The subject invention pertains to a modified MC1R peptide ligand comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand and a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The subject invention also pertains to a MC1R peptide ligand-micelle complex comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor ligand connected via a click reaction product to a micelle. The micelle is stable in vivo and can target melanoma tumor cells by association of the peptide ligand with the MC1R or the tumor and selectively provide a detectable and/or therapeutic agent (such as an imageable contrast agent and/or anti-cancer agent) selectively to the tumor cell.

A silica particle for medical imaging includes a bridged silane fluorescent dye incorporated throughout the particle matrix. Copolymerization of a bridged silane fluorescent dye (e.g., (RO).sub.3SiRSi(OR).sub.3, where R is a fluorescent organic bridging group, and where R is a methyl or ethyl group) and a tetralkoxysilane (e.g., Si(OR).sub.4, where R is a methyl or ethyl group) generates particles of a predetermined size and shape. This leaves the surface of each particle available for further modification to facilitate dispersion of the particle into different media. Hence, a surface modifier may be subsequently bonded onto the particle surface. In some embodiments, poly(ethylene glycol) is selected as the surface modifier to increase dispersion of the silica particle in an aqueous media. In some embodiments, the particle is porous allowing for an additional functionality (e.g., a secondary imaging material, such as magnetic nanoparticles, and/or a pharmaceutical drug) to be loaded within the pores.

Dendronized metallic oxide nanoparticles, a process for preparing the same and their uses.

The present invention relates to maltol-coated magnetite nanoparticles, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods for using same as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging.

An organically surface-bonded metal or metal oxide material including an inorganic metal or metal oxide and an organic material. The organic material is coated on the surface of the inorganic metal or metal oxide. The inorganic metal or metal oxide and the organic material are linked through a strong chemical bond. The strong chemical bond includes a covalent bond between a metal in the inorganic metal or metal oxide and a nitrogen in the organic material.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a hydrogel particle which can be taken into a cell by the action of the cell and can control the release of a magnetic particle enclosed therein into the cell so as to retain the magnetic particle in the cell for a long period; a method for producing the hydrogel particle; a cell or a cell structure each enclosing the hydrogel particle therein; and a method for evaluating the activity of a cell using the hydrogel particle. The present invention solves the problem by a hydrogel particle including: a domain which is composed of a first hydrogel; a matrix which encloses the domain and is composed of a second hydrogel having a different crosslinking degree or composition from that of the first hydrogel; and a magnetic particle which is supported by at least the first hydrogel.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing: a hydrogel particle which can be taken into a cell by the action of the cell and can control the release of a magnetic particle enclosed therein into the cell so as to retain the magnetic particle in the cell for a long period; a method for producing the hydrogel particle; a cell or a cell structure each enclosing the hydrogel particle therein; and a method for evaluating the activity of a cell using the hydrogel particle. The present invention solves the problem by a hydrogel particle including: a domain which is composed of a first hydrogel; a matrix which encloses the domain and is composed of a second hydrogel having a different crosslinking degree or composition from that of the first hydrogel; and a magnetic particle which is supported by at least the first hydrogel.

Nanoclusters comprising inorganic nanocrystals and a biodegradable polymer are disclosed. The inorganic nanocrystals have a mean particle size of 1 to 500 nm. The inorganic nanocrystals are contained within a core of the nanoclusters, on the surface of the nanoclusters, contained within a core of the nanoclusters, dispersed throughout the nanoclusters, or a combination thereof. The biodegradable polymer allows the inorganic nanocrystals to be excreted renally over a period of time. The nanoclusters can be used for medical imaging or other biomedical applications.

Provided herein, inter alia, are compositions, methods of detecting a diseased tissue in a subject, and methods of treating a subject having cancer.

Carbon nanoparticle suspension injection-Fe, a preparation method, an application and a use method. The carbon nanoparticle suspension injection-Fe includes carbon nanoparticle suspension injection and ferrous sulfate, where a concentration of the carbon nanoparticle suspension injection is 20-100 mg/mL, a concentration of ferrous ions in the carbon nanoparticle suspension injection-Fe is 0.5-60 mg/mL, and a particle size of carbon nanoparticles in the carbon nanoparticle suspension injection-Fe is 90-250 nm, and a pH value is 2.8-6.0. The carbon nanoparticle suspension injection-Fe serves as a developing agent after being injected into a tumor to show distribution of the carbon nanoparticle suspension injection-Fe and retention in the tumor on a magnetic resonance image.