The invention concerns a biocompatible oily ferrofluid comprising iron-oxide based magnetic nanoparticles and an oil phase comprising at least one fatty acid ester, characterized in that said magnetic nanoparticles are surface functionalized by molecules of one or more phospholipids, and in particular a biocompatible oily ferrofluid comprising iron-oxide based magnetic nanoparticles and an oil phase comprising at least one fatty acid ester, said iron-oxide based magnetic nanoparticles forming a colloidal dispersion in said oil phase from a temperature belonging to the range from 20 to 80° C., characterized in that said magnetic nanoparticles are surface functionalized by molecules of one or more phospholipids which do not completely cover the surface of the iron-oxide based magnetic nanoparticles, which in particular ensure a coverage rate of the surface of the iron-oxide based magnetic nanoparticles such that the fatty acid ester(s) present in the oil phase have access to the surface of the iron-oxide based magnetic nanoparticles. The invention also concerns the process for preparing such a biocompatible oily ferrofluid and its use as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging or in the context of a cancer treatment by hyperthermia. Finally, the invention concerns a nanoemulsion comprising such a biocompatible oily ferrofluid.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of early-stage atherosclerotic plaques and reduction of plaques in arteries. In particular, provided herein are high-density-lipoprotein-functionalized magnetic nanostructures (HDL-MNS) capable of (i) precise anatomic detection of atherosclerotic lesions, (ii) removal of excess cholesterol from macrophage cells in atherosclerotic plaque, and/or (iii) delivery of therapeutic agents to plaque locations, and methods of diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

A non-pyrogenic preparation containing nanoparticles synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria for medical or cosmetic applications. The nanoparticles are constituted by a crystallized mineral central part including predominantly an iron oxide, as well as a surrounding coating without material from the magnetotactic bacteria.

Provided are iron oxide nanocapsules for an MRI contrast agent having high contrast, in which a plurality of iron oxide nanoparticles having a hydrophobic ligand attached thereto are encapsulated in an encapsulation material including a biodegradable polymer and a surfactant, and which satisfy Relations 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 below. Also a method of manufacturing the iron oxide nanocapsules is provided.
5≦100*D.sub.μ(IO)/C.sub.ω(IO)  [Relation 1]
2.5≦100*D.sub.μ(Cap)/C.sub.ω(Cap)  [Relation 2]
0.5 wt %≦F(IO)≦50 wt %  [Relation 3]
1 nm≦D.sub.μ(IO)≦25 nm  [Relation 4]
50 nm≦D.sub.μ(Cap)≦200 nm  [Relation 5]

Liposomes have been used in technologies in biological, pharmaceutical, medical and nutritional applications because they can offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and capacity for size and surface modifications. Traditionally, liposomes are prepared by multiple steps. However, multiple steps of preparation may cause a number of problems including low yield, high polydispersity, and poor morphology. Here, we synthesized liposomes containing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle using one-pot, single step synthesis under ultra-sonication. We optimized the lipid compositions, sonication power, concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles, and antibody conjugation using Cu-free click chemistry. Furthermore, we incorporated doxorubicin inside magnetic liposomes for combined antibody targeting and magnetic guidance. Fluorescence imaging and quantification confirmed that antibody conjugated magnetic liposome showed high cell specific targeting that was enhanced by magnetic delivery.

Provided is a T1 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. The T1 contrast agent includes fine iron oxide nanoparticle cores and micelles encapsulating the core particles. The micelles include a nonionic surfactant consisting of a hydrophilic moiety containing at least two chains and a hydrophobic moiety containing at least one C.sub.10-C.sub.30 hydrocarbon chain. The T1 contrast agent of the present invention is a novel one based on fine iron oxide nanoparticles that can replace conventional gadolinium-based T1 contrast agents. The T1 contrast agent based on fine iron oxide nanoparticles according to the present invention is harmless to humans, is rapidly distributed in the blood, and has a uniform size, ensuring its uniform contrast effect. In addition, the T1 contrast agent of the present invention enables image observation for at least 1 hour to up to 2 hours and is excreted through the kidneys and liver. Therefore, the T1 contrast agent of the present invention avoids the problems encountered in conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of nanoparticle composites that comprise covalently coupled stabilizing agent molecules that improve stability of the nanoparticle composites and allow for tight packing of lipids and/or membranes. The nanoparticle composites can further comprise inhibition inhibitors and/or lipid components that interact to form a hybrid lipid bilayer membrane around the nanoparticle core. The nanoparticle composites can be coupled to drugs, targeting moieties, and imaging moieties. The nanoparticle composites can be used for in vivo drug deliver, disease diagnosis/treatment, and imaging.

The present disclosure provides contrast agent compositions comprises a plurality of nanoparticles, such as nanoparticles comprises an iron nanoparticle such as an iron nitride. The disclosure also provides methods for magnetic resonance imaging of the contrast agent compositions as well as other methods of performing magnetic resonance imaging. Further, the disclosure provides kits comprising a contrast agent composition.

A non-pyrogenic preparation containing nanoparticles synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria for medical or cosmetic applications. The nanoparticles are constituted by a crystallized mineral central part including predominantly an iron oxide, as well as a surrounding coating without material from the magnetotactic bacteria.

The invention provides a (drug-containing) lipid nanoparticle with: (i) at least one phospholipid; (ii) at least one lysolipid; and (iii) at least one phospholipid comprising a hydrophilic polymer; and (iv) at least one structural lipid of formula (I) which has the following general structure: ##STR00001## wherein R and R′ are long hydrocarbyl hydrophobic chains, Y is a linker element, and PHG is a polar head group described as large according to its van der Waals radius, and which is different from the phospholipid (i). The lipid nanoparticle can release a drug (or API) from within the lipid nanoparticle as a result of focused ultrasound (FUS) applied continuously, at least twice, to a desired part of the body to induce hyperthermia (an increase in temperature). FUS is applied after the lipid nanoparticle containing the drug has been administered to the live subject, and causes controlled release of the drug at the desired site of the body. Ultrasound is then halted, and the site of interest allowed to cool. Ultrasound is then applied again. Lipid nanoparticles can be labelled (for MRI, NIRF imaging), enabling real time monitoring of the drug in the human body. Imaging information can be used to direct and guide the nature of the FUS applied to the site of interest.