Abstract: A contrast agent composition comprising at least one carbon nanotube and a metal catalyst. A method for obtaining a magnetic resonance image, the method comprising: administering to a subject a contrast agent composition, wherein a contrast agent composition comprises at least one carbon nanotube and a metal catalyst; and obtaining a magnetic resonance image of at least a portion of the subject in which the contrast agent is disposed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of diagnosing, monitoring and treating iron disorders using assays of serum ferritin. Some embodiments relate to detection and management of iron and iron-containing proteins in the body. For instance, the level of ferritin may be determined by contacting a sample with one or more magnetic nanoparticles; measuring an absorbance of the sample in the presence and in the absence of a magnetic field; and comparing the absorbance of the sample in the presence of the magnetic field to the absorbance of the sample in the absence of the magnetic field to determine the level of ferritin in the sample.

Abstract: Provided are a positively-charged superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION), a contrast agent using the same, and a method of preparing the same. The positively-charged SPION includes a SPION, a polymer layer including a polymer containing many carboxyl groups coated on a surface of the SPION, and a cationic material coupled via an amide bond to a surface of the polymer layer. Therefore, the SPION may be prepared in a simple and reproducible process to have hydrophilicity and a strong positive charge. The prepared positively-charged SPION may have high uptake into a cell and stability, and be used in various applications as an effective contrast agent through non-invasive in vivo imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of triblock polymer ligands (30) and nanoparticle complexes (80). The nanoparticle complexes (80) comprise a capped nanoparticle (10) and the triblock polymer ligand (30). The triblock polymer ligand (30) consists of a binding polymer (40), a hydrophobic polymer (50) and a hydrophilic functionalisable polymer (60). The binding polymer (40) attaches to the capped nanoparticle (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of marker particles, which are especially useful for target-specific molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), using charged iron oxide nanoparticles and inversely charged peptides covalently linked to macromolecules, which are capable of binding to a specific type of cells.

Abstract: A gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticle, method of making thereof, and method of using thereof is disclosed. The nanoparticle is substantially toxin free (making it clinically applicable), easily functionalized, and can serve as a contrast agent for a number of imaging techniques, including imaging a subject in at least two distinct imaging modes. Further, the nanoparticle is well-suited for therapeutic uses.

Abstract: A nanoparticle including a polysiloxane base having an exterior surface and having a photosensitizer at least partly exposed at its exterior surface, said photosensitizer being secured to the exterior surface by loading the photosensitizer onto the surface after formation of the polysiloxane base of the nanoparticle. The nanoparticle may have tumor targeting moieties and may be post loaded with cyanine dye. The nanoparticle preferably includes post loaded moieties providing at least two of tumor specificity, photodynamic properties and imaging capabilities and the photosensitizer is tagged with a radioisotope. A method for preparation of the nanoparticle is also provided.

Abstract: Acid-labile poly(N-vinyl formamide) (“PNVF”) nanocapsules were synthesized by free radical polymerization of N-vinyl formamide with optional active ingredients on the surface of silica nanoparticles. Polymerization in the presence of a novel cross-linker that contains an acid-labile ketal facilitated stable etching of silica nanoparticle templates using sodium hydroxide and recovery of PNVF nanocapsules. The formamido side group of PNVF was then hydrolyzed by extended exposure to sodium hydroxide to produce polyvinylamine (“PVAm”) nanocapsules. PNVF and PVAm nanoparticles are also synthesized that form nanogels with optional active ingredients.

Abstract: MRI imaging compositions are disclosed comprising non-chelated MRI contrast agents in the pores of at least one porous microparticle or nanoparticle. The compositions of the invention have been found to exhibit increased relaxivity and therefore, enhanced MRI imaging. The non-chelated contrast agents include T1 contrast agents, such as those including Gd(III) or Mn(II). Methods of MRI imaging and methods of making the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates a T1-T2 dual-modal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) contrast agent, comprising (a) a first layer consisting of T1 contrast material; (b) a second layer consisting of T2 contrast material; and (c) a separating layer which is present in a space between the first layer and the second layer, and inhibits a reciprocal interference between T1 contrast material and T2 contrast material, and a heat-generating composition and a drug delivery composition having the same. The T1-T2 dual-modal contrast agent of the present invention may generate both T1 and T2 signal and thus observe the signal complementarily, resulting in accurate diagnosis through reduction of misdiagnosis. Further, T1 and T2 MR imaging may be simultaneously obtained by simple operation within the same MR imaging device, enabling to remarkably reduce a diagnosis time and diagnosis cost.

