Abstract: A contrast marker having a casing and a novel MRI contrast agent comprising metal complexes disposed around, within, or abuting the casing is provided. Such contrast markers may be placed in a strand, with or without a therapy seed, to produce a seeded strand useful for imaging and in connection with brachytherapy.

Abstract: In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on chemical exchange-dependent saturation transfer (CEST), a novel carrier for CEST contrast agents is provided. The carrier is non-spherical and comprises a semipermeable shell, wherein the shell comprises a paramagnetic compound. The shell encloses a cavitycomprising an MR analyte, wherein the semipermeable shell allows diffusion of the MR analyte. The CEST effect is based on the 5 bulk magnetic susceptibility effect caused by the anisotropy of the carrier. This leads to a versatile carrier that does not require interaction of the analyte with a paramgnetic chemical shift reagent.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: A contrast agent having a metal core and an inert shell forming a single cluster is disclosed. The metal core is iron-based and has an octa-nuclear structure. It is surrounded by a cluster of pyrazolate groups. Ligands can be attached to the cluster to provide water solubility and to target specific tissues or provide specific contrast properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles and a method for preparing the same, more specifically, relates to a method for preparing a multifunctional perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion which simultaneously shows the fluorine-based magnetic resonance properties of perfluorocarbon and the optical properties of quantum dot nanoparticles, the method comprising dispersing quantum dot nanoparticles, modified with a fluorine end group, in perfluorocarbon, and then adding an aqueous emulsifier solution containing lipid to the dispersion. The disclosed perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles has excellent biocompatibility and simultaneously shows optical properties and magnetic resonance properties, and thus can be used as a contrast agent for multi-mode molecular imaging. Accordingly, the nanoemulsion can be used to study cell and small-animal molecular imaging in various fields, including biological and medical fields.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel MRI contrast agents and imaging methods using the same. The novel MRI contrast agent comprises a chelating molecule with at least two phosphate groups coordinated with at least one paramagnetic substances.

Abstract: Microcapsule for injection into the bloodstream of a patient before a magnetic resonance acquisition pertaining to the bloodstream, include a magnetic resonance marking substance (in particular with at least one isotope associated with a specific resonant frequency) inside the microcapsule and an outer membrane that is impermeable to the marking substance. The microcapsule is overall biodegradable.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing nanoparticles for medical imaging, including a metal core, an organic stabilizing layer containing gem-bisphosphonate compounds and at least one hydrophilic biodistribution ligand.

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 zwitterionic moiety, 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, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, 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, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, 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, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an MRI contrast agent that includes zinc-containing water-soluble metal oxide nanoparticles and has an improved contrast effect. The zinc-containing water-soluble metal oxide nanoparticles are characterized by addition of zinc to a matrix comprising the metal oxide nanoparticles or by substitution of metal in the matrix, resulting in the improved contrast effect of MRI. In addition, the zinc-containing metal oxide nanoparticles of the present invention include the MRI contrast agent t having hybrid structures of “zinc-containing metal oxide nanoparticle—biologically/chemically active material” in which the nanoparticle is conjugated with a bioactive material such as proteins, antibodies, and chemical materials.

Abstract: A dendritic compound of the following structure: PDn-Z-L is disclosed. In the structure above, P is X—(CH2CH2—O)r—, r is an integer ranging from 1000 to 4000, X is OH, NH2, or OR, R is C1 to C10alkyl, Dn is a residue of branched C3 to C30 polyol compounds, n is the quantity of layers of the residue of branched compounds and is an integer equal to or greater than 1, L is a metal cation, Z is the residue of a C3 to C30 compound with multi functional groups. The functional groups illustrated above can be carboxylic groups, amino groups, amide groups, or chelating groups. The carboxylic groups, ester groups, amino groups, or amide groups bind to Dn, and the chelating groups bind to the metal cations.

Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is enhanced by contrast agents such as superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) particles that resemble magnetite particles produced by magnetotactic bacteria. Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 produces positive MRI contrast when generating ultrasmall magnetite particles (10-40 nm diameter). Positive MRI contrast permits clearer distinction from image voids compared to negative contrast. T1-weighted MRI showed that such bacteria increased positive contrast 2.2-fold (p<0.02) in vitro and 2.0-fold (p<0.02) following intratumoral injection in mouse tumor xenografts. Upon intravenous delivery, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 targeted tumors and generated increased positive MRI contrast in them (1.4-fold; p<0.01). AMB-1 tumor targeting was shown by viable counts, microPET imaging of radio-labeled AMB-1, and Prussian blue staining of tumor sections. Thus, magnetotactic bacteria provide a tool for improving cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment response by MRI.

