Abstract: The present invention provides analog compounds of DPA-713 which specifically bind the translocator protein (TSPO), which is upregulated in activated leukocytes, some malignant tumors and tissues involved in steroid biogenesis. These compounds are linked via a linking moiety to a variety of imaging agents, including, for example, near infra-red dyes. The compounds of the present invention are useful for both pre-clinical near-IR fluorescence imaging (NIRF) and use in optically-guided interventions including NIRF endoscopy. Methods of use in diagnosis and treatment of TSPO related disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to the monitoring of biological substances, such as non-invasive monitoring of such substances in animal, for examples biomarkers and metabolites. Specifically, the invention further relates to such monitoring using rare earth tagged marker compounds. The invention further relates to such monitoring using laser spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy. The invention further relates to the use of such monitoring in disease states, such as stroke, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to novel fluorescent phospholipid compounds, compositions comprising these compounds, and diagnostic methods utilizing these compounds.

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: The present invention concerns an improved optical method and optical sensing device for determining the levels of polyhydroxyl-substituted organic molecules in vitro and/or in vivo in aqueous media. The range of detection is between about 400 and 800 nm. In particular, a sensory devise is implemented in a mammal to determine sugar levels. Specifically, a dye is combined with a conjugated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic boronic acid-substituted bis-onium compound in the presence of a sugar, such as fructose or glucose. The viologens are preferred as the aromatic conjugated nitrogen-containing boronic acid substituted compounds. The method is useful to determine sugar levels in a human being.

Abstract: The invention provides a new apparatus (20) and method for producing entirely new types of nanoparticles exhibiting novel properties. The apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber (22) containing a gas and feed means (1) for feeding a liquid jet (26) into the chamber and through the gas. The invention extends to the new types of nanoparticles per se, and to uses of such nanoparticles in various biomedical applications, such as in therapy and diagnosis, as well as in opto-electronics.

Abstract: Polymer nanoparticles and related methods include polymer dots having a coating including a polyelectrolyte polymer. The polymer dots can have a polyelectrolyte coating that can improve colloidal stability of the particles as compared to polymer dots not having the coating. A method of preparing a population of nanoparticles. The methods can include, e.g., providing the population of nanoparticles having a condensed semiconducting polymer; and combining, in a first aqueous solution comprising polyelectrolytes, the population of nanoparticles having the condensed semiconducting polymer to form a population of nanoparticles having a polyelectrolyte coating surrounding the condensed semiconducting polymer of each of the nanoparticles in the population. The methods can include a step of forming the condensed semiconducting polymer using nanoprecipitation or miniemulsion techniques. The polyelectrolyte coating can completely surround the condensed semiconducting polymer.

Abstract: Provided herein is an implantable medical device capable of self-reporting microbial growth adjacent the site of the implanted device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to fluorophore-containing compositions and configurations wherein proximity between the fluorophore and one or more protective agents (PAs) modifies the lifetime of fluorescent and/or dark states, their frequency of occurrence, and the total lifetime of fluorescence in order to appropriately modify the photophysical characteristics of the fluorophore. The invention is also directed to methods that utilize these compositions and configurations.