Abstract: A process of preparing a plurality of nanostructures, each being composed of at least one target material is disclosed. The process comprises sequentially electrodepositing a first material and the at least one target material into pores of a porous membrane having a nanometric pore diameter, to thereby obtain within the pores nanometric rods, each of the nanometric rods having a plurality of segments where any two adjacent segments are made of different materials. The process further comprises and etching the membrane and the first material, thereby obtaining the nanostructures.

Abstract: The invention discloses a biocompatible polymer for covalently modifying magnetic nanoparticles. The biocompatible polymer may be coupled to a targeting agent and/or a fluorescent dye. The invention also discloses a magnetic nanoparticle with biocompatibilities comprising the biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vivo detection of a biofilm infection residing in a mammal, the method comprising (i) administering to the mammal a diagnostic-effective amount of a biofilm-specific probe, wherein the probe comprises a bio film-targeting moiety and a paramagnetic nanoparticle core; and (ii) imaging the mammal to detect the presence of the biofilm infection by observing the mammal using a magnetic resonance diagnostic technique after the biofilm-specific probe has been provided sufficient time to selectively bind to the bio film infection that may be present in the mammal. The invention also relates to methods of treatment of a bio film infection, and compositions and kits useful in the detection and/or treatment of bio film infections.

Abstract: Macromolecular contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging are described. Biomolecules and their modified derivatives form stable complexes with paramagnetic ions thus increasing the molecular relaxivity of carriers. The synthesis of biomolecular based nanodevices for targeted delivery of MRI contrast agents are described. Nanoparticles (NP) have been constructed by self-assembling of chitosan (CHIT) as polycation and poly-gamma glutamic acids (PGA) as polyanion. NP's are capable of Gd-ion uptake forming a particle with suitable molecular relaxivity. Folic acid (FA) is linked to the NP's to produce NP-FA bioconjugates that can be used for targeted in vitro delivery to a human cancer cell line.

Abstract: Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells of a patient, the cells labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, for use in an imaging method for diagnosing a metastasizing cancer, wherein the local accumulation of the labeled precursor cells or bone marrow cells indicates the presence of a metastasizing tumor growth. At least one embodiment also relates to a method for imaging a metastasizing tumor tissue in a patient, wherein a) bone marrow precursor cells or bone marrow cells are extracted from a patient, b) these precursor cells or bone marrow cells are labeled with at least one contrast agent suitable for an imaging method, c) the precursor cells or bone marrow cells thus labeled are retransplanted or reinjected into the patient, and d) the presence of metastasizing tumor cells is depicted with an imaging method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions useful as imaging agents for use in monitoring atherosclerotic plaque regression using, for example, MRI, CT, Gamma-scintigraphy, or optical imaging techniques. Methods and compositions of using the same are described.

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: 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: 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 invention provides methods of detecting a cancer cell in an individual, methods of grading a cancer, and methods of treating a cancer. The methods involve use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that comprise a moiety that provides for selective association with, and/or metabolic uptake into, a cancer cell.

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 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: 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: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one net positively charged group and at least one net negatively charged group, 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 and a shell. The shell comprises a plurality of silane moieties; at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net positively charged group and at least one silane moiety of the plurality is functionalized with a net negatively charged group.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A method for visualizing biological material, preferably by MRI, comprising the steps of: (i) bringing a population of coated nanoparticles into contact with said biological material, each of which nanoparticles comprises a) a metal oxide of a transition metal, said metal oxide preferably being paramagnetic and preferably comprising a lanthanide (+III) such as gadolinium (+III), and b) a coating covering the surface of the core particle, and (ii) recording the image; wherein the coating is hydrophilic and comprises a silane layer which is located next to the surface of the core particle and comprises one or more different silane groups which each comprises an organic group R and a silane-siloxane linkage where a) R comprises a hydrophilic organic group R? and a hydrophobic spacer B, b) O is oxygen directly binding to a surface metal ion of the metal oxide, and c) C is carbon and is also part of B.

