Abstract: A diagnostic agent composition is provided which comprises a nanoparticle composition and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The nanoparticle composition comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxide and a phosphorylated polyol, wherein the phosphorylated polyol comprises at least two phosphate groups and one or more hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of polyethylene ether moieties, polypropylene ether moieties, polybutylene ether moieties, and combinations of two or more of the foregoing hydrophilic moieties. The disclosure provides detailed guidance on methods of making and using such diagnostic agent compositions. The diagnostic agent compositions provided by the present invention are useful as contrast agents for medical diagnostic imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and X-ray imaging. The diagnostic agent composition may be administered to a subject via a variety of techniques, among them injection, inhalation, and ingestion.

Abstract: A nanoparticle composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxide; and a phosphorylated polyol comprising at least two phosphate groups. The polyol comprises one or more hydrophilic groups selected from the group consisting of polyethylene ether moieties, polypropylene ether moieties, polybutylene ether moieties, and combinations of two or more of the foregoing hydrophilic moieties. A method of making the nanoparticle composition is also provided. The nanoparticle compositions provided by the present invention may be used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides multifunctional nanoplatforms for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro, along with methods of imaging and detecting the presence of cancerous or precancerous tissues, and the therapeutic treatment thereof, including monitoring of treatment. The diagnostic nanoplatforms comprise nanoparticles and are linked to each other or other particles via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis. Individual unlinked nanoplatforms are also adaptable for therapeutic hyperthermia treatment of the cancerous tissue.

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: The present invention relates to DTPA derivatives capable of forming complexes by combining with metals and the like, metal complexes formed by combining with the DTPA derivatives, MR and CT contrast agents including gold (Au) nano-particles of which surfaces are coated with the metal complexes, and a method for manufacturing the same. The MR and CT contrast agents according to the present invention have a high magnetic relaxation rate, thereby providing an excellent contrast enforcement effect and a long image acquisition time. Furthermore, the MR and CT contrast agents are not toxic to the human body, and are image contrast agents of dual molecules capable of being applied to both MR and CT.

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: Contrast agents comprising a scaffold protein having at least one operative integrated metal ion binding site.

Abstract: Methotrexate-modified nanoparticles that target tumors, compositions that include the nanoparticles, methods of imaging tissues using the nanoparticles, and methods for treating tissues using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to compositions and methods for imaging and treating atherosclerotic diseases, pathogen infections, and tumors by administering actively targeting magnetic nanoparticles. In particular, the present inventions provide new types of targeting ligands attached to magnetic nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging. The use of these targeted magnetic nanoparticles is contemplated as a means to treat atherosclerotic diseases, including but not limited to inhibiting and removing atherosclerotic plaques. Further, actively targeting magnetic nanoparticles are contemplated for use with multiple labels for use in nuclear medicine imaging, computed tomography (CT) techniques and other types of imaging for medical and research applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a shell structure forming a cavity, wherein said shell structure comprises a drug and wherein said composition is associated with at least one contrast agent; wherein said shell structure is capable of releasing its contents into the exterior upon the application of an external stimulus and wherein said contrast agent comprises magnetic particles which are capable of being detected by Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI), wherein at least more than 5% (w/w) of the magnetic particles comprised in said contrast agent have a magnetic moment of at least ?18 m 2 A, 10 wherein said magnetic particles are preferably composed of Fe, Co, Ni, Zn or Mn or alloys thereof or oxides of any of these.

Abstract: Lipid nanoparticles expressing metal ions and methods for using the compositions for magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: In another embodiment, a method for detecting and/or diagnosing a cancer in a subject is provided. The method may include administering an effective dose of a biotag to a subject, or alternatively, administering an effective dose of a targeted contrast to the subject, the targeted contrast comprising a contrast agent and a biotag as described herein for targeting a cancer biomarker. The method may further include exposing the subject to a diagnostic imaging technique; detecting a population of cells expressing the cancer biomarker; and quantifying the expression of the cancer biomarker in the population of cells, wherein an increased expression of the cancer biomarker indicates that the subject has cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticle-loaded cells and compositions useful for improved imaging and therapy, for example radio-therapy. The invention also provides methods of manufacture of nanoparticle-loaded cells, methods of administering the nanoparticle-loaded cells, and methods for treatment and/or imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biomimetic contrast agent comprising an amine-functionalized iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core a targeting ligand attached to the nanoparticle core via a linker and an inert outer layer of a hydrophilic polymer conjugated to the targeting ligand and imaging methods using the biomimetic contrast agents. Also, provided is a dual functional contrast agent comprising a metal-doped iron (II) oxide/iron(III) oxide nanoparticle core, an inert layer of gold coating the nanoparticle core and a biodegradable cationic polymer linked thereto. The dual functional contrast agent is complexed to a therapeutic gene and when transfected into mesenchymal stem cells comprises a dual contrast agent and gene delivery system. In addition, methods of using the dual functional system are provided. Furthermore, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents and the dual contrast agent and gene delivery system are provided.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Each of the nanoparticles includes a metal alloy core and a plurality of hydrophilic molecules covalently bound to the surface of the metal alloy core. Also disclosed is a method for using the contrast agent.

