Abstract: Medical tubing (T), such as a guidewire, a stent, a catheter or a hollow needle, made of a kinked rigid-rod polyarylene exhibiting a outstanding characteristics including high torqueability, high pushability and high flexibility and which can be easily thin-wall extruded under especially harsh conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide compounds that are agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R). The invention also relates to therapeutic methods using such peptide compounds to treat disorders associated with insufficient or defective red blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise the peptide compounds of the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: A contrast agent composition and a method of diagnostic imaging are provided. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a metal-complex comprising a ligand having structure (XXX): wherein R1, R2, R3, R7, R8, R?1, R?2, R?3, R7? and R8? are selected form hydrogen, a protected C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group; R4, R?4 are selected from a hydrogen, a hydroxyl, a protected hydroxyl group, a protected C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, a C1-C3 alkyl group; n is an integer between 0 and 4; R5, R?5 are selected from a hydrogen, a protecting group comprising C1-C30 aliphatic radicals, C3-C30 cycloaliphatic radicals, C2-C30 aromatic radicals, m is an integer between 1 and 10; at least one of R7 and R?7 is acidic groups or protected acidic groups; Y comprises a protein or peptide moiety, a particle, a micelle, a liposome, an organic molecule, oligomer, polymer or a hydrophilic moiety.

Abstract: The invention provides a nanoparticle for delivery of therapeutic agents, comprising a polymeric nanosphere and one or more detection agents, said detection agents for use in detecting the location of the nanoparticle. The invention further provides a transfection agent comprising an aforementioned nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and systems for delivery of nanocarriers to cells of the immune system. The invention provides nanocarriers capable of stimulating an immune response in T cells and/or in B cells. The invention provides nanocarriers that comprise an immunofeature surface and an immunostimulatory moiety. In some embodiments, the immunostimulatory moiety is an adjuvant. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising inventive nanocarriers. The present invention provides methods of designing, manufacturing, and using inventive nanocarriers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a contrast agent for contrast imaging lymph node, which includes iron oxide nanoparticles dispersed and stabilized in an aqueous medium by a mussel adhesive protein-mimetic copolymer, a method for contrast enhanced lymphography using the foregoing contrast agent, and a method for diagnosis of lymph node cancers using the foregoing contrast agent. Using such a mussel adhesive protein-mimetic copolymer, the surface of iron oxide is modified and dispersed well in water to prepare a colloidal solution, which in turn forms the contrast agent containing the colloidal solution. The inventive contrast agent does not have toxicity and is easily taken up to the lymph node to exhibit excellent contrast imaging effects. The contrast agent of the present invention is useful for diagnosis of metastatic cancers.

Abstract: A reporter conjugate for non-invasive detection (e.g., imaging) of matrix metalloprotease (MMP) gene expression in vivo is disclosed. The conjugate includes a targeting nucleic acid linked to a contrast agent, such as a paramagnetic label that can be used with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The targeting nucleic acid can be an antisense strand that hybridizes to a portion of a messenger RNA encoded by the gene whose expression is to be imaged. In some embodiments, the contrast agent is a chelated metal such as gadolinium or dysprosium. The invention also features methods to detect MMP gene expression in various tissues, including the brain.

Abstract: The invention discloses an aqueous method of making polymer coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Nanoparticles made by the method are included in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles by coating iron oxide nanoparticles having improved magnetism via annealing treatment using salt particles with a hydrophilic material and to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent including the iron oxide nanoparticles prepared thereby. Among hydrophilic materials, carboxymethyl dextran (CM-dextran) is the most efficient in terms of stabilizing the annealed iron oxide nanoparticles and exhibiting contrast effects.

Abstract: A radiopaque particulate material one or more of SiO2, TiO2, La2O3, Na2O and MgO and useful for embolization which optionally includes therapeutic components that are released in vivo.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a high intensity radiopaque contrast agent is disclosed. The agent may be coated on or incorporated within bulk materials, which may then be subsequently utilized to fabricate a radiopaque medical device. Primary effects through chemistry include higher radiopaque concentrations per unit weight of the radiopaque element or agent. Secondary effects include selective placement of the radiopaque elements which may further enhance the radiopacity of the device with reduced requirements of the radiopaque agent. Such a radiopaque contrast agent may be produced in various forms such as a dendrimer and/or incorporated as the end groups of polymeric chain. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.

