Abstract: A portable, handheld device for fluorescence-based imaging is provided. The device comprises a wireless communication device having a sensor configured to detect optical signals. The device further comprises an assembly configured to receive and secure the wireless communication device therein. The assembly includes a housing, at least one light source coupled to the housing, a power supply, and an optical filter holder coupled to the housing and configured to receive one or more optical filters. An endoscope portion of the device is positioned relative to the sensor to visualize at least a portion of a confined anatomical space and to receive optical signals from a visualized, illuminated portion of a target positioned within the confined anatomical space. A processor of the device includes image analysis software and is configured to produce a composite representation of the illuminated portion of the target positioned within the confined anatomical space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multifunctional nanoparticle compositions. The compositions can be useful for the treatment of cancer by enhancing the anti-tumor effectiveness of radiation directed to a tissue, cell or a tumor and the methods of use thereof. The multifunctional nanoparticle composition comprises a metal oxide nanoparticle core; a functional coating on the surface of the metal oxide nanoparticle core; and a matrix carrier in which the coated nanoparticle is embedded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining bacterial load in targets and tracking changes in bacterial load of targets over time are disclosed. An autofluorescence detection and collection device includes a light source configured to directly illuminate at least a portion of a target and an area around the target with excitation light causing at least one biomarker in the illuminated target to fluoresce. Bacterial autofluorescence data regarding the illuminated portion of the target and the area around the target is collected and analyzed to determine bacterial load of the illuminated portion of the target and area around the target. The autofluorescence data may be analyzed using pixel intensity. Changes in bacterial load of the target over time may be tracked. The target may be a wound in tissue.