Abstract: A contrast agent characterized in that each of carbon nanohorns forming a carbon nanohorn aggregate has an opening at the side wall or tip, wherein a metal M (at least one metal selected from among paramagnetic metals, ferromagnetic metals, and superparamagnetic metals) or a compound of the metal M is incorporated in or dispersed on each of the carbon nanohorns. A contrast agent characterized in that it contains a Gd oxide. There is provided a contrast agent, which can be mass-produced easily, and satisfies the requirement of low toxicity and enables microscopic diagnoses when used for MRI. A contrast agent characterized in that is contains a carbon nanohorn aggregate.

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 disclosure is directed generally to gold/lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gold/gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, nanoparticle conjugates conjugated to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to nitric oxide-releasing particles for delivering nitric oxide, and their use in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Gadolinium+3 (Gd3+) containing (or incorporated) Prussian blue lattice contrast agents that can be used as an MRI contrast agent have unexpectedly improved r1 relaxivities of 1 or 2 magnitudes higher than the commercial Gd3+-chelates as well as exceedingly, non-toxic, low release of the Gd3+ ions into an aqueous environment at a pH of about 2 to about 7.5. The Prussian blue lattice containing Gd3+ ions therein can be used for clinical diagnosis intravenously to human beings for medical imaging. The particle sizes of the doped Prussian blue lattices are of a nanosize scale and are very stable against agglomeration.

Abstract: Methods for performing macrophage-enhanced MRI, utilizing a macrophage imaging agent, in a single imaging session are provided. The macrophage imaging agent may be an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle. One embodiment includes administering a macrophage imaging agent to the subject during an administration session then allowing a passage of time sufficient for accumulation of the agent in macrophages of the subject. Subsequently, in a single imaging session, a macrophage-enhanced magnetic resonance image is acquired to target macrophages and a different magnetic resonance image is acquired to target physiological phenomenon other than macrophages. Additional embodiments provide methods wherein the acquisition of a different magnetic resonance image is achieved by vascular-enhanced MRI protocols or perfusion-enhanced MRI protocols, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments provide methods for utilizing acquired images in assessment of treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of nanoparticles, in particular paramagnetic nanoparticles, and their use as contrast enhancers for NMR-based methods of examination. A significant increase in contrast (e.g. from 100 to 200%) takes place according to the invention. An aqueous or organic synthesis leads to small nanoparticles which have a narrow size distribution and can also be advantageously used for many other industrial applications.

Abstract: Methods of non-invasive imaging of complement-mediated inflammation are provided. Compositions including CR-targeted ultrasmall superparamagnetic nanoparticles or aggregates thereof for use with those methods are also provided.

Abstract: MRI imaging compositions are disclosed comprising non-chelated MRI contrast agents in the pores of at least one porous microparticle or nanoparticle. The compositions of the invention have been found to exhibit increased relaxivity and therefore, enhanced MRI imaging. The non-chelated contrast agents include T1 contrast agents, such as those including Gd(III) or Mn(II). Methods of MRI imaging and methods of making the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a ferrite superparamagnetic nano particle engineered by magnesium doping, and a technique for applying it to hyperthermia cancer cell treatment and the heat shock protein (HSP) self-defense mechanism.