Abstract: Provided are nanoparticles comprising an organic photovoltaic semiconductor polymer and a phospholipid, the semiconductor polymer being near-infra red absorbing and generating a detectable photoacoustic signal and a fluorescent emission when irradiated by an incident activation energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of identifying, detecting, and locating a tissue(s), nodule(s) or mass(es) and its draining lymph nodes that is/are suspected to be abnormal, typically a neoplasm (i.e., cancer, malignancy, premalignancy) in an individual undergoing an invasive procedure (i.e., surgery or endoscopy) or a non-invasive procedure (ie. radiology). The method involves the use of, for example, indocyanine green (ICG). The uptake of this dye is different by diseased tissues and lymph nodes compared to non-diseased tissues when administered at the appropriate combination of dose and time and monitored with an appropriate device that can excite and capture the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent in the form of a nano-emulsion, to its preparation method and to the use of this formulation for treating or diagnosing hormone-dependent cancers or cancers of organs synthesizing steroidal hormones.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions including a nanosensor that is sensitive to an analyte such that the nanosensor emits a fluorescent signal upon detecting the analyte, and a catalytic agent that catalyzes a reaction in which a target substrate is converted into one or more products, such that at least one of the one or more products is the analyte. In addition, methods of using the nanosensor-catalytic agent compositions to detect a target substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a CD206 expressing cell-related disorder by administering a pharmaceutical composition to a subject, the composition including a carrier molecule having a detectable moiety attached thereto. The carrier molecule has a dextran backbone, and at least one receptor substrate conjugated, directly or indirectly, to the dextran backbone, wherein the receptor substrate is chosen so as to specifically bind to CD206. A method of treating a CD206 expressing cell-related disorder is also provided, as well as an ex vivo method and kit for quantitating the number of cells expressing CD206 in a bodily fluid.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to targeted drug delivery conjugates comprising folate receptor ? (FR-?) selective binding ligands and methods for diagnosing, monitoring, and eliminating pathological cells that express FR-?.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and system for the synthesis of imaging agents, and precursors thereof. The methods may exhibit improved yields and may allow for the large-scale synthesis of imaging agents, including imaging agents comprising a radioisotope (e.g., 18F). Various embodiments of the invention may be useful as sensors, diagnostic tools, and the like. In some cases, methods for evaluating perfusion, including myocardial perfusion, are provided. Synthetic methods of the invention have also been incorporated into an automated synthesis unit to prepare and purify imaging agents that comprise a radioisotope. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a novel methods and systems comprising imaging agent 1, including methods of imaging in a subject comprising administering a composition comprising imaging agent 1 to a subject by injection, infusion, or any other known method, and imaging the area of the subject wherein the event of interest is located.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier that is targeted at fucosylated molecule-producing cells, which comprises an effective amount of fucose for targeting said cells, to a composition comprising the carrier, and to a method for treating and diagnosing a disease related to fucosylated molecule-producing cells utilizing said carrier, etc. The carrier of the present invention enables to deliver a substance specifically to fucosylated molecule-producing cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of which are attached or anchored phospholipid biolayers further modified by CRLF-2 and CD 19 binding peptides which may be used for delivering pharmaceutical cargos, to cells expressing CRLF-2 and CD 19, thereby treating cancer, in particular, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including (B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Novel CRLF-2 binding peptides and CLRF-2 and CD19-binding viral-like particles (VLPs) useful in the treatment of cancer, including ALL are also provided.

Abstract: Encompassed are embodiments of activatable nanoprobes useful for in vivo longitudinal imaging of drug hepatotoxicity with oxidative and nitrosative stress as the safety biomarkers. Both H2O2 and ONOO? are important mediators of radical stress. Two channels of optical detection, intrinsically free from cross-talk, were engineered into superconducting polymer nanoparticles to generate chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer between the conjugated polymer matrix of the nanoparticle and an incorporated chemiluminescent substrate allowing for the luminescent detection of H2O2 and fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the polymer matrix and an oxidation-degradable fluorophore for ratiometric detection of ONOO These nanoprobes have been applied for real-time in vivo monitoring of hepatotoxicity resulting from challenges from drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles that are targeted to one or more specific binding pair members, such as receptors. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells render the HSV particles. particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor.

Abstract: Pyridazinone compounds of Formula I: (I) wherein: R? is alkyl or Ar, optionally substituted with at least one alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, acid, ester, amino, nitro, amide, or alkoxyhalo; 2 R is independently alkyi, alkynyl, ester, amino, amide, acid, aryl, heteroaryl, aminoalkyl, —C(=0)alkyl, —C(=0)aryl, —C(=0)heteroaryl, —C(=0)heterocycloalkyl, —C(=0)heterocycloalkylAr, —C(=0)(CH2)nhalo, —C(?O)(CH2)nheterocyclyl, or —SC?Ar, optionally substituted with at least one alkyi, alkylhalo, halogen, nitro, aryl, heteroaryl, or heteroaryl(CH2)nhalo; R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen, alkyi, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl; Ar is an aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl group; n is an integer from 0-10; or a radiolabeled derivative thereof. The compounds are useful as imaging probes of Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease are described. Compositions and methods of making such compounds are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functional binding fragments comprising the minimal binding fragments of VAR2CSA, to antibodies against such binding fragments of VAR2CSA, nucleic acids encoding such fragments of VAR2CSA as well as methods for their production. The invention further relates to conjugates and fusion proteins of VAR2CSA polypeptides including the minimal binding fragments and their use, in particular in the treatment of conditions associated with expression of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA), such as an inappropriate expression of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA).

Abstract: The present invention provides targeted delivery compositions and methods of using the compositions for treating and diagnosing a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticles for encapsulating compounds, the preparation and uses thereof, said nanoparticles being based on a vegetable hydrophobic protein, particularly zein, and a water miscible non-volatile organic solvent, particularly propylene glycol. Said nanoparticles can encapsulate or incorporate a product of interest for use in the agricultural, cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical fields.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing papilloma-derived nanosphere particles that contain therapeutic, diagnostic, or other agents. The invention also provides nanosphere particle preparations that are useful for selectively delivering therapeutic, diagnostic, and/or other agents to cancer cells of subjects without eliciting a serotype-specific immunogenic response in the subjects.