Abstract: Materials and methods for making small magnetic particles, e.g. clusters of metal atoms, which can be employed as a substrate for immobilizing a plurality of ligands. Also disclosed are uses of these magnetic nanoparticles as therapeutic and diagnostic reagents, and in the study of ligand-mediated interactions.

Abstract: This invention provides block copolymer (BCP) encapsulated nanoparticles. The BCP-encapsulated nanoparticles are used in methods for targeting a tumor, in methods of imaging a tumor and in methods of treating cancer including hyperthermia of tumors. This invention further provides processes for preparation of BCP-encapsulated nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides soluble single wall nanotube constructs functionalized with a plurality of a targeting moiety and a plurality of one or more payload molecules attached thereto. The targeting moiety and the payload molecules may be attached to the soluble single wall carbon nanotube via a DNA or other oligomer platform attached to the single wall carbon nanotube. These soluble single wall carbon nanotube constructs may comprise a radionuclide or contrast agent and as such are effective as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Methods provided herein are to diagnosing or locating a cancer, treating a cancer, eliciting an immune response against a cancer or delivering an anticancer drug in situ via an enzymatic nanofactory using the soluble single wall carbon nanotube constructs.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatized magnetic nanoparticles, methods for making such nanoparticles, and methods for their use.

Abstract: A particle including at least one aliphatic polymer having anti-microbially active quaternary ammonium groups chemically bound thereto, is provided. The particle may be used to inhibit populations of microorganisms and biofilms. Also provided are methods for the preparation of such particles and uses thereof for the inhibition of microorganisms.

Abstract: Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.

Abstract: There are described nanoparticles of magnetic metal oxides employable in constructs consisting in polymer particles possibly also incorporating pharmacologically active substances.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel biocompatible hybrid nanoparticles of very small size, useful in particular for diagnostics and/or therapy. The purpose of the invention is to offer novel nanoparticles which are useful in particular as contrast agents in imaging (e.g. MRI) and/or in other diagnostic techniques and/or as therapeutic agents, which give better performance than the known nanoparticles of the same type and which combine both a small size (for example less than 20 nm) and a high loading with metals (e.g. rare earths), in particular so as to have, in imaging (e.g. MRI), strong intensification and a correct response (increased relaxivity) at high frequencies.

Abstract: Provided are a stimuli-sensitive magnetic nanocomposite using a pyrene-conjugated polymer and a method of preparing the same. Particularly, the stimuli-sensitive magnetic nanocomposite includes magnetic nanoparticles, an amphiphilic compound including at least one hydrophobic domain having a material having a pyrene structure and at least one hydrophilic domain and a pharmaceutically active ingredient. Here, the amphiphilic compound surrounds the pharmaceutically active ingredient, and the pharmaceutically active ingredient surrounds the magnetic nanoparticle and is chemically bound to a hydrophobic domain. Accordingly, the magnetic nanoparticles and the pharmaceutically active ingredient are stable in an aqueous solution, have excellent magnetic properties and a rapid drug release behavior due to a specific stimulus, and exhibit targeting according to a tissue-specific binding component.

