Abstract: A submicron structure includes a silica body defining a plurality of pores that are suitable to receive molecules therein, the silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of said plurality of pores; and a plurality of anionic molecules attached to the outer surface of the silica body. The anionic molecules provide hydrophilicity to the submicron structure and are suitable to provide repulsion between other similar submicron structures, and the submicron structure has a maximum dimension less than one micron.

Abstract: A submicron structure having a silica body defining a plurality of pores is described. The submicron body may be spherical or non-spherical, and may include a cationic polymer or co-polymer on the surface of said silica body. The submicron structure may further include an oligonucleotide and be used to deliver the oligonucleotide to a cell. The submicron structure may further include a therapeutic agent and be used to deliver the therapeutic agent to a cell. An oligonucleotide and therapeutic agent may be used together. For example, when the oligonucleotide is an siRNA, the composition may be used to decrease cellular resistance to the therapeutic agent by decreasing translation of a resistance gene.

Abstract: A submicron structure having a silica body defining a plurality of pores is described. The submicron body may be spherical or non-spherical, and may include a cationic polymer or co-polymer on the surface of said silica body. The submicron structure may further include an oligonucleotide and be used to deliver the oligonucleotide to a cell. The submicron structure may further include a therapeutic agent and be used to deliver the therapeutic agent to a cell. An oligonucleotide and therapeutic agent may be used together. For example, when the oligonucleotide is an siRNA, the composition may be used to decrease cellular resistance to the therapeutic agent by decreasing translation of a resistance gene.

Abstract: A method for controlled delivery of a substance into a body includes administering a plurality of containment vessels into the body, in which each of the plurality of containment vessels includes a quantity of the substance loaded therein prior to the administering; and providing a time-varying magnetic field such that the plurality of containment vessels are exposed thereto to cause a release of at least a portion of the substance from the plurality of containment vessels. Each of the plurality of containment vessels has an average outer diameter less than about 1 ?m.

Abstract: A submicron structure includes a silica body defining a plurality of pores that are suitable to receive molecules therein, the silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of said plurality of pores; and a plurality of anionic molecules attached to the outer surface of the silica body. The anionic molecules provide hydrophilicity to the submicron structure and are suitable to provide repulsion between other similar submicron structures, and the submicron structure has a maximum dimension less than one micron.

Abstract: A submicron structure includes a silica body defining a plurality of pores that are suitable to receive molecules therein, the silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of the plurality of pores; and a plurality of anionic molecules attached to the outer surface of the silica body. The anionic molecules provide hydrophilicity to the submicron structure and are suitable to provide repulsion between other similar submicron structures, and the submicron structure has a maximum dimension less than one micron.

Abstract: A submicron structure having a silica body defining a plurality of pores is described. The submicron body may be spherical or non-spherical, and may include a cationic polymer or co-polymer on the surface of said silica body. The submicron structure may further include an oligonucleotide and be used to deliver the oligonucleotide to a cell. The submicron structure may further include a therapeutic agent and be used to deliver the therapeutic agent to a cell. An oligonucleotide and therapeutic agent may be used together. For example, when the oligonucleotide is an siRNA, the composition may be used to decrease cellular resistance to the therapeutic agent by decreasing translation of a resistance gene.

Abstract: A method for controlled delivery of a substance into a body includes administering a plurality of containment vessels into the body, in which each of the plurality of containment vessels includes a quantity of the substance loaded therein prior to the administering; and providing a time-varying magnetic field such that the plurality of containment vessels are exposed thereto to cause a release of at least a portion of the substance from the plurality of containment vessels. Each of the plurality of containment vessels has an average outer diameter less than about 1 ?m.

Abstract: A submicron structure having a silica body defining a plurality of pores is described. The submicron body may be spherical or non-spherical, and may include a cationic polymer or co-polymer on the surface of said silica body. The submicron structure may further include an oligonucleotide and be used to deliver the oligonucleotide to a cell. The submicron structure may further include a therapeutic agent and be used to deliver the therapeutic agent to a cell. An oligonucleotide and therapeutic agent may be used together. For example, when the oligonucleotide is an siRNA, the composition may be used to decrease cellular resistance to the therapeutic agent by decreasing translation of a resistance gene.

Abstract: A submicron structure having a silica body defining a plurality of pores, said silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of said plurality of pores; and having at least one silver nanocrystal within said silica body are described. Antimicrobial compositions comprising the submicron structure, and methods of killing or inhibiting growth of microbes using the submicron structure are described.

Abstract: A submicron structure includes a silica body defining a plurality of pores that are suitable to receive molecules therein, the silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of said plurality of pores; and a plurality of anionic molecules attached to the outer surface of the silica body. The anionic molecules provide hydrophilicity to the submicron structure and are suitable to provide repulsion between other similar submicron structures, and the submicron structure has a maximum dimension less than one micron.