Abstract: The present invention is related to silicon nanoparticles, a pharmaceutical composition comprising silicon nanoparticles, a method for synthesis of the silicon nanoparticles and their use for in vivo diagnostics, visualization of drug delivery or staining of cells, biological processes or pathways. The silicon nanoparticles are characterised that they comprise a silicon core of a size of 1 to 10 nm and are terminated with allylamine or poly(allylamine) comprising up to 10 allylamine groups.

Abstract: A first aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for preparing cell-targeting conjugates by coupling at least one functional moiety, such as a therapeutic compound, diagnostic compound or chelating agent to a targeting moiety. A second aspect of this disclosure relates to the cell-targeting conjugates obtainable with this method. A third aspect of the disclosure described herein relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cell-targeting conjugates.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds, compositions, methods, substrates, and kits useful for analyzing the metabolic activity in cells, tissue, and animals and for screening test compounds for their effect on cytochrome P450 activity. In particular, a one-step and two-step methods using luminogenic molecules, e.g. luciferins or coelenterazines, that are cytochrome P450 substrates and that are also bioluminescent enzyme, e.g., luciferase, pro-substrates are provided. The present method further provides a method for stabilizing and prolonging the luminescent signal in a luciferase-based assay using luciferase stabilizing agents such as reversible luciferase inhibitors.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of preparing nanoparticle aggregates.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting tumors, sites of injury and blood clots. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that selectively bind to and home to tumors, sties of injury and blood clots in animals. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to tumors, sites of injury and blood clots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional nanomaterial comprising a nanorod comprising 1) a noble metal, wherein the nanorod exhibits surface plasmon resonance absorption in the near-infrared spectrum; 2) an up-conversion phosphor that absorbs infrared light and emits visible luminescence; and optionally 3) a biomolecule targeting moiety. The invention further relates to methods of detecting and treating cancer using the multifunctional nanomaterials of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses for detecting glucose levels in a subject. The apparatuses include a glucose sensor coupled with an anti-inflammatory module. The apparatus is configured to monitor blood glucose by detecting the fluorescence generated by the sensor and simultaneously reduce the tissue inflammation reaction. Also disclosed are biosensor systems including the apparatuses and methods of using the biosensor systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides symmetric carbocyanine dyes and dye precursors useful for fluorescence microscopy, and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substance selected from the group consisting of riboflavin, its esters, salts and hydrates thereof, for use in an ophthalmic diagnostic method. In preferred aspects of the invention, the riboflavin is applied into the eye as part of a solution having a concentration from about 0.01 and 0.5% riboflavin or acceptable salt, ester, hydrate thereof.

Abstract: An activatable nanoprobe is provided having a core component and an active agent associated with the core component via a bond configured to be cleaved upon exposure to an endogenous compound.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug delivery system capable of sustainedly releasing a drug noninvasively at any given point in time. The present invention relates to a liposome complex comprising a liposome membrane-constituting substance bonded to a light-absorbing compound having an absorption wavelength in the near-infrared region, selected from the group consisting of indocyanine green dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, squarylium dyes, croconium dyes, and diimmonium dyes.

Abstract: Methods of measurement of biometric indicators in a mammalian subject are described. Biometric indicators of interest include hematocrit, plasma volume, volume of distribution, and glomerular filtration rate. The methods are especially applicable to subjects with rapid blood loss and to subjects with unstable hematocrits. Hematocrit may be measured by administering an injectate with a dynamic fluorescent marker and a static fluorescent marker, or a single static marker with two fluorescent tags, into the vascular system of the subject, and monitoring the emission intensities of the markers or fluorescent tags over a period of time. Hematocrit may then be calculated using a calibrated spectrometric analyzer by determining the raw ratio of the markers at T0, calculating the apparent hematocrit, and applying a correction factor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses biocompatible, stable curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPION) for biomedical applications. Disclosed herein is also a simple one-pot process for the synthesis of biocompatible, stable curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in absence of a linker or binder. The curcumin or its derivatives coated ultra-small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of the present invention retains the medicinal, radical scavenging and fluorescence properties of curcumin.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that contain a plurality of biocompatible self-assembling molecules that transform from isolated molecules or spherical micelles in the circulation into cylindrical nanofibers in the acidic extracellular environment of tumors which can be used to achieve a higher relative concentration of imaging, drug delivery, or radiotherapeutic agents at the tumor site compared to non-tumor tissues. This transition is rapid and reversible, indicating the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a composite material including at least one upconversion particulate material that under near infrared (NIR) irradiation emits visible light of a wavelength between 380 and 740 nm, and at least one semiconductor particulate material that can absorb the visible light emitted by the at least one upconversion particulate material and upon absorbance generates reactive species, wherein the at least one upconversion particulate material and the at least one semiconductor particulate material are physiologically acceptable. The upconversion particulate material can comprises NaYF4 doped with a one rare earth metal. The bright fluorescence emitted from rare earth-doped NaYF4 upconversion particles is in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and may be absorbed by a biocompatible photocatalysts such as TiO2 to produce reactive species. This allows the composite to be used for in vivo applications.

