Development of Molecular Imprinted Polymer (MIP) nanoparticles for targeted fluorine-based Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging and Boron Neutro

It is planned to explore the use of MIP nanoparticles directed at known cancer biomarkers and also capable of delivering 18F to various cancer targets, as PET imaging agents. By constructing the MIPs from monomers having a high 10B content, it is further planned to explore BNCT using these nanoparticles. Combination of both concepts is hoped to lead to a powerful theranostic platform for various cancers. The project will therefore combine organic synthesis skills (monomer synthesis, MIP preparation and characterisation, biomarker synthesis) with radiochemistry skills (PET chemistry, BNCT chemistry).