Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nanocell compositions and their use in imaging, diagnostic and treatment methods. In one embodiment, nanocells tailored for imaging methods comprise a nanocore surrounded by a lipid matrix, and are modified to contain a radionuclide core or a nanocore with an emission spectra. The nanocells may be size restricted such as being greater than about 60 nm so that they selectively extravasate at sites of angiogenesis (e.g. tumor) and do not pass through normal vasculature or enter non-tumor bearing tissue. In this way, angiogenic sites can be both detected and treated. In another embodiment, nanocells are tailored for various treatment methods, including the treatment of brain cancer, asthma, Grave's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, which are luminescent and/or electroactive and/or suitable for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging and/or PET (positron emission tomography) applications, comprise a micelle, which has a hydrophilic shell and an hydrophobic central portion, and a polysilicate core; the micelle comprises a plurality of molecules of a functionalized surfactant having the following structure: M1-Hydro1-Lipo-Hydro2-M2 wherein Lipo indicates a hydrophobic chain; Hydro1 ed Hydro2 indicate, each, a respective hydrophilic chain; M1 ed M2 represent respective recognition functionalities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanocrystal formulation in the form of a nano-emulsion, comprising a continuous aqueous phase and at least one dispersed oily phase, in which the oily phase comprises at least one amphiphilic lipid and at least one solubilising lipid, and in which the aqueous phase comprises a cosurfactant. The invention also relates to a method for the production of said formulation as well as uses within the fields of medical imaging, thermotherapy or phototherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pH sensitive particle, a method of preparation thereof, and a use thereof. More particularly, the invention provides a pH sensitive metal nanoparticle and its use for medical treatment utilizing cell necrosis during photothermal therapy. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention consists of a pH sensitive ligand compound whose charge changes depending on the pH of the metal nanoparticle. The particle can be collected in cells, such as cancer cells which present an abnormal pH environment. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention can induce cell death through a photothermal procedure after aggregation. Therefore, the invention enables medical treatment using cell necrosis for e.g. cancer treatment.

Abstract: Luminescent and/or electroactive nanoparticles suitable for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and/or PET (Positron Emission Tomography) are prepared by mixing luminescent or electroactive compounds and ethyl oxide/propyl oxide block-copolymers in an organic solvent, which is thereafter evaporated in order to obtain a residue; and by hydrolyzing-condensating tetraalkoxysilanes in an aqueous solution in the presence of the residue; the obtained nanoparticles show no or a negligible release of the luminescent or electroactive compounds and are useful for bio-analytic and bio-medic applications.

Abstract: A core-shell nanoparticle having a core that includes a fluorophore and a first oxide of a first metal and a shell that includes a second oxide of a second metal such that the first oxide and the second oxide are different. Also disclosed are methods relating to the core-shell nanoparticle.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a catheter, exhibiting high radiopaque properties as well as optical transparency is disclosed. Further, radiopaque materials and process conditions to produce such a material as well as a medical device, such as a catheter, exhibiting high radiopaque and optically transparent properties are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide amphiphilic macromolecules and nanocrystals encapsulated by amphiphilic macromolecules. Additionally, certain embodiments of the invention also provide nanocrystals that are water-solubilzed using functionalized AMs capable of coordinating to the nanocrystal surface.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles for imaging a tumour in a mammal using electrical impedance tomography. The nanoparticles comprise a core of metal and/or semiconductor atoms to which are linked ligands that comprise a molecule capable of attaching to a specific tumour biomarker.

Abstract: The present invention provides partially fluorescent nanoparticles and methods of making and using the partially fluorescent nanoparticle having a nanoparticle with a matrix and a fluorescent dye dispersed in or about the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the fluorescent dye has been anisotropically bleached.

