The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing beta cell maturation, health and function. The invention may be used for increasing insulin secretion in a cell, promoting the formation of cell clusters, or reducing cell death. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods provide a treatment for diabetes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an agent which increases a β-cell surface protein expression, activity or both.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods facilitating the non-invasive administration (such as oral administration) of therapeutic proteins or peptides (such as insulin) which maintain biological activity when absorbed. The composition of the present invention comprises a therapeutic amount of a conjugate, wherein the conjugate comprises a quantum dot and a therapeutically effective peptide or protein.

Genomic safe harbors (GSH) for genetic therapies in human stem cells and engineered nanoparticles to provide targeted genetic therapies are described. The GSH and/or associated nanoparticles can be used to safely and efficiently treat a variety of genetic, infectious, and malignant diseases.

The present invention provides a non-invasive near-infrared light-controlled nanomaterial for the treatment of diabetes and use of an upconversion fluorescent nanomaterial in the preparation of a tool for the treatment of diabetes, wherein the upconversion fluorescent nanomaterial includes an inorganic nanomaterial doped with rare earth elements, and a layer of water-soluble polymer and molecules targeting liver cells, which is on the surface of the nanomaterial. In the treatment of diabetes, there is no need to surgically implant invasive optical fibers in animals, and the upconversion nanomaterial in an organism is excited by near-infrared light with high tissue penetrability. The upconversion material converts the light of near-infrared band into visible light, to activate light-sensitive proteins. This enables the remote control of intracellular glucose metabolism-related signaling pathways independent of insulin with high temporal-spatial resolution, to promote the glycogen synthesis, inhibit the gluconeogenesis, and lower the blood glucose level.

Provided herein are magnetically-responsive, photosensitizer based antimicrobial microemulsions and photodynamic nanoplatforms in which a photosensitizer functionally associated with a plurality of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are encapsulated. Also provided are methods and processes utilizing the antimicrobial microemulsions and photodynamic nanoplatforms to treat an oral disease, to reduce a microbial population in a pathogenic oral biofilm and to improve the efficacy of a photosensitizer during an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy treatment of an oral disease.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for delivering an oligonucleotide-functionalized nanoparticle.

Provided herein are methods and related compositions for administering viral transfer vectors and antigen-presenting cell targeted immunosuppressants.

Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

The present invention provides a generic platform for delivering molecules with low blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration into the brain. The nano-delivery system is based on a core nanoparticle which is conjugated through a first polymeric linker to a brain-internalizing transporter moiety, and is further conjugated to a second polymeric linker bound to an active agent selected rom a biologically active molecule or a labeling molecule. Further provided is a process for preparation of the nano-delivery system. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nano-delivery system and its use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic methods.

Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.