The present disclosure relates to a novel nano-droplet composition comprising a fluorocarbon core and a polymeric shell, and the method of using and making the novel nano-droplet composition. The fluorocarbon core and the polymeric shell of the novel nano-droplet form a micelle with a size range of 10-1000 nm. The fluorocarbon core comprises at least one fluorocarbon compound with a formula of C.sub.nF.sub.2n+2 and n is 5-10. The fluorocarbon compound is substantial in liquid form. And the nano-droplet composition has a temperature profile such that the nano-droplet composition has a temperature range of 20-60 C. throughout a temperature modulation process, and has a temperature of about 37 C. prior to administration to a human, animal, biological cell, or tissue subject.

The invention provides a targeted microbubble comprising a microbubble composed of a shell and a gas encapsulated in the shell, the shell is conjugated with a C4d antibody or a C3d antibody. The targeted microbubble of the present invention is employed as contrast agent for the ultrasonic imaging of C4d or C3d deposited in renal and cardiac allografts. The occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) can be accurately diagnosed via qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The present application relates to photoacoustic agents, to kits comprising such photoacoustic agents and to uses thereof such as in methods for detecting a presence of a target in a subject. The photoacoustic agents comprise a photoacoustically active moiety (for example, a near infrared dye) that is coupled to a first bioorthogonal reactive group and optionally a targeting entity for a target that is coupled to a second bioorthogonal reactive group.

A method for ascertaining the presence of target-bound microbubbles in the context of ultrasound molecular imaging is taught. This method, referred to herein as dynamic scaling ultrasound molecular imaging, relies upon the time-varying behavior contrast agents within a region expressing a molecular imaging target and that within a reference region. Ultrasound contrast agents compositions that enable use of the method are also taught. The method is useful for the use of ultrasound molecular imaging in diagnosing and monitoring treatment.

Provided herein are targeted photoacoustic compounds and formulations thereof that can contain a photoacoustic signaling moiety operatively coupled to a targeting moiety. Also provided herein are methods of imagining a subject using the targeted photoacoustic compounds and formulations thereof provided herein.

The present invention provides reagents and methods for detecting cancer and precancerous lesions in a patient.

Provided are embodiments of a probe, methods of manufacture, and use in photoacoustic and NIR-II near-infrared imaging, the probe comprising a fluorescent dye and a human serum albumin molecule, or fragment thereof, wherein the fluorescent dye is attached to the human serum albumin molecule, and wherein the fluorescent dye can have a greater near-infrared fluorescence intensity than when not in contact with the human serum albumin molecule.

A nanodroplet particle useful as an imaging contrast agent comprises a saline solution that upon irradiation with a radiofrequency energy generate a detectable acoustic signal. The saline solution nanodroplets can be encapsulated by a fluorinated shell that maintains the integrity of the nanodroplets. The saline solution and the fluorinated shell form the nanoparticles when sonicated, for example, in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant to form double-emulsion compositions. The nanoparticles of the disclosure may be advantageously useful as imaging contrast agents suitable for providing a detectable signal when administered to an animal or human subject. The nanoparticles can be conjugated to targeting agents such as biomarker or cell-specific ligands so that the nanoparticles may be concentrated to a desired target such as, but not limited to, a suspected tumor.

A construct for detecting cellular membrane potential includes a nanoparticle operable as an electron donor; a modular peptide attached to the nanoparticle, the peptide comprising a nanoparticle association domain, a motif configured to mediate peptide insertion into the plasma membrane, and at least one attachment point for an electron acceptor positioned at a controlled distance from the nanoparticle; and an electron acceptor. The nanoparticle can be a quantum dot and the electron acceptor can be C.sub.60 fullerene. Photoacoustic emission from the construct correlates with cellular membrane potential.

Compositions and methods for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to the use of B7-H3-targeted imaging agents for molecular imaging of breast cancer. Vascular expression of B7-H3 is selectively and significantly higher in breast cancer tissues. Detection of B7-H3 can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions with high diagnostic accuracy. B7-H3-targeted imaging agents can be produced by conjugation of a B7-H3-binding antibody, aptamer, or other ligand to various diagnostic agents, such as contrast agents, photoactive agents, or detectable labels that are useful for detection and medical imaging of breast cancer tumors.