Temperature oscillation modulated self-assembly of periodic concentric layered magnesium carbonate microparticles.

Intriguing patterns of periodic, concentric, layered, mineral microstructure are present in nature and organisms, yet they have elusive geneses. We hypothesize temperature oscillation can be an independent factor that causes the self-assembly of such patterns in mineral phases synthesized in solution. Static experiments verify that rhythmic concentric multi-layered magnesium carbonate microhemispheres can be synthesized from bicarbonate solution by temperature oscillation, without use of a chemical template, additive or gel-diffusion system.

Effect of intratumoral administration on biodistribution of 64Cu-labeled nanoshells.

Background: Gold nanoshells are excellent agents for photothermal ablation cancer therapy and are currently under clinical trial for solid tumors. Previous studies showed that passive delivery of gold nanoshells through intravenous administration resulted in limited tumor accumulation, which represents a major challenge for this therapy. In this report, the impact of direct intratumoral administration on the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the nanoshells was systematically investigated.

In vivo PET imaging and biodistribution of radiolabeled gold nanoshells in rats with tumor xenografts.

Here we report the radiolabeling of gold nanoshells (NSs) for PET imaging in rat tumor model. A conjugation method was developed to attach NSs with the radionuclide, (64)Cu. The resulting conjugates showed good labeling efficiency and stability in PBS and serum.