The present invention provides methods and compositions for the remote control of cell function based on the use of radiofrequency waves to excite nanoparticles targeted to specific cell types. The nanoparticles may be applied to the target cell extracellularly and/or expressed intracellularly. The cell type of interest expresses a temperature sensitive channel wherein excitation of the nanoparticles results in a localized temperature increase that is transduced into a cellular response. Such cellular responses may include, for example, increases in gene expression resulting in production of one or more physiologically active proteins. The expression of such proteins can be used to treat a variety of different inherited or acquired diseases or disorders in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides a generic approach for treatment of any disease associated with a protein deficiency.

A method of killing cells of a targeted cell type in a patient body that utilizes nanoparticles (10) having a first portion (12), which when exposed to a target portion (14) of a targeted cell type (16), binds to the target portion and a second portion (10A), joined to the first portion, and comprised of a low resistivity material. The nanoparticles are introduced into a contact area where they contact cells of the targeted cell type. Contemporaneously, the contact area is exposed to a varying magnetic field of insufficient strength to increase the temperature of any part of the patient body by more than ten degrees Celsius, but which creates a current (20) at the nanoparticles sufficient to disrupt function of the targeted cell type.

A radio frequency annular phased array hyperthermia system providing a heated focal zone with a diameter of 3 cm or less in a tissue mass includes a plurality of at least 42 radio frequency energy applicators in three rings adapted to surround the tissue mass. A bolus having a dielectric constant is positioned between the energy applicators and the tissue mass. The energy applicators operate at a frequency of at least about 900 MHz. to create the heated focal zone. The circumferential spacing between adjacent applicators in each ring is less than a critical distance and spacing between adjacent side by side rings is also less than a critical distance with such critical distances being interdependent on the frequency of the energy radiated, the dielectric constant of the bolus, the size of the bolus, and the size of the tissue mass.

Metallofullerene monocrystalline nanoparticles are used as tumor vascular disrupting agents. The monocrystalline nanoparticles are water-soluble metallofullerene nanoparticles with negative charges on their surfaces. The particle sizes range from 50 to 250 nanometers. The nanomaterials are able to absorb outside radiation energy, and transform it into heat energy. The volumes rapidly expand when temperature reaches a phase transformation point. For treatment, metallofullerene monocrystalline nanoparticles are administrated to a tumor-bearing organism via injection. The metallofullerene monocrystalline nanoparticles reach tumor sites via blood circulation, and are retained at the tumor sites. The monocrystalline nanoparticles of metallofullerene accumulate heat and the temperature increases under outside radiation energy. The volumes sharply expand when the temperature exceeds a critical point of phase transition thereof, thereby causing changes in the morphologies, structures or functions of endothelium cells of tumor vessels.

A composition including magnetic nanoparticles for use in the treatment of a tissue volume including pathological cells in an individual, wherein a portion only of the tissue volume is occupied by the magnetic nanoparticles upon administration of the composition to the individual and the magnetic nanoparticles are excited by radiation.

An injectable electrode which is manufactured in the body by curing from a liquid phase to a solid phase, and therefore molding to the contours of the bodily structures where it is injected.

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of detecting cells characteristic of disease, determining a measure of the number of cells characteristic of disease present, and determining the location of cells characteristic of disease. The effect of nanoparticles on magnetic fields can be used to determine the location of a disease, and a measure of the number of cells characteristic of the disease. This location and measure can be used to guide therapy, and provide information regarding the most effective therapy to be applied.

The present invention relates to a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging, in which the contrast agent comprises: a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein each magnetic nanoparticle comprises a core covered at least in part with a layer of metal, wherein the core and the layer of metal are comprised of different materials; and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to internal combustion engines, combustion systems that include such internal combustion engines, and controls for controlling operation of the combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may include one or more mechanisms for injecting fuel, air, fuel-air mixture, or combinations thereof directly into one or more cylinders, and controls may operate or direct operation of such mechanisms.

The disclosure pertains to mixtures of LaFeSiH magnetic nanoparticles having different Curie temperatures useful for improved inductive hyperthermia efficiency, injectable formulations containing the nanoparticles, and methods of raising the temperature of selected cells using the nanoparticles.