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: The present invention relates to the use of a biocompatible nanoparticle or nanoparticle aggregate, in combination with an external non-oscillating magnetic field, wherein said nanoparticle comprises: a) a core comprising magnetic material; b) a biocompatible shell surrounding the core, and, optionally; c) a labelling agent wherein the outer diameter of the shell is less than about 100 nm, to prepare a composition, wherein the composition is deprived of any cell targeting means. The present invention further relates to the compositions thus obtained and to their uses in the field of human health, for the treatment of cancer, or in diagnostic (imaging for example), for the monitoring of tumor evolution.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomimetic contrast agents, dual functional contrast agents effective for therapeutic gene delivery and magnetic nanoparticles which comprise functionalized iron oxide nanoparticle cores, one of an inert gold layer, a layer of inert metal seeds or a silica layer and, optionally, one or both of an outer gold-silver nanoshell or a targeting ligand attached to the inert gold layer or the gold-silver nanoshell. Also provided are methods of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, of treating primary or metastatic cancers or of ablating atherosclerotic plaque using the contrast agents and magnetic particles. In addition, kits comprising the biomimetic contrast agents, dual contrast agents and magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: Composition of non-radioactive traceable metal isotope-enriched nanoparticles, and methods of their use for determining in-vivo biodistribution are provided. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) introducing the nanoparticles into the biological material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one inorganic core, and the inorganic core comprises at least two metal isotopes in a predetermined ratio; wherein at least one metal isotope is enriched non-radioactive traceable metal isotope and (b) determining the distribution of the nanoparticles in the biological material based on the predetermined ratio of the metal isotopes.

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: A method and system for producing an image of a subject with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, in which the presence of a contrast agent is detected using a spin-lock pulse sequence, is described. More specifically, a contrast agent that induces saturation of magnetic resonance signals responsive to a spin-lock condition is administered to a subject. A spin-lock condition is subsequently established to saturate spins in proximity to the contrast agent. Image data is then acquired with an imaging pulse sequence and images indicative of the presence of the contrast agent are reconstructed.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that improves the sensitivity and localization capabilities of Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) by using combinations of time-varying and static magnetic fields. Combinations of magnetic fields can be used to distribute the signals coming from the magnetic particles among the harmonics and other frequencies in specific ways to improve sensitivity and to provide localization information to speed up or improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of imaging and/or eliminate the need for saturation fields currently used in MPI. In various embodiments, coils can be provided to extend the sub-saturation region in which nanoparticles reside; to provide a static field offset to bring nanoparticles nearer to saturation; to introduce even and odd harmonics that can be observed; and/or to introduce combinations of frequencies for more-defined observation of signals from nanoparticles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring in vivo release of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents, e.g., drugs, are provided. The disclosed systems and methods use a contrast agent and Overhauser-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to monitor and/or measure the concentration and distribution of the contrast agent. Provided the contrast agent and the therapeutic/diagnostic agent have similar pharmaco-kinetics, the disclosed system/method may also be used to monitor and/or measure the concentration of such therapeutic/diagnostic agent (e.g., a drug), e.g., in the form of a volume-averaged signal and/or dynamic two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the therapeutic/diagnostic agent and the contrast agent are introduced to the body in an encapsulated form, e.g., within hollow nanoparticles.

Abstract: A first method for medically imaging a patient includes obtaining a carrier medium containing fluorescent nanoparticles. The carrier medium containing the fluorescent nanoparticles is disposed inside the patient at a site where the carrier medium will migrate to specific tissue of known shape. The nanoparticles are activated to fluoresce. Image data of the patient is obtained including the specific tissue after the specific tissue has picked-up the fluorescing fluorescent nanoparticles. The known shape of the specific tissue is identified in the image data. An image representation of the image data is created using the identified known shape as a fiducial. An image of the image representation of the image data is displayed. In a second method, the carrier medium is injected inside tissue of the patient at a site where the carrier medium will be localized in the injected tissue, and the injecting deposits the medium in a predetermined shape in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods and methods for using MRI contrast agent that include a generally nanotubular carrier and an MRI contrast agent disposed within the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of a hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticle systems for the administration of active molecules, peptides, DNA and/or other hydrophilic or hydrophobic molecules, the composition of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid hybrid nanoparticle systems, and the procedure for their development and use. These nanoparticles are made up of hyaluronic acid in salt form, preferentially the sodium salt of the polymers or hybridized with magnetic Fe particles. The nanoparticles are basically from natural polymers, biocompatibles and biodegradables. The nanoparticles allow the controlled release of the active molecules they transport and their orientation towards the target tissues. The present invention teaches a procedure to elaborate particles of hyaluronic acid with a diameter less than 180 nm., that incorporate an active ingredient, independent of its hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature. Procedures to produce the particles are described.

Abstract: A thermosensitive nanostructure for hyperthermia treatment. Magnetic nanoparticles are encapsulated in a thermosensitive polymer nanostructure having a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of about 40-45° C. The thermosensitive polymer nanostructure may carry a drug. When the magnetic nanoparticles are heated to 40-45° C. by application of an alternating magnetic field in hyperthermia treatment, the thermosensitive polymer nanostructure collapses to release the drug, thus providing concurrent drug treatment.