Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for contrast agents, methods of making contrast agents, and methods of using contrast agents, and the like.

In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an MRI-active or MRI-sensitive polymer or oligomer formed from (i) a non-alkoxylated and non-alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, and optionally an alkoxylated or alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, (ii) a polyol/polyamine such as a diol/diamine, (iii) a monomer comprising an MRI contrast agent, and (iv) an amino acid monomer. The polymer or oligomer may be photoluminescent and MRI-sensitive. In another aspect, imaging methods utilizing the compositions described herein are described. In another aspect, scaffolds, grafts, and films comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the compositions described herein are described.

We have developed a model system of HIV reservoirs in neural cells by generating chimeric phosphorothioate-modified oligodeoxynucleotides (sODN) that specifically interact with neural cell DNA or RNA, and that further comprise a sequence of the HIV genome. In particular, we have conjugated the chimera sODN to a delivery vehicle (e.g. a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIO)) and have demonstrated specific delivery to neural cells, in vitro and in vivo. These model systems can be used to screen for agents that specifically target latent viral infection. In particular, using the model system, we have developed suicide MRI contrast agents that can be used to reduce the number of neural cells which harbor the virus, also provided herein. Our model system is translatable to other latent viruses as well.

The present disclosure is directed generally to gold/lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gold/gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, nanoparticle conjugates conjugated to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient.

The present invention is directed towards new chemical entities based on a lipid-paramagnetic metal ion chelate. The lipid portion of the compound intercalates into the membrane of a liposome. The compounds of the invention find particular use as paramagnetic contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging. It has been surprisingly discovered that the liposomal contrast media do not substantially cross the placental barrier into the vasculature of the fetus(es) when administered to a pregnant subject. These novel compounds are useful in the diagnosis of disorders and diseases in both gravid and non-gravid subjects. The invention is also directed towards pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the uses of these compounds.

A high molecular weight polyethylene polymer is formulated so that the polymer is capable of being injection molded. The polyethylene polymer has a Viscosity Number of greater than about 400 ml/g and has a melt flow rate of greater than about 0.9 g/10 min. The polyethylene polymer is of high purity and is particularly well suited for producing medical products.

A biocompatible magnetic material containing an iron oxide nanoparticle and one or more biocompatible polymers, each having formula (I) below, covalently bonded to the iron oxide nanoparticle:

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in which each of variables R, L, x, and y is defined herein, the biocompatible magnetic material contains 4-15% Fe(II) ions relative to the total iron ions. Also disclosed in a method of preparing the biocompatible magnetic material.

Radiopaque monomers, polymers, and microspheres are disclosed herein. Methods of using the radiopaque monomers, polymers, and microspheres are disclosed herein. Methods of manufacturing radiopaque monomers, polymers, and microspheres are disclosed herein.

The invention relates to the use of tetrapyrroles conjugated compounds as contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular conjugates of natural hemin that can be embedded in gels and implants to image local delivery in MRI.

Hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles are prepared by a water-in-oil method from natural polymers that are water miscible, a hydrophobic polyol and a crosslinking agent. The hydrogel nanoparticles are auto fluorescent and can be used for imaging of cells and a biological entity. The hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles can include magnetic nanoparticles and carry desired bioactive entities. The hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles are useful for diagnostics and as therapeutics purposes including drug delivery, imaging of drug migration, and selectivity by the tagging or binding of the hydrogel nanoparticles and microparticles with appropriate antibodies or antigens.