Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging is a highly interdisciplinary research field, involving scientists from the biological, engineering, physical and medical sciences.  Our laboratory explores the use of ultrasound, PET and MRI-based techniques to diagnose disease and to develop therapeutic strategies.  One focus of the laboratory is to develop microbubble contrast agents for ultrasound molecular imaging.  A second focus is to label drug and gene carriers and use positron emission tomography to quantify the pharmacokinetics.  We have synthesized conjugates containing lipids, polymers and a copper chelator.  As shown in the attached images, when the conjugate is injected without incorporation in a particle, the molecule accumulates in the liver  (left image).  When incorporated within a stable particle, the PET image highlights the vascular space (right).