Cells are the basic units of life. They determine normal organ function and disease development. Observations of living cells are vital to understanding, diagnosing, and successfully treating disease. Our research group develops cell specific contrast agents and non-invasive imaging techniques that can generate detailed information about specific cells in the body. Our research program focuses on two main applications:

1. Cancer Imaging
2. Stem Cell Imaging

mostly utilizing MR imaging technology. We investigate the value of clinically applicable macrophage-targeted nanoparticles for improved tumor detection and for the diagnosis of tumor-associated inflammation. In addition, we explore the value of novel cell-targeted contrast agents and "smart", activatable contrast agents for diagnosing successful or unsuccessful stem cell therapies. We label track contrast agent labeled stem cells in vivo and we are developing immune cell tracking techniques that allow a non-invasive diagnosis of stem cell transplant engraftment or rejection. Currently, the diagnosis of diseases and their treatment almost always involves acquiring and repeating multiple imaging tests, which are time-consuming, cause direct and indirect cumulative expenses and accumulated radiation exposures. We ultimately aim to combine tailored cell specific contrast agents with whole body imaging techniques in order to create one single diagnostic test, which provides comprehensive "one-stop" evaluations of tumor and stem cell therapies.

Our Research Vision
To bring novel cell-specific tumor and stem cell imaging techniques to the clinic
AND
To foster excellence, teamwork and integrity in a supportive and creative environment