PhD in bio-medical applications of robust coordination cages

This project will take forward key proof-of-principle results (Lusby, Archibald and co-workers: JACS 2018, 140, 16877) that show robust coordination cages can be exploited for in vivo SPECT imaging using a novel radiotracer encapsulation method. IP protection for this technology has also been submitted in the past 12 months. The Lusby and Hulme groups have also been developing cage probes that incorporate bio-orthogonal alkyne units for sub-cellular imaging thus complementing in vivo SPECT modality. This proposed project will further these applications by (a) seeking to develop functionalised analogues for the targeted, molecular imaging of different disease states: (b) expand to PET probes and therapeutics and (c) to develop raman-cage imaging to understand the inherent molecular targets of these unique class of compounds.