Disclosed are compositions that contain a plurality of biocompatible self-assembling molecules that transform from isolated molecules or spherical micelles while in blood serum into cylindrical nanofibers in the acidic extracellular environment of tumors, which can be used to achieve a higher relative concentration of imaging drug delivery, or radiotherapeutic agents at the tumor site compared to non-tumor tissues. This transition is rapid and reversible, indicating the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium.

Disclosed are compositions that contain a plurality of biocompatible self-assembling molecules that transform from isolated molecules or spherical micelles while in blood serum into cylindrical nanofibers in the acidic extracellular environment of tumors, which can be used to achieve a higher relative concentration of imaging drug delivery, or radiotherapeutic agents at the tumor site compared to non-tumor tissues. This transition is rapid and reversible, indicating the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium.

A multi-component nanochain for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications includes at least three nanoparticles linked together to form the nanochain. At least one nanoparticle of the nanochain has an asymmetric surface chemistry defined by asymmetrically disposed first linkers and second linkers. The nanoparticles are linked to form the nanochain by linking first linkers and/or second linkers disposed on separate nanoparticles.

A multi-component nanochain for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications includes at least three nanoparticles linked together to form the nanochain. At least one nanoparticle of the nanochain has an asymmetric surface chemistry defined by asymmetrically disposed first linkers and second linkers. The nanoparticles are linked to form the nanochain by linking first linkers and/or second linkers disposed on separate nanoparticles.

The present invention provides novel hydrogels through peptides, which are designed to self-assemble and produce magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The location and integrity of these gels could consequently be tracked using MR imaging. The self-assembly of the peptides into hydrogels can be brought about by a change in pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of ions.

The present invention provides novel hydrogels through peptides, which are designed to self-assemble and produce magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The location and integrity of these gels could consequently be tracked using MR imaging. The self-assembly of the peptides into hydrogels can be brought about by a change in pH, ionic strength, temperature, and concentration of ions.

An environmentally sensitive membrane binding polypeptide, pH (low)-sensitive membrane peptide (pHLIP) has improved insertion kinetics balanced with solubility to selectively target acidic tissues.

An environmentally sensitive membrane binding polypeptide, pH (low)-sensitive membrane peptide (pHLIP) has improved insertion kinetics balanced with solubility to selectively target acidic tissues.

The invention provides a novel class of clearable, tumor-targeting and human protein-based MRI nanoprobes and contrast agents and their compositions, and methods of preparation and use thereof.

The invention provides a novel class of clearable, tumor-targeting and human protein-based MRI nanoprobes and contrast agents and their compositions, and methods of preparation and use thereof.