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: Provided is a fluorescent labeling material, including zinc oxide nanoparticles each surface-modified with an organic compound having an amino group placed at an outer end thereof. Also provided is a fluorescent labeling agent to be used in vivo or in vitro, including the fluorescent labeling material, in which: EDC or the like is bound thereto through the amino group; and a substance capable of selectively binding to a target to be fluorescently labeled, such as an antibody, is linked thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is use of zinc oxide nanoparticles as an exciton emission source in vivo or in vitro. Also disclosed is a fluorescent labeling agent comprising a zinc oxide nanoparticle and a substance capable of selectively binding to a target in vivo or in vitro, wherein the substance is bound to the zinc oxide nanoparticle via at least one binder. Further disclosed is a fluorescent labeling agent comprising a zinc oxide nanoparticle of which the surface is coated with a coating film selected from ZnS, MgxZn1-xO (where 0<x?1) and SiO2, and a substance capable of selectively binding to a target in vivo or in vitro, wherein the substance is bound to the zinc oxide nanoparticle via at least one binder.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a new class of hydroxylated quantum dots. The quantum dots have a hydroxylated coat disposed thereon, and which serves to minimize non-specific cellular binding and to maintain the small size of quantum dot probes. Embodiments of the coated quantum dots of the disclosure are just slightly larger than the diameter of uncoated quantum dots, and are bright with high quantum yields. They are also very stable under both basic and acidic conditions. Embodiments of the hydroxylated quantum dots result in significant reductions in non-specific binding relative to that of carboxylated dots, and to protein and PEG-coated dots. Embodiments of the disclosure are advantageous in a range of biological applications where non-specific binding is a major problem, such as in multiplexed biomarker staining in cells and tissues, detection of biomarkers in body fluid samples (blood, urine, etc.), as well as live cell imaging.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for cancer cell biomarkers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell biomarkers, and binding molecules for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, e.g., PDAC. Methods of identifying “accessible” proteomes are disclosed for identifying cancer biomarkers, such as plectin-1, a PDAC biomarker. Additionally, imaging compositions are provided comprising magnetofluorescent nanoparticles conjugated to peptide ligands for identifying PDACs.

Abstract: Submicron-sized particles or labels that can be covalently or non-covalently affixed to entities of interest for the purpose of quantification, location, identification, tracking, and diagnosis, are described.

Abstract: The present invention concerns size- and shape-controlled, colloidal superparticles (SPs) and methods for synthesizing the same. Ligand-functionalized nanoparticles such as nonpolar-solvent-dispersible nanoparticles, are used, and the solvophobic interactions can be controlled. Advantageously, supercrystalline SPs having a superlattice structure, such as a face-centered cubic structure, can be produced. Further, the methods of the invention can provide SPs that self-assemble and are monodisperse. The SPs can be doped with organic dyes and further assembled into more complex structures.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fluorinated polymer and related methods.

Abstract: A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterised in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a novel contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging that is highly capable of binding to a target molecule and generates high photoacoustic signals. The present invention provides a contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging represented by Formula 1: MNP-((L)l-(P)m)n??(Formula 1) (wherein MNP represents a particle containing an iron oxide particle; L represents a linker molecule; P represents a ligand molecule; l represents 0 or 1; and m and n represent an integer of 1 or larger), the contrast agent for photoacoustic imaging including: a particle containing an iron oxide particle that absorbs light in a near-infrared region; and at least one or more ligand molecule(s) immobilized on the particle containing an iron oxide particle, wherein the immobilization density of the ligand molecule is equal to or higher than the cell surface density of a target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multimodal imaging method using a nano-emulsion comprising optical nano-particles and perfluorocarbons, and more particularly, to a method of obtaining multimodal images using a nano-emulsion consisted of perfluorocarbons for multispectral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nano-particles for multicolor fluorescent detection. In the multimodal imaging method, various multispectral MRI images and multicolor fluorescent rays can be obtained by varying the kind and combination of perfluorocarbons and the kind and combination of optical nano-particles, so that multiplexed analysis is possible. Accordingly, the multimodal imaging method can be applied to various fields, including biological and medical fields in which studies on cell molecular imaging has been conducted.

