Abstract: A quality assurance apparatus for a cancer treatment system with an electric field, comprising: an electric field generator configured to transmit an electric field to an inside of an electromagnetic phantom through an electrode array attached to the electromagnetic phantom; a measurement unit configured to measure any one of a voltage, a current, and an electric field inside the electromagnetic phantom; a data collection unit configured to collect a value measured by the measurement unit and convert the measured value into a digital value; an analysis unit configured to calculate and monitor a distribution and intensity of the electric field inside the electromagnetic phantom through the value transmitted from the data collection unit; and a verification unit configured to verify the electric field monitored by the analysis unit.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting motion and position of a patient positioned within a magnetic resonance imaging system, the device including at least one sensor configured to be capacitively coupled to the patient during magnetic resonance imaging. The method includes, while a patient is positioned within a magnetic resonance imaging system, measuring a reflected power value indicative of an amount of power reflected by the at least one sensor in response to being driven by at least one RF signal, and determining, using the reflected power value, whether the patient has moved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. The human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides methods for reducing one or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, methods for inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation in the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. The human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides methods for reducing one or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, methods for inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation in the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: Innovative graft polymers designed for the efficient delivery of antisense molecules into biological cells and for maintaining the biological activity of these molecules while in serum and other aqueous environments are provided. Such polymers may comprise an anionic graft polymer comprising an anionic polymer backbone with pendant carboxylic acid groups and pendant chains comprising amphipathic or hydrophilic polymers covalently bonded to a portion of said pendant carboxylic acid groups. Antisense molecule delivery vectors comprising such polymers in combination with cationic agents for delivery of antisense molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. He human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The inventor also provides methods for reducing on or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles. The heat (temperature) and photoacoustic sound wave production inside the target tissue is measured. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The hyperthermia treatment may further comprise platelet-derived treatment. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. The temperature to which the target site is treated ranges from about 39° C. to about 58° C., and may last from about 5 seconds to about 30 minutes. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream to flow through the target site.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the method provides a synergetic effect with chemotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: Provided is a radiotherapeutic agent, including a composite particle, which is obtained by binding a molecule that specifically recognizes a target to a substrate particle including titanium peroxide, and which generates reactive oxygen through irradiation with a radiation. Further, because the radiotherapeutic agent contains the molecule that specifically recognizes a target, the radiotherapeutic agent has a function of accumulating in the target. The radiotherapeutic agent is capable of enhancing effects of radiotherapy, and is capable of reducing side effects on a living body to efficiently attack the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoconjugates. In particular, the present invention provides nanoconjugates for diagnostic (e.g., imaging), research, and clinical (e.g., targeted treatment) applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cancer and, in particular, to composition and methods comprising nanostructures. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a composition comprising a mixture, the mixture comprising at least one nanoparticle and at least one chemotherapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. In particular, these include novel cationic lipids and nucleic acid-lipid particles that provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid to cells in vivo. The compositions of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective knock-down of a specific target protein at relatively low doses. In addition, the compositions and methods of the present invention are less toxic and provide a greater therapeutic index compared to compositions and methods previously known in the art.

Abstract: The disclosure provide hollow nanospheres and methods of making and using the same. The methods and compositions of the disclosure are useful for drug delivery and gene transfer.

Abstract: A titanium dioxide composite is provided that can be stably dispersed in an aqueous solvent and easily administered into a living body, such as human, and allows elimination of the drug efficacy of a pharmaceutical compound supported thereon by light irradiation and a dispersion thereof. A composite is used in which a pharmaceutical compound is bound to titanium dioxide having photocatalytic activity through a hydrophilic polymer. The composite is stable in an aqueous solvent and easily administered into a living body, and adverse drug reactions of the pharmaceutical compound can be reduced by administering the composite into the body and irradiating the composite with a light to photoexcite the titanium dioxide to decompose the pharmaceutical compound in a region where the drug efficacy of the pharmaceutical composition is not required.

Abstract: Nanoparticles are functionalized for use as bio-imaging probes using a novel, modular approach. Particle surface modification is based on a phosphonate monolayer platform on which was built a multi-segmented, multi-functional film: the first segment provided hydrolytic stability, the second aqueous suspendability, and the third, selectivity for cell attachment. In vitro imaging experiments visualized nanoparticle-cell surface binding. Peptide-derivatized nano-particles were not displaced from cells by soluble peptide. Methods for coating the host particles and use of rare earth ion-doped particles in imaging methods and photodynamic therapy methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles which, upon reconstitution, have low levels of greater than 10 micron size particles. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles.

