A micelle, comprises a first phospholipid, a second phospholipid, a targeting agent, conjugated to the first phospholipid, a perfluorocarbon, and a therapeutically active compound. The first phospholipid and the second phospholipid form a shell enclosing the perfluorocarbon and the therapeutically active compound. The targeting agent comprises an anti-nucleolin agent, and the therapeutically active compound comprises a chemotherapeutic agent and/or a cytotoxic agent. An emulsion may be formed, comprising a plurality of the micelles, and continuous aqueous phase. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer may be prepared, comprising the emulsion, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A method of treating cancer includes administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition to a patient in need thereof.

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

The present invention is directed to compositions useful in assembling vesicles. The composition comprises a first block copolymer; a plurality of first inorganic nanoparticles; a second block copolymer; and a plurality of second inorganic nanoparticles or a plurality of small molecules. The composition is characterized by the ability to self-assemble into a vesicle. Also provided is a method of making a composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent and a method of using the vesicles as imaging agents.

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.

Cancer treatment methods using thermotherapy and/or enhanced immunotherapy are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method comprising the steps of administering a plurality of nanoparticles to target a tumor in a patient, the nanoparticles being coated with an antitumor antibody, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), and a polymer, and the nanoparticles containing medication and/or gene, and a dye or indicator in the polymer coating, at least some of the nanoparticles attaching to surface antigens of tumor cells so as to form a tumor cell/nanoparticle complex; exciting the nanoparticles using an ultrasound source generating an ultrasonic wave so as to peel off the polymer coating of the nanoparticles, thereby releasing the dye or indicator into the circulation of the patient and the medication and/or gene at the tumor site; and imaging a body region of the patient so as to detect the dye or indicator released into the circulation of the patient.

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.

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

The present invention provides constructs that can be used for delivering therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents to a subject's tissue or organ. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a doubly ultrasound-voltage-activated imaging agent. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods of selectively imaging a portion of a subject's body.

The present invention relates to a gas-generating micelle prepared by coupling a polyethylene glycol derivative and an alkyl chloroformate. The gas-generating micelles according to the present invention are circulated in the body and deposited on the disease site to generate carbon dioxide, and thus a more enhanced ultrasonic diagnostic image can be obtained.

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.