Abstract: Overexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been associated with a number of pathophysiologies, including those associated with cancer and the cardiovascular system. Thus, targeted imaging of ACE is of crucial importance for monitoring tissue ACE activity as well as treatment efficacy. To this end, lisinopril-coated gold nanoparticles were prepared to provide a new type of probe for targeted molecular imaging of ACE by tuned K-edge computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Abstract: An inorganic nanoparticle labeling agent having adaptability for being employed as a labeled material in the field of biology and medical science and capable of emitting fluorescence at a stable emission intensity is disclosed, comprising inorganic nanoparticles which were surface-modified with an organic compound, wherein the inorganic nanoparticles exhibit an average particle size of 1 to 10 nm, the organic compound is a compound containing a polyethylene glycol chain, the average particle size D of the inorganic nanoparticle labeling agent is from 8 to 25 nm; and an amount M (mol) of the organic compound per inorganic nanoparticle and a length L (nm) of the organic compound measured from an inorganic nanoparticle surface meet the relationship represented by the following formula (I): (M×1022)×L/D=1.0?4.

Abstract: The present invention is a nanoparticle composition composed of an iron core with an iron oxide shell which is optionally coated with a micro-emulsion. The disclosed nanoparticle compositions are disclosed for use in hyperthermia treatment and imaging of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in general, compositions comprising a hydrogel and an agent, for example a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent, for locoregional delivery. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel compositions are detectable by Magnetic Responance and CT Scan and are used for locoregional delivery of therapeutic agents, for example chemotherapeutic agents. The invention also features polymer matrix compositions comprising nanoparticles that can be loaded after polymerization with bioactive agents, for example a diagnostic agent or therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A composition comprising PAA nanoparticles containing a post loaded tetrapyrollic photosensitizer and an imaging agent and methods for making and using same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various embodiments associated with artificial cells, particularly artificial antigen presenting cells, methods of making the same, methods of administering the same, computer systems relating thereto, computer-implemented methods relating thereto, and associated computer program products.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a metallo-organic system that includes: a metal ion salt or complex; at least one organic ligand; and a substance of interest to be encapsulated, belonging to the group comprising a biological entity, a drug, a vaccine, a diagnostic contrast agent, a marker, an organic compound, an inorganic compound, a metallo-organic compound or a nanomaterial or nanodevices. Also disclose is the process for obtaining same and the uses thereof for the release and/or protection and/or storage of said substances in the pharmaceutical, chemical, environmental, medical and industrial sectors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a delivery system administered to the lung preferably by inhalation comprising a polymer-based nanoparticle; and a linker comprising a first portion non-covalently anchored to said nanoparticle, wherein at least part of said first portion comprises a hydrophobic/lipophilic segment embedded in said nanoparticle; and a second portion comprising a coupling group, preferably a maleimide compound, exposed at the outer surface of said nanoparticle. In accordance with one embodiment, the delivery system comprises one or more targeting agents, each covalently bound to said coupling group, preferably maleimide compound, and is administered as an aerosol in the therapy or diagnosis of lung cancer or bronchial dysplasia. In accordance with yet another embodiment, the delivery system comprises a drug and/or a radiopharmaceutical and/or a contrasting agent. A specific example for a linker in accordance with the invention is octadecyl-4-(maleimideomethyl)cyclohexane-carboxylic amide (OMCCA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles. More particularly, the present invention relates to creating a hybrid gold/gold sulfide nanoparticle with a chitosan matrix surrounding the metallic nanoparticle and a method for making the same. The chitosan-coated gold/gold sulfide nanoparticles can then be incorporated with additional therapeutic or diagnostic compounds such as iodine, antibodies, or other suitable compounds. The nanoparticles of the present invention have the dual capabilities of absorbing near infrared wavelength light to (1) act as a therapeutic agent by generating heat energy effective for cell ablation or for release of therapeutic compounds embedded in the chitosan matrix and (2) creating diagnostic benefit by incorporation of X-ray or MRI contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles. More particularly, the present invention relates to creating a hybrid gold/gold sulfide nanoparticle with a chitosan matrix surrounding the metallic nanoparticle and a method for making the same. The chitosan-coated gold/gold sulfide nanoparticles can then be incorporated with additional therapeutic or diagnostic compounds such as iodine, antibodies, or other suitable compounds. The nanoparticles of the present invention have the dual capabilities of absorbing near infrared wavelength light to (1) act as a therapeutic agent by generating heat energy effective for cell ablation or for release of therapeutic compounds embedded in the chitosan matrix and (2) creating diagnostic benefit by incorporation of X-ray or MRI contrast-agents.

