Lipid nanoparticles expressing metal ions and methods for using the compositions for magnetic resonance imaging.

The present invention provides an alginic acid-based injectable hydrogel system for labeling an accurate position of a disease lesion and effectively delivering a drug to a target region. The formulation of the present invention can make it easy to locally inject a contrast agent and a drug into a target region while controlling the release rate of the contrast agent or the drug, with the formation of the hydrogel in the injected region. Through the advantages, the labeled position can be accurately determined from images, thereby enhancing the precision of surgical operation, with a minimal incision formed therefor. In addition, when used, the alginic acid-based injectable hydrogel system allows the effective local delivery of a drug to a target region while increasing the long-acting effect of the drug.

The present invention provides novel liposomes comprising Gd.DOTA.DSA (gadolinium (III) 2-{4,7-bis-carboxymethyl-10-[(N,N-distearylamidomethyl-N′-amido-methyl]-1,4,7,10- =tetra-azacyclododec-1-yl}-acetic acid), characterised in that the liposome further comprises a neutral, fully saturated phospholipid component (e.g. DSPC (1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospocholine]), which are of particular use in the preparation of magnetic resonance contrast agents for enhancing a magnetic resonance image of tumours in a mammal.

Liposomes have been used in technologies in biological, pharmaceutical, medical and nutritional applications because they can offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and capacity for size and surface modifications. Traditionally, liposomes are prepared by multiple steps. However, multiple steps of preparation may cause a number of problems including low yield, high polydispersity, and poor morphology. Here, we synthesized liposomes containing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle using one-pot, single step synthesis under ultra-sonication. We optimized the lipid compositions, sonication power, concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles, and antibody conjugation using Cu-free click chemistry. Furthermore, we incorporated doxorubicin inside magnetic liposomes for combined antibody targeting and magnetic guidance. Fluorescence imaging and quantification confirmed that antibody conjugated magnetic liposome showed high cell specific targeting that was enhanced by magnetic delivery.

Described are compositions and methods of manufacturing extracellular vesicles comprising sticky imaging particles. In one aspect, methods include associating a sticky element to imaging particles forming sticky imaging particles. The sticky imaging particles are associated with extracellular vesicles (EV) to form a mixture comprising extracellular vesicles (EV) that comprise sticky imaging particles. The method also include separating the sticky imaging particles associated with EVs from sticky imaging particle that are not associated with EVs.

Provided is a T1 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. The T1 contrast agent includes fine iron oxide nanoparticle cores and micelles encapsulating the core particles. The micelles include a nonionic surfactant consisting of a hydrophilic moiety containing at least two chains and a hydrophobic moiety containing at least one C.sub.10-C.sub.30 hydrocarbon chain. The T1 contrast agent of the present invention is a novel one based on fine iron oxide nanoparticles that can replace conventional gadolinium-based T1 contrast agents. The T1 contrast agent based on fine iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention is harmless to humans, is rapidly distributed in the blood, and has a uniform size, ensuring its uniform contrast effect. In addition, the T1 contrast agent of the present invention enables image observation for at least 1 hour to up to 2 hours and is excreted through the kidneys and liver. Therefore, the T1 contrast agent of the present invention avoids the problems encountered in conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents.

MRI contrast agent for use in the diagnosis of early changes in the endothelium of blood vessels

Disclosed herein are embodiments of nanoparticle composites that comprise covalently coupled stabilizing agent molecules that improve stability of the nanoparticle composites and allow for tight packing of lipids and/or membranes. The nanoparticle composites can further comprise inhibition inhibitors and/or lipid components that interact to form a hybrid lipid bilayer membrane around the nanoparticle core. The nanoparticle composites can be coupled to drugs, targeting moieties, and imaging moieties. The nanoparticle composites can be used for in vivo drug deliver, disease diagnosis/treatment, and imaging.

Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a plurality of liposomes having an average diameter of less than 400 nanometers, wherein the plurality of liposomes comprise: a first lipid or phospholipid; a second lipid or phospholipid which is derivatized with a polymer; and a sterically bulky excipient capable of stabilizing the liposomes; a third lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a polymer terminated with an integrin targeting component; DSPE or a fourth lipid or phospholipid derivatized with a group binding a contrast enhancing agent wherein the plurality of liposomes optionally encapsulates a payload component consisting of one or more bioactive agents.

A liposomal composition (“ADx-001”) is provided, ADx-001 comprising a first phospholipid; a sterically bulky excipient that is capable of stabilizing the liposomal composition; a second phospholipid that is derivatized with a first polymer; a macrocyclic gadolinium-based imaging agent; and a third phospholipid that is derivatized with a second polymer, the second polymer being conjugated to a targeting ligand. The macrocyclic gadolinium-based imaging agent may be conjugated to a fourth phospholipid.