The present invention provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits comprising core-satellite nanocomposites useful for photothermal and/or MRI applications (e.g., tumor treatment and/or imaging). In certain embodiments, the core-satellite nanocomposites comprise: i) a core nanoparticle complex comprising a biocompatible coating surrounding a nanoparticle core, and ii) at least one satellite component attached to, or absorbed to, the biocompatible coating. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle core and satellite component are composed of near-infrared photothermal agent material and/or MRI contrast agent material. In further embodiments, the satellite component is additionally or alternatively composed of near-infrared optical dye material.

The disclosure provides nanoemulsion compositions and methods of making and using thereof to deliver a bioactive agent such as a nucleic acid to a subject. The nanoemulsion composition comprises a hydrophobic core based on inorganic nanoparticles in a lipid nanoparticle that allows imaging as well as delivering nucleic acids. Methods of using these particles for treatment and vaccination are also provided.

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 invention relates to a self-assembled structure for use in the treatment of mammalian cancer, the structure being between 50 and 1,500 nm in size and comprising a plurality of nanocrystals chosen from metal or metal oxide nanocrystals, a plurality of ligands being covalently linked to the surface of each of the nanocrystals, the ligands comprising hydrocarbon chains. The invention also relates to an injectable composition comprising said structure.

The present disclosure provides functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) comprising a functional group that binds to -amyloid deposits and/or neurofibrillary tangles. The present disclosure provides compositions comprising the functionalized MNPs, and methods of using the functionalized MNPs in imaging -amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles.

A ferrite nano-composites with synergistic enhancement of liver specificity and preparation method and application thereof, wherein the ferrite nano-composites have both manganese ions and ethoxybenzyl group, and the molar percentage of ethoxybenzyl group to manganese ions is 25-60%. The molar percentages of manganese and ferric ions in the ferrite nanoparticles are 40-80%, and the ferrite nano-composites with manganese ions and ethoxybenzyl groups on the surface are in the particle size range of 0.2-5 nm, with preferred particle size range of 2-4 nm. With the preparation method and the application for magnetic resonance T1 imaging, the ferrite nano-composites enhance hepatocyte specificity due to the synergistic effect of manganese ions and ethoxybenzyl groups, thus achieving enhanced T1 imaging of the liver with high specificity in magnetic resonance imaging.

Bolaamphiphilic compounds are provided according to formula I:

HG.sup.2-L.sup.1-HG.sup.1I

where HG.sup.1, HG.sup.2 and L.sup.1 are as defined herein. Provided bolaamphilphilic compounds and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for delivering imaging agents into animal or human brain.

The present invention provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits comprising core-satellite nanocomposites useful for photothermal and/or MRI applications (e.g., tumor treatment and/or imaging). In certain embodiments, the core-satellite nanocomposites comprise: i) a core nanoparticle complex comprising a biocompatible coating surrounding a nanoparticle core, and ii) at least one satellite component attached to, or absorbed to, the biocompatible coating. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle core and satellite component are composed of near-infrared photothermal agent material and/or MRI contrast agent material. In further embodiments, the satellite component is additionally or alternatively composed of near-infrared optical dye material.

Provided are a hydrophilic particle, a method for manufacturing the same, and a contrasting agent using the same. More specifically, the hydrophilic particle according to the inventive concept may include a hydrophobic particle, and an amphiphilic organic dye directly absorbed on a surface of the hydrophobic particle. In this case, the hydrophobic particle includes a center particle, and a hydrophobic ligand covering a surface of the center particle, and the amphiphilic organic dye may be combined to the hydrophobic ligand by a hydrophobic interaction. The hydrophilic particle may have a surface zeta potential lower than a surface zeta potential of the amphiphilic organic dye.

Disclosed are nanoparticles comprising octapod iron oxide having eight trigonal bipyramidal arms and a method of preparing the same. The nanoparticles are prepared by heating a mixture of a ferric carboxylate, a carboxylic acid, a chloride salt, water, and a non-polar solvent, to a temperature above about 300 C. Also disclosed is a method of magnetic resonance imaging a tissue in a mammal, comprising use of the aforesaid nanoparticles.