Abstract: Provided are iron oxide nanocapsules for an MRI contrast agent having high contrast, in which a plurality of iron oxide nanoparticles having a hydrophobic ligand attached thereto are encapsulated in an encapsulation material including a biodegradable polymer and a surfactant, and which satisfy Relations 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 below. Also a method of manufacturing the iron oxide nanocapsules is provided. 5?100*D?(IO)/C ?(IO)??[Relation 1] 2.5?100*D?(Cap)/C ?(Cap)??[Relation 2] 0.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles and related devices and methods are described. Compositions and methods can include magnetic nanoparticles having a narrow size distribution for use in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for detecting, measuring, or locating cells or substances present in even very low concentrations in vivo in subjects, using targeted magnetic nanoparticles and special magnetic systems. The magnetic systems can comprise magnetizing subsystems and sensors subsystems, including as examples SQUID sensors and atomic magnetometers. The magnetic systems can detect, measure, or location particles bound by antibodies to cells or substances of predetermined types. Example magnetic systems are capable of detecting sub-nanogram amounts of these nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. Preferably, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a therapeutic agent to a DDD sequence and a PEG moiety to an AD sequence, allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two therapeutic agents and one PEG moiety. Alternatively, the therapeutic agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one therapeutic agent. In more preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity, preferably a cytokine, more preferably interferon-?2b. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: A new approach to targeting imaging agents to macrophage-rich sites of interest is disclosed. Compositions of the invention are rHDL and HDL-like liposomal compositions, protein constituents of which, apolipoproteins A-I and/or A-II or fragments thereof are used not only as structural but also as targeting agents. This is achieved by certain controlled chemical or enzymatic modification of apolipoproteins A-I or A-II or fragments thereof. Such modification converts these apolipoproteins to substrates for macrophage scavenger receptors and results in the improvement of contrast agent-(HDL/modified apolipoprotein)-particle association with macrophages and/or absorption (uptake) by macrophages when compared to that of the contrast agent-(HDL/apolipoprotein)-particle constructed with non-modified naturally occurring apo A-I.

Abstract: The present invention discloses Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescent albumin nanoparticles having a structure selected from a core structure or a core-shell structure. Also disclosed are a process of preparing these NIR fluorescent albumin nanoparticles, and a method of in vivo detection of pathologies, in particular cancer pathology, by using administering these NIR fluorescent albumin nanoparticles to a patient.

Abstract: Cyclen-based chelates can be used as contrast agents for multi-modal imaging of tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates are preferably polyazamacrocyclic molecules formed from 1,4,7,10 tetraazacyclododecane (“cyclen”) having varying chelating ions, phosphoester chains, and light harvesting moieties. By changing the chelating ion, phosphoester chain length and/or the light harvesting moiety different imaging techniques, such as MRI, CT, fluorescence and absorption, x-ray and NIR, may be employed to image the tissue cells. Additionally, the cyclen-based chelates may be conjugated to provide for site-specific delivery of the cyclen-based chelate to the desired tissue cells. The cyclen-based chelates may also be delivered to the tissue cells by attaching the cyclen-based to a polymeric delivery vehicle. Although these cyclen-based chelates have a wide variety of application, the preferred use is for imaging of cancer cells, such as brain cancer, for improving resection of a cancerous tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of DOTA derivative compounds, lanthanoid-DOTA derivative molecular complex, and lanthanoid-complex encapsulated solid lipid particles or capsules, and methods of making and using the compositions. The solid lipid particles or capsules contain micelle cores stabilized by a hyperbranched polymer shell based from a crosslinked DOTA derivative compound or crosslinked lanthanoid-DOTA derivative complex. These solid lipid particles or capsules can be used in various applications, such as contrast agents or drug delivery vehicles.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions comprising templated nanoconjugates and methods of their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer comprising a segment of Formula (I): wherein, R is either absent or a linking group, n is an integer greater than 0; and m is an integer from 1 to 6.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a polymer coated ferrite fine particles being possible to control a particle size uniformly while having high aqueous dispersibility and preferred biomolecule immobilization ability and an easy method for preparing the same. [Means Addressing Object] In an aqueous solvent, iron ion is protected by chelating polyacrylic acid and then alkaline is added. Thereafter, a reaction system is heated under pressurized condition to produce simultaneous precipitation of the ferrite fine particles and coating thereof. As the result, the polymer coated ferrite fine particles having uniform particle size may be prepared in one step with excellent reproducibility. The polymer coated ferrite fine particles of the present invention has high water dispersibility and has preferred biomolecule immobilization performance by carboxyl groups coming from the polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method for embolization using liquid embolic materials is described. The method comprises the use of two liquid components. The first liquid component is an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising at least one oxidized polysaccharide. The second liquid component is either an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising at least one water-dispersible, multi-arm amine, or a water-dispersible multi-arm amine in the form of a neat liquid. The two components crosslink in situ to form a hydrogel that should act as an effective embolic agent.

