A multi-chromophore virus particle is constructed by covalent binding of chromophores and provides super-radiant behavior. A virus-enabled targeted vector is provided for imaging with qualitatively different optical emission properties from state-of-the-art agents. Bright emission is obtained through quantum coherence, which in turn is facilitated by the symmetry of the virus shell. In an exemplary embodiment the targeted vector is used in laser-guided surgery, specifically for the treatment of in brain cancer.

Provided herein are phospholipid-free small unilamellar vesicle (PFSUV) compositions, including a steroid and a non-ionic surfactant wherein the molar ratio of steroid:nonionic surfactant is between 3:1 to 5:1. Furthermore, the compositions described herein were found to useful for drug loading, drug delivery where preferential targeting of drugs to the liver is of interest.

The present disclosure generally relates in certain embodiments to a magnetic imaging kit for biochemical sensing, e.g., for detection of analytes, via magnetic imaging techniques. For instance, in one set of embodiments, the kit comprises a collection of magnetic imaging agents (e.g. superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) and linker species (e.g. a catechol, phosphothreonine, and/or derivative thereof) with a molecular weight of less than or equal to 1000 Da, or less than or equal to 500 Da. The magnetic imaging agents may sense the presence of an analyte via aggregation or disaggregation of the two or more magnetic imaging agents. In addition, certain aspects are directed to a method of exposing two or more magnetic imaging agents to a region on or in a subject and imaging the region to determine the analyte.

A marker for imaging includes a bio-dissolvable material and a contrast agent configured to provide contrast during an imaging procedure. A method can include forming a marker for imaging from a bio-dissolvable material and impregnating the bio-dissolvable material with a contrast agent. A method can include implanting a bio-dissolvable marker for imaging into a patient.

The invention relates to a method for the preparation of dry formulations of dairy probiotic bacteria using a combination of different polymers. The said formulations having increased viability during processing, storage and upon transfers to the rumen of the dairy animals. Further said formulations having high tolerance to lactate and acetate in the rumen of dairy animals.

The present invention provides an alginic acid-based injectable hydrogel system for labeling an accurate position of a disease lesion and effectively delivering a drug to a target region. The formulation of the present invention can make it easy to locally inject a contrast agent and a drug into a target region while controlling the release rate of the contrast agent or the drug, with the formation of the hydrogel in the injected region. Through the advantages, the labeled position can be accurately determined from images, thereby enhancing the precision of surgical operation, with a minimal incision formed therefor. In addition, when used, the alginic acid-based injectable hydrogel system allows the effective local delivery of a drug to a target region while increasing the long-acting effect of the drug.

The present invention provides novel liposomes comprising Gd.DOTA.DSA (gadolinium (III) 2-{4,7-bis-carboxymethyl-10-[(N,N-distearylamidomethyl-N′-amido-methyl]-1,4,7,10- =tetra-azacyclododec-1-yl}-acetic acid), characterised in that the liposome further comprises a neutral, fully saturated phospholipid component (e.g. DSPC (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospocholine]), which are of particular use in the preparation of magnetic resonance contrast agents for enhancing a magnetic resonance image of tumours in a mammal.

The invention discloses nanoparticles comprising compounds of calcium with anions such as phosphate, pyrophosphate, sulphate, silicate, carbonate, molybdate, or phosphosilicate that are doped with various ions. The nanoparticles are configured to produce heat (hyperthermia) under radio-wave (1 KHz-1000 GHz) exposure together with magnetism suitable for contrast imaging in MRI, X-ray absorption for computed tomography, near-infrared optical fluorescence for optical imaging, and/or radio-isotope emission for nuclear imaging or therapy. The nanoparticles can also be incorporated into micro-beads or other 3 dimensional scaffolds for image-guided (MRI, CT, NIR, nuclear) tissue regeneration, immunotherapy, vascular or tumor embolization, and/or chemo/radio-embolization.

A composition including magnetic nanoparticles for use in the treatment of a tissue volume including pathological cells in an individual, wherein a portion only of the tissue volume is occupied by the magnetic nanoparticles upon administration of the composition to the individual and the magnetic nanoparticles are excited by radiation.

The invention provides a novel class of clearable, tumor-targeting and human protein-based MRI nanoprobes and contrast agents and their compositions, and methods of preparation and use thereof.