Abstract: A composition of metal oxide nanoparticles in which individual nanoparticles comprises a core that optionally is coated and the metal oxide comprises a metal oxide lattice in which 5 there are two, three, four or more different kinds of metal ions: A) one of these metal ions is selected among lanthanide ions (typically ions of elements 57-B 71), and) at least one, two, three or more of the other different kinds of metal ions is selected among 10) i transition metal ions of elements of Groups 3b-7b, 8, 1b, 2b other than the lanthanide b ions of elements 57-71, and/or A) lanthanide ions other than the kind of lanthanide ion selected in A. typical metal ion of (A) is Gd3+, of (B.a) is Fe3+ and of (B.b) is Tb3+. 1 5A v method for coating core forms of the particles, and the use of the particles for visualizing various kinds of biological material, e.g. by magnetic resonance, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for visualizing biological material, preferably by MRI, comprising the steps of: (i) bringing a population of coated nanoparticles into contact with said biological material, each of which nanoparticles comprises a) a metal oxide of a transition metal, said metal oxide preferably being paramagnetic and preferably comprising a lanthanide (+III) such as gadolinium (+III), and b) a coating covering the surface of the core particle, and (ii) recording the image; wherein the coating is hydrophilic and comprises a silane layer which is located next to the surface of the core particle and comprises one or more different silane groups which each comprises an organic group R and a silane-siloxane linkage where a) R comprises a hydrophilic organic group R? and a hydrophobic spacer B, b) O is oxygen directly binding to a surface metal ion of the metal oxide, and c) C is carbon and is also part of B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active targeted water-solubility macromolecule polymer, conjugate with interferon and pharmaceutical composition comprising the conjugate. The targeted agent includes, for example, glucose, galatose and the like, as well as their derivates. The conjugate of the present invention is well in water-solubility and have long physiological cycle half-life period, and have specific recognition to pathology organize, improved and increased medication effect of interferon to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C etc. infectivity sickness and cancer, infect complication etc.

Abstract: The invention provides multimeric particle comprising metal-containing particles covalently bonded to one another by linker groups wherein at least some of said linker groups are cleavable. The invention further provides a contrast agent comprising said multimeric particles, along with a method of improving contrast of an image using said contrast agent.

Abstract: Provided is a multifunctional particle comprising: (a) an inner metallic core, (b) a biocompatible shell comprising an optical contrast agent embedded therein, and (c) a targeting biomolecule conjugated to the biocompatible shell through a multidentate ligand, wherein the multidentate ligand is chelated to an imaging agent. Also provided are compositions comprising the multifunctional particle and methods of using the multifunctional particle, including a method of diagnostic imaging and a method of treatment.

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 particle having a core and a surface to which are covalently coupled a plurality of reactive ester groups. Methods for using the particle to prepare a particle having one or more of a plurality of a targeting agent, a diagnostic agent, or a therapeutic agent covalently coupled thereto.

Abstract: The present invention features noninvasive methods for diagnosing IgA or IgM kidney disorders, such as IgA nephropathy, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and IgM nephropathy, in a mammal. The invention also features compositions and kits useful in diagnosing these disorders.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for nanoprobes, methods of imaging, methods of imaging a target, methods of making nanoprobes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomimetic contrast agents, dual functional contrast agents effective for therapeutic gene delivery and magnetic nanoparticles which comprise functionalized iron oxide nanoparticle cores, one of an inert gold layer, a layer of inert metal seeds or a silica layer and, optionally, one or both of an outer gold-silver nanoshell or a targeting ligand attached to the inert gold layer or the gold-silver nanoshell. Also provided are methods of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, of treating primary or metastatic cancers or of ablating atherosclerotic plaque using the contrast agents and magnetic particles. In addition, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents, dual contrast agents and magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide nanoparticles that can easily be delivered to a small site such as a capillary and can be produced using highly biocompatible and safe material. The present invention provides a nanoparticle which contains at least one pharmaceutically active component, a magnetically responsive particle, and a protein.

Abstract: The invention comprises the design, synthesis, and characterization of mesostructured silica/block copolymer composite monoliths as controlled release systems. The controlled release function is based on the formation of mesostructured silica/block copolymer architectures via surfactant-templated sol-gel processing. Multi-layered or gradient monoliths are produced by layer-by-layer sol-gel processing to provide pulsed and programmed release characteristics. A simple, rapid route to prepare combinatorial compositional monolith libraries provides high-throughput synthesis and rapid screening of the release characteristics of the monoliths.