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 simultaneous tracking or imaging followed by hyperthermia therapy for cancer and other diseases associated with altered metabolic enzymes. In particular, the invention relates to a novel class of therapeutic nanomaterial which selectively target and kill tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the following general formula (I): Signal-Linker-Peptide (I) in which: -Signal represents a signal entity; -Linker, which may or may not be present, represents a chemical bond, and -Peptide represents a peptide comprising a VCAM-targeting peptide, the VCAM-targeting peptide being chosen from the peptides of formula below and the functional equivalents thereof: a) X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-X7-X8-X9 (1) (SEQ ID No. 1) where X1 is absent or chosen from cysteine and methionine; X2 chosen from asparagine and glutamine; X3 chosen from asparagine and glutamine; X4 chosen from serine and threonine; X5 chosen from lysine, arginine, histidine and ornithine; X6 chosen from serine and threonine; X7 chosen from histidine, arginine and lysine; X8 chosen from threonine and serine; X9 is absent or chosen from cysteine and methionine; preferably, the peptide CNNSKSHTC (SEQ ID No. 2) and the peptide NNSKSHT (SEQ ID No. 3); b) X10-X11-X12-X13-X14-X15-X16-X17-X18 (2) (SEQ ID No.

Abstract: The present invention relates a T1-T2 dual-modal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) contrast agent, comprising (a) a first layer consisting of T1 contrast material; (b) a second layer consisting of T2 contrast material; and (c) a separating layer which is present in a space between the first layer and the second layer, and inhibits a reciprocal interference between T1 contrast material and T2 contrast material, and a heat-generating composition and a drug delivery composition having the same. The T1-T2 dual-modal contrast agent of the present invention may generate both T1 and T2 signal and thus observe the signal complementarily, resulting in accurate diagnosis through reduction of misdiagnosis. Further, T1 and T2 MR imaging may be simultaneously obtained by simple operation within the same MR imaging device, enabling to remarkably reduce a diagnosis time and diagnosis cost.

Abstract: Nanocapsule and nanoemulsion particle compositions having improved physical and pharmacological properties are provided. The nanocapsule or nanoemulsion particle composition can comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid oil phase, a surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant. The liquid oil phase can comprise a monoglyceride, a diglyceride, a triglyceride, a propylene glycol ester, or a propylene glycol diester. In certain embodiments, the nanocapsule or nanoemulsion particle composition can be lyophilized and subsequently re-hydrated without increasing the mean particle size and/or adversely affecting the potency or efficacy of a therapeutic agent (e.g., paclitaxel) present in the nanocapsules or nanoemulsion particles.

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: A particle and a method of manufacturing a particle that includes a complex, a paramagnetic entity, and a silica layer that encapsulates the paramagnetic entity and the complex. The dielectric layer of the particle encapsulates the complex and the paramagnetic entity such that at least a portion of an outer surface of the complex is covered by the paramagnetic entity. In addition, the particle may or may not include a fluorescent entity encapsulated within the dielectric layer. Also, the particle may or may not include a targeting entity covalently bonded to the silica layer.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells of a patient, the cells labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a metastasizing cancer, wherein the local accumulation of the labeled precursor cells or bone marrow cells indicates the presence of a metastasizing tumor growth. At least one embodiment also relates to a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient, b) these precursor cells or bone marrow cells are labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, c) the precursor cells or bone marrow cells thus labeled are retransplanted or reinjected into the patient, and d) the presence of metastasizing tumor cells is depicted with an imaging method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method, in particular to a MRI method enabling early detection of myocardial ischemia and to compounds for use as MR contrast agents in the method.

Abstract: The successful transfer of therapeutic agents such as genetic materials (e.g. nucleic acid) or drug into living cells is the most important issue depending on the development of the delivery carrier. A method for manufacturing superparamagnetic nanoparticles in medical therapeutics is described to develop nano-sized calcium phosphate (CaP) mineral was rendered magnetic as delivery vehicle. The CaP-based magnetized nanoparticles (NPs) were possessed superparamagnetic property by hetero-epitaxial growth of magnetite on the CaP crystallites and also showed no harm to the cultured cells and elicited no cytotoxicity. The magnetized CaP was demonstrated to have good plasmid DNA binding affinity or drug carrying capacity. It significantly increased the expression of gene transfection and efficiency in delivery to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under exogenous magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chelators, in particular to chelators which are capable of forming complexes, i.e. paramagnetic chelates, with paramagnetic metal ions. The invention also relates to said paramagnetic chelates, said paramagnetic chelates linked to other molecules and their use as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Abstract: The present invention is a nanoparticle composition composed of an iron core with an iron oxide shell which is optionally coated with a micro-emulsion. The disclosed nanoparticle compositions are disclosed for use in hyperthermia treatment and imaging of cancer.

