Abstract: An ultrasound-induced drug delivery system is described, using a drug carrier containing a plurality of nanobubbles and a high concentration of a drug in one microcapsule, and a method for preparing the drug delivery system, by generating the nanobubbles in an oil into which the drug is dissolved using a nanobubble generator, and then microencapsulating them. The drug delivery system has an effect of maximizing a drug delivery efficiency as the nanobubbles collapse or aggregate when the ultrasound is applied to the drug delivery system. Since the drug delivery system contains a plurality of nanobubbles within the microcapsules, it can also be used as a contrast agent, or can be used to simultaneously perform in vivo diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of stroke, such as stroke of undetermined origin, by administration of xenon (Xe)-loaded liposome compositions are provided. In some aspects, Xe is encapsulated in echogenic liposomes and release of Xe can be enhanced by application of ultrasound stimulation. Compositions for use in treating stroke, such as liposomes loaded with Xe or Xe in combination with H2 or H2S, are also provided.

Abstract: A compound includes an amphiphilic polymer with a hydrophobic block including monomeric units chosen from alkyl (meth)acrylates, alkyl (meth)acrylamides, and combinations thereof; and a hydrophilic cationic block including monomeric units chosen from alkylamino (meth)acrylates, alkylamino (meth)acrylamides, and combinations thereof. The polymer is in the form of a micelle with a central core derived from the hydrophobic block and shell at least partially surrounding the core. The shell includes a plurality of filamentous arms derived from the hydrophilic block and emanating outward from the core. A biological agent is associated with the arms of the micelle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides imaging agents that are useful for the detection and evaluation of heart conditions, such as myocardial infarction. Upon activation, the imaging agents of the present disclosure may be detected using an ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides imaging agents that are useful for the detection and evaluation of heart conditions, such as myocardial infarction. Upon activation, the imaging agents of the present disclosure may be detected using an ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally related to differentiating and/or separating portions of a sample that are of interest from the remainder of the sample. Embodiments may be directed towards separating cells of interest from a cell sample. In some embodiments, acoustic impedances of the cells of interest may be modified. For example, the acoustic properties of the cells of interest may be modified by attaching bubbles to the cells of interest. The cell sample may then be subjected to an acoustic wave. The cells of interest may be differentiated and/or separated from the remainder of the sample based on relative displacements and/or volumetric changes experienced by the cells of interest in response thereto. The cells of interest may be separated using a standing wave and sorted into separate channels of a flow cell. Optionally, the cells may be interrogated by a light source and differentiated by signals generated in response thereto.

Abstract: A composition, and method thereof, for stabilizing a fluorocarbon emulsion includes phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine-PEG, and a cone-shaped lipid.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of stroke, such as stroke of undetermined origin, by administration of xenon (Xe)-loaded liposome compositions are provided. In some aspects, Xe is encapsulated in echogenic liposomes and release of Xe can be enhanced by application of ultrasound stimulation. Compositions for use in treating stroke, such as liposomes loaded with Xe or Xe in combination with H2 or H2S, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: This invention related to manufactured microbubbles, as well as methods of using manufactured microbubbles, for example, in medicinal applications. The invention pertains to the physical structure and materials of the microbubbles, as well as to methods for manufacturing microbubbles, methods for targeting microbubbles for specific medicinal applications, and methods for delivering microbubbles in medical treatment.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a composition comprising a lipidaceous carrier and a peptide complex formed from poly-L-lysine or a salt thereof; and either poly-L-glutamic acid or poly-L-aspartic acid, or a salt thereof. The composition can be used to prevent or treat a disease related to pulmonary surfactant dysfunction, such as hyaline membrane disease (HMD), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), hydrocarbon poisoning, near-drowning, HIV/AIDS-related lung diseases, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or acute lung injury (ALI), asthma, tuberculosis (TB) or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Alternatively, the composition can be used to increase the permeability of a pharmaceutical compound or composition across a membrane of a subject or to act as a carrier. The poly-L-lysine or salt thereof is longer than the poly-L-glutamic acid or poly-L-aspartic acid so that the complex that forms has a charge-neutralized region and a positively-charged region.

Abstract: A formulation for preparing gas-filled microvesicles which comprises a phospholipid and a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The gas-filled microvesicles having a stabilizing layer comprising said composition show an increased stability with respect to microvesicles containing only a saturated or an unsaturated fatty acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing a suspension of microbubbles for use in a carrier liquid, wherein the microbubbles have a gas core and a liquid shell, said liquid shell comprising magnetic nanoparticles, and wherein the microbubbles satisfy the following conditions: (i) the force due to buoyancy (FBW) of the microbubble in the carrier liquid is greater than the weight (W) of the microbubble; (ii) the magnetic force (FM) on the microbubble due to a magnetic field applied to the carrier liquid is greater than the combined weight (W) and force due to buoyancy (FBW) of the microbubble; (iii) said magnetic force (FM) on the microbubble is greater than the force due to viscous drag (FD) on the microbubble due to flow of the carrier liquid; and (iv) the scattering cross section (?scat) of the microbubble to ultrasound allows the microbubble to be detectable and rupturable on exposure to ultrasound.

