Abstract: A peptide for diagnosing, preventing and treating atherosclerosis, and a use thereof, comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, and a use thereof. The peptide effectively targets atherosclerotic plaques, and binds to IL-4R to thereby exhibit antagonistic effects on IL-4-mediated signaling of cellular inflammatory reaction and survival reaction. The peptide of the present invention can be used for diagnosis of atherosclerosis, prevention and treatment of IL-4-induced inflammatory reaction and prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis which is primarily caused by the inflammatory reaction, as well as for prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis via conjugation with an anti-atherosclerotic drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel amino acid compounds useful in detecting and evaluating brain and body tumors. These compounds have the advantageous properties of rapid uptake and prolonged retention in tumors and can be labeled with halogen isotopes such as fluorine-18, iodine-123, iodine-124, iodine-125, iodine-131, bromine-75, bromine-76, bromine-77, bromine-82, astatine-210, astatine-211, and other astatine isotopes. These compounds can also be labeled with technetium and rhenium isotopes using known chelation complexes. The compounds disclosed herein bind tumor tissues in vivo with high specificity and selectivity when administered to a subject. Preferred compounds show a target to non-target ratio of at least 2:1, are stable in vivo and substantially localized to target within 1 hour after administration. Preferred compounds include 1-amino-2-[18F]fluorocyclobutyl-1-carboxylic acid (2-[18F]FACBC) and 1-amino-2-[18F]fluoromethylcyclobutyl-1-carboxylic acid (2-[18F]FMACBC).

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for treating or alleviating a symptom of cancer. The compositions and methods of the invention direct supra-lethal doses of radiation, called Hot-Spots, to virtually all cancer cell types.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides nanoscale coordination polymers for use as anticancer agents and as dual anticancer/imaging agents. The nanoscale coordination polymers can comprise a plurality of platinum metal complexes; nonplatinum anticancer drug bridging ligands complexed to multiple metal centers; or combinations thereof. The nanoscale coordination polymers can be targeted for delivery to cancer cells. They can also comprise stabilizing agents to allow for controlled and/or sustained release of anticancer agents in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that will degrade under specified conditions, methods of using such compounds, and compositions comprising such compounds. The degradable compounds of the invention may be characterized by the labile —Si-A-C— groups present in the compounds (A representing an atom, such as O, N, or S, or a group, such as C?O). The compounds may be incorporated into a composition that further may include a polymeric matrix and/or a cargo component. A wide variety of cargo components may also be used in the present invention. In particular embodiments, the cargo component comprises a drug or other therapeutic agent. Accordingly, the invention particularly provides pharmaceutical formulations and methods of delivering a drug or other therapeutic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic tools to diagnose numerous infectious disease states or conditions. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these disease states. The novel imaging probe is capable of detecting infected cells, as well tissue. This represents a quanturn step forward in the diagnosis and staging of NHL using non-invasively molecular imaging techniques. This novel probe will also be useful to monitor patients response to therapeutic treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of these disease states or conditions. Compounds according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states. Pharmaceutical compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to aryl-sulphonamido compounds endowed with affinity against metallo proteases MMP, having formula (I) below wherein R, R1, R2, R3, G and n have the meanings reported in the specification, properly labelled with diagnostic imaging moieties or even radiotherapeutic moieties. The invention also refers to the process for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to their use as diagnostic imaging agents or radiotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention is to invent a novel method for testing the radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-TRODAT-1 through a high performance liquid chromatography on a widely available C-18 column.

Abstract: A tissue is imaged to detect the presence of amyloid deposits or other target proteins prior to their aggregation into plaques, with the assistance of the administration of a labeled bifunctional compound of which one functionality binds to the target protein and the second functionality binds to a chaperone protein that is present in the tissue of interest. The two functionalities have different binding affinities, the target-binding functionality having the greater binding affinity, with the result that the bifunctional compound preferentially remains in the tissue when bound to the chaperone and then the target protein while bifunctional compound that is not bound to the target protein will leave the tissue.

Abstract: Compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their synthesis and labeling, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in the treatment of amyloid diseases, including A? amyloidosis, such as observed in Alzheimer's disease, IAPP amyloidosis, such as observed in type 2 diabetes, and synucleinopathies, such as observed in Parkinson's disease, and the manufacture of medicaments for such treatment are provided. Also provided is the use of the disclosed compounds as imaging agents and methods for in vivo imaging and detection of amyloid and synuclein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molecular assembly which is less likely to accumulate in tissue other than cancer tissue, is highly safe for a living body, and can be prepared by a simple and safe method and whose particle size can be easily controlled. The present invention provides a molecular imaging system and a molecular probe useful for the system, and a drug delivery system and a molecular probe useful for the system. The present invention provides a method for preparing molecular assembly, by which the particle size of molecular assembly having a signal group or a drug can be arbitrarily controlled in order to allow the molecular assembly to effectively accumulate in cancer tissue by utilizing EPR effect.

