A method for multi-parametric x-ray fluorescence imaging with maximized detection sensitivity and minimized radiation dose for a biological/living sample (10) containing a first marker substance comprises the steps of irradiation of the sample (10) with x-ray radiation (1), with x-ray fluorescence (2) of the first marker substance being excited, spatially resolved detection of the x-ray fluorescence (2) of the first marker substance, and determination of a distribution of the first marker substance in the sample (10) from the x-ray fluorescence (2) of the first marker substance, wherein the sample (10) contains at least one further marker substance which is excited to x-ray fluorescence (2) by the x-ray radiation (1), wherein fluorescence lines (3) of the first and the at least one further marker substances are different, at least one of the first and the at least one further marker substances is coupled with active ingredient molecules and/or ligand molecules provided for a specific interaction with the sample (10) or contained in cells, in order to be able to trace these, the detection comprises a spectrally resolved detection of the x-ray fluorescence (2) of the first and the at least one further marker substances, and additionally at least one distribution of the at least one further marker substance in the sample (10) is determined from the detected x-ray fluorescence (2) of the first and the at least one further marker substances. An imaging device (100) for multi-parametric x-ray fluorescence imaging and an optimized selection method for a marker substance kit for introducing marker substances into a sample (10) are also described.

Provided herein are nanoparticle compositions (e.g., nanoparticle compositions comprising high atomic number ions) that are useful for imaging diseases in a subject as well as radiosensitizing a disease in a subject (e.g., radiosensitizing a cancer in the subject). Methods of imaging a subject, methods of treating cancer, and processes of preparing the nanoparticle compositions are also provided.

A method of preparing biocompatible and stable gold nanoparticles comprises preparing at least one flavonoid-rich plant extract, and mixing at least one of the plant extracts with an aqueous solution of at least one gold salt. The flavonoid-rich plant extract is an extract of Hubertia ambavilla or Hypericum lanceolatum. The gold nanoparticles may be used for medical and/or cosmetic purposes.

A method of preparing biocompatible and stable gold nanoparticles comprises preparing at least one flavonoid-rich plant extract, and mixing at least one of the plant extracts with an aqueous solution of at least one gold salt. The flavonoid-rich plant extract is an extract of Hubertia ambavilla or Hypericum lanceolatum. The gold nanoparticles may be used for medical and/or cosmetic purposes.

The present inventors have developed new radiolabeled Darapladib and analogs thereof which can be used for the specific detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by targeting lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) which is a biomarker of choice concerning inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Thus, the present invention relates to radiolabeled Darapladib and analogs thereof and their use as imaging compounds.

Ferritin or iron-based image enhancement agents identify target tissue for treatment or ablation and are heated by microwave absorption. Microwave heat substrates enhance microwave hyperthermal ablation treatment, and may be percutaneously delivered and imaged by x-ray CT during placement of the microwave treatment antenna, allowing more precise positioning and more complete ablation of a tumor site. One method of treating a target tissue uses image-guided delivery of a heat substrate with a reverse-phase change polymer, and may apply energy to fix a mass of the material in the tissue. The fixed polymer may increase hyperthermia, form a thermal boundary, or blockade a vessel or passage so as to reduce or prevent undesired conductive cooling by contiguous tissue, or may deliver a localized treatment drug at the site, upon heating or as it degrades over time.

Ferritin or iron-based image enhancement agents identify target tissue for treatment or ablation and are heated by microwave absorption. Microwave heat substrates enhance microwave hyperthermal ablation treatment, and may be percutaneously delivered and imaged by x-ray CT during placement of the microwave treatment antenna, allowing more precise positioning and more complete ablation of a tumor site. One method of treating a target tissue uses image-guided delivery of a heat substrate with a reverse-phase change polymer, and may apply energy to fix a mass of the material in the tissue. The fixed polymer may increase hyperthermia, form a thermal boundary, or blockade a vessel or passage so as to reduce or prevent undesired conductive cooling by contiguous tissue, or may deliver a localized treatment drug at the site, upon heating or as it degrades over time.

Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

The liquid vehicles can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability.

The liquid vehicles can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability.