The invention provides novel apparatus and methods for efficiently and accurately filling vials with gaseous materials such as a fluorinated gas, with or without concomitantly filling the vials with another liquid or solid material.

The invention provides novel apparatus and methods for efficiently and accurately filling vials with gaseous materials such as a fluorinated gas, with or without concomitantly filling the vials with another liquid or solid material.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) that may be useful as ultrasound contrast agents for detecting and treating bladder cancer are described herein. The MSNs include a lanthanide, a fluorophore, and an agent detectable by ultrasound.

A method for evaluating treatment outcome in a patient having a genetic predisposition for a malignant neoplasm before clinical manifestation of the neoplasm can be seen radiographically. The method permits visualization of any tumor, whether located externally on a patient's body or located internally in the body, and as small as 2 mm in diameter, using a biomarker. The method uses biomarkers conjugated with nanoparticles which include but are not limited to quantum dots, with the conjugated form collectively termed functionalized nanoparticles, that are heated under specified conditions to produce a photoacoustic signal that is then visualized to locate and/or treat the tumor.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing beads comprising imaging agent. The present invention further provides beads highly useful for medical imaging.

Disclosed is a method of producing a vesicle containing a metallic nanoparticle that is covalently bound to at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one hydrophobic polymer, wherein the method involves dispersing the polymer-bound metallic nanoparticle in an organic solvent, adding an aqueous solution containing a dispersing aid to form a mixed solution, sonicating the mixed solution to form an emulsion; and removing the organic solvent from the emulsion until the vesicle forms. Using this method, the formed vesicle has a diameter of 20-150 nm, which is useful for a method of conducting photothermal therapy (PTT) for killing cells, such as cancer cells.

Stable perfluorocarbon nanodroplet compositions with properties such as low-boiling points and small particle diameters are provided for improved performance in ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications. Methods of producing stabilized nanodroplet compositions and methods of using the compositions are further provided to allow for improved performance in ultrasound imaging techniques and/or therapeutic applications.

A mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN); a bioactive agent loaded into the MSN; and an enteric coating encapsulating the surface of the MSN for oral administration or combination with more than one other pharmaceutical composition each having distinct bioactive agents.

The invention describes ultrasound-responsive particles comprising a polypeptide shell. The surface of the particle has one or more indentations which are generally able to entrap a gas bubble. The particles are capable of generating inertial cavitation on exposure to ultrasound. The particles are therefore useful in methods of treatment which involve inertial cavitation and in the delivery of drugs to target sites via inertial cavitation.

A microsphere and method for forming the same are disclosed. The microsphere includes modified cellulose and at least one of a visualization agent, a magnetic material, or a radioactive material.