Abstract: Time-staggered inhibition of EGFR, in combination with DNA damaging agents, is a useful therapeutic strategy for treating cancers, particularly drug resistant cancers such as a subset of triple-negative tumors, particularly those with high basal levels of phosphorylated EGFR. The staggered therapy was also demonstrated to be applicable to other types of tumors, especially lung cancers, which contain either high levels of phosphorylated wild-type EGFR or mutations within EGFR itself. EGFR inhibition dramatically sensitizes cancer cells to DNA damage if the drugs are given sequentially, but not simultaneously. The first drug must be administered in a dosage and for a period of time sufficient for the dynamic network rewiring of an oncogenic signature maintained by active EGFR signaling to unmask an apoptotic process that involves activation of caspase-8.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement to methods of drug loading of ultrasound contrast agents. Echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof produced by the method of the invention wherein the echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof contain at least 10% more of a drug as compared to (1) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug prior to emulsifying or (2) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug to lyophilized polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods for killing cancer cells and treating cancer in a subject by exposing the cells to nanoparticles, and irradiating with a focused, low to medium power ultrasound. The nanoparticles can be gold, iron oxide, copper, silver, polystyrene, PEG, or liposome nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can have a cancer drug attached, such as an antibody-based cancer drug.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition, a method, and a system for delivering a functional molecule to the cytosol of a cell, comprising a liposome configured to be taken into a cell, including by a process selected from the group consisting of endocytosis, pinocytosis or phagocytosis, the liposome comprising a phase transforming liquid with vapor pressure capable of forming a gas at low pressure, said liquid being associated with the liposome, and the liposome further comprising at least one functional molecule selected from the group consisting of a therapeutic molecule, a detectable label, and a targeting molecule.

Abstract: A liposome comprising a lipid bilayer, a hydrophobic active ingredient, and an imaging agent, a pharmaceutical composition including the liposome, and a method of delivering an active ingredient to a target site in the body of a subject using the liposome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for targeting an imaging agent to cells of an animal to detect localized infections. More particularly, localized infections are detected by targeting imaging agents to inflammatory cells having receptors for a vitamin by using vitamin-imaging agent conjugates.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a contrast agent includes a blood vessel contrast enhancement particles configured to enhance contrast of a blood vessel of an object and a diseased tissue contrast enhancement particles configured to enhance contrast of a diseased tissue of the object. The blood vessel contrast enhancement particles have a first particle size larger than a gap of vascular endothelial cells under an EPR effect. The diseased tissue contrast enhancement particles have a second particle size smaller than the gap.

Abstract: A microbubble ultrasound contrast agent for external use is provided. The microbubble ultrasound contrast agent applied externally can safely and efficiently enhance the permeation and absorption of the drug or small molecules in the local region of the body surface.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

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: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: A method for identifying a molecule that binds an irradiated tumor in a subject and molecules identified thereby. 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 therapeutic and diagnostic methods using targeting ligands that bind an irradiated tumor.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of drug delivery, cancer treatment and diagnosis and pharmaceuticals. This invention provides a method of making antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted immunoliposomes for the systemic delivery of molecules to treat and image diseases, including cancerous tumors. The invention also provides immunoliposomes and compositions, as well as methods of imaging various tissues. The liposome complexes are useful for encapsulation of imaging agents, for example, for use in magnetic resonance imaging. The specificity of the delivery system is derived from the targeting antibodies or antibody fragments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive liposome, and the use of this liposome as carrier for therapeutic and diagnostic agent(s). In particular, the invention encompasses a liposomal delivery system, comprising a stable liposome-forming lipid and a polymerizable colipid, a fraction of which polymerizable colipid polymerizes upon exposure to ionizing radiation, thereby destabilizing the liposomal membrane. Destabilization of liposomes allows for leakage of liposomal contents. The present invention further contemplates methods of diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases that are responsive to liposome-encapsulated or associated agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of thermosensitive liposomes, and more specifically to a formulation of liposomes comprising phospholipids and a surface active agent, wherein the liposomes support long term storage at temperatures less than or equal to about 8° C., control degradate formation to maximize product potency and release their contents at mild hyperthermic temperatures. Methods of making formulations are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing liposome-containing preparations which contain liposomes exhibiting superior stability in vivo and high enclosure rate of a drug is disclosed, comprising mixing a supercritical or subcritical carbon dioxide, one or more liposome membrane constituents including a phospholipid exhibiting a phase transition temperature and a water-soluble chemical.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include anti-CD74 immunoconjugates and optionally a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. In preferred embodiments, the immunoconjugates comprise one or more anti-CD74 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, conjugated to a liposome or micelle. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the immunoconjugates and using the immunoconjugates in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In certain preferred embodiments, the therapeutic methods comprise administering to a subject with a CD74-expressing disease an anti-CD74 immunoconjugate and thereby inducing apoptosis of CD74-expressing cells. In more preferred embodiments, the CD74 immunoconjugate is capable of inducing cell death in the absence of any other therapeutic agent, although such agents may be optionally administered prior to, together with or subsequent to administration of the anti-CD74 immunoconjugate. The compositions may be part of a kit for administering the anti-CD74 immunoconjugates or compositions.