Abstract: Provided is a radiotherapeutic agent, including a composite particle, which is obtained by binding a molecule that specifically recognizes a target to a substrate particle including titanium peroxide, and which generates reactive oxygen through irradiation with a radiation. Further, because the radiotherapeutic agent contains the molecule that specifically recognizes a target, the radiotherapeutic agent has a function of accumulating in the target. The radiotherapeutic agent is capable of enhancing effects of radiotherapy, and is capable of reducing side effects on a living body to efficiently attack the target.

Abstract: The invention is directed to providing a compound for treating cancer, the compound comprising a metal complex having predetermined characteristics, and which may be incorporated into a polymeric nanoparticle or other delivery system for delivering the metal complex for action on tumor cells. The metal complex for treating cancer wherein the metal complex is a silver(I) salt, a silver(I) macrocyclic metal complex, a silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene or mixtures thereof. The invention is also directed to a silver(I) macrocyclic metal complex and a silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbine, and methods of treating cancerous cells in a mammal including the steps of administering an effective amount of a silver(I) metal salt, such as by incorporating the material into a biodegradable polymeric nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, serum-stable lipid particles comprising one or more active agents or therapeutic agents, methods of making the lipid particles, and methods of delivering and/or administering the lipid particles. More particularly, the present invention provides serum-stable nucleic acid-lipid particles (SNALP) comprising a nucleic acid (e.g., one or more interfering RNA molecules), methods of making the SNALP, and methods of delivering and/or administering the SNALP (e.g., for the treatment of cancer). In particular embodiments, the present invention provides tumor-directed lipid particles that preferentially target solid tumors. The tumor-directed formulations of the present invention are capable of preferentially delivering a payload such as a nucleic acid to cells of solid tumors compared to non-cancerous cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles. More particularly, the present invention relates to creating a copper (Cu)-based nanoparticle and a method for making the same. The Cu-based nanoparticles can further be incorporated with additional therapeutic or diagnostic compounds and used for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Abstract: This invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers that recognize and bind the complement protein C3 or its biologically active proteolytic products and methods of their use. Particularly preferred are bi-functional aptamer construct that binding specifically with C3b or iC3b, and another target protein. Use of these molecular constructs for commandeering the opsonization process is also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. He human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The inventor also provides methods for reducing on or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: A magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite and methods of synthesizing it. In one embodiment, the magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite has at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle coated with a silica (SiO2) shell and terminated with at least one thiol group (—SH), and at least one CdSe/ZnS quantum dot linked with the at least one SiO2-coated magnetic oxide nanoparticle via the at least one thiol group. In one embodiment, the at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle comprises at least one iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle.

Abstract: DNA dendrimers for targeted delivery of radiation absorbing nanoparticles and thermal ablation of cells and tissues are provided. Also provided are methods of making and methods of using the DNA dendrimers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. The human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides methods for reducing one or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, methods for inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation in the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.

Abstract: Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of platinum compounds, particularly of antitumor platinum complexes are disclosed. The Nanoparticles of the invention are obtained by a process comprising: a) preparing a first microemulsion by mixing a molten lipid, a surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant and the platinum compound acqueous solution; b) preparing a solution by mixing a surfactant and optionally a co-surfactant in water, heating to complete solution, preferably at the same melting temperature of the lipid used in a) and adding a co-surfactant; c) dispersing the microemulsion obtained in a) into the solution obtained in b) obtaining a multiple microemulsion c); d) dispersing the microemulsion obtained in c) in aqueous medium at a temperature ranging from 0.5° C. to 4° C.

Abstract: Provided are a boron compound-layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanohybrid in which a boron compound for boron neutron capture therapy is intercalated in between layers of LDH, a method of preparing the boron compound-LDH nanohybrid, and a pharmaceutical composition including the boron compound-LDH nanohybrid, which can be used in boron neutron capture therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-assembly of a photosensitizer on a nanoparticle. The invention also provides methods for production of functionalized (eg. stabilized) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be used in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). The invention can provide, for example, self-assembled phthalocyanine monolayers (SAMs), wherein the monolayer is formed on a metallic nanoparticle. The term “metallic” as used herein refers to metals, metal oxides and other metal-containing compositions. According to the invention a functionalized nanoparticle comprises: a metallic core; a photosensitizer monolayer chemically bonded to said core, said monolayer containing molecules capable of photo-excitation to produce a reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen, from oxygen molecules; and a phase transfer reagent.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.