Abstract: A PAA nanoparticle containing a covalently linked fluorescent dye and a post-loaded tetrapyrrolic photosensitizer.

Abstract: Fluorescent compositions with enhanced fluorescent intensity are provided. Methods for using the fluorescent compositions in medical imaging are also provided. The enhanced fluorescent compositions can be a mixture or solution comprising a fluorescent dye and a light-scattering emulsion or fluorescence-enhancing diluent. The fluorescent dye, e.g., indocyanine green (ICG), is activated by near-infrared radiation. The fluorescence-enhancing diluent can be milk, infant formula, intravenous fat emulsions, soy bean oil, egg phospholipids, Intralipid, Liposyn, Nutralipid, Soyacal, Travamulsion, SMOFlipid, Clinoleic, Lipovenoes and/or combinations thereof. The fluorescent intensity of the enhanced fluorescent composition can be 5 to 20 or more times greater than that of the fluorescent dye in solution without added fluorescence-enhancing diluent.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of delivering a nanoparticle to the brain of a subject by administering to the subject a nanoparticle having a nanoparticle core and a targeting agent. A variety of targeting agents may serve to promote delivery of the described nanoparticle. For example, the targeting agent may include a ligand specific for a receptor expressed by brain endothelial cells and a linker that connects the ligand to the external surface of the nanoparticle core. Additionally, the linker can promote disassociation of the ligand from the nanoparticle when inside a cell.

Abstract: The development of a series of fluorescent materials including heterocycle-functionalized luminogens with aggregation-induced/enhanced emission (AIE/AEE), long wavelength emission, and high solid state fluorescence quantum efficiency is contemplated. The described fluorescent materials are promising candidates in selective luminescence-based chemosensor for Hg2+ or ATP, fluorescent staining for mitochondria in living cells with high photostability, stimuli-responsive luminescent materials, and materials for optical waveguides. In addition, these heterocycle-functionalized luminogens are particularly useful as fluorescent labels for biopolymers such as peptides, antibodies, or nucleic acids, making them useful as AIE-active biocompatible probes for clinical cancer imaging and diagnostics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a family of compounds that comprise fluorescent cyanine dyes. The compounds are near infrared absorbing heptamethine cyanine dyes with a 4,4-disubstituted cyclohexyl ring as part of the polymethine chromophore. The compounds are generally hydrophilic and can be chemically linked to biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and therapeutic small molecules. The compounds can be used for imaging in a variety of medical, biological and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, such as liposomes etc., containing multiple reporter molecules, e.g. dyes, fluorophores, FRET pairs, semiconductor nanocrystals, fluorescent chelates, chelate complexes, coordination complexes, mass tags, Raman tags, lanthanides, enzymes, enzymatic substrates, etc., through a combination of multiple physical and/or chemical interactions are disclosed. The reporter molecules are associated with the nanoparticle in at least two different ways, i.e. through different mechanisms. The nanoparticle is targeted through a targeting agent such as an antibody, an antibody fragment, a nucleotide, a peptide, an aptamer, biotin, avidin, or a ligand. The nanoparticles are useful in bioassays or imaging where an analyte is to be detected by binding of the nanoparticle to the analyte and detection of a signal from the reporter molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a family of dyes which fluoresce in the UV-VIS, far red and near infrared wavelengths of the spectrum and possess asymmetric lipophilic alkyl chains. The dyes of the invention are soluble in commercially available membrane staining dyes, are useful as probes for rapidly staining lipophilic structures such as membranes in cells or isolated from cells, and are well-retained therein. Methods of utilizing the dyes to detect stained cells both in vivo and in vitro are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are antagonists or binding agents of an abnormal vasopressin receptor V2 (e.g., AbnV2), such as antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof specific for the receptor, for identifying and targeting cancer cells expressing such abnormal vasopressin receptor V2. Additionally provided are methods of using said antagonists or binding agents, for example, to image cancer cells or in biological samples, or diagnose cancers, both in vivo and in vitro. The antagonists or binding agents may also be used for treating patients suffering from a cancer expressing the abnormal vasopressin receptor V2, such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Abstract: To encapsulate indocyanine green (ICG) at a high concentration in a liposome without causing the agglomeration of ICG so that ICG remains as a monomer in an ICG-containing particle to be used as, for example, a contrast agent for fluorescence imaging or photoacoustic imaging, provided is a method of producing an indocyanine green-containing particle, including the step of mixing indocyanine green, a particle, and a solution containing 1 mM or more and 10 M or less of a chaotropic agent.

Abstract: A nanoparticle conjugate for intracellular delivery of a therapeutic agent, wherein the conjugate comprises a nanoparticle, a cationic agent and the therapeutic agent. Pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments and therapeutic uses thereof are also provided.