Xenon based biosensors have the potential to detect and localize biomarkers associated with a wide variety of diseases. The development and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterization of cage molecules which encapsulate hyperpolarized xenon is imperative for the development of these xenon biosensors. We acquired .sup.129Xe NMR spectra, and magnetic resonance images and a HyperCEST saturation map of cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) in whole bovine blood. We observed a mean HyperCEST depletion of 84% (n=5) at a concentration of 5 mM and 74% at 2.5 mM. Additionally, we collected these data using a pulsed HyperCEST saturation pre-pulse train with a SAR of 0.025 W/kg which will minimize any potential RF heating in animal or human tissue.

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.

Disclosed is a composition of a polarization source dispersed in an aqueous medium. Preferably, the polarization source forms a composite with a host. As the aqueous medium, a hydrogel is also usable in addition to water.

Xenon based biosensors have the potential to detect and localize biomarkers associated with a wide variety of diseases. The development and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) characterization of cage molecules which encapsulate hyperpolarized xenon is imperative for the development of these xenon biosensors. We acquired .sup.129Xe NMR spectra, and magnetic resonance images and a HyperCEST saturation map of cucurbituril (CB6) in whole bovine blood. We observed a mean HyperCEST depletion of 84% (n=5) at a concentration of 5 mM and 74% at 2.5 mM. Additionally, we collected these data using a pulsed HyperCEST saturation pre-pulse train with a SAR of 0.025 W/kg which will minimize any potential RF heating in animal or human tissue.

The invention provides a novel method for synthesizing hyperpolarized xenon-129 (HP Xe) biosensors by using pseudo-rotaxane structures of gamma-cyclodextrin. These supramolecular complexes form novel ternary structures in the presence of HP Xe which can be detected via .sup.129Xe MR spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The rotaxane-type complex can be tagged with an affinity label for detecting a target in a biological subject.

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 present invention concerns aza-cryptophanes, processes for preparation thereof, and their uses, in particular as in vivo diagnostic tools when complexing a hyperpolarized noble element, or in nanoemulsions.

The present invention relates to a precursor of a molecular sensor for determining analyte concentrations and/or measuring analyte concentration changes comprising a host for an active nucleus, an NMR-modulating moiety and an interacting moiety, wherein said NMR-modulating moiety changes the resonance frequency or the chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signal of the active nucleus-host complex, and wherein said interacting moiety specifically responds to an environmental parameter, to an analyte or to a target molecule that binds the analyte or said interacting moiety specifically binds to a target molecule in an analyte-dependent manner. The present invention further relates to a molecular sensor comprising an active nucleus and said precursor. The present invention further relates to a molecular sensor for determining analyte concentrations and/or measuring analyte concentration changes inside a cell, wherein moiety/ies of the sensor are expressed in said cells and then assembled inside said cell. The present invention further relates to uses of the molecular sensors as well as to an in vitro method for determining metal concentration and/or measuring metal concentration changes and a method for diagnosing and/or monitoring treatment of diseases causing changes in metal concentrations.

The invention provides a novel method for synthesizing hyperpolarized xenon-129 (HP Xe) biosensors by using pseudo-rotaxane structures of gamma-cyclodextrin. These supramolecular complexes form novel ternary structures in the presence of HP Xe which can be detected via .sup.129Xe MR spectroscopy and imaging techniques. The rotaxane-type complex can be tagged with an affinity label for detecting a target in a biological subject.

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.