Abstract: The gene associated and causative of classical late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), CLN2, has been identified and characterized. The translation product of this gene is a novel protease and a deficiency in this activity results in LINCL. Identification of CLN2 will not only aid in the prevention of LINCL through genetic counseling but provides strategies and test systems for therapeutic intervention. In addition, further characterization of this previously unknown lysosomal enzyme may provide useful insights into other more common human neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, the utility of a general approach for determining the molecular bases for lysosomal disorders of unknown etiology has been demonstrated.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising microparticles of a water-insoluble or poorly soluble compound, at least one phospholipid, and at least one surfactant, produced by applying an energy to a mixture comprising particles of the compound, the at least one phospholipid, and the at least one surfactant so as to obtain the microparticles. The invention also provides a process for preparing microparticles of a water-insoluble or poorly soluble compound. The process includes mixing particles of a water-insoluble or poorly soluble compound with at least one phospholipid and at least surfactant to form a mixture and applying energy to the mixture sufficient to produce microparticles of the compound. The methods of the invention allow for the production of microparticles smaller than particles produced through previously known methods and the microparticles exhibit advantageous properties including remarkable resistance to particle size growth during storage.

Abstract: Highly specific measurements of flow in vessels, such as the coronary artery, can be obtained by processing cubic fundamental information. By showing flow in vessels with a high degree of contrast-to-tissue specificity, ultrasound based 3D contrast agent based coronary artery angiograms may be possible. Measurement and display of the velocity of agent from the cubic fundamental signal is provided simultaneously with display of cubic fundamental energy, such as providing a display map indexed by both energy and velocity. High pulse repetition frequency (PRF) for cubic fundamental detection in conjunction with long velocity measurement intervals may increase low velocity sensitivity and measurement precision. Pulsed wave (PW) Doppler may be improved by using a cubic fundamental sensitive pulse sequence.

Abstract: The invention is directed to injectable suspensions of gas-filled microvesicles, as well as methods of preparing and using the same, especially as ultrasound contrast agents.

Abstract: T4 bacteriophages are bound to substrates such as liposomes using a binder.

Abstract: Clinical studies have been conducted and specific dosage formulations developed using polymeric microparticles having incorporated therein perfluorocarbon gases that provide significantly enhanced images of long duration. The dosage formulation includes microparticles formed of a biocompatible polymer, preferably including a lipid incorporated therein, and containing a perfluorocarbon that is a gas at body temperature. The microparticles are provided to a patient in an amount effective to enhance ultrasound imaging in the ventricular chambers for more than 5 minutes or in the mycocardium for more than a minute, in a dose ranging from 0.025 to 8.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. Preferably the dose ranges from 0.05 to 4.0 mg microparticles/kg body weight. The dosage formulation typically is provided in a vial.

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: To provide a liposome composition, which contains at least one liposome, gas entrapped in the liposome, and at least one fullerene encapsulated in or adsorbed on the liposome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for targeting an imaging agent to cells of an animal to detect localized infections. More particularly, localized infections are detected by targeting imaging agents to inflammatory cells having receptors for a vitamin by using vitamin-imaging agent conjugates.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing a low molecular weight compound in a cationic liposome, wherein said compound has a low solubility in a lipid membrane and/or a low permeability across a lipid membrane. Preferrably, the compound is modified in order to increase lipid membrane solubility and/or lipid membrane permeability. After delivery of the cationic liposome to a target site, particularly a target site in an organism, the modification is reversed and the low molecular weight compound may enact its desired activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising cationic lipids, liposomes and nucleic acid-lipid particles comprising the cationic lipids, and methods of using such compositions, liposomes, and nucleic acid-lipid particles.

Abstract: Certain diacylglycerol-polyethyleneglycol (DAG-PEG) lipids are especially useful for forming thermodynamically stable liposomes. Such liposomes are useful for a variety of purposes, including the delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for imaging atherosclerotic plaques. Example compositions comprise liposomes, the liposomes comprising: at least one first lipid or phospholipid; at least one second lipid or phospholipid which is derivatized with one or more polymers; and at least one sterically bulky excipient capable of stabilizing the liposomes. The liposomes encapsulate or associate a contrast enhancing agent.

Abstract: A method for generating colonography images for colorectal screening of a patient. The patient is administered an amount of radiopaque stool marker which will enable stool present in the patient's colon to be distinguished from soft tissue. The patient's colon is imaged after the stool marker has been administered to generate colonography images. Preparation of the colon is simulated by processing the colonography images to remove marked stool before the images are observed during a diagnosis session.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic harmonic contrast agents. The harmonic echo effect is detected through alternate polarity acquisition of harmonic contrast agent effects, which provides the benefits of suppressing the harmonic components of the transmitted signal while eliminating clutter.