Abstract: Composition of non-radioactive traceable metal isotope-enriched nanoparticles, and methods of their use for determining in-vivo biodistribution are provided. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) introducing the nanoparticles into the biological material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one inorganic core, and the inorganic core comprises at least two metal isotopes in a predetermined ratio; wherein at least one metal isotope is enriched non-radioactive traceable metal isotope and (b) determining the distribution of the nanoparticles in the biological material based on the predetermined ratio of the metal isotopes.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of synthesizing targeting contrast agents for molecular imaging and targeting diagnosis and therapy, targeting contrast agents and targeting therapeutic agents and their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manganese-containing metal oxide nanoparticle-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, which is characterized in that: The core of it comprises 1 to 1000 nm-sized manganese-containing metal oxide nanoparticles which include MnO a (0<a<5) or MnMbOe (wherein M is at least one metal atom selected from the group consisting of a Group 1 or 2 element such as Li, Na, Be, Ca, Ge, Mg, Ba, Sr and Ra, a Group 13 element such as Ga and In, a transition metal element such as Y, Ta, V, Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Hg, and lanthanide or actinide group elements such as La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb, 0<b<5 and 0<c<10); preferably MnM?dFeeOf (wherein M? is at least one metal atom selected from the group consisting of a Group 1 or 2 element such as Li, Na, Be, Ca, Ge, Mg, Ba, Sr and Ra, a Group 13 element such as Ga and In, a transition metal element such as Y, Ta, V, Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Hg, and lanthanide or acti

Abstract: The invention relates to chelate compounds which can be used in MRI, the chelates being intended to be conveyed by lipophilic transporters, such as lipid nanoparticles or liposomes. The invention also relates to compounds comprising, in association, these chelates and these transporters, if appropriate connected via chemical bonding groups, and to their use in diagnostic imaging, it being possible for this association additionally to comprise biological targeting markers, denoted biovectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imaging of an animate human or non-human animal body, which method comprises: administering parenterally to said body a particulate material comprising a matrix or membrane material and at least one contrast generating species, which matrix or membrane material is responsive to a pre-selected physiological parameter whereby to alter the contrast efficacy of said species in response to a change in the value of said parameter; generating image data of at least part of said body in which said species is present; and generating therefrom a signal indicative of the value or variation of said parameter in said part of said body. The invention also relates to contrast media for imaging a physiological parameter.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation containing magnetic vesicular particles is disclosed, wherein the magnetic vesicular particles each include magnetic microparticles within a lipid membrane, an organic compound having at least two groups selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a carbamoyl group, an amino group, a mercapto group, a sulfo group, a dithio group, a thiocarboxyl group and a dithiocarboxyl group is bonded to the magnetic microparticle, and the magnetic vesicular particles satisfy the following equation: 0.05?R/(r×100)?1.5 wherein R represents an average grain size of the magnetic vesicular particles and r represents an average particle size of magnetic microparticles included in the magnetic vesicular particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.

Abstract: A method and system for producing an image of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, in which the presence of a contrast agent is detected using a spin-lock pulse sequence, is described. More specifically, a contrast agent that induces saturation of magnetic resonance signals responsive to a spin-lock condition is administered to a subject. A spin-lock condition is subsequently established to saturate spins in proximity to the contrast agent. Image data is then acquired with an imaging pulse sequence and images indicative of the presence of the contrast agent are reconstructed.

Abstract: Methods of preparing bio-imaging nanoparticles having high dispersibility in an aqueous solution, biocompatibility, and targetability with high yield, by early introduction of an irregular structure are disclosed.

Abstract: Potential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that are functionalized with crown compounds have been synthesized, and show target-specificity to the kidney and liver, along with excellent water solubility, high MR intensity enhancement efficiency, long resident lifetime, low dosage requirement, low cytotoxicity and prolonged excretion rate.

Abstract: A noninvasive thermometry monitoring system for determining a temperature of tissue to which hyperthermia treatment is administered is disclosed. The monitoring system may incorporate magnetic nanoparticles having known moments such that once exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles increase in temperature. Imaging systems can disclose the magnetic nanoparticles within a patient. The temperature of the magnetic nanoparticles can be determined by comparing the magnetic nanoparticle with known temperatures for that type of magnetic nanoparticle. The image of the magnetic nanoparticles may be compared with surrounding tissue to determine the temperature of the surrounding tissue that is exposed to hyperthermia treatment.