Abstract: Hsp90 inhibitors having are provided having the formula: with a 2?,4?,5?-substitution pattern on the right-side aryl moiety. X1 represents two substituents, which may be the same or different, disposed in the 4? and 5? positions on the aryl group, wherein X1 is selected from halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogenated alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl, pyrollyl, optionally substituted aryloxy, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carbamyl, amido, alkylamido dialkylamido, acylamino, alkylsulfonylamido, trihalomethoxy, trihalocarbon, thioalkyl, SO2-alkyl, COO-alkyl, KH2, OH, CN, SO2X5, NO2, NO, C?SR2 NSO2X5, C?OR2, where X5 is F, NH2, alkyl or H, and R2 is alkyl, NH2, NH-alkyl or O-alkyl, C1 to C6 alkyl or alkoxy; or wherein X1 has the formula -0-(CH2)n-0-, wherein n is an integer from O to 2, preferably 1 or 2, and one of the oxygens is bonded at the 5?-position and the other at the 4?-position of the aryl ring. The compounds are useful in cancer therapy and as radioimaging ligands.

Abstract: A kit formulation for the preparation of immunoliposome drug in combined chemotherapy and radionuclide therapy is disclosed, which consists: (1) a vial A containing proteins; (2) a vial B containing Traut's reagent; (3) a vial C containing DSPC, Cholesterol, mPEG-DSPE, Mal-DSPE-PEG and chemotherapy drug; (4) a vial D containing BMEDA, gluconate acetate, SnCl2; (5) a vial E which containing radionuclide solution. The procedure using the kit comprises: (i) withdraw the radionuclide solution from the vial E; (ii) inject the solution into the vial D for enabling reaction; (iii) withdraw the contents of the vial B and inject into the vial A; (iv) withdraw the contents of the protein and Traut's reagent mixtures from the vial A and inject into the vial C for enabling reaction; (v) withdraw the contents of the immunoliposome from the vial C; (vi) inject the immunoliposome into the vial D of step (ii) for enabling reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods for treating cancer, compositions for treating cancer, and methods and compositions for diagnosing and/or detecting cancer. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating, diagnosing and detecting cancers associated with AMIGO-2 overexpression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating cancer wherein more than one therapeutic agent is used, with each of the therapeutic agents having different tumor-killing capabilities, and wherein the therapeutic agents are delivered to the tumor sites using combined targeting and pre-targeting methods. The methods of the present invention achieve good tumor to non-tumor ratios of the therapeutic agents, and are effective for cancer therapy.

Abstract: The invention concerns compounds comprising a biological target recognizing part, coupled to a signal part capable of complexing gallium. The invention also concerns methods for obtaining said compounds, screening methods capable of selecting such compounds for chemical synthesis thereof and their diagnostic applications, in particular in PET, PET/IRM, PET CT imaging.

Abstract: Peptides and peptide-targeted multimeric contrast agents are described, as well as methods of making and using the contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention describes small molecule ligand-drug conjugates and methods of using the small molecule ligand-drug conjugates for targeted treatment of cancer in a patient in need thereof. Further described are methods of sterilizing circulating tumor cells and determining drug concentration in cancer tissue.

Abstract: New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are as defined herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrast agent of Formula I V-L-Z Formula I where V is a non-peptidic vector having affinity for the Angiotensin II receptor, L is a bond, a spacer or a linker moiety and Z represents a moiety detectable in an in vivo imaging procedure of a human or animal body.

Abstract: A stabilized radiopharmaceutical composition, a kit including same, and a method for making same, where the radiopharmaceutical is (i) susceptible to either reductive degradation or radiolysis and which includes a metal complex of a radionuclide with a ligand, (ii) a first stabilizer for the radiopharmaceutical which is an amino-substituted aromatic carboxylic acid or a salt, ester or amide thereof, and (iii) a second stabilizer for the radiopharmaceutical which is a diphosphonic acid or salt thereof. The first and second stabilizers are present in an amount effective to stabilize the radiopharmaceutical, and the radiopharmaceutical is not a metal complex of the diphosphonic acid.

Abstract: A composition for oral radionuclide chelation therapy comprises a DTPA chelate selected from Zn-DTPA and Ca-DTPA and a permeation enhancer that preferentially increases jejunal uptake of the DTPA chelate. The composition has a DTPA chelate bioavailability of at least 10% of the chelate when orally administered to a mammal.

