Abstract: The present invention provides nanocarrier compositions, for example, copper sulfide perfluorocarbon nanocarrier compositions, and methods of making the same. The compositions are useful for imaging, diagnostics, therapy and for other uses.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods of using encapsulated J-aggregates of indocyanine green (ICG) as a ratiometric sensor of biological activity. Upon interaction with a biological phenomenon of interest, the encapsulated J-aggregates can be released and dissolved upon rupture, inducing a detectable hypsochromic shift in the absorption spectra and corresponding increase in fluorescence. Various imaging techniques can be employed to visualize this sensor including photoacoustic imaging, two-photon imaging, fluorescence imaging, near infrared imaging, and a variety of other optical or optics-based techniques. Additionally, if the J-aggregates of ICG are also encapsulated with drugs or therapeutic molecules, the ratiometric sensing using ICG can be used to confirm drug release and delivery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method comprising imaging a tissue with multi-wavelength photoacoustic imaging, to provide a visualization, characterization and/or thermographic imaging of the tissue.

Abstract: A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and/or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS/IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and/or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and/or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems relating to temperature dependent photoacoustic imaging are provided. In such methods and systems, a tissue sample may be exposed to thermal energy and electromagnetic radiation to generate an acoustic signal, which may be detected. The amplitude of the acoustic signal may be determined and correlated with a tissue property, such as the presence or absence of macrophages or foam cells.

Abstract: Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of imaging and treating a target tissue without the need to occlude or dilute luminal blood in a subject by a combination of intravascular ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging by irradiating the target tissue with electromagnetic radiation at a single wavelength.

Abstract: An interventional photoacoustic imaging system and method for cancer treatment comprises an optical source for applying laser energy to optically excite a treatment area, a needle, ablation tool or catheter for inserting the optical source into a body of a patient adjacent the treatment area, and an ultrasonic transducer for detecting the acoustic waves. A processor receives the raw data from the ultrasound system and processes it to thereby form a photoacoustic image of the tissue in real time. As such, image formation may be performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention discloses a nanocluster or a nanorose composition comprising two or more closely spaced nanoparticles each comprising one or more metals, metal oxides, inorganic substances, or a combination thereof and one or more stabilizers. The stabilizers are in contact with the two or more closely spaced nanoparticles to form a nanocluster composition in which the inorganic weight percentage is greater than 50% and the average size is below 300 nm, and the nanocluster composition has magnetic properties, optical properties or a combination of both.

Abstract: A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and/or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS/IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and/or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and/or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy.

Abstract: Methods of combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging are provided. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the location or positioning of a metal object in a sample. In other embodiments, the methods may be used to determine the composition of a sample surrounding a metal object. Other methods are also provided.

Abstract: Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to temperature dependent photoacoustic imaging are provided.

Abstract: A time-reversal acoustics system includes a wireless beacon with a piezoelectric element adapted to receive an initial acoustic signal from each of a plurality of transducers combined in a single transmitter and controlled individually by an electronic unit. The initial acoustic signal is transformed by the piezoelectric element into an electromagnetic wave feedback signal and transmitted wirelessly to the receiver connected to the input of the electronic unit. The electronic unit receives the feedback signal and transforms it using the time-reversal principles to generate a driving signal for each transducer. All such driving signals are then sent simultaneously to all transducers to deliver high intensity acoustic energy to the beacon. The invention can be used advantageously to non-invasively recharge implant batteries, control drug eluting from an implant, in an image-guided drug-delivery apparatus, etc.

Abstract: Methods relating to photoacoustic imaging of biological tissue are provided. One such method comprises contacting a biological tissue with a bioconjugate and irradiating the bioconjugate so as to generate an acoustic wave, wherein the bioconjugate comprises a nanoparticle and a moiety capable of selectively coupling a molecular marker. Suitable moieties include, among other things, epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and system for monitoring and controlling radiation therapy, the system including a radiative source that emits energy that enters a tissue and is absorbed at or a near a target site in the tissue to heat the tissue; an ultrasound transmitter directed at the target site, wherein the ultrasound transmitter emits ultrasound signals to the tissue that has been heated by the radiative source; an ultrasound receiver directed at the target site, wherein the ultrasound receiver receives ultrasound signals emitted from the ultrasound transmitter and reflected from the tissue that has been heated by the radiative source; and a signal processor that processes the received ultrasound signal to calculate a tissue composition scan or tissue temperature scan.

Abstract: An intracavity ultrasonic device for elasticity imaging of human tissue to obtain palpation information in a quantitative form by using a probe that has an ultrasonic transducer at one end thereof, the probe having a small diameter and being capable of being inserted inside a conduit of a body. An outer elastic sheath surrounds the probe and is sealed so that it can be filled with a fluid under pressure to create a chamber surrounding the ultrasonic transducer while the sheath is on the interior of the bodily conduit to be examined. By regulating the interior pressure, the sheath can be made to expand against the interior of the conduit and change the deformation of the tissue forming the conduit. The sheath includes a region of greater elasticity adjacent the transducer to facilitate localized deformation of a selected region of the bodily conduit wall.