Abstract: In a method for imaging a prostate tumor in which a contrast agent that can be distributed via the circulatory system is administered to the patient, the contrast agent contains at least one type of biomarkers which are bound to a ferromagnetic particle and specifically bind to a target molecule typical of the tumor and formed within the tumor or in a tissue adjacent to the tumor. The imaging ensues with the use of magnetic resonance tomography.

Abstract: A particle having a core and a surface to which are covalently coupled a plurality of reactive ester groups. Methods for using the particle to prepare a particle having one or more of a plurality of a targeting agent, a diagnostic agent, or a therapeutic agent covalently coupled thereto.

Abstract: A diagnosis substance for application in a method for diagnosis of pathological tissue, contains at least one virus population with virus particles specifically binding to target molecules typical of a specific pathological tissue, with a label that is detectable with the use of a detection device being bound to the virus particles. In a method for production of such a diagnosis substance, the principle of directed biological evolution is applied.

Abstract: An exemplary contrast medium for administration to a patient for magnetic resonance imaging is shown. The contrast medium includes: a plurality of carbon nanospheres; and an iron containing nano-particle embedded in each of the carbon nanospheres.

Abstract: Iron oxide nanoparticles comprising functional groups of the formula —X—NH2 on the outer surface of said nanoparticles, wherein X is selected from O, NR, NH or S, where R is C1-7 alkyl and conjugate particles comprising an iron oxide nanoparticle linked via a bond of formula —C?N—X— to a cell targeting ligand, where X is selected from O, NR, NH or S, where R is C1-7 alkyl.

Abstract: An engineered lipoprotein including (a) a core particle or a plurality of core particles, each core particle has (i) an inner part comprising a hydrophilic active agent and a hydrophilic portion of an amphiphilic cholesterol and (ii) an outer part including a hydrophobic portion of the amphiphilic cholesterol, (b) a layer surrounding the core particle or a plurality of core particles, the layer includes a phospholipid, (c) an apoprotein associated with the layer, and optionally, (d) a homing molecule associated with at least one of the apoprotein or the phospholipid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro determination of physical or chemical parameters of diagnostic interest by use of a slow tumbling paramagnetic agent that is responsive to changes of said physical or chemical parameter through changes in the R2p/R1p ratio allowing the determination of the said parameter in a manner that is independent on the actual agent concentration.

Abstract: The invention provides a conjugate comprising an iron containing colloidal particle, the particle being conjugated to one or more sugar targeting moieties. The conjugate is useful as a contrast agent in medical imaging, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The agents of the present invention may cross the blood brain barrier and so may be particularly useful in the monitoring or diagnosis of conditions affecting the brain.

Abstract: This invention relates to magnetic nanoparticle conjugates and related compositions and methods of use.

Abstract: Methods for controlling surface functionality of metal oxide nanoparticles, nanoparticles having controlled surface functionality, and uses thereof are described herein. Methods for controlling the surface functionality of a metal oxide nanoparticle are can include attaching a ligand to a metal oxide nanoparticle, where the ligand can include a functional portion that is capable of forming an irreversible bond with an object at a site that is complementary to the functional portion without reacting with other reactive sites that may be present. Moreover, metal oxide nanoparticles having versatile ligands can include an anchoring portion that binds to the surface of the metal oxide nanoparticle and a functional portion that is capable of forming an irreversible bond with an object at a site that is complementary to the functional portion without reacting with other reactive sites that may be present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing water-soluble and dispersed iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and application thereof, characterized in which two-stage additions of protective agent and chemical co-precipitation are employed in the process. In the first stage, Fe3O4 nanoparticles are obtained using absorbent-reactant coexistence technology. In the second stage, proper amount of adherent is added to cover the nanoparticle surface entirely. The resulting water-soluble and dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles can easily bind with thiols or biomolecules, such as nucleic acid and peptide. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles of the present invention may be used as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent and used in magnetic guiding related biomolecular technologies for clinical testing, diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides multifunctional magnetic nanoparticle probe compositions for molecular imaging and monitoring, comprising a nucleic acid or polypeptide probe, a delivery ligand, and a magnetic nanoparticle having a biocompatible coating thereon. The probe compositions may further comprise a fluorescent or luminescent resonance energy transfer moiety. Also provided are compositions comprising two or more such multifunctional magnetic nanoparticle probes for molecular imaging or monitoring. In particular, the nucleic acid or polypeptide probes bind to a target and generate an interaction observable with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or optical imaging. The invention thereby provides detectable signals for rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of nucleic acids, polypeptides, and interactions thereof in vivo.