Abstract: A method for treating a cancer is provided that comprises identifying a subject in need of treatment for a cancer and administering to the subject a composition that is comprised of a plurality of a ligand for a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor and a plurality of a chemotherapeutic agent, where each ligand and each chemotherapeutic agent are conjugated to a nanoparticle. Further provided are methods for detecting a cancer in a subject that comprise administering to a subject an imaging agent comprised of a plurality of a ligand for a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor conjugated to a nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present application discloses treating water insoluble nanoparticles, particularly nanoparticles of metals and metal compounds which find utility in diagnostic imaging such as MR and X-ray imaging, with an alpha-hydroxyphosphonic acid conjugate with a hydrophilic moiety to render the nanoparticles sufficiently hydrophilic to find utility in diagnostic imaging. Among the modified hydrophilic nanoparticles disclosed are those in which the hydrophilic moieties of the modifying conjugate are ethylene oxide based polymers and copolymers and zwitterions and the nanoparticles are composed of transition metal oxides such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and tantalum oxide. Disclosed are nanoparticles which are sufficiently hydrophilic to form stable aqueous colloidal suspensions. Also disclosed is diagnostic imaging such as MR and X-ray using the modified hydrophilic nanoparticles as contrast agents.

Abstract: Nanoparticle-sized magnetic absorption enhancers (MAEs) that exhibit a controlled response to a magnetic field, including a controlled mechanical response and inductive thermal response. The MAEs have a magnetic material that exhibits the inductive thermal response to the magnetic field and is embedded in a coating, such that the MAE conforms to a particular shape, e.g., a hemisphere, a dome or a shell, that is chosen to produce the desired controlled mechanical response of the entire MAE to the magnetic field. A targeting moiety for specifically binding the MAE to a pathogen target is also provided. The MAEs are preferably bound by a flexible linker to promote the desired mechanical response, which includes interactions between MAEs that are not bound to their pathogen target for the purpose of forming spheres, spherical shells, or generally spherical dimers.

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: Microparticle compositions comprising metal ion-lipid complexes for drug delivery are described including methods of making the microparticle compositions and methods of treating certain conditions and disease states by administering the microparticle compositions. The metal ion-lipid complexes can be combined with various drugs or active agents for therapeutic administration. The microparticle compositions of the present invention have superior stability to other microparticle compositions resulting in a microparticle composition with longer shelf life and improved dispersability. The microparticle compositions of the present invention have a transition temperature Tm of at least 20° C. above the recommended storage temperature (Tst) for drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel compositions and methods utilizing delivery agents comprising protein cages, medical imaging agents and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: It is disclosed here that nucleic acid-based agents can be delivered to the brain of a human or non-human animal having a leakage in the blood brain barrier by administering the agents through the eye. Brain tissues and cells can be imaged in vivo (e.g., by magnetic resonance imaging) by linking a contrast agent to a targeting nucleic acid that can hybridize to a target nucleic acid located at the brain site to be imaged and administering the contrast agentltargeting nucleic acid conjugate through the eye. Similarly, a nucleic acid based drug (e.g., as an antisense nucleic acid or a therapeutic agent linked to a targeting nucleic acid that can hybridize to a target nucleic located at a disease site in the brain) can be administered through the eye to treat a brain disease.

Abstract: A method of making iron-containing nanoparticles (e.g., magnetite nanoparticles) that includes contacting an iron-containing precursor with a reducing agent at a temperature less than 200° C. and allowing the mixture to react to form magnetite nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention encompasses particles comprising metal atoms, methods of making the particles, and methods for using the particles. In particular, the particles may be used to image biological tissues or to deliver a bioactive agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising acid magnetic particles (p) based on an iron compound, the acid magnetic particles (p) being complexed by one or more gem-bisphosphonate compounds, of formula I: X-L-CH(PO3H2)2 ??(I) in which: L represents an organic group connecting the X group to the gem-bisphosphonate group —CH(PO3H2)2; X represents a chemical group capable of reacting with a biovector; all or some of the X groups of the particles optionally being coupled to a biovector. The invention relates also to a process for the preparation of the compositions and their use, in particular as contrast products for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

Abstract: This invention comprises nanoparticles for use with biosensors. The nanoparticles have core/shell architecture. The nanoparticles can be detected by two means, magnetic and optical by virtue of the nanoparticles magnetic core and fluorescent semiconductor shell. Methods of making the nanoparticles and their composition are described.