Aspects of the disclosure relate to nucleic acid vaccines. The vaccines include at least one RNA polynucleotides having an open reading frame encoding at least one varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen. Methods for preparing and using such vaccines are also described.

A micro robot that is moveable in a body includes first quantum dots.

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for real-time oxygen measurements. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to oxygen-sensing compositions including a metalloporphyrin compound.

A microsphere and method for forming the same are disclosed. The microsphere includes modified cellulose and at least one of a visualization agent, a magnetic material, or a radioactive material.

Disclosed herein is a delivery platform for the preparation of versatile sol-gel/hydrogel based nano and micro particles that can be loaded with small molecules. The delivery platform is suitable for topical, transdermal, IV, IP and aerosol drug delivery. Also disclosed herein are methods of treatment using the aforementioned particles.

A pharmaceutical composition, comprising a particle (micro-depot) that includes silk fibroin and at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The particle can be suspended in carboxymethyl cellulose to form an injectable pharmaceutical composition.

Acoustically responsive stabilized microbubbles formulated with a phospholipid monolayer shell, an encapsulated bioactive gas, and an encapsulated perfluorocarbon gas of the formula C.sub.xF.sub.y in a volume ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:10, wherein X is greater than or equal to 3, are disclosed. Also provided are methods for promoting localized vasodilation in a patient in need thereof by delivering a microbubble comprising a phospholipid monolayer shell and an encapsulated bioactive gas locally to a target diseased section of the patient's vasculature; and releasing the bioactive gas at the target diseased section, wherein the microbubble comprises the bioactive gas in a ratio of from about 10:1 to about 1:10 by volume with a perfluorocarbon gas.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to nucleic acid vaccines. The vaccines include at least one RNA polynucleotides having a open reading reading frame encoding at least varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen. Methods for preparing and using such vaccines are also described.

Disclosed are multi-compartmental nanoparticulate systems for imaging as well as the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of inflammation and/or disease. These multicompartmental nanoparticulate systems can be used to target specific cells or cellular structures. Furthermore, these systems are capable of simultaneous delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic compositions. Finally, these systems also allow for temporal control of drug delivery.

Polymer microspheres for embolizing blood vessels and optionally delivering therapeutic agents are provided. The microspheres include PLGA 50:50 and/or Ptx, and are generally formed by emulsion means.