Abstract: Nanoparticles and formulations for preventing or reducing peri-/post-menopausal bone loss and/or obesity in a subject are disclosed. The nanoparticles contain a cage, such as a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”), a surface modifying agent, a targeting ligand, and an active agent. The surface modifying agent is attached to the outer surface of the cage and the targeting ligand is exposed to the surrounding environment. The active agent is encapsulated in the cage. The targeting ligand binds to a reproductive hormone or a receptor of a reproductive hormone. The active agent can be a ribosome inactivating protein, an apoptosis inducer, a hormone, a receptor ligand, or a nucleic acid, or a combination thereof, that inactivate ribosomes of gonadotroph cells and/or prevent or reduce secretion of follicle-stimulating hormones in the subject. Uses for formulations incorporating the nanoparticles for preventing or reducing peri-/post-menopausal bone loss and/or obesity in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanoparticles and formulations for treating prostate cancer in a subject are disclosed. The nanoparticles contain a cage, such as a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”), a surface modifying agent, a targeting ligand, and an active agent. The surface modifying ligand is attached to the outer surface of the cage and the targeting ligand is exposed to the surrounding environment. The active agent is encapsulated in the cage. The targeting ligand binds to a reproductive hormone or a receptor of a reproductive hormone. The active agents can be a ribosome inactivating protein, an apoptosis inducer, a hormone, a receptor ligand, or a nucleic acid, or a chemotherapy drug or a combination thereof, that kill and/or reduce or prevent growth or proliferation of gonadotroph cells and/or tumor cells, regulate FSH and/or LH secretion, and/or interfere with androgen production. Uses for formulations incorporating the nanoparticles for treating cancer in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nanoparticles and formulations for non-surgical sterilization are disclosed herein. The nanoparticles for non-surgical sterilization contains a cage, such as a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”), a surface modifying agent, a targeting ligand, and an active agent. The surface modifying agent is attached to the outer surface of the cage and the targeting ligand is exposed to the surrounding environment. The active agent is encapsulated in the cage. The targeting ligand binds to a reproductive hormone or a receptor of a reproductive hormone. The active agents can be a ribosome inactivating protein, an apoptosis inducer, a hormone, a receptor ligand, or a nucleic acid, or a combination thereof, that inactivates the ovaries or testes. Uses for the nanoparticles and formulations incorporating the nanoparticles for sterilizing a subject in need thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ligand-bimodal nanoparticle conjugates capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier are disclosed. Methods of making and using the conjugates also are disclosed. The bimodal nanoparticle includes a polymeric matrix, one or more magnetic particles disposed within the polymeric matrix or conjugated to an outer surface of the polymeric matrix, and a dye disposed within the polymeric matrix. A ligand for a blood-brain barrier amino acid transporter is conjugated to the outer surface of the bimodal nanoparticle.