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.

The invention relates to highly fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles to which biomolecules and other compounds can be chemically linked to form biocompatible, stable optical imaging agents for in vitro and in vivo applications. The fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles may also be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thus providing a multi modality imaging agent.

Methods are provided for the generation of nanostructures suitable for use in magnetic resonance imaging where the nanostructures have at least one dimension of about 2 nm or less. In particular, the methods comprise the selective use of incubation temperatures that result in the controlled removal of ligands from metallic cores to which they are attached, allowing the metallic cores or the precursor moieties to unite to form nanostructures of defined and predictable shapes, but having at least one dimension significantly less that at least one other dimension. Accordingly, the nanostructures of the disclosure may be ultrathin sheets, rods, whiskers and the like, or even structures that are thin and porous resembling rice grains. The temperatures useful in the methods of the disclosure are less than 300 C. and allow for progressive elevation of the incubation temperature. The methods are especially advantageous for synthesizing nanoparticles that may be administered to an animal or human subject for imaging with magnetic resonance. Accordingly, the nanostructures of the disclosure comprise a metallic core, most typically, but not necessarily limited to, a ferrite moiety that can be a ferrous or ferric ion alone or in combination with other metallic elements. However, the methods of the disclosure are also suitable for generating nanostructures with non-ferrous cores such as magnesium or manganese cores.

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.

The disclosure herein relates to a novel nanoparticle that can cross the blood-brain barrier and form a bond with amyloid plaques and other related protein aggregates for detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The compositions, methods of making, and methods of use set forth herein also provide a non-invasive means for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease at an early stage.

Magnetic nanoparticles and synthesis of synthesis are described.

The present invention relates to maltol-coated magnetite nanoparticles, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, and methods for using same as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging.

An organically surface-bonded metal or metal oxide material including an inorganic metal or metal oxide and an organic material. The organic material is coated on the surface of the inorganic metal or metal oxide. The inorganic metal or metal oxide and the organic material are linked through a strong chemical bond. The strong chemical bond includes a covalent bond between a metal in the inorganic metal or metal oxide and a nitrogen in the organic 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.

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.