Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of studying (e.g., detecting, localizing, and/or quantifying) biomarker(s) and the like.

Abstract: The methods of the disclosure may be used for the fluorination of organic compounds, and in particular aryl organic compounds other than just benzyl halogens. It is within the scope of the present disclosure, for organic compounds comprising an electrophilic carbon atom and a halogen leaving group to be fluorinated by the methods of the disclosure. One aspect of the disclosure provides methods of introducing a fluorine atom onto an electrophilic carbon atom, comprising mixing an insoluble basic silver salt, an organic molecule containing a leaving group, an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, and a polar solvent:water composition; incubating said mixture at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 35° C., thereby obtaining a fluorinated organic product.

Abstract: The methods of the disclosure may be used for the fluorination of organic compounds, and in particular aryl organic compounds other than just benzyl halogens. It is within the scope of the present disclosure, for organic compounds comprising an electrophilic carbon atom and a halogen leaving group to be fluorinated by the methods of the disclosure. One aspect of the disclosure provides methods of introducing a fluorine atom onto an electrophilic carbon atom, comprising mixing an insoluble basic silver salt, an organic molecule containing a leaving group, an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, and a polar solvent:water composition; incubating said mixture at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 35° C., thereby obtaining a fluorinated organic product.

Abstract: The in vivo delivery of nucleic acids is targeted by delivery of the nucleic acid in a complex with cross-linked nanoparticles; where the nanoparticles comprise cross-linked neutral amphipathic molecules, cationic amphipathic molecules and targeting amphipathic molecules. Optionally the cationic and targeting amphipathic molecules are also cross-linked. A targeting moiety present on the targeting amphipathic molecule provides for selective delivery of the complex to a predetermined target site, e.g. blood vessels, endothelial cells, tumor cells, liver cells, and the like.

Abstract: The methods of the disclosure may be used for the fluorination of organic compounds, and in particular aryl organic compounds other than just benzyl halogens. It is within the scope of the present disclosure, for organic compounds comprising an electrophilic carbon atom and a halogen leaving group to be fluorinated by the methods of the disclosure. One aspect of the disclosure provides methods of introducing a fluorine atom onto an electrophilic carbon atom, comprising mixing an insoluble basic silver salt, an organic molecule containing a leaving group, an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, and a polar solvent:water composition; incubating said mixture at a temperature of about 20° C. to about 35° C., thereby obtaining a fluorinated organic product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods of studying (e.g., detecting, localizing, and/or quantifying) biomarker(s) and the like.

Abstract: The in vivo delivery of nucleic acids is targeted by delivery of the nucleic acid in a complex with cross-linked nanoparticles; where the nanoparticles comprise cross-linked neutral amphipathic molecules, cationic amphipathic molecules and targeting amphipathic molecules. Optionally the cationic and targeting amphipathic molecules are also cross-linked. A targeting moiety present on the targeting amphipathic molecule provides for selective delivery of the complex to a predetermined target site, e.g. blood vessels, endothelial cells, tumor cells, liver cells, and the like.

Abstract: The in vivo delivery of nucleic acids is targeted by delivery of the nucleic acid in a complex with cross-linked nanoparticles; where the nanoparticles comprise cross-linked neutral amphipathic molecules, cationic amphipathic molecules and targeting amphipathic molecules. Optionally the cationic and targeting amphipathic molecules are also cross-linked. A targeting moiety present on the targeting amphipathic molecule provides for selective delivery of the complex to a predetermined target site, e.g. blood vessels, endothelial cells, tumor cells, liver cells, and the like.

Abstract: Compositions of photoacoustic tomography (PAT) contrast agents, and methods of achieving contrast enhancement and amplification of photo-induced acoustic signal for in vivo photoacoustic imaging of animals and human subjects are provided. Contrast agents of interest are organic-based agents, which may be targeted or non-targeted, e.g. protein-based and/or lipid-based molecules, in combination with an inorganic core, e.g. a metal or silicon core, herein referred to as a composite PAT contrast agent. Preferred agents absorb in the near IR spectrum, e.g. from around about 650 nm to around about 800 nm, for example from about 720 to about 790 nm. In some embodiments of the invention, the organic component is a lipid composition, which optionally comprises one or more targeting moieties. In some embodiments the inorganic core is gold or another noble metal, e.g. silver, platinum, etc.

Abstract: Provided are luciferyl peptide substrates that are produced by attaching specifically prepared peptide conjugates to luciferin, and/or its analogs and derivatives. The luciferyl peptide substrates are incapable of penetrating cell membranes and tissue barriers. Cleavage of the peptide conjugates from the luciferyl peptide substrates releases the luciferin, which upon contact with luciferase emits photons for easy detection. The luciferyl peptide substrates may be used in assays to detect pathogens, test protease inhibitors, probe cell physiology, assess protease activity in oncogenesis, and improve specific and regulated drug delivery.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use and manufacture for the identification and characterization of analytes, e.g. proteins, are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a substrate with a polymerized monomolecular film over at least a portion of the substrate, the monomolecular film having at least one ligand or specific binding pair member associated therewith. Preferably the monomolecular film is stable to the laser intensities employed in MALDI-MS. In certain embodiments, the ligands are biotin, integrin antagonists, antibodies and antigens. In using the subject devices, a subject device is contacted with a sample. If present in the sample, a member of the binding pair of interest binds to its complementary ligand and, once bound, can be analyze by mass spectroscopy techniques. Also provided are kits, which include the subject devices.

Abstract: The in vivo delivery of nucleic acids is targeted by delivery of the nucleic acid in a complex with cross-linked nanoparticles; where the nanoparticles comprise cross-linked neutral amphipathic molecules, cationic amphipathic molecules and targeting amphipathic molecules. Optionally the cationic and targeting amphipathic molecules are also cross-linked. A targeting moiety present on the targeting amphipathic molecule provides for selective delivery of the complex to a predetermined target site, e.g. blood vessels, endothelial cells, tumor cells, liver cells, and the like.