Abstract: The present invention provides lipid nanoparticles that are amenable to an irradiation at a wavelength at or above 850 nm, have an absorption peak from about 850 to 1100 nm wavelength, and comprise a high transition temperature lipid and a dye (e.g., a J-aggregate of a dye). In some embodiments, the dye (e.g., J-aggregate of the dye) is encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle. In various embodiments, the present invention also relates to compositions comprising said lipid nanoparticles and methods of generating said lipid nanoparticles and compositions thereof. The present invention further relates to methods relating to the said lipid nanoparticles for imaging, detection, and treatment of diseases or disorders (e.g., phototherapy) in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes, coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof.