Abstract: A vibro-acoustography imaging system that generates a map of the mechanical response of a target to an acoustic radiation force, usually in low kHz range by a confocal geometry. The system generates two focused sinusoidal beams to produce a stress field at the beat frequency, which is a function of vibration and acoustic emissions field in terms of mechanical properties. A highly sensitive hydrophone is then used for detection of the acoustic emissions field, the amplitude of which may be correlated to the mechanical properties of the target tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes system, methods, and kits relating to creating a second structure with a plurality of first structures at a target site inside or adjacent to a host object. The methods include the step of generating a field that non-invasively penetrates into the host object. The methods further include the step of positioning a first portion of the plurality of first structures at the target site using a force corresponding to the field. Additionally, the methods include the step of linking the first portion of the plurality of first structures with one another and/or the host object at the target site to form the second structure.

Abstract: The application of a step function increase in acoustic pressure during ultrasound imaging using gas vesicle contrast, along with capturing successive frames of ultrasound imaging and extracting time-series vectors for pixels of the frames, allows for improved imaging down to even the cell level. Template vectors can be used to implement signal separation of the time-series vectors to improve detection.

Abstract: A method for preparing a suspension of “size-controlled” gas-filled microvesicles by microfluidic manufacturing techniques, which comprises using a gaseous flow comprising a first gas having high solubility in water and a second gas having low 5 solubility in water.

Abstract: Lipid formulation particularly for preparing stable gas-filled microvesicles, comprising distearoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine-PEG5000 (DPPE-PEG5000) and palmitic acid in an advantageous relative molar ratio. The formulation is useful in particular for therapeutic application with ultrasounds.

Abstract: The application of a step function increase in acoustic pressure during ultrasound imaging using gas vesicle contrast, along with capturing successive frames of ultrasound imaging and extracting time-series vectors for pixels of the frames, allows for improved imaging down to even the cell level. Template vectors can be used to implement signal separation of the time-series vectors to improve detection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasound therapy system and a dose control method. The system includes: a control device; a first ultrasound irradiation device configured to generate multiple groups of ultrasound irradiation doses driven by the control device and conduct ultrasound irradiation on a cell culture device with multiple groups of abnormally proliferating living cells; a characterization image capture device configured to capture performance characteristic data of living cells in the cell culture device, where the control device is further configured to determine an ultrasound irradiation dose corresponding to at least one group of abnormally proliferating living cells with a cell target characteristic characterization as a target ultrasound irradiation dose according to the performance characteristic data; and a second ultrasound irradiation device configured to conduct ultrasound irradiation of the target ultrasound irradiation dose on a living organism with abnormal proliferation.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods for preparing phospholipid formulations including phospholipid UCA formulations.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions of fluorocarbon nanoemulsions comprising one or more of fluorosurfactants and phospholipids, and methods of preparation and use thereof for enhanced oxygen delivery.

Abstract: A method for delivering drugs into cystic fluid, the method comprising injecting a drug delivery system (DDS) into a cystic fluid space at an injection site, the DDS comprising at least one therapeutic agent encapsulated in biodegradable polymers, applying ultrasonic energy proximal to the injection site, and controlling the at least one of buoyancy, delivery location, mixing, and dispersion of the DDS to a targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, compositions comprising drug containing polymeric particles that mimic lymphocyte migration in vivo and can specifically deliver immunosuppressive or immunoregulatory drugs to lymphoid tissues and sites of chronic inflammation where T-cell activation and T-cell mediated injury are occurring. Methods of preparing and using these drug-containing polymeric particles are also provided.

Abstract: A system is described that can detect, track and analyze a bubble of a secondary substance contained within a primary substance along a part of a fluid line. For example, the system can detect the presence of the bubble within the primary substance along the part of the fluid line, which can include assigning a digital signature to the bubble. In addition, the system can track the movement of the bubble in order to ensure that the bubble is accounted for only once as it passes through the part of the fluid line. Furthermore, the system can analyze the bubble, such as determine its direction of travel, speed of travel, volume and size.

Abstract: Example substances and methods relating to contrast agents are provided. An example method includes combining a surface active protein, a stabilizer, and a dispersion media to form a solution. The example method may further include aerating the solution in a gas to form a contrast agent comprising at least one microbubble formed from an interaction between the surface active protein and the stabilizer. A diameter of the at least one microbubble may be proportional to a pressure of an external environment of the contrast agent, such that measurement of the diameter may allow for measurement of the pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a theranostic bubble preparation which makes it possible to diagnose and treat a tissue of interest by the irradiation with ultrasound such as diagnostic ultrasound and low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound. The theranostic bubble preparation comprises: a coating film comprising a lipid; and a gas enclosed in an inner cavity formed in the coating film. The coating film comprises an anionic lipid made from distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), distearoylphosphatidylglycerol (DSPG) and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000). The gas and the mixed gas comprises perfluoropropane or perfluorobutane.

Abstract: Suspension of gas-filled microvesicles comprising a targeting ligand for binding to KDR or VEGF/KDR complex. The suspension is obtained by reconstituting a freeze-dried residue with a carbohydrate-containing solution in the presence of a physiologically acceptable gas and is stabilized by the presence of histidine.

Abstract: A microbubble used as a contrast agent for ultrasound imaging burst due to high intensity of ultrasound, and the burst microbubble effectively acts as a contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging. Based on this point, a new apparatus and method for combined photoacoustic and ultrasound diagnosis are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, improved lipid formulations used to generate lipid-encapsulated gas microspheres, and methods of their use.

Abstract: Gas vesicles, protein variants and related compositions methods and systems for singleplexed and/or multiplexed ultrasound imaging of a target site in which a gas vesicle provides contrast for the imaging which is modifiable by application of a selectable acoustic collapse pressure value of the gas vesicle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating time resolved series of angiographic volume data having flow information. The system and method are configured to receive angiographic volume data acquired from a subject having received a dose of a contrast agent using an imaging system and process the angiographic volume data to generate angiographic volume images. The angiographic volume data is processed to select a seed vessel in the vessel network, determine a plurality of branch vessels connected to the seed vessel and extending to form a vessel network, determine independent and dependent vessels in the vessel network, apply a flow model to the vessel network, and generate a flow map to be displayed with the angiographic volume images to illustrate time-resolved vascular volumes displaying flow within the vessel network.

Abstract: A system is described that can detect, track and analyze a bubble of a secondary substance contained within a primary substance along a part of a fluid line. For example, the system can detect the presence of the bubble within the primary substance along the part of the fluid line, which can include assigning a digital signature to the bubble. In addition, the system can track the movement of the bubble in order to ensure that the bubble is accounted for only once as it passes through the part of the fluid line. Furthermore, the system can analyze the bubble, such as determine its direction of travel, speed of travel, volume and size.

Abstract: A method of preparing dry core-shell microcapsules from an aqueous dispersion of such capsules, comprising spraying the dispersion through a two-fluid air-liquid nozzle into a heated chamber having an upper part and a lower part, the spraying taking place in the upper part and the lower part being provided with a means of continuous capsule removal. The method allows the drying of capsules with considerably reduced losses.

Abstract: Formulations containing a carrier and microbubbles encapsulating oxygen gas, and methods for making and using the formulations are described herein. The formulations are manufactured by a process which includes high shear homogenization. The resulting microbubble suspension may be centrifuged to further concentrate the microbubbles. The resulting concentrated LOM suspension preferably has an oxygen content ranging from 50 to 99% (vol). Prior to administration to a patient, the viscosity of the LOM suspension may be reduced to the desired viscosity, preferably similar to the viscosity of the patient's blood. The resulting LOM formulation typically has an oxygen concentration ranging from 65 to 80% (vol). The microbubbles are formed from one or more lipids, preferably one or more phospholipids, most preferably DSPC, and preferably also contain one or more stabilizing agents/excipients, preferably cholesterol.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composition comprising encapsulated gas microbubbles, the process comprising: providing an aqueous protein solution of a heat-denaturable protein at a temperature necessary to achieve incipient denaturation; heating a gas by using heat from the heated protein solution; mixing the heated gas and the heated protein solution to obtain a gas/liquid mixture; and dispersing the gas into the protein solution by subjecting the gas/liquid mixture to mechanical shear forces to form a composition of gas microbubbles encapsulated by denatured protein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for molecular imaging of selectins are disclosed. Specifically, compositions comprising medical imaging contrast-producing agents associated with the extracellular domain of TIM-1 as a targeting ligand for use in molecular imaging of selectins are disclosed. Also, methods of using the extracellular domain of TIM-1 as a ligand for achieving specific targeting to selectins as therapeutic drug delivery vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a liposome having safety and stability. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for producing a liposome, including a step of mixing an oil phase with at least one lipid dissolved in an organic solvent and a water phase and stirring an aqueous solution containing the lipids, and a step of evaporating the organic solvent from the aqueous solution containing the liposomes obtained in the stirring step, in which the organic solvent is a mixed solvent of a water-soluble organic solvent and an ester-based organic solvent.

