Provided are photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include at least one radiation-absorbing component comprising a bacteriochlorin, a metallobacteriochlorin, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed photoacoustic imaging contrast agents either singly or in combination for generating an image of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof. Further provided are compositions and methods for multiplex photoacoustic imaging of a volume, optionally a subject or a body part, cell, tissue, or organ thereof using photoacoustic imaging contrast agents that include a plurality of the presently disclosed bacteriochlorins, metallobacteriochlorins, and/or derivatives thereof simultaneously.

Methods and devices for producing a population of liposomes are provided. Aspects of the methods include applying a centrifugal force to a suspension of liposomes in a manner sufficient to pass the liposomes through a porous membrane to produce a population of liposomes. Aspects of the invention further include devices, systems and kits useful for performing the methods.

Acoustically responsive stabilized microbubbles formulated with a phospholipid monolayer shell, an encapsulated bioactive gas, and an encapsulated perfluorocarbon gas of the formula C.sub.xF.sub.y in a volume ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:10, wherein X is greater than or equal to 3, are disclosed. Also provided are methods for promoting localized vasodilation in a patient in need thereof by delivering a microbubble comprising a phospholipid monolayer shell and an encapsulated bioactive gas locally to a target diseased section of the patient's vasculature; and releasing the bioactive gas at the target diseased section, wherein the microbubble comprises the bioactive gas in a ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:10 by volume with a perfluorocarbon gas.

Provided herein are methods and devices for identifying and/or distinguishing UCA formulations and specifically activating such formulations to produce UCA suitable for in vivo use.

Compositions and methods for molecular imaging of selectins are disclosed. Specifically, compositions comprising medical imaging contrast-producing agents associated with the extracellular domain of TIM-1 as a targeting ligand for use in molecular imaging of selectins are disclosed. Also, methods of using the extracellular domain of TIM-1 as a ligand for achieving specific targeting to selectins as therapeutic drug delivery vehicles is also disclosed.

Disclosed is a conjugated polymer-based nanoprobe, including a fluorescent conjugated polymer, a surface ligand, a target molecule, a near-infrared fluorescent dye and optionally a gadolinium-containing magnetic resonance contrast agent. This application also discloses a method for preparing the conjugated polymer-based nanoprobe, including: adding raw materials to an organic solvent followed by ultrasonication to obtain a mixture; and adding the mixture to ultrapure water and continuously ultrasonicating the reaction mixture. The conjugated polymer-based nanoprobe can be applied in a combined molecular imaging technique of near infrared fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging to effectively recognize metastatic lymph nodes and normal lymph nodes, and it can be retained in the metastatic lymph nodes for a long time, meeting the requirements for long-term observation. Moreover, the near-infrared fluorescent conjugated polymer-based nanoprobe can generate reactive oxygen under irradiation, which is suitable for the photodynamic treatment of tumors.

Provided herein are improved methods for preparing phospholipid formulations including phospholipid UCA formulations.

The present subject matter provides compounds, compositions, and methods for identifying, monitoring, treating, and removing diseased tissue. Compounds, compositions, and methods for identifying, monitoring, and detecting circulating fluids such as blood are also provided.

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.

Echogenic liposomes (ELIP) formulated with an at least partially pegylated phospholipid bi-layer shell, encapsulated nitric oxide, and encapsulated perfluorocarbon of the formula CxFy in a ratio of about 1:1 by volume, wherein X is greater than or equal to 3, are disclosed, along with methods for treating a patients suffering from cardiovascular disease by administering the ELIP at a site remote from the target diseased section, monitoring presence of the ELIP at the target diseased section, and administering ultrasound upon detection of presence such that bioactive NO is released at the target diseased section.