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.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for imaging and treating various diseases and disorders, including cancers. The composition of the invention can include a plurality of biodegradable micro-beads, each embedding a plurality of nano-beads, further including a polymer, a radionuclide, a radionuclide chelator, a radioligand, a chemotherapeutic agent, and a cell-penetrating peptide. Upon injection into a blood vessel supplying a cancer tumor, the micro-beads lodge into the tumor and degrade, releasing the nano-beads with a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The compositions and methods of the invention provide a more homogeneous and deeper distribution of radiation or chemotherapeutic agents throughout the target tumor. The micro-beads provide a local, sustained, and controlled delivery nano-beads including therapeutic or diagnostic agents.

A multi-functional drug composition capable of pH responsive drug release comprising siliceous nanoparticles having three dimensional cage structures type silica with thick pore walls and mesosilicalite, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and pharmaceutical composition thereof is disclosed. The drug delivery system is useful for targeting a drug to particular diseased tissues such as cancerous 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 present invention relates to a superparamagnetic gold nanoparticle cluster-protein nanoparticle fusion body for magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic thermotherapy. According to the present invention, a superparamagnetic gold nanoparticle cluster-protein nanoparticle fusion body which has target directionality and a high density of ultrafine gold nanoparticles uniformly coupled to the surface of protein nanoparticles can be fabricated with neither a separate surface stabilization process nor a separate target directionality conferring process. Hence, the superparamagnetic gold nanoparticle cluster-protein nanoparticle fusion body according to the present invention is superior to conventional gold nanoparticles in terms of biocompatibility and has excellent target directionality as well as being identified to have a temperature elevation potential in an alternating magnetic field and a functionality as a T2-MRI contrast medium thanks to the superparamagnetism property of the ultrafine gold nanoparticles.

Ligand-bimodal nanoparticle conjugates capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier are disclosed. Methods of making and using the conjugates also are disclosed. The bimodal nanoparticle includes a polymeric matrix, one or more magnetic particles disposed within the polymeric matrix or conjugated to an outer surface of the polymeric matrix, and a dye disposed within the polymeric matrix. A ligand for a blood-brain barrier amino acid transporter is conjugated to the outer surface of the bimodal nanoparticle.

A metal atom cluster-embedded magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (MION) is disclosed. The metal atom cluster is embedded in an iron oxide crystal matrix and has a content of 0.1% to 15%. A method for preparing the MION includes: dissolving a metal precursor of iron oxide, an organic acid, and an organic amine in an organic solvent to form a uniform reaction system; heating the reaction system to 150° C. to 350° C. in an inert gas atmosphere; adding a metal atom cluster precursor; and heating to perform a reflux reaction until the metal atom cluster precursor is completely decomposed. The MION shows improved magnetic properties due to the embedding of the metal atom cluster, and the iron oxide fully ensures the stability of properties of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are especially applicable to biomedical detection and therapy and other fields.

Spray-dried metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) comprising therapeutic and/or diagnostic metal ions and therapeutic and/or diagnostic organic ligands are described. Both the metal ion and organic ligand can have activity related to the treatment and/or diagnosis of a pulmonary disease or disorder, such as tuberculosis, or another disease related to a pulmonary infection. The MOFs can be adminstered to subjects via inhalation (e.g., as aerosols). Methods of treating and diagnosing pulmonary diseases or disorders are also described.

Provided herein are MRI agent-loaded platelets, methods of preparing MRI agent-loaded platelets, and methods of using MRI agent-loaded platelets. In some embodiments, methods of loading MRI agents into platelets include contacting platelets with an MRI agent, a cell penetrating peptide, and a loading buffer that can include a salt, a base, a loading agent, and optionally at least one organic solvent.

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.