Abstract: Methods for use in the synthesis and identification of molecules which bind to a target component of a biological system or modulate the activity of a target are described.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, improved lipid formulations used to generate lipid-encapsulated gas microspheres, and methods of their use.

Abstract: A modified microbubble is provided. The modified microbubble includes an albumin microbubble and a plurality of chitosan oligosaccharide lactates. The albumin microbubble includes an albumin shell and a gas core inside the albumin shell. The plurality of chitosan oligosaccharide lactates is connected to an outer surface of the albumin shell.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the synthesis of compounds comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalizing two or more sets of primary compounds into microcapsules; such that a proportion of the microcapsules contains two or more compounds; and (b) forming secondary compounds in the microcapsules by chemical reactions between primary compounds from different sets; wherein one or both of steps (a) and (b) is performed under microfluidic control; preferably electronic microfluidic control The invention further allows for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, and which is co-compartmentalized into the microcapsules.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a right ventricular transit time for a patient. An echodense contrast is injected into a patient. A first representative region, representing the right ventricle of the patient, is selected. A second representative region, representing the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery, is selected. Respective first and second time series of intensity values for the first and second representative regions are generated via echocardiography. The right ventricular transit time is determined from the first and second time series of intensity values. The right ventricular transit time is displayed to a user.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the synthesis of compounds comprising the steps of: (a) compartmentalising two or more sets of primary compounds into microcapsules; such that a proportion of the microcapsules contains two or more compounds; and (b) forming secondary compounds in the microcapsules by chemical reactions between primary compounds from different sets; wherein one or both of steps (a) and (b) is performed under microfluidic control; preferably electronic microfluidic control, The invention further allows for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, and which is co-compartmentalised into the microcapsules.

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

Abstract: A modified microbubble is provided. The modified microbubble includes an albumin microbubble and a plurality of chitosan oligosaccharide lactates. The albumin microbubble includes an albumin shell and a gas core inside the albumin shell. The plurality of chitosan oligosaccharide lactates is connected to an outer surface of the albumin shell.

Abstract: Provided is a particle-stabilized ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) and methods of preparing same. Also provided is a method for preparing a lyoprotected UCA, a freeze-dried lyoprotected UCA, and a reconstituted freeze-dried lyoprotected UCA.

Abstract: A mass includes particles that exhibit an in vivo lifetime and that include a bioresorbable material and bubble cavities disposed in the particles, wherein the bubble cavities have length, width, and height dimensions at least one of which is less than or equal to about 2000 microns. The mass exhibits enhanced detectability by ultrasound energy during the lifetime; the lifetime begins upon exposure to in vivo fluids and ends between about 2 and about 20 weeks afterward; and a zero or non-zero fluid-to-solid ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as polyethylene glycol) (PEG) The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo The nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker A therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle Radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle to permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by various imaging techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of a sentinel lymph node and to compounds and preparations used in said methods.

