Aspects of the disclosure relate to nucleic acid vaccines. The vaccines include at least one RNA polynucleotides having a open reading reading frame encoding at least varicella zoster virus (VZV) antigen. Methods for preparing and using such vaccines are also described.

Provided is a modified J-aggregate (MJ). In some embodiments, the MJ is nanoscale, sub-micronscale, or microscale. Also provided is an MJ conjugate. Also provided are processes for making an MJ or an MJ conjugate. Photoacoustic imaging methods employing the MJ or MJ conjugate are also provided.

It discloses a dexamethasone-loaded macrophage-derived microvesicle as well as a preparation method and application thereof. The dexamethasone-loaded macrophage-derived microvesicle is formed by entrapping dexamethasone with a microvesicle derived from a murine macrophage cell line 264.7 cell. The dexamethasone-loaded macrophage-derived microvesicle of the present invention can be taken up by an injured cell more effectively, and fulfills the aim of ameliorating the kidney inflammation by inhibiting the activation of a proinflammatory signal pathway and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Meanwhile, the preparation method of the present invention is simple, convenient and efficient, and the prepared microvesicle is derived from the RAW 264.7 cells which are sufficient and widespread, and can be produced in large-scale.

Polymeric particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene and/or a derivative thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles may also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Particles of the present invention may further be provided as color-coded microspheres or nanospheres to allow ready identification of the sized particles in use. Such color-coded microspheres or nanospheres may further be provided in like color-coded delivery or containment devices to enhance user identification and provide visual confirmation of the use of a specifically desired size of microspheres or nanospheres.

Described herein are self-assembling protein molecules for delivering a payload, for example, a toxic anti-cancer agent, a cancer immunotherapy, a toxic anti-cancer agent and a cancer immunotherapy, or an imaging agent, to specific tissues. Examples of self-assembled proteins include clathrin and derivatives of clathrin.

Provided is an immune microbubble complex, and a use thereof. An immune-microbubble complex (IMC) according to the presently claimed subject matter includes microbubbles to which an antibody is conjugated, in which the microbubbles have excellent stability and excellent antibody binding strength, and it was confirmed that, when the immune-microbubble complex is treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), an anti-tumor effect is significantly increased and an immune-enhancing effect is exhibited. Therefore, the immune-microbubble complex according to the presently claimed subject matter is expected to increase the efficiency of delivering the conjugated antibody and be used in both diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and exhibit various functions in the field of immunotherapy, including a contrast effect, half-life improvement, improved drug delivery, a lymphocyte concentration effect, cancer immunotherapy and induction of immunotherapy using ultrasound.

Polymeric particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene and/or a derivative thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles may also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Particles of the present invention may further be provided as color-coded microspheres or nanospheres to allow ready identification of the sized particles in use. Such color-coded microspheres or nanospheres may further be provided in like color-coded delivery or containment devices to enhance user identification and provide visual confirmation of the use of a specifically desired size of microspheres or nanospheres.

Certain aspects of the present invention relates to microcapsules comprising a core; and a hydrophobic, cross-linked polymeric shell, as well as method for making and using same. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to microcapsules comprising a core; and a hydrophobic, cross-linked polymeric shell. These microcapsules can be used in a variety of applications, including agriculture, encapsulation of food ingredients, health care, cosmetics (e.g., perfumes, detergents, and sunscreen), coatings (e.g., paints and pigments), additives, catalysis, and oil recovery.

A micro robot that is moveable in a body includes first quantum dots.

Provided is a lung disease drug delivery carrier. The lung disease drug delivery carrier includes a disc particle having a diameter of 2 μm to 4 μm. The disc particle is injected into the human body. The disc particle includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactide (PLA), polyglycolide (PG), polyphosphazene, polyiminocarbonate, polyphosphoester, polyanhydride, polyorthoester, and combinations thereof, polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA), and a drug. The disc particle is decomposed after 24 hours after being injected into the human body and delivers or releases the drug into a lung. The lung disease drug delivery carrier is accumulated in the lung, and the lung disease includes pulmonary fibrosis.