The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle.

Activity-based probe compounds for use in labeling a cysteine protease are provided. The compounds are targeted to the protease through a specific targeting element. The compounds additionally include a detectable element, such as a fluorescent label, a radiolabel, or a chelator. In some cases, the compounds additionally include a quenching element that is released upon reaction with the protease. Also provided are compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds, for example in labeling a protease in an animal and in visualizing a tumor in an animal.

A drug carrier nanoparticle has been synthesized that can specifically target the proximal tubules of the kidneys. The nanoparticles accumulate in the kidneys to a greater extent than other organs (e.g., up to 3 or more times greater in the kidney than any other organ). They can encapsulate many classes of drug molecules. The nanoparticles are biodegradable and release the drug as they degrade. The particles can sustainably release a drug within the kidneys for up to two months. The nanoparticles are useful for the treatment of diseases that affect the proximal tubules, such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, hypertension, and renal failure; the study of relative blood flow to the renal cortex and medulla; and delivery of agents to treat gout.

Disclosed are novel detectable imaging agents that can bind to a novel biomarker for cancer and methods of their use in the resection of a tumor.

An ICG fluorescence image measured with an excitation light of 740 nm and a fluorescence of 845 nm is shown in FIG. 10, and an ICG fluorescence image measured with an excitation light of 780 nm and a fluorescence of 845 nm is shown in FIG. 11, respectively. As a result, it was observed that the ICG derivative RGD2-PPA-Cy accumulated in the tumor tissue 30 minutes after tail vein administration, regardless of whether the wavelength of the excitation light was 740 nm or 780 nm.

Provided in the present invention are highly stable D-configuration polypeptides DVAP and SVAP having a high binding activity to the GRP78 protein, and also provided are an L-configuration polypeptide LVAP and a DVAP-or SVAP-modified model drug and a macromolecule carrier material, and the use thereof in the construction of a tumour image and a drug-delivery system for targeted treatment.

The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) as defined herein. The present invention also provides a nanoparticle comprising a plurality of the conjugates of the present invention, and methods of using the nanoparticles for drug delivery, treating a disease, and methods of imaging.

The disclosure provides multifunctional compounds for use in medical imaging and therapy, the compounds comprising two or more of (i) a chelating ligand moiety (CL); (ii) an optical probe moiety (OP); and (iii) a biological targeting moiety (BT). The disclosure further provides related compositions and methods.

A method of treating cervical cancer in a patient in need is described that includes implanting a fast release implant containing an effective amount of Cis-Pt within a cervical cancer lesion. The implant includes a polymer and a therapeutic load homogenously distributed throughout the polymer. The implant assumes a solid phase at room temperature and assumes a liquid phase at a body temperature of the patient.

The present invention relates to nanoparticles complexed with therapeutic agents configured for treating cardiovascular related disorders, and methods of synthesizing the same. In particular, the present invention is directed to compositions comprising synthetic HDL (sHDL) nanoparticles carrying therapeutic agents configured for treating cardiovascular related disorders, methods for synthesizing such sHDL nanoparticles, as well as systems and methods utilizing such sHDL nanoparticles (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutic agents, imaging agents, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and/or therapy, etc.))).