A dual-modality nanoprobe targeting glioblastoma and preparation method thereof are described. The dual-modality nanoprobe of the present disclosure comprises DSPE-PEG(2000)-Amine, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), Cy7-NHS molecule, targeting polypeptide and/or trans-mirror structure (i.e., enantiomer) thereof. The dual-modality nanoprobe can integrate the advantages of magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging and thus provide clearer anatomical structure information of brain tumors; in the imaging process, the dual-modality nanoprobe can not only provide clearer image results, but also can specifically identify target sites. Also, the dual-modality nanoprobe of the present disclosure also has good in vivo stability.

The present system relates to a mains-powerable, compact and customizable alternating current magnetic field plate for magnet-assisted transfection of genes to target cells. Magnet plate is based on at least one alternating current electromagnet comprising a laminated steel stack core and a multi-layer, multi-turn coil wound longitudinally therearound. The system includes a voltage rating adjustment controller, as well as a current adjuster for selective control of magnetic force applied to genetic material for delivery. Rapid magnetic field polarity switching exacts lateral motion efficiently and uniformly, thus improving the distribution of means, such as SPIONS, used to transfect cells with genes of interest, and in turn enhancing gene delivery and tissue localization, especially for hard-to-transfect genes, compared to DC magnet plates.

The present invention relates to, in part, artificial antigen presenting cells that are useful in treating disease (including cancers) and have uses, for example, directly in vivo and/or in the expansion of a patients cells for re-introduction ex vivo.

This disclosure relates to peptides and nanoparticles comprising a surface molecule that binds or blocks PD-L1. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of using peptides or nanoparticles disclosed herein for the treatment of cancer. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of using nanoparticles disclosed herein for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

The invention provides a novel class of clearable, tumor-targeting and human protein-based MRI nanoprobes and contrast agents and their compositions, and methods of preparation and use thereof.

Compounds containing TRPV6-binding peptides and their use in the detection and diagnosis of cancer are described. Also described are methods for detecting and staging cancer that use the compounds of the invention. Compounds containing TRPV6-binding peptides are useful for the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents to cells or tumors that express TRPV6.

An isolated or a synthetic targeting peptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 8 is disclosed. The targeting peptide may be conjugated to a component selected from the group consisting of polymeric micelles, lipoprotein-based drug carriers, nanoparticle drug carriers, a chemotherapeutic agent, a micelle, a liposome, dendrimers, a polymer, a lipid, an oligonucleotide, a peptide, a polypeptide, a protein, a prostate cancer cell, a stem cell, and an imaging agent. Also disclosed are a kit for imaging and detecting the presence of prostate cancer cells in vivo or in vitro, and a composition for treating prostate cancer, inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth, inducing prostate cancer cell cytotoxicity, and/or increasing the survival rate in a prostate cancer patient.

Disclosed are peptides and peptidomimetics that in some embodiments include the amino acid sequence KRGARST or (SEQ ID NO: 1), AKRGARSTA or (SEQ ID NO: 2), or CKRGARSTC (SEQ ID NO: 3). Also disclosed are conjugates and compositions that include the peptides and/or peptidomimetics, methods for directing a moiety to tumor lymphatic vasculature, methods for imaging tumor lymphatic vasculature, methods for reducing or inhibiting tumor metastasis, methods for reducing the number of tumor lymphatic vessels, methods for treating cancer, methods for treating a disease or disorder associated with a gC1q/p32 receptor biological activity, methods for detecting the presence of a gC1q/p32 receptor, methods for detecting interactions between gC1q/p32 receptors and the presently disclosed conjugates and compositions, methods for delivering the presently disclosed conjugates and compositions to gC1q/p32 receptors, methods for assessing gC1q/p32 receptor levels in cells, methods for identifying subjects having diseases associated with gC1q/p32 receptor biological activities, and methods for screening for compounds that interact with gC1q/p32 receptors.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of composites and compositions that can be used for therapeutic applications in vivo and/or in vitro. The disclosed composites can comprise cores having magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, or combinations thereof and zwitterionic polymeric coatings that facilitate solubility and bioconjugation. The compositions disclosed herein can comprise the composites and one or more biomolecules, drugs, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composites, composite components, and methods of making quantum dots for use in the composites.

The disclosure pertains to conformational epitopes in A-beta, antibodies thereto and methods of making and using immunogens and antibodies specific thereto.