Abstract: New and sensitive methods for imaging the perfusion of tissues and the extravasation of blood out vessels have been developed. The present invention is useful in the imaging of microperfusion in organ tissues (e.g., heart, liver, brain and kidneys) to aid in evaluating the perfusion status of organs on the level of the smallest blood vessels (i.e. capillaries). The present invention also provides methods and compositions for imaging and evaluating macrophages and plaque, e.g., vulnerable plaque. Such evaluations are important in a number of clinical diagnoses, including assessing organ damage associated with angina pectoris, heart attack, stroke, and the like, as well as assessing vessel leakages associated with aneurisms, diffuse bleedings after trauma, and the like.

Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. In particular, the present invention provides a MRI contrast agent configured to manipulate both the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation times of surrounding water proton spins.

Abstract: Provided are novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors and molecular specific photothermal coupling agents. The nanostructures can be used in laser-induced phototherapy for treatment of cancer and other disorders. The nanostructures can also be used as a sensor that detects molecules. The nanostructures are of particular use in the fields of clinical diagnosis, clinical therapy, clinical treatment, and clinical evaluation of various diseases and disorders, manufacture of compositions for use in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, for use in molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof. The hollow gold nanospheres have a unique combination of spherical shape, small size, and strong, tunable, and narrow surface plasmon resonance absorption covering the entire visible to near IR region.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, systems and reagents for providing contrast media that are compatible with osteoinductive factor induced bone formation.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of synthesizing targeting contrast agents for molecular imaging and targeting diagnosis and therapy, targeting contrast agents and targeting therapeutic agents and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a three compartment structured polymer nanoparticle (core-shell-corona) for multimodal imaging with specificity for cells or cellular components, thus enabling more advanced diagnostic approaches and targeted therapy on the cellular level without the use of additional biologically active materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel analytical method for detecting prints, for example fingerprints, and to nanoparticles suitable for conducting such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound comprising, firstly a component for targeting at least one chemokine receptor and, secondly, a detection component capable of being identified by a medical imaging method.

Abstract: The invention involves polychromatic particles of various sizes for assessing blood flow, blood barrier leakage and blood vessel leakage.

Abstract: The invention provides ion-selective sensors capable of selectively measuring ions, e.g., Na+, K+, Cl?, etc., in the cytosol of a single living cell. The sensor comprises one or more quantum dots or a fluorescent dye, a pH-sensitive dye, and optionally an ion-selective component such as an ionophore. These elements may, for example, be disposed in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix comprises an internalizing moiety which enables the sensor to localize within the cytosol of a cell. The internalizing moiety comprises a small molecule or peptide such as an amine, antepennepedia, mastoparan, or melittin that react under acidic conditions to release a sensor from the confines of a endosome. Once in the cytosol the sensors may detect ionic analytes by selective ion extraction by the polymer, thereby inducing a pH change within the sensor which in turn changes the absorbance of the pH-sensitive dye. The change of absorbance may in turn attenuate the intensity of detectable emissions, e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to compositions comprising a class of molecular probes for detecting the presence of anionic cell surfaces. Embodiments include compositions that are enriched for these compositions and preparations, particularly preparations suitable for use as laboratory/clinical reagents and diagnostic indicators, either alone or as part of a kit. An embodiment of the invention provides for a highly selective agent useful in the discernment and identification of dead or dying cells, such as apoptotic cells, in a relatively calcium-free environment. An embodiment of the invention provides a selective agent for the identification of bacteria in a mixed population of bacterial cells and nonbacterial cells.

Abstract: A particulate fluorescent conjugated polymer surfactant complex and method of making and using same. The particles are between about 15 and about 50 nm and when formed from a lipsome surfactant have a charge density similar to DNA and are strongly absorbed by cancer cells.