Abstract: Applicant's invention is a radionuclide generator resin material for radiochemical separation of daughter radionuclides, particularly 213Bi, from a solution of parental radionuclides, the resin material capable of providing clinical quantities of 213Bi of at least 20-mCi, wherein the resin material comprises a silica-based structure having at least one bifunctional ligand covalently attached to the surface of the silica-based structure. The bifunctional ligand comprises a chemical group having desirable surface functionality to enable the covalent attachment of the bifunctional ligand thereon the surface of the structure and the bifunctional ligand further comprises a second chemical group capable of binding and holding the parental radionuclides on the resin material while allowing the daughter radionuclides to elute off the resin material. The bifunctional ligand has a carbon chain with a limited number of carbons to maintain radiation stability of the resin material.

Abstract: An amino acid analog is provided, in syn-stereoisomeric form, anti-stereoisomeric form, or a combination thereof. The amino acid analog includes a cyclobutane ring with at least one of an amine group and a carboxyl group attached to one carbon node of the cyclobutane ring. A chain of moieties X, Y, and Z attached to one of remaining three carbon nodes of the cyclobutane ring. X is a chelating agent selected from a group comprising DCTA, DOTA, DTPA, EDTA, NOTA, PCTA, and TETA. Y is a linking moiety selected from a group comprising —NH—CO— and —NH-p-CHSN-Bn- where the linking moiety facilitates incorporation of the chelating agent into the amino acid analog. Z is a metal radioisotope selected from a group comprising Cu-60, Cu-61, Cu-62, Cu-64, Cu-67, Ga-67, Ga-68, Y-86, Y-88, Y-90, Sr-85, Sr-89, Gd-153, Gd-157, Sm-153, Lu-177, W-185, Re-186, Re-188, and Ir-192.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the methods of imaging the kidneys and measuring renal function using the renal tracer 99mTc(CO)3(NTA) (technetium-99m tricarbonyl-nitrilotriacetic acid). The disclosure encompasses methods of imaging the kidneys and measuring effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in an animal or human subject using renal scintigraphy, comprising administering to an animal or human subject an amount of a renal tracer, wherein the renal tracer comprises 99mTc—(CO)3(NTA). Another aspect of the disclosure are methods of measuring effective renal plasma flow in an animal or human subject, comprising administering to an animal or human subject an amount of a renal tracer, wherein the renal tracer comprises 99mTc—(CO)3(NTA), isolating a series of plasma samples from the animal or human subject after administering the renal tracer and quantitatively detecting the amount of the renal tracer in the biological samples.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of monitoring inflammatory cell migration in a mammal. The methods include the steps of: providing a donor mammalian subject; introducing an inflammatory agent into the donor mammal to create a granuloma; isolating granuloma-derived nucleated cells from the granuloma of the donor mammalian subject; labeling the granuloma-derived nucleated cells with an optical agent; providing a recipient mammalian subject with inflamed tissue; introducing the granuloma-derived nucleated cells into a recipient mammalian subject at a site remote from site where the inflammatory agent was introduced; and imaging the recipient mammalian subject using an optical system. The methods may also include analysing the distribution of the labeled granuloma-derived cells in the recipient mammal.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of (a) exposing a tumor to ionizing radiation; (b) administering to a subject a library of diverse molecules; and (c) isolating from the tumor one or more molecules of the library of diverse molecules, whereby a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor is identified. Also provided are targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor and therapeutic and diagnostic methods that employ the disclosed targeting ligands.

Abstract: Disclosed are Drug Delivery Molecules (DDMs) which both facilitate functional imaging, as by PET, MRI or SPECT, and create a biological effect and methods of their use. These DDMs which are variously designed to target specific receptors, internalized and then function biologically, as for purposes of cell destruction or therapy.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for making and using bioactive assemblies of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. In particular embodiments, the bioactive assembly is formed using dock-and-lock (DNL) methodology, which takes advantage of the specific binding interaction between dimerization and docking domains (DDD) and anchoring domains (AD) to form the assembly. In various embodiments, one or more effectors may be attached to a DDD or AD sequence. Complementary AD or DDD sequences may be attached to an adaptor module that forms the core of the bioactive assembly, allowing formation of the assembly through the specific DDD/AD binding interactions. Such assemblies may be attached to a wide variety of effector moieties for treatment, detection and/or diagnosis of a disease, pathogen infection or other medical or veterinary condition.