Abstract: To provide a liposome composition, which contains at least one liposome; gas entrapped in the liposome, and at least one metal oxide particle encapsulated in or adsorbed on the liposome, wherein the liposome composition satisfies a ratio B/A of 0.01 to 5, where A is a volume of the gas contained in the liposome on the basis of micro liter, and B is a mass of the at least one metal oxide particle contained in the liposome on the basis of milligram.

Abstract: Fullerenes, when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, generate acoustic waves. A photoacoustic tomography method using a material comprising fullerenes is disclosed that includes irradiating the material with a radiation beam such as a laser. The resultant photoacoustic effect produced by the material is detected by at least one detector. A photoacoustic tomography system using a material comprising fullerenes is also described.

Abstract: A method of making ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles having a size range of approximately 10-20 nm, includes preparing a first microemulsion containing effective amounts of cyclohexane, n-hexanol, chitosan polymer and a nonionic surfactant. A second microemulsion is prepared containing effective amounts of cyclohexane, n-hexanol, tartaric acid, EDC, n-hydroxysuccinimide, and a nonionic surfactant. The method continues by reacting the first and second microemulsions for a time sufficient to form the ultra-small chitosan nanoparticles and recovering the nanoparticles from the reacted microemulsion. The chitosan polymer may be crosslinked and may also be tagged with a fluorescent compound, a radio-opaque compound, a paramagnetic ion, a ligand specific for a predetermined biologic target, a drug, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-naturally occurring High-Density Lipoprotein-like peptide-phospholipid scaffold (“HPPS”) nanoparticle. More particularly, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring peptide-lipid nanoscaffold comprising: (a) at least one phospholipid; (b) at least one unsaturated lipid, preferably an unsaturated sterol ester, further preferably an unsaturated cholesterol ester, further preferably cholsteryl oleate; and (c) at least one peptide, the peptide comprising an amino acid sequence capable of forming at least one amphipathic a-helix; wherein the components a), b) and c) associate to form the peptide-phospholipid nanoscaffold. In embodiments of the present invention, a cell surface receptor ligand is incorporated into the HPPS. In one embodiment, the cell surface receptor ligand is covalently bonded to the peptide scaffold of the HPPS nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of forming an injectable radioactive composition, the method comprising the steps of: (a) depositing a solid form of technetium onto a carbon crucible; (b) preheating the solid form of technetium to remove any carrier; (c) plasma ablating the technetium and portions of the carbon crucible; (d) allowing the carbon and technetium metal to co-condense from the gas phase to produce a nanoparticle composite aerosol in an inert gas; (e) dispersing the nanoparticle composite in water containing a low concentration of surfactant using an electrostatic precipitator; (f) size fractionating the nanoparticle dispersion by filtration with hydrophilic membranes of known pore size.

Abstract: Provided are nanofunctional silica particles having excellent functionality and quality, and capable of being mass-produced at low costs. According to the present invention, there are provided nanofunctional silica particles including a coating layer containing one or more silica compounds selected from the group consisting of mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPS), mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane (MPES), mercaptopropyl methyldimethoxysilane (MPDMS), trimethoxy[2-(7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]-hept-3-yl)ethyl]silane (EpoPS), thiocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane (TCPS), acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (ACPS), and aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APS); and functional particles in the coating layer, and being used in imaging, assay, diagnosis, treatment or the like, medicine or bioresearch.

