Chemistry/Biology Imaging

Research in the Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology is focussed on:

• Identification of novel molecular imaging targets in all biomedical areas (cancer, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, immunological) and development and evaluation of new molecular imaging agents for these applications
• Novel chemical approaches to facilitate the development of novel contrast agents with simpler methodology, higher quality and wider availability for patients.

The Departmental research teams cover basic organic, inorganic and nanoparticle chemistry, and biology at the biomolecular, cellular and whole organism (preclinical and clinical) level. Research groups work together in a highly integrated way with a strong team ethos and boundaries between the research groups are extremely blurred. In this way we make exceptionally efficient use of our physical infrastructure, laboratory space and varied academic expertise. The Department is outstandingly well equipped with chemistry, radiochemistry, chemical and biochemical analysis (ES-MS, high field NMR, HPLC etc.), tissue culture and preclinical imaging facilities (PET/CT, SPECT/CT, 9.4 T MRI), with strong links to the PET Centre (with cyclotron and hot cell facilities and providing radioisotopes such as F-18, C-11, Cu-64, Cu-61, N-13, Ga-68 etc.) and Nuclear Medicine (providing access to isotopes such as Tc-99m, Ga-68 etc.).

The Department interacts closely with other departments in the Division to optimise imaging capability and translate new science into clinical application.