Abstract: The invention provides assay particles useful, for example, for detecting analytes and binding molecule interactions. One type of assay particle includes a core portion encased by a shell portion, wherein the shell portion comprises an inorganic phosphor that binds selectively to a target molecule. Another type of an assay particle includes a core portion encased by a shell portion, and a coat portion covering the shell portion, wherein the coat portion comprises an inorganic phosphor that binds selectively to a target molecule. A further type of assay particle includes a core portion encased by a shell portion, and a coat portion covering the shell portion, wherein the coat portion comprises an inorganic phosphor and a target selective binding moiety, and wherein the assay particle is buoyant in aqueous media.

Abstract: A medical contrast agent made of microbubbles containing Au nanoclusters is provided. The shell of the microbubbles contains fluorescent Au nanocluster-albumin complex, and the core contains air or fluorocarbons. The method for preparing the microbubbles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a) compartmentalizing the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsule; and b) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target; wherein at least one step is performed under microfluidic control. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

Abstract: A composition that includes solid lubricant nanoparticles and an organic medium is disclosed. Also disclosed are nanoparticles that include layered materials. A method of producing a nanoparticle by milling layered materials is provided. Also disclosed is a method of making a lubricant, the method including milling layered materials to form nanoparticles and incorporating the nanoparticles into a base to form a lubricant.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the identification of compounds which bind to a target component of a biochemical system or modulate the activity of the target, comprising the steps of: a.) compartmentalizing the compounds into microcapsules together with the target, such that only a subset of the repertoire is represented in multiple copies in any one microcapsules; and b.) identifying the compound which binds to or modulates the activity of the target. The invention enables the screening of large repertoires of molecules which can serve as leads for drug development.

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: The disclosure provides, in part, compositions and methods for producing emulsions. In certain embodiments, emulsions of the disclosure can be used for the detection of inflammation and cell tracking using MRI. The disclosure provides, in part, methods for labeling, detecting and quantifying cell members, in vivo. In certain embodiments, emulsions can be used as an artificial blood substitute.

Abstract: Gas-filled microvesicles associated with a polypeptide comprising a sequence of amino acids, said sequence exhibiting binding affinity for selectins, particularly p-selectin. The gas-filled microvesicles can be used in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of treating solid tumor cancers, particularly refractory cancers by administration of a drug capable of inhibiting mTOR and/or inhibiting an efflux pump and/or inhibiting HIF-1? and VEGF, the drug in particular being selected from the group consisting of sirolimus, everolimus, zotarolimus, tacrolimus, iolimus A9, deforolimus, AP23572, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, pimecrolimus, novolimus, 40-O-(3-hydroxypropyl), 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxy)ethoxy]ethyl-rapamycin and 40-O-tetrazolylrapamycin, the drug being administered along with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or radiation therapy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the activation of species and/or the delivery of species to a target environment using harmonic generation materials are generally described.

Abstract: Gas flow from multiple gas sources into a sample chamber of a beam system is controlled by a cycling valve for each gas source, with the gas pressure in the sample chamber being determined by the relative time that the valve is opened and the upstream pressure at the valve. A gas valve positioned inside the vacuum chamber allows rapid response in shutting off a gas. In some preferred embodiments, a precursor gas is supplied from a solid or liquid material in a container that remains outside the vacuum system while in use and which is readily connected or disconnected to the gas injection system without significant leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation for restenosis prevention. The preparations for restenosis prevention known as yet do not reach sufficient active agent concentrations in the affected sections of the vascular walls as higher doses cause undesirable side effects. The present invention is a preparation to which at least one antihyperplastic agent is added that has a distribution ratio between butanol and water .gtoreq.0.5. The lipophilic active agent is absorbed by the vascular wall fast and in sufficient quantity. The preparation may be a liquid that can pass through capillaries and may contain a contrast agent so that the active agent is transferred into the vascular wall without any additional effort while the usually required contrast radiograms are taken. The preparation may also be applied to a catheter.

Abstract: Compositions and methods used in the non-invasive detection and/or treatment of hypoxic tissues in vivo are described. Compositions including microbubbles functionalized with one or more hypoxia targeting agents and one or more therapeutic compounds, methods of preparing the functionalized microbubbles, and methods of using the functionalized microbubbles for diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications are described, including a method for selectively determining the amount of vascular hypoxia occurring in a tissue.