Abstract: The present invention relates to vitamin nanoclusters (NCs), preferably vitamin D3nanoclusters, having a core-shell structure in which the solid core comprises vitamin, thereby defining a high-density or high-concentrated vitamin core. The shell can be defined as a coating that stabilizes the inner vitamin core. The shell comprises a coating compound selected from the group consisting of a water-dispersible phospholipid. The core-shell vitamin nanoclusters are used to deliver the vitamin comprised in the core in a controlled manner, thereby overcoming the problem of vitamin deficiencies, in particular the problem of vitamin D3 deficiency. In an embodiment the vitamin nanoclusters comprise a pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical compound and/or a food supplement that is encapsulated therein. In this case, the vitamin nanoclusters of the invention act as carrier for the co-delivery of the pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical compound and/or the food supplement together with the vitamin of the core.

Abstract: A glucose-sensitive insulin-loaded microparticle which has a polymeric porous matrix made of a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, insulin granules encapsulated within the polymeric porous matrix, and a blood glucose sensor attached to a surface of the glucose-sensitive insulin-loaded microparticle is provided. Use of the glucose-sensitive insulin-loaded microparticle for treatment of diabetes and for controlling glucose levels in the blood of a subject is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drug-delivery compositions comprising microparticles with the shape of a prism comprising at least one polymer and at least one CCR2 inhibitor. Preferably said composition is for the treatment of local chronic inflammation diseases, such as osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides nanoparticles comprising methyl palmitate and at least one serumglobular protein and uses thereof.

Abstract: An implantable device for localized delivery of one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients is provided. The implantable device includes a polymeric matrix having a general grid shape including a plurality of micrometric meshes, the polymeric matrix being made of one or more biodegradable and biocompatible polymers and including one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients. A method for manufacturing the implantable device and therapeutic applications of the implantable device are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a composition that includes oblate spheroidal particles comprising an active agent, such as a therapeutic or imaging agent, and a method for treating or monitoring a physiological condition, such as a disease, by administering the composition to a subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods for making particles that have a volume that can enhance the particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected shape of the particles and methods for making particles that have a shape that can enhance particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected volume of the particles.

Abstract: Endocytosis of an active agent into a cell having surface receptors can be enhanced by using particles that have a radius no less than an endocytotic threshold determined based on a surface density of the receptors, a surface density of the moieties and interaction parameters that include at least one of a receptor-moiety spring constant and a non-specific interaction strength.

Abstract: A method of formulating a particle composition having a pre-selected cell internalization mode involves selecting a target cell having surface receptors and obtaining particles that have i) surface moieties, that have an affinity for or are capable of binding to the surface receptors of the cell and ii) a preselected shape, where a surface distribution of the surface moieties on the particles and the shape of the particles are effective for the pre-selected cell internalization mode.

Abstract: MRI imaging compositions are disclosed comprising non-chelated MRI contrast agents in the pores of at least one porous microparticle or nanoparticle. The compositions of the invention have been found to exhibit increased relaxivity and therefore, enhanced MRI imaging. The non-chelated contrast agents include T1 contrast agents, such as those including Gd(III) or Mn(II). Methods of MRI imaging and methods of making the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Targeting of a fenestrated vasculature at a body site by micro or nanoparticles can be increased by using particles that have a radius substantially equal to a critical radius of a normal vasculature at the body site. The particles can be used for treating or monitoring a physiological condition responsible for the fenestrated vasculature. A method of improving an ability of micro or nanoparticles to target fenestrated blood vessels in a body site by selecting particles from a population of the micro or nanoparticles, where the selected particles have a radius that permits enhanced delivery into the fenestrated blood vessels.

Abstract: A method of formulating a particle composition having a pre-selected cell internalization mode involves selecting a target cell having surface receptors and obtaining particles that have i) surface moieties, that have an affinity for or are capable of binding to the surface receptors of the cell and ii) a preselected shape, where a surface distribution of the surface moieties on the particles and the shape of the particles are effective for the pre-selected cell internalization mode.

Abstract: Endocytosis of an active agent into a cell having surface receptors can be enhanced by using particles that have a radius no less than an endocytotic threshold determined based on a surface density of the receptors, a surface density of the moieties and interaction parameters that include at least one of a receptor-moiety spring constant and a non-specific interaction strength.

Abstract: Provided is a composition that includes oblate spheroidal particles comprising an active agent, such as a therapeutic or imaging agent, and a method for treating or monitoring a physiological condition, such as a disease, by administering the composition to a subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods for making particles that have a volume that can enhance the particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected shape of the particles and methods for making particles that have a shape that can enhance particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected volume of the particles.