An imaging system for cell-based therapies is provided. The imagining system includes one or more optical tags configured for insertion into a cell or biological tissue, an excitation light source configured to illuminate the one or more optical tags; a detector configured to measure optical emission of the one or more optical tags; an imaging subsystem configured to determine a three-dimensional location of each of the one or more optical tags in the cell or biological tissue; and a controller in electrical communication with the excitation light source, the detector, and the imaging subsystem. Each of the one or more optical tags has a contrasting feature and includes a fluorescent material. The contrasting feature may be defined by at least one of a refractive index, shape, color, and laser emission of each optical tag of the one or more optical tags.

A solvatochromic indicator for detecting the presence of a bacterial infection is disclosed. An indicator consisting of Beta vulgaris and further optionally comprising Curcuma longa, isopropyl alcohol, and any combination thereof, undergoes a detectable color change in the presence of an infection. Further provided are filaments treated with the solvatochromic indicator wherein the detectable color change of the indicator is based on the pH of the tissues with a bacterial infection.

The invention relates to Cathepsin-binding compounds bound to a carrier comprising a diagnostic moiety, for use in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, and/or for use in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases, wherein the Cathepsin-binding compound binds to inflammatory cells of the tumour stroma. The invention also relates to Cathepsin B-targeting compounds and Cathepsin B-binding and liposome-binding compounds.

Provided herein are synthetic scaffolds engineered to function as a pre-metastatic niche to detect metastasis. In particular, synthetic scaffolds described herein provide detection of the earliest events in metastasis, thereby enabling treatment of metastasis before the disease burden increases.

Provided herein are synthetic scaffolds engineered to function as a pre-metastatic niche to detect metastasis. In particular, synthetic scaffolds described herein provide detection of the earliest events in metastasis, thereby enabling treatment of metastasis before the disease burden increases.

A bifunctional linker of Formula 1

##STR00001##

wherein in Formula I, at least one of R.sup.1 to R.sup.4 is —COOR.sup.5 and R.sup.5 is —C.sub.0-C.sub.10alkyl(C.sub.2-C.sub.10alkynyl) or —C.sub.0-C.sub.10alkyl-C.sub.2-C.sub.10alkenyl(C.sub.2-C.sub.10alkynyl), preferably a terminal alkynyl. The bifunctional linker is used in a cycloaddition to tether two entities, for example a protein or antibody, and an active agent, to form a bisconjugate. The bifunctional linker also be used to form a conjugate, followed by cycloaddition in the presence of a comonomer composition to form a bisconjugate including a protein or antibody linked to an adhesive polymer network. Catalysis can be provided by a copper-containing paint on a surface to adhere the bisconjugate to the surface. Methods of synthesis and use of the bisconjugates imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications are also described.

An electrospun nanofibrous silk fibroin mat infused with a reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection reagent is presented herein. The ROS detection agent may be Amplex red. A method of real time detection of ROS in a wound site to determine the need for a dressing change is also presented. The method includes applying an electrospun nanofibrous silk fibroin mat infused with Amplex red to a wound site of a patient and detecting a change in color of the mat. A color change indicates a higher than normal level of ROS in the wound site. Depending on the degree of color change, a therapeutic agent may be administered to the wound site and a new mat applied to measure ROS in the wound site after therapy is administered.

Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGF. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternatively, the composition can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

The invention relates to Cathepsin-binding compounds bound to a carrier comprising a diagnostic moiety, for use in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, and/or for use in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases, wherein the Cathepsin-binding compound binds to inflammatory cells of the tumour stroma. The invention also relates to Cathepsin B-targeting compounds and Cathepsin B-binding and liposome-binding compounds.

Compositions and methods are provided that are useful for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGF. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternatively, the composition can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.