Abstract: A method of conjugating a carboxylate-containing molecule to an amine-containing macromolecule to form a substituted macromolecule is provided. The method includes (a) forming a first solution by dissolving a substance comprising at least one macromolecule having free amine groups in an aqueous basic solution; (b) forming a second solution by combining at least one carboxylate-containing molecule with at least one acid acceptor in an aprotic solvent; (c) adding at least one carboxylate activating agent to the second solution to form an activated carboxylate-containing molecule; (d) combining the first solution and second solutions to form a multiphasic solution; and (e) isolating the resultant substituted macromolecule from the mixture. A substituted macromolecule produced by the aforementioned method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds having the general formula: Y-L-BFR-X wherein BFR is a bridged fused ring system; Y is a targeting group; L is optionally present and is a linker for coupling Y to BFR; and X is halogen (e.g., radiohalogen) or a functional group for labelling.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to use of a composition comprising a purified inverse thermosensitive polymer in an endoscopic procedure for gastrointestinal mucosal resectioning in a mammal. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of gastrointestinal mucosal resectioning, comprising administering submucosally to a region of a gastrointestinal mucosa in a mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising a purified inverse thermosensitive polymer; and surgically resecting said region of gastrointestinal mucosa. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a kit for use in gastrointestinal endoscopic mucosal resectioning in a mammal, comprising a composition comprising a purified inverse thermosensitive polymer; a syringe; and instructions for use thereof.

Abstract: Novel tetrapyrollic water soluble photosensitizing and imaging compounds and the methods of treating and imaging hyperproliferative tissue, e.g. tumors and hypervacularized tissue such as found in macular degeneration. Broadly, the compounds are tetrapyrollic photosensitizer compounds where the tetrapyrollic compound is a chlorin, bacteriochlorin, porphyrin, pyropheophorbide, purpurinimide, or bacteriopurpurinimide having 3 to 6 —CH2CONHphenylCH2CH(N(CH2COOH)2))(CH2N(CH2COOH)(CH2CH2N(CH2COOH)2)) groups or esters thereof or complexes thereof with gadolinium(III).

Abstract: The invention relates to new peptide-based compounds and their use in diagnostic optical imaging techniques. More specifically the invention relates to the use of such peptide-based compounds as targeting vectors that bind to receptors associated with angiogenesis. The compounds are labelled with at least one cyanine dye reporter and may be used as contrast agents in optical imaging in diagnosis of angiogenesis-related diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for the synthesis of phospholipid ether analogs and alkyl phosphocholine analogs. The methods allow greater versatility of the reactants used and greater ease in synthesizing alkyl chains of varying length while affording reaction temperatures at room temperature or below. The methods disclosed herein provide reactants and conditions using alkyl halides and organozinc reagents and do not utilize Gringard reactions thus, allowing greater ease of their separation and purity of products. The PLE compounds synthesized by the methods disclosed herein can also be used for synthesizing high specific activity phospholipid ether (PLE) analogs, for use in treatment and diagnosis of cancer.

Abstract: Compounds of general formula (I): with substituents as defined herein and their chelates with bi-trivalent ions of the metal elements of atomic numbers 20 to 31, 39, 42, 43, 44, 49, and 57 to 83, and radioisotopes chosen among 203Pb, 67Ga, 68Ga, 72As, 111In, 113In, 90Y, 97Ru, 62Cu, 64Cu, 52Fe, 52mMn, 140La, 175Yb, 153Sm, 166Ho, 149Pm, 177Lu, 142Pr, 159Gd, 212Bi, 47Sc, 149Pm, 67Cu, 111Ag, 199Au, 161Tb, 51Cr, 167Tm, 141Ce, 168Yb, 88Y, 165Dy, 166Dy, 97Ru, 103Ru, 186Re, 99mTc, 211Bi, 213Bi, 214Bi, 105Rh, 109Pd, 177mSn, 177Sn and 199Au, as well as the salts thereof with physiologically compatible bases or acids.

Abstract: The invention provides a microsphere comprising an organic lanthanide metal complex wherein the lanthanide metal is present in an amount of more than 20 wt %, based on total microsphere. The invention further provides a suspension comprising such a microsphere. In addition, the invention relates to a method for preparing said microsphere, and the use of the microsphere(s) or suspension for treating a malignancy and/or obtaining a scanning image.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a therapeutically labeled napthodianthrone or phenanthro[1,10,9,8-opqra]perylene-7,14-dione compound, which comprises a chemical element or an isotope that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation during its decay to a stable form sufficient to destroy neighboring cells or tissues for use in a targeted radiotherapy to enhance curability of a warm-blooded animal that has been subjected to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy. A particular advantage of present invention is that viable rim resistant to a necrosis-inducing antitumor therapy such as vascular targeting agent (VTA) can be supplemented by one single or repeated doses of a therapeutically radiolabeled small molecule necrosis-avid chemical compound treatment to enhance the curability.