Abstract: A T1 blood pool contrast agent comprising very small iron oxide nanoparticles are coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based ligands. Core size and length of the PEG chain were optimized according to stability, relaxometric properties, cytotoxicity and unspecified cell uptake.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a high intensity radiopaque contrast agent is disclosed. The agent may be coated on or incorporated within bulk materials, which may then be subsequently utilized to fabricate a radiopaque medical device. Primary effects through chemistry include higher radiopaque concentrations per unit weight of the radiopaque element or agent. Secondary effects include selective placement of the radiopaque elements which may further enhance the radiopacity of the device with reduced requirements of the radiopaque agent. Such a radiopaque contrast agent may be produced in various forms such as a dendrimer and/or incorporated as the end groups of polymeric chain. In addition one can incorporate biological and/or pharmaceutical agents in combination with the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising a gadolinium-based contrast agent and a derivatized cyclodextrin. Further provided are methods for reducing the toxicity associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for use as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents are described. The nanoparticles are made up of a polymeric support and a manganese-oxo or manganses-iron-oxo cluster having magnetic properties suitable of a contrast agent. The manganese-oxo clusters may be Mn-12 clusters, which have known characteristics of a single molecule magnet. The polymer support may form a core particle which is coated by the clusters, or the clusters may be dispersed within the polymeric agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of and method for using MnO nanoparticles as MRI T1 contrasting agents which reduces T1 of tissue. More specifically, the present invention is directed to MRI T1 contrasting agent comprising MnO nanoparticle coated with a biocompatible material bound to a biologically active material such as a targeting agent, for example tumor marker etc., and methods for diagnosis and treatment of tumor etc. using said MRI T1 contrasting agent, thereby obtaining more detailed images than the conventional MRI T1-weighted images. The MRI T1 contrasting agent of the present invention allows a high resolution anatomic imaging by emphasizing T1 contrast images between tissues based on the difference of accumulation of the contrasting agent in tissues. Also, the MRI T1 contrasting agent of the present invention enables to visualize cellular distribution due to its high intracellular uptake.

Abstract: Intermediates and methods for forming activated metal complexes bound to surfaces on oxide layers, immobilizing beads to the modified surface and articles produced thereby are described. Hydroxyl groups on the oxide surfaces are reacted with a metal reagent complex of the formula Y(L-Pol)m, where Y is a transition metal, magnesium or aluminum, L is oxygen, sulfur, selenium or an amine, and “Pol” represents a passivating agent such as a methoxyethanol, a polyethylene glycol, a hydrocarbon, or a fluorocarbon. The resulting modified surface can be further reacted with a passivating agent having a phosphate functional group or a plurality of functional groups that are reactive with or that form complexes with Y.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a therapeutic agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two therapeutic agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the therapeutic agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one therapeutic agent. In more preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity, preferably a cytokine, more preferably interferon-?2b. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent, radio-opaque and magnetic quantum nanoparticles, useful as multifunctional contrast agents or probes for in vivo bioimaging, and methods of their use. The invention provides for multifaceted bioimaging (e.g., intra-arterial pre-operative brain mapping and broad based in vivo diagnostic imaging), including imaging of various cell types, such as stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of triblock polymer ligands (30) and nanoparticle complexes (80). The nanoparticle complexes (80) comprise a capped nanoparticle (10) and the triblock polymer ligand (30). The triblock polymer ligand (30) consists of a binding polymer (40), a hydrophobic polymer (50) and a hydrophilic functionalisable polymer (60). The binding polymer (40) attaches to the capped nanoparticle (10).