Abstract: It is disclosed here that nucleic acid-based agents can be delivered to the brain of a human or non-human animal having a leakage in the blood brain barrier by administering the agents through the eye. Brain tissues and cells can be imaged in vivo (e.g., by magnetic resonance imaging) by linking a contrast agent to a targeting nucleic acid that can hybridize to a target nucleic acid located at the brain site to be imaged and administering the contrast agentltargeting nucleic acid conjugate through the eye. Similarly, a nucleic acid based drug (e.g., as an antisense nucleic acid or a therapeutic agent linked to a targeting nucleic acid that can hybridize to a target nucleic located at a disease site in the brain) can be administered through the eye to treat a brain disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell-penetrating peptide/fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle complex and the use thereof. More specifically, relates to a cell-penetrating peptide/fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle complex in which a cell-penetrating peptide is chemically linked to a fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle, such that fluorescence-labeled magnetic nanoparticle can be stably introduced directly into cells without endocytosis, and a composition for cell imaging containing the complex. The disclosed invention suggests an innovative therapeutic technology which shows high stability, maximizes the effect of imaging diagnosis through optimal targeting and minimizes side effects, unlike existing viral peptide transporters.

Abstract: A fluorescent marker comprising inorganic fluorescent nanoparticles having on a surface of the nanoparticles a modifying group containing a reactive portion, wherein the reactive portion is located at a most remote site of the modifying group from the surface of the nanoparticles; the reactive portion comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of bases consisting of DNA or RNA, nucleotides, polynucleotides and intercalators; and the reactive portion is capable of specifically binding to a living organism.

Abstract: The disclosure provides elongated nanostructures useful for biological imaging and measurement. More particularly the disclosure provides nanoworms having an increased bioavailability compared to nanospheres.

Abstract: A material useful as a MRI contrast agent used for medical imaging, drug delivery platform or other functions are provided as a class of non-gadolinium and non-iron oxide based materials that comprise Prussian blue materials or analogue materials. The materials may be used as T1-weighted and/or T2-weighted MRI contrast agents for imaging, including cellular imaging, in clinical diagnosis and biomedical research applications. The agent is a compound created from Prussian blue materials that is non-toxic, and can be internalized by cells through endocytosis. The Prussian blue materials may also be used for drug delivery applications. The Prussian blue materials may be administered orally to a subject in either medical imaging or drug delivery applications or dual modality MRI-Fluorescence imaging agent.

Abstract: A substance-encapsulating carbon nanohorn aggregate which has improved chemical stability by isolating the encapsulated substance from outside and which is useful as a targeting material which can be led from the outside of the body or as a contrast medium by holding the encapsulated substance in an aggregated form, and a process for producing the same are provided. The substance-encapsulating carbon nanohorn aggregate is characterized in that the encapsulated substance is aggregated in a central part of the carbon nanohorn aggregate or a neighborhood thereof with being isolated from outside. The process includes aggregating a substance to be encapsulated in a central part or a neighborhood thereof by a heat treatment.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprises a core, having a core surface essentially free of silica, and a shell attached to the core surface. The shell comprises at least one silane-functionalized zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: Methods of imaging a living host using Raman nanoparticles; methods of generating a true image of a living host having been administered Raman nanoparticles; methods of multiplex imaging of a living host using a plurality of Raman nanoparticles; methods of generating multimodality images by combining Raman images with other functional/anatomical images; labeled Raman nanoparticles; and the like, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of general formula (I) below: Signal?Linker?Peptide (I) in which Signal represents a signal entity; Linker, which may or may not be present, represents a chemical bond and Peptide represents a peptide comprising an apoptosis-targeting peptide, the apoptosis-targeting peptide being chosen from the peptides having the formula below and the functional equivalents thereof: X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6 (1) (SEQ ID No 1) in which X1 and X2 represent, independently of one another, leucine or isoleucine, X3 and X4 represent lysine, X5 represents proline and X6 represents phenylalanine, advantageously the peptide L-I-K-K-P-F (SEQ ID No 11) and the functional equivalents thereof; D-A-H-S-X7-S (2) (SEQ ID No 2) in which X7 represents phenylalanine or leucine; P-G-D-L-X8-X9 (3) (SEQ ID No 3) in which X8 represents serine or valine and X9 represents threonine or arginine; H-G-X10-L-S-X11 (4) (SEQ ID No 4) in which X10 represents aspartic acid or histidine, and X11 represents thre

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.