Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and low cost technology for diagnosis and identification of implantable medical devices in real time. Developing new ultrasound activated coatings is important to broaden the utility of in vivo marking by ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound responsive macro-phase segregated micro-composite thin films were developed to be coated on medical devices composed of multiple materials and with multiple shapes and varying surface area. The macro-phase segregated films having silica micro-shells in polycyanoacrylate produces strong color Doppler signals with the use of a standard clinical ultrasound transducer. Electron microscopy showed a macro-phase separation during slow curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive, as air-filled silica micro-shells were driven to the surface of the film. The air sealed in the hollow space of the silica shells acted as an ultrasound contrast agent and echo decorrelation of air exposed to ultrasound waves produces color Doppler signals.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and low cost technology for diagnosis and identification of implantable medical devices in real time. Developing new ultrasound activated coatings is important to broaden the utility of in vivo marking by ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound responsive macro-phase segregated micro-composite thin films were developed to be coated on medical devices composed of multiple materials and with multiple shapes and varying surface area. The macro-phase segregated in films having silica micro-shells in polycyanoacrylate produces strong color Doppler signals with the use of a standard clinical ultrasound transducer. Electron microscopy showed a macro-phase separation during slow curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive, as air-filled silica micro-shells were driven to the surface of the film. The air sealed in the hollow space of the silica shells acted as an ultrasound contrast agent and echo decorrelation of air exposed to ultrasound waves produces color Doppler signals.

Abstract: A composition for coating a medical device and a coated medical device are provided. The composition includes a polymeric matrix having non-toxic quantum dots or a fluorophore or both. The polymeric matrix contains the quantum dots or fluorophore and binds as a coating to the medical device. Coated medical devices can be readily identified within or outside of a body and in open or laparoscopically surgeries, greatly reducing or eliminating the risk of a retained foreign object.

Abstract: A composition comprising silica shells conjugated to a TLR7 agonist and methods of using the composition are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a controlling method thereof. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a controller configured to generate a control signal to control an operation of a probe, and a transceiver configured to transmit the control signal to the probe and to receive a signal transmitted from the probe. The controller may control the operation of the probe so that the probe may irradiate focused ultrasound energy when contrast agents composed of a silica nanostructure are injected into an object, and the controller may control the operation of the probe so that the probe may irradiate diagnostic ultrasound energy when the focused ultrasound energy is irradiated.

Abstract: A composition for coating a medical device and a coated medical device are provided. The composition includes a polymeric matrix having non-toxic quantum dots or a fluorophore or both. The polymeric matrix contains the quantum dots or fluorophore and binds as a coating to the medical device. Coated medical devices can be readily identified within or outside of a body and in open or laparascopical surgeries, greatly reducing or eliminating the risk of a retained foreign object.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and low cost technology for diagnosis and identification of implantable medical devices in real time. Developing new ultrasound activated coatings is important to broaden the utility of in vivo marking by ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound responsive macro-phase segregated micro-composite thin films were developed to be coated on medical devices composed of multiple materials and with multiple shapes and varying surface area. The macro-phase segregated in films having silica micro-shells in polycyanoacrylate produces strong color Doppler signals with the use of a standard clinical ultrasound transducer. Electron microscopy showed a macro-phase separation during slow curing of the cyanoacrylate adhesive, as air-filled silica micro-shells were driven to the surface of the film. The air sealed in the hollow space of the silica shells acted as an ultrasound contrast agent and echo decorrelation of air exposed to ultrasound waves produces color Doppler signals.

Abstract: The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises a recombinant viral particle comprising a capsid, wherein the viral particle is encapsulated into an anionic liposome comprising lecithin and polyethylene glycol (PEG). A method for preparing and purifying the encapsulated viral particles is provided as well. Methods for treating patients by using the encapsulated viral particles are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods using degradable silica nanoshells for local intra-operative ultrasound marking; tumor detection via systemic injection; and nanoshell enhanced ultrasonic ablation of tumors.

Abstract: The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for fabricating and utilizing nanoscale material structures such as nanoflakes and nanoshells.

Abstract: The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a controlling method thereof. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a controller configured to generate a control signal to control an operation of a probe, and a transceiver configured to transmit the control signal to the probe and to receive a signal transmitted from the probe. The controller may control the operation of the probe so that the probe may irradiate focused ultrasound energy when contrast agents composed of a silica nanostructure are injected into an object, and the controller may control the operation of the probe so that the probe may irradiate diagnostic ultrasound energy when the focused ultrasound energy is irradiated.

Abstract: The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises a recombinant viral particle comprising a capsid, wherein the viral particle is encapsulated into an anionic liposome comprising lecithin and polyethylene glycol (PEG). A method for preparing and purifying the encapsulated viral particles is provided as well. Methods for treating patients by using the encapsulated viral particles are provided as well.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods using degradable silica nanoshells for local intra-operative ultrasound marking; tumor detection via systemic injection; and nanoshell enhanced ultrasonic ablation of tumors.

Abstract: A sensor for high explosives, comprising a thin layer of fluorescent polymer covalently linked to a silica support with an oxide surface. The support preferably is a silica support, and in a preferred embodiment is a silica chromatographic support. In preferred embodiments, the fluorescent polymer is one or a few monolayers. A preferred embodiment sensor for high explosives is fluorescent polymer within or upon a porous nanostructure. In preferred embodiments the nanostructure is a porous silica nanoparticle. Embodiments of the invention provide methods, sensors, sensor kits, and sensor fabrication processes that enable detecting traces of high explosives by fluorescence quenching in combination with a chromatographic separation. A method for forming a sensor for high explosives includes preparing a fluorescent polymer, capping the reactive polymer with a reactive capping group that covalently reacts with hydroxide groups, and reacting the reactive capping group with surface hydroxides of an oxide support.

Abstract: A sensor for high explosives, comprising a thin layer of fluorescent polymer covalently linked to a silica support with an oxide surface. The support preferably is a silica support, and in a preferred embodiment is a silica chromatographic support. In preferred embodiments, the fluorescent polymer is one or a few monolayers. A preferred embodiment sensor for high explosives is fluorescent polymer within or upon a porous nanostructure. In preferred embodiments the nanostructure is a porous silica nanoparticle. Embodiments of the invention provide methods, sensors, sensor kits, and sensor fabrication processes that enable detecting traces of high explosives by fluorescence quenching in combination with a chromatographic separation. A method for forming a sensor for high explosives includes preparing a fluorescent polymer, capping the reactive polymer with a reactive capping group that covalently reacts with hydroxide groups, and reacting the reactive capping group with surface hydroxides of an oxide support.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives. The sensor includes a substrate and a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer to be carried on said substrate during testing for nitrogen containing high explosives. The copolymer is preferably a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer, and preferably is a vinyl bridged silafluorene copolymer. A method for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives involves exposing a copolymer to an analyte, preferably by spraying the copolymer or otherwise coating the substrate after it has been exposed to analyte and then exciting the copolymer to luminesce. The copolymer is observed for fluorescence quenching, which can be through human or electronic observation. The invention also provides for synthesis of a vinyl bridged silafluorene polymer by providing diethynylmetallofluorene and dihydrosilafluorene as precursors and conducting catalytic hydrosilation of the precursors.