Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for forming a nano-bubble. The forming method is different from the oil-water emulsion reaction in the prior art. The method comprises: taking an inorganic particle as a nucleus and performing a polymer coating process to coat at least one first polymer on the surface of the nucleus to form an organic/inorganic composite particle; then removing the nucleus of the organic/inorganic composite particle by way of the dissolution of a first solvent to form an impregnated nano-particle; performing a freeze-drying process to remove the first solvent to have the impregnated nano-particle form a hollow nano-particle; and finally dissolving the hollow nano-particle in a second solvent to form the nano-bubble.

Abstract: An emulsion includes a substantially continuous liquid medium, and a plurality of droplet structures dispersed within the substantially continuous liquid medium. Each droplet structure of the plurality of droplet structures includes an outer droplet of a first liquid having an outer surface; an inner droplet of a second liquid within the first droplet, the second liquid being immiscible in the first liquid, wherein the inner and outer droplets have a boundary surface region therebetween; an outer layer of block copolymers disposed on the outer surface of the outer droplet; and an inner layer of block copolymers disposed on the boundary surface region between the outer and the inner droplets.

Abstract: Novel fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are prepared where the nanoparticles are as small as 3 nm or up to 7000 nm in diameter and where the dye is bound within the metal oxide matrix. In some embodiments the invention, novel dyes are covalently attached to the matrix and in other embodiments of the invention a dye is coordinate or ionic bound within the metal oxide matrix. A method for preparing the novel covalently bondable modified fluorescent dyes is presented. A method to prepare silica comprising nanoparticles that are 3 to 8 nm in diameter is presented. In some embodiments, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles are further decorated with functionality for use as multimodal in vitro or in vivo imaging agents. In other embodiments of the invention, the fluorescent dye comprising metal oxide nanoparticles provide therapeutic activity and incorporated therapeutic temperature monitoring.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention discloses a nanocluster or a nanorose composition comprising two or more closely spaced nanoparticles each comprising one or more metals, metal oxides, inorganic substances, or a combination thereof and one or more stabilizers. The stabilizers are in contact with the two or more closely spaced nanoparticles to form a nanocluster composition in which the inorganic weight percentage is greater than 50% and the average size is below 300 nm, and the nanocluster composition has magnetic properties, optical properties or a combination of both.

Abstract: Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emulsion that can be activated by ultrasounds, comprising, in an emulsion in an aqueous solution, microparticles having a diameter of less than 10 ?m and containing an active agent and a gaseous precursor in a liquid form, encapsulated by a first emulsifier. The microparticles contain nanoparticles smaller than 1 ?m, in an emulsion in the gaseous precursor, each nanoparticle comprising an inner liquid that contains the active agent and is encapsulated by a second emulsifier.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.

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 discloses a method for forming a nano-bubble. The forming method is different from the oil-water emulsion reaction in the prior art. The method comprises: taking an inorganic particle as a nucleus and performing a polymer coating process to coat at least one first polymer on the surface of the nucleus to form an organic/inorganic composite particle; then removing the nucleus of the organic/inorganic composite particle by way of the dissolution of a first solvent to form an impregnated nano-particle; performing a freeze-drying process to remove the first solvent to have the impregnated nano-particle form a hollow nano-particle; and finally dissolving the hollow nano-particle in a second solvent to form the nano-bubble.

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: A method and system of magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasound thermometry, the method comprising: acquiring a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to a tissue of interest (121); applying a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles (210) at the tissue of interest (121); applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate the hyperthermia; acquiring another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest (121); and determining a temperature change based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the other set of ultrasound data.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement to methods of drug loading of ultrasound contrast agents. Echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof produced by the method of the invention wherein the echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof contain at least 10% more of a drug as compared to (1) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug prior to emulsifying or (2) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug to lyophilized polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A new type of contrast agent is described, which comprises matrix particles with a plurality of metal nanoparticles as well as the method of imaging therewith. A plurality of metal nanoparticles are encapsulated in a non-proteinaceous biocompatible or biodegradable matrix particle and/or attached to a non-proteinaceous biocompatible or biodegradable matrix particle, the matrix of the matrix particles being selected from the group consisting of a carbohydrate, a lipid, a synthetic polymer, an aqueous liquid, a surfactant and an organic liquid, or a mixture thereof. The matrix particles are biocompatible and/or biodegradable and can be coupled to targeting molecules for targeted visualization.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.