The disclosure relates to compositions comprising isolated mitochondria or combined mitochondrial agents, and methods of treating disorders using such compositions.

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.

The invention provides a scanning suspension comprising a particle which is capable of at least in part disturbing a magnetic field, wherein said particle comprises a diameter of at least 1 μm, and use thereof for obtaining a scanning image. Preferably, said particle comprises holmium and a composition capable of essentially maintaining its structure during irradiation. A particle of the invention is suitable for preparing a kit of parts, comprising a diagnostic and a therapeutic composition which both comprise particles of the invention with essentially the same chemical structure, wherein said therapeutic composition is more radioactive than said diagnostic composition. Said kit of parts is especially suitable for treatment of a tumor. First, the distribution of a particle of the invention within an individual can be determined with a scanning image obtained with said scanning composition. Subsequently, a radioactive therapeutic composition can be administered, wherein a suitable dose of said therapeutic composition is derived from said scanning image.

The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T.sub.2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents.

Provided are MR images of a subject gastrointestinal tract structure in which the lumen of the structure is usefully darkened on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images when the structure is imaged following administration to the subject of an enteric contrast agent formulation with particles containing encapsulated gas or partial vacuum. The present invention provides an encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle contrast medium of use in acquiring such MR images. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides an enteric contrast medium formulation. An exemplary formulation comprises, (a) an enteric contrast medium comprising a encapsulated gas or partial vacuum particle suspended in water.

A hydrogel comprising a particle physically entrapped within a hydrogel matrix, a method for making the hydrogel, a particle for use in the hydrogel and the use of the hydrogel to sense a chemical species, especially anions in solution. The particle comprises an active material and a plurality of chains of a first polymeric material, each of the chains of the first polymeric material having a first end and a second end. The active material and the first ends of the chains form a core; and the second ends of the chains extend outwardly away from the core to form a shell. The hydrogel matrix comprises chains of a second polymeric material in the form of a three dimensional cross-linked network.

The disclosure relates to compositions comprising isolated mitochondria or combined mitochondrial agents, and methods of treating disorders using such compositions.

The present invention relates to nanostructured conjugates, more specifically to nanostructured fusion proteins suitable for the selective delivery of their conjugated therapeutic agents to specific cell and tissue types. It also relates to nanoparticles comprising such nanostructured proteins and the therapeutic uses thereof.

The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for detecting, measuring, or locating cells or substances present in even very low concentrations in vivo in subjects, using targeted magnetic nanoparticles and special magnetic systems. The magnetic systems can comprise magnetizing subsystems and sensors subsystems, including as examples SQUID sensors and atomic magnetometers. The magnetic systems can detect, measure, or location particles preferentially internalized by cells due to the action of antibodies, proteins, macromolecules, or nutrients required for cellular metabolism. Example magnetic systems are capable of detecting sub-nanogram amounts of these nanoparticles.

The theranostic biocompatible microcapsules provided are efficient contrast enhanced imaging agents that combine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with ultrasound-triggered drug release for real-time tracking and targeted delivery in vivo. The capsules are assembled via layer-by-layer deposition of the natural polyphenol tannic acid and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) with iron oxide nanoparticles incorporated in the capsule wall. The nanoparticle-modified capsules exhibit enhanced T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 MRI contrast in a clinical MRI scanner. Loaded with the an anticancer drug such as doxorubicin the capsules circulate in the blood stream for at least 48 hours, an improvement compared to non-encapsulated nanoparticles. High-intensity focused ultrasound results in targeted drug release with a 16-fold increase in the pharmacologically active agent localization in tumors compared to off-target organs. Owing to the active contrast, long circulation, customizable size, shape, composition, and precise delivery of high payload concentrations, these materials present an improved platform for imaging-guided precision drug delivery.