The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to interventional magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI). More specifically, clinical applications of the disclosed include magnetic resonance (MR) guided procedures such as endovascular interventions, percutaneous biopsies or deep brain stimulation

Disclosed herein are embodiments of composites and compositions that can be used for therapeutic applications in vivo and/or in vitro. The disclosed composites can comprise cores having magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, or combinations thereof and zwitterionic polymeric coatings that facilitate solubility and bioconjugation. The compositions disclosed herein can comprise the composites and one or more biomolecules, drugs, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composites, composite components, and methods of making quantum dots for use in the composites.

Compositions and methods are described for detecting and treating conditions including cancer with target specific quantum dot nano-devices. In some aspects, nanoparticle conjugates are provided having multiple target specificities and include surface modified, water soluble quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles each of which are chemically conjugated to at least two different target specific ligands.

Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization and enhance function of such cells. The cells include retinal and other excitable cells.

An aqueous approach to synthesize capped SnS quantum dots (QDs) followed by optional capping molecule extension by attaching one or more extending molecules to the capping molecule via peptide bond formation at elevated temperature. The capped SnS QDs may have a capping molecule:Sn:S molar ratio of 16:3:1 to 16:12:1. A suspension of SnS QDs was heat-treated at 200 C. for 0.5-4 hrs. The obtained SnS QDs showed an NIR emission peak at 820-835 nm with an excitation wavelength at 690 nm. The as synthesized SnS QDs were found to have high positive zeta potential of 30 mV and thus were toxic to cells. By neutralizing the SnS QDs the cytotoxicity was reduced to an accepted level. The heat-treatment step can be obviated by adding a glycerol solution containing S.sup.2 anions and capping molecule to a glycerol solution of Sn.sup.2+ ions.

Methods for detecting disease in a patient are disclosed. The methods involve administering to the patient a quantum dot-analyte conjugate, which includes an analyte that binds to a marker for the disease in the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The analyte is conjugated to a quantum dot having a characteristic emission wavelength. Using an endoscopic modality, a physician can illuminate portions of the patient's gastrointestinal tract and detect the presence of the marker based on emission of the quantum dot. Also disclosed are methods of predicting a response to a treatment in a patient.

Methods and compositions to controllably regulate cells at a target site. A quantum dot-targeting agent complex is administered to a patient in need of therapy, and the complex is stimulated using an implanted fiber optic system. In embodiments, the system includes an electrical sensor that detects and monitors electrical activity of the stimulated controllably regulated cells, and relays this information to a controller that can regulate further stimulation.

The present invention relates to a core/shell nanoplatelet and its use as a fluorophore or a fluorescent agent.

Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a crosslinked hydrogel; where the hydrogel comprises a polymer having a cleavable bond along a backbone of the polymer, along a substituent that undergoes crosslinking, or along the backbone of the polymer and along the substituent that undergoes crosslinking; where the cleavable bond is operative to be cleaved by an enzyme released in the body of a living being; and a semiconducting quantum dot that emits light in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The present disclosure relates to quantum dot nanoparticles conjugated to ligands, and in particular quantum dot nanoparticles wherein each nanoparticle is conjugated to a polymerizable ligand. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making such conjugated quantum dot nanoparticles, and the use of such conjugated quantum dot nanoparticles as therapeutic agents, ablation agents and tattooing agents.