Abstract: Medical device (?) comprising at least one part (?) consisting of a polymer material (M) comprising at least one kinked rigid-rod polyarylene (P) of which more than 50 wt. % of the recurring units are recurring units (R) of one or more formulae consisting of an optionally substituted arylene group which is linked by each of its two ends to two other optionally substituted arylene groups via a direct C—C linkage. The recurring units (R) are a mix (?) consisting of (i) between 0 and 75 mole %, of rigid rod-forming arylene units (Ra) and (ii) between 25 and 100 mole % of kink-forming arylene units (Rb), both contents being based on the total number of moles of the recurring units (R). Arylene units (Ra) and/or (Rb) may be optionally substituted by at least one monovalent substituting group.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and/or removal of conformationally altered proteins and/or molecules comprising a cross-? structure from a pharmaceutical composition. Disclosed is that unwanted and/or toxic side effects of pharmaceuticals are caused by proteins present in the pharmaceutical and adopting a cross-? structure conformation. Further disclosed is a method for detecting a protein in a pharmaceutical composition, the method comprising: contacting the pharmaceutical composition or any of its constituents comprising a protein with at least one cross-? structure-binding compound resulting in a bound protein and/or peptide comprising a cross-? structure and; detecting whether bound protein and/or peptide comprising a cross-? structure are present in the pharmaceutical composition or any of its constituents comprising a protein. Further described are methods for removing cross-? structures from a pharmaceutical composition and controlling the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of marker particles, which are especially useful for target-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using charged iron oxide nanoparticles and inversely charged peptides covalently linked to macromolecules, which are capable of binding to a specific type of cells.

Abstract: A gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticle, method of making thereof, and method of using thereof is disclosed. The nanoparticle is substantially toxin free (making it clinically applicable), easily functionalized, and can serve as a contrast agent for a number of imaging techniques, including imaging a subject in at least two distinct imaging modes. Further, the nanoparticle is well-suited for therapeutic uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible contrast agent and a method of its preparation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multifunctional contrast agent manufactured by prepairing a novel polysuccinimide-based polymer by introducing an alkanolamine group to the main group of the polysuccinimide in addition to a biocompatible hydrophilic group, which improves bioavailability, and a hydrophobic group, which enables to maintain the form of stable nanoparticles during the formation of nano particles for a long period of time and to encapsulate a hydrophobic anticancer agent.

Abstract: A tagged water-soluble polymer linked to a solid support is provided and includes a solid support optionally including a spacer sequence including one or more spacer monomer units attached to the solid support; and a water-soluble polymer covalently linked to the solid support or to the spacer sequence, the water-soluble polymer including a first cleavage segment including at least one monomer unit including a selectively cleavable link to the solid support or to the spacer sequence, where cleavage of the selectively cleavable link separates the water-soluble polymer from the solid support, a second segment including at least one monomer unit selected from a monomer unit linked to a reactive functionality able to be covalently coupled to a tag or linked to a tag, a third segment including one or more monomer units linked to a reactive functionality that can form a covalent bond with an analyte-binding species or an analyte, and optionally one or more spacer monomer units provided adjacent to any segment and/o

Abstract: A process for the preparation of coated polymer particles containing superparamagnetic crystals, said process comprising reacting porous, surface-functionalized, superparamagnetic crystal-containing polymer particles of diameter 0.5 to 1.8 ?m with at least one polyisocyanate and at least one diol or at least one epoxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer particles showing magnetic properties and fluorescent properties simultaneously and a preparation method thereof More specifically, relates to polymer particles for near infrared (NIR)/magnetic resonance (MR) bimodal molecular imaging, contain a magnetic nanomaterial and an NIR fluorescent material, and a preparation method thereof The disclosed polymer particles show magnetic properties and fluorescent properties simultaneously, and thus are useful as contrast agents for NIR/MR bimodal molecular imaging.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming PEGylated complexes of defined stoichiometry and structure. In preferred embodiments, the PEGylated complex is formed using dock-and-lock technology, by attaching a therapeutic agent to a DDD sequence and attaching a PEG moiety to an AD sequence and allowing the DDD sequence to bind to the AD sequence in a 2:1 stoichiometry, to form PEGylated complexes with two therapeutic agents and one PEG moiety. In alternative embodiments, the therapeutic agent may be attached to the AD sequence and the PEG to the DDD sequence to form PEGylated complexes with two PEG moieties and one therapeutic agent. In more preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agent may comprise any peptide or protein of physiologic or therapeutic activity, preferably a cytokine, more preferably interferon-?2b. The PEGylated complexes exhibit a significantly slower rate of clearance when injected into a subject and are of use for treatment of a wide variety of diseases.