A method of tracking immune cells to detect immune response. The method including steps of identifying a patient having a disease associated with an organ; administering biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles into the blood stream of the patient; and obtaining a magnetic resonance image of the organ. The presence of hyperintense or hypointense spots in the magnetic resonance image indicates immune response in the patient.

The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, particularly a metal oxide nanoparticle-based T1-T2 dual-mode MRI contrast agent that can be used not only as a T1 MRI contrast agent but also as a T2 MRI contrast agent, and a method for producing the same. The metal oxide nanoparticle-based T1-T2 dual-mode MRI contrast agent can provide more accurate and detailed information associated with disease than single MRI contrast agent by the beneficial contrast effects in both T1 imaging with high tissue resolution and T2 imaging with high feasibility on detection of a lesion.

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.

A pharmaceutical composition includes a plurality of metal nanoparticles and at least one therapeutic agent. Each of the metal nanoparticles includes a core and a stabilizing agent coated on a surface of the core. The at least one therapeutic agent is attached to the stabilizing agent of the metal nanoparticles. Each of the therapeutic agent is an amphiphilic compound and has at least one hydrophobic chain interacting with the stabilizing agent. The pharmaceutical composition may further include a polymer shell encapsulating the metal nanoparticles and the therapeutic agent for enabling controlled release of the therapeutic agent. The pharmaceutical compositions are bifunctional and may be used for diagnosing and treating cancer. Methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions in conjunction with radiation therapy to diagnose and treat cancer are also provided.

The present invention provides hydrophilic bilirubin derivative particles containing a metal, a use thereof, and a preparation method therefor. The bilirubin derivative particles of the present invention form coordinate bonds with various metals, and thus can be used in MR diagnosis, CT diagnosis, photo-acoustic diagnosis, PET diagnosis, or optical diagnosis. The bilirubin derivative particles of the present invention can release an anticancer drug encapsulated therein to the outside by the combination with a platinum-based anticancer drug and the degradation by a stimulation of light/reactive oxygen species, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, and thus the bilirubin derivative particles of the present invention have a concept of theranostics in which the bilirubin derivative particles can be for therapeutic uses as well as diagnostic uses.

Dendronized metallic oxide nanoparticles, a process for preparing the same and their uses.

The present invention provides hydrophilic bilirubin derivative particles containing a metal, a use thereof, and a preparation method therefor. The bilirubin derivative particles of the present invention form coordinate bonds with various metals, and thus can be used in MR diagnosis, CT diagnosis, photo-acoustic diagnosis, PET diagnosis, or optical diagnosis. The bilirubin derivative particles of the present invention can release an anticancer drug encapsulated therein to the outside by the combination with a platinum-based anticancer drug and the degradation by a stimulation of light/reactive oxygen species, and exhibit anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, and thus the bilirubin derivative particles of the present invention have a concept of theranostics in which the bilirubin derivative particles can be for therapeutic uses as well as diagnostic uses.

The present invention relates to a composition for use as a contrast agent in medical imaging. The composition comprises a metal ion containing compound comprises at least one metal ion adapted to bind with one or more metal ion chelating agents; wherein said one or more metal ion chelating agents comprise at least one first chelating agent adapted to target a region of interest being imaged, and at least one second chelating agent having at least one functional group adapted to dissociate in an aqueous medium to thereby allow or enhance contrast of the region of interest under the medical imaging. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic agent for use in amyloid (A) protein detection under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) comprising the above described composition; and a method of preparing thereof.

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.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a contrast medium using a paramagnetic metal that accumulates at an abnormal protein deposition or aggregation site in the brain. Magnetic nanoparticles for image diagnosis which comprise magnetic iron oxide particles, gold fine particles supported on the surface of the magnetic iron oxide particles, a polymer chain attached to the gold fine particles and a molecule directing for a neurodegenerative disease-related protein and attached to at least a part of the polymer chain, and which are to be administered transnasally. These magnetic nanoparticles for image diagnosis are useful as an active ingredient of a contrast medium that accumulates at an abnormal protein deposition or aggregation site in the brain.