The present invention generally relates to yeast cell wall microparticles loaded with nanoparticles for receptor-targeted nanoparticle delivery. In particular, the present invention relates to trapping nanoparticles either on the surface or inside a yeast glucan particles, for example, yeast glucal particles. The present invention further relates to methods of making the yeast cell wall particles loaded with nanoparticles. The present invention also relates to methods of using the yeast cell wall particles particles loaded with nanoparticles for receptor-targeted delivery of the nanoparticles, e.g., drug containing nanoparticles.

A method and system for diagnosing concussions and other CNS afflictions is provided. A diagnostic kit includes a tube containing a predefined amount of lyophilized tau-specific antibody conjugated to colored latex nanoparticles, a fluid for mixing with the lyophilized tau-specific antibody conjugated to colored latex nanoparticles within the tube, so as to reconstitute the lyophilized tau-specific antibody conjugated to colored latex nanoparticles, resulting in a reconstituted mixture, and a swab comprising an absorbent hydrophobic material, the swab configured for absorbing cerebrospinal fluid when swabbed on a patient, wherein when the swab that has absorbed cerebrospinal fluid is placed in the tube containing the reconstituted mixture, the swab is configured to change color.

The present invention provides a method for the generation of novel libraries of encoded magnetic particles from sub-libraries of by the generation of novel sub-libraries of magnetic nanoparticles and encoded particles. The sub-libraries are functionalized on demand are useful in the formation of arrays. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interactions of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.

The present invention relates to methods of measuring interaction between a first and a second molecule, for example a protein and an antibody, by conjugation of one of these molecules with nanoparticles, and measuring the interaction between the first and second molecule via changes in the optical properties of the nanoparticles. The present invention further relates to methods of coating nanoparticles.

The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MM), radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle.

A nanocomposite includes a core comprising a first polymer, a shell disposed about the core, the shell comprising a sulfonated polyester, the first polymer and sulfonated polyester are different, and a plurality of silver nanoparticles disposed throughout the shell layer.

A nanocomposite includes a core comprising a first polymer, a shell disposed about the core, the shell comprising a sulfonated polyester, the first polymer and sulfonated polyester are different, and a plurality of silver nanoparticles disposed throughout the shell layer.

A method of detecting protease activity in a sample. The method includes contacting the sample with a composition containing (i) a dispersion of gold nanoparticles, whose surface is coated with a gelatin; and (ii) CaCl.sub.2. A color change of the composition, a turbidity change of the composition, or both, upon the contacting of the sample with the composition, indicates the presence of protease activity in the sample. A kit adapted for performing the method. The kit includes (i) a vial containing a composition comprising CaCl.sub.2 and a dispersion of gold nanoparticles whose surface is coated with a gelatin; (ii) a cap configured for attachment to the vial, comprising a rubber septum; and (iii) a sampling device configured for collecting a fluid from a wound.

The present invention provides a method for the generation of novel libraries of encoded magnetic particles from sub-libraries of by the generation of novel sub-libraries of magnetic nanoparticles and encoded particles. The sub-libraries are functionalized on demand are useful in the formation of arrays. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interactions of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.

Described herein are methods of catalyzing oxidation reactions by an oxidizing agent (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The methods include contacting a substrate with an oxidizing agent and a nanoparticle in a reaction mixture, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a Pd core at least partially surrounded by a coating comprising Ir. In addition, disclosed herein are kits for catalyzing the oxidation of a substrate by an oxidizing agent. The kits include a substrate, an oxidizing agent, and a nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a Pd core at least partially surrounded by a coating comprising Ir. The kits also include instructions describing how to contact the substrate, the oxidizing agent and the nanoparticle so as to catalyze the oxidation of the substrate.