Abstract: With only 19 amino acids, Duramycin is the smallest known polypeptide that has a defined 3-dimensional binding structure. Duramycin binds Phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdE) at a 1:1 ratio with high affinity and exclusive specificity. As an abundant binding target, PtdE is a major phospholipid and accounts for about 20% of the phospholipid content in mammalian cellular membranes. PtdE is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells, and also becomes accessible in necrotic cells due to compromised plasma membrane integrity. Given the unique physicochemical properties of Duramycin and the availability of PtdE in acute cell death, the goal of this study is to develop and evaluate 99mTc-HYNIC-Duramycin as a novel molecular probe for imaging PtdE. 99mTc-HYNIC-Duramycin is a low-molecular weight, fast-clearing radiopharmaceutical that detects apoptosis/necrosis by binding to PtdE.

Abstract: A process for preventing a protozoal disease by the administration of an alkyl phosphocholine to a human being.

Abstract: Radio-labeled materials, e.g., compounds and compositions, methods of making the radio-labeled materials, and applications of the same are disclosed. For example, novel solid-state methods are disclosed that produce radio-labeled compositions that include a reactive, but stable radio-labeled compound in a polar anhydrous solvent. The radio-labeled compounds can be readily conjugated with a variety of ligands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Tc-labeled arylpiperazine derivatives for imaging serotonin receptor and, more particularly, to arylpiperazine derivatives coupled with MAMA-disulfide, N2S2 or dimethyl-N2S2 chelating ligand represented by the following chemical formula (1). New arylpiperazine derivatives according to the present invention have no problem of amide hydrolysis in metabolism and have a high affinity for serotonin receptors, and can be labeled with an optimum radionuclide of technetium, thereby being usefully applied for monitoring neurodegenerative diseases or neurological diseases of a mammal.

Abstract: The invention provides novel fluorinated resorufin compounds that are of use in a variety of assay formats. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and kits that include a compound of the invention and instructions detailing the use of the compound in one or more assay formats.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to novel complexes of technetium (Tc) with various heteroaromatic ligands, e.g., pyridyl and imidazolyl ligands, and their use in radiopharmaceuticals for a variety of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Another aspect of the invention relates to novel pyridyl ligands that form a portion of the aforementioned complexes. Methods for the preparation of the technetium complexes are also described. Another aspect of the invention relates to novel pyridyl ligands based on derivatized lysine, alanine and bis-amino acids for conjugation to small peptides by solid phase synthetic methods. Additionally, the invention relates to methods for imaging regions of a mammal using the complexes of the invention.

Abstract: Compounds having formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates or N-oxides thereof are provided and are useful for binding to CXCR7, and treating diseases that are dependent, at least in part, on CXCR7 activity. Accordingly, the present invention provides in further aspects, compositions containing one or more of the above-noted compounds in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trifunctional imaging agents that include an antibody for cell targeting, as well as a chelating moiety for sequestering radioisotopes and a fluorescing moiety for imaging. The invention also provides methods using the conjugates for medical diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and compositions for imaging pain and/or stress in a subject and methods and compositions for treating associated conditions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the use of labeled compounds to provide objective diagnosis of pain and/or stress, for imaging regions associated with pain and/or stress, and for treating pain in a subject.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homopolymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: A method of forming an injectable radioactive composition, the method comprising the steps of: (a) depositing a solid form of technetium onto a carbon crucible; (b) preheating the solid form of technetium to remove any carrier; (c) plasma ablating the technetium and portions of the carbon crucible; (d) allowing the carbon and technetium metal to co-condense from the gas phase to produce a nanoparticle composite aerosol in an inert gas; (e) dispersing the nanoparticle composite in water containing a low concentration of surfactant using an electrostatic precipitator; (f) size fractionating the nanoparticle dispersion by filtration with hydrophilic membranes of known pore size.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds and methods for targeting radionuclide-based imaging agents to cells having receptors for a vitamin, or vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, by using such a vitamin as the targeting ligand for the imaging agent. The invention provides a compound of the formula for use in such methods. In the compound, V is a vitamin that is a substrate for receptor-mediated transmembrane transport in vivo, or a vitamin receptor binding derivative or analog thereof, L is a divalent linker, R is a side chain of an amino acid of the formula H2NCHRCOOH, M is a cation of a radionuclide, n is 1 or 0, K is 1 or 0, and the compound can be in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. The vitamin-based compounds can be used to target radionuclides to cells, such as a variety of tumor cell types, for use in diagnostic imaging of the targeted cells.