The invention provides novel biocompatible upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) that comprises a core of cubic nanocrystals (e.g., comprising α-Na Ln.sub.a, Ln.sub.b Ln.sub.c F.sub.4) and an epitaxial shell (e.g., formed from CaF.sub.2; wherein Ln.sub.b is Yb), and related methods of preparation and uses thereof.

Embodiments related to methods of use of an image analysis system for identifying residual cancer cells after surgery are disclosed. In some embodiments, the image analysis system collects a surgical site image and indicates on a display one or more locations of the identified cancer cells. In some embodiments, the method for identifying residual cancer cells comprises determining and selecting a portion of the surgical site image responsive to an intensity parameter; modifying the selected portion of the surgical site image to determine one or more groups of residual cancer cells based on size; and identifying at least one of the one or more groups of residual cancer cells from the modified portion of the surgical site image using a local-based threshold.

The present invention provides, among other things, compositions and methods relating to detection and/or treatment cancer (e.g., one or more tumors) that expresses Neuropilin 1 (NRP1). The present invention provides methods of treating cancer that include administering a chlorotoxin agent to a subject (e.g., to a subject suffering from or susceptible to the cancer which may, in some embodiments, be a cancer that expresses NRP1). In some embodiments, a chlorotoxin agent for use in accordance with the present invention can be or comprise a chlorotoxin polypeptide and a payload moiety (e.g., as a covalent conjugate).

The present invention relates to a photosensitizer-containing nanoparticle, comprising a photosensitizer covalently bonded throughout at least a part of said nanoparticle to the nanoparticle matrix material and incorporated therein in a quasi-aggregated state. The present invention further relates to methods for producing the invention nanoparticles, and to methods of killing cancer cells by PDT treatment using the said nanoparticles.

This invention is in the field of fluorescence imaging and relates to a new near infrared (NIR) reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensor designed with controlled fluorescence on-off switching mechanism.

The invention described herein relates to sterically stabilized colloidal constructs comprising preformed colloidal particles encapsulated within a polymeric shell. The constructs, which are controllably sized, are nanoparticles comprising hydrophobic elements, electrostatically charged particles with hydrophobic surfaces, hydrophobic inorganic nanostructures, and amphiphilic copolymers with hydrophobic domains and hydrophilic domains. The constructs are made by a process that allows for the simultaneous encapsulation of a preformed colloidal agent as well as a dissolved hydrophobic active within the core of the polymeric nanoparticle. Among the actives incorporated in various embodiments are organic fluorescent dyes, metal nanostructures and superparamagnetic materials for use in combined fluorescence, optical and magnetic resonance imaging applications, and hydrophobic drugs for therapeutic applications.

Disclosed are monoacylated Toll-like receptor 2 ligands which can be used in both the development of targeted agents for the imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer as well as other cancers, and as an adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy. The monoacylated compounds disclosed herein have a higher binding affinity for TLR2 relative to a known potent diacylated agonists, but only −½ the bioactivity. Competition of the monoacylated compound with the diacylated compound for binding TLR2 was confirmed. Hence, the reported monoacylated compounds are inhibitors/antagonists of TLR2 activation.

The present disclosure relates to a metalloprotein binder that specifically binds to a N-terminally modified peptide. Also provided herein is a method and related kits for treating or analyzing a peptide using the metalloprotein binder and/or modified cleavase. In some embodiments, the method provided herein comprises binding metalloprotein binder-coding tag conjugates to a modified N-terminal amino acid residue of an immobilized peptide associated with a recording tag, transferring identifying information from the coding tag to the recording tag using a ligation or primer extension, and cleaving the modified N-terminal amino acid residue. The method and metalloprotein binders provided herein are useful for de novo peptide identification or sequencing.

The invention provides novel nanoparticles with tunable and multi-color afterglow emission for extended time after excitation, and compositions thereof as well as methods for their preparation and use in various applications.

A graphene quantum dots-gadolinium ion chelate (Gd@GQDs) nanomaterial with hydrophilic groups on the surface has a preparation method that includes: preparing graphene oxide by using a Hummers method; subsequently, subjecting the graphene oxide to heating, oxidation, and purification to obtain pure graphene quantum dots; and finally, chelating the graphene quantum dots with Gd.sup.3+ to form stable Gd@GQDs. The Gd@GQDs is easily dispersed in water, phosphate buffered solution (PBS), biological medium and other aqueous system, has good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity, shows an excellent T.sub.1-weighted contrast performance in a 1.5-Tesla magnetic resonance testing system, and has a relaxation rate r.sub.1 as high as 72 mM.sup.−1s.sup.−1, the value of r.sub.1 being 20 times higher than that of the current commercial T.sub.1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent Gd-DTPA.