Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a supraparticle for use in producing structural colors comprising a plurality of core/shell nanoparticles having a melanin or synthetic melanin core and a silica shell having a plurality of silanol groups on its outer surface and a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) crosslinker. In various embodiments, the structure of these these crosslinked supra particles is reinforced by hydrogen bonds formed between the silanol groups on the core-shell nanoparticles and mechanical, solution phase, and dry state stability.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of identifying a cell uptake modulator of a molecule that include (a) contacting a plurality of cells of a cell-containing biological sample with a plurality of gene-editing agents, wherein a gene-editing agent from the plurality of gene-editing agents recognizes and alters a target gene of at least one cell of the plurality of cells; (b) contacting the plurality of cells with a plurality of molecules, wherein at least one molecule of the plurality of molecules is transported into at least one cell of the plurality of cells; and (c) detecting a presence of the at least one molecule in the plurality of cells, thereby identifying the cell uptake modulator of the molecule.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a facile one-pot reverse emulsion process to assemble core-shell nanoparticles (CS-SMNPs) into bright and noniridescent photonic supraballs. In one or more embodiments, the present invention is directed to core-shell nanoparticles having an inner high refractive index (RI) core and an outer low RI shell. In one or more embodiment, the present invention includes core-shell nanoparticles using high RI (˜1.74) melanin cores and low-RI (˜1.45) silica shells. In various embodiments, these nanoparticles may be self-assembled into bright and noniridescent supraballs using a scalable one-pot reverse emulsion process. According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to generate a full spectrum of structural colors with the combination of only two ingredients, synthetic melanin and silica.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making high density nucleic acid polymers.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making high density nucleic acid polymers.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides compounds useful as MRI contrast agents. In some aspects, the disclosure provides MRI contrast agents that are chemically modified to have one or more moieties that include hydrophobic portions. In some aspects, the disclosure provides compositions that include such modified MRI contrast agents and a protein, such as albumin or albumin mimetics. Further, the disclosure provides various uses of these compounds and compositions.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention is directed to a facile one-pot reverse emulsion process to assemble core-shell nanoparticles (CS-SMNPs) into bright and noniridescent photonic supraballs. In one or more embodiments, the present invention is directed to core-shell nanoparticles having an inner high refractive index (RI) core and an outer low RI shell. In one or more embodiment, the present invention includes core-shell nanoparticles using high RI (˜1.74) melanin cores and low-RI (˜1.45) silica shells. In various embodiments, these nanoparticles may be self-assembled into bright and noniridescent supraballs using a scalable one-pot reverse emulsion process. According to various embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to generate a full spectrum of structural colors with the combination of only two ingredients, synthetic melanin and silica.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods to render nucleic acids resistant to nuclease digestion while maintaining sequence selective hybridization competency. The approach relies on utilizing nucleic acids as the polar head group of a nucleic acid-polymer amphiphile in order to assemble well-defined, discrete micellar nanoparticles. Dense packing of nucleic acid in the micelle corona allows for hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides while prohibiting enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: Described herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods for using polymeric micellar nanoparticles for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making high density nucleic acid polymers.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods to render nucleic acids resistant to nuclease digestion while maintaining sequence selective hybridization competency. The approach relies on utilizing nucleic acids as the polar head group of a nucleic acid-polymer amphiphile in order to assemble well-defined, discrete micellar nanoparticles. Dense packing of nucleic acid in the micelle corona allows for hybridization of complementary oligonucleotides while prohibiting enzymatic degradation.