation is complete and then treating the filtrate to recover the product. This reduces or eliminates the need for filtration steps and eliminates the need for energy-intensive water removal processes. Furthermore, the removal of the product during the fermentation dramatically increases the production of the product during the fermentation process. This method therefore can both increase the amount of product produced in a single fermentation run and reduce the per unit cost of its biocatalytic production.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for economical biofermentative production of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB) using genetically engineered E. coli. According to the invention, a plasmid is provided which controls the overexpression of chorismate pyruvate lyase, the bacterial enzyme which catalyzes the production of PHB from chorismate. Mutant E. coli selected with a unique two-step screening assay to overproduce chorismate have been transformed with this plasmid, providing a biocatalyst that efficiently converts glucose to PHB.