The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.

The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.

The present invention relates to the treatment of infectious diseases, specifically by extracorporeally eradicating the pathogen. This invention comprises methods for the extracorporeal treatment of infectious diseases that will remove infectious pathogens (leukemia cells, bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing a septicemia, metastatic cancer cells, target protein, viruses, parasites, fungi and prions) in humans by targeting such pathogens with a laser or other high-energy source of emissive radiation. More specifically, the method involves removing a bodily fluid from a patient, attaching an antibody to pathogens in the bodily fluid, sensing the antibody-pathogen moiety, using a high-powered, focused laser, or other suitable light source, to destroy the antibody-pathogen moiety, removing the remains of the antibody-pathogen by filtering or other suitable mechanism(s), and returning the bodily fluid to the patient.

An improved method for separating whole blood into components and collecting a desired blood component. The method allows a desired blood component to be subjected to centrifugal forces within a separator for prolonged periods of time, yielding a cleaner cut and higher yield of the desired blood component. Whole blood is drawn from a source and pumped into a separator, the undesired blood components are removed from the separator at rates so as to build up the desired blood component in the separator. The desired blood component is only removed after a predetermined amount of the desired blood component has built up in the separator. It is preferred that the desired blood component be buffy coat and that the method be used to perform photopheresis treatments. In another aspect, the invention is a method of performing a full photopheresis treatment to treat diseases in a reduced time, preferably less than about 70 minutes, and more preferably less than about 45 minutes.

Systems and methods for performing online extracorporeal photopheresis of mononuclear cells are disclosed. Whole blood is removed from a patient and introduced through a processing set into a separation chamber to separate the desired cell population from the blood. The separated cell population is processed through the set which is associated with a treatment chamber where the cells are treated. Once treated, the cells are returned to the patient. The processing set remains connected to the patient during the entire ECP treatment procedure and provides an online, sterile closed pathway between the separation chamber and the treatment chamber.

The present invention relates to the treatment of infectious diseases, specifically by extracorporeally eradicating the pathogen. This invention comprises methods for the extracorporeal treatment of infectious diseases that will remove infectious pathogens (leukemia cells, bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing a septicemia, metastatic cancer cells, target protein, viruses, parasites, fungi and prions) in humans by targeting such pathogens with a laser or other high-energy source of emissive radiation. More specifically, the method involves removing a bodily fluid from a patient, attaching an antibody to pathogens in the bodily fluid, sensing the antibody-pathogen moiety, using a high-powered, focused laser, or other suitable light source, to destroy the antibody-pathogen moiety, removing the remains of the antibody-pathogen by filtering or other suitable mechanism(s), and returning the bodily fluid to the patient.

Methods and systems for the treatment and post-treatment processing of a mononuclear cell product are disclosed. The methods and systems include and provide for the separation of excess conditioning fluid and unbound treating agent prior to return of said treated mononuclear cell product to a patient.

A system and method for the treatment of kidney disease, either acute or chronic, in a mammal is disclosed. The method addresses the needs of a patient exhibiting fibrosis formation associated with levels of Gal-3 above normal. Removal of Gal-3 may make conventional treatments of kidney disease more effective, and help stabilize or improve the condition allowing avoidance of progression to end stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis or transplant. Depending on the condition of the patient, the treatment may help stabilize patients to avoid hemodialysis and allow the patient to wait until a transplant may be made available. A suitable patient is treated through apheresis where the patient's blood is withdrawn and ex vivo is treated to remove at least ten percent of Gal-3 from the withdrawn blood. Higher levels, and frequent repetition, may be needed to stabilize and/or improve kidney function in a patient sufficient for ongoing management.