Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric MRI Contrast Agents for Advanced Imaging Applications

The aim of this PhD project is to synthesise small molecule MRI contrast agents and incorporate them into responsive polymers. The resulting polymeric particles will be designed to respond to their surrounding environment by a measurable change in MRI signal, thereby reporting on physiological parameters such as local pH in human tissue, aiding the diagnosis and better understanding of diseases such as cancer. Full Project Detail: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique which provides 2 and 3-dimensional anatomical information on soft tissues in a non-invasive manner.

In the clinic, MRI relies upon small molecule contrast agents to enhance the image quality, enabling the diagnosis of neurological, cardiovascular and oncological disorders. However, these MRI contrast agents suffer from low sensitivity and fast excretion from the body. We have shown that these properties can be improved dramatically by linking the contrast agent to polymer scaffolds, thereby increasing their size and restricting their local motion.

Recently, we developed a novel synthetic strategy to create macromolecular MRI contrast agents with enhanced imaging capabilities, by using a combination of organic chemistry and controlled polymerisation techniques. The resulting polymeric MRI agents display substantially higher image contrast compared to those used in the clinic, potentially allowing lower and safer doses of the contrast agent to be used. Building on this exciting work, this project will focus on synthesising small molecule contrast agents and incorporating them into responsive polymers, which are capable of reporting on physiological parameters such as local pH in human tissue, aiding the diagnosis and better understanding of diseases such as cancer.

The student will gain excellent training in a range of techniques including organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, materials characterisation, and molecular imaging. They will be supported by postdoctoral researchers within the Butler Group and will be very well trained for roles in industry. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly require scientists with combined synthetic and bioanalytical skills.

Therefore, there are many potential employability options for the student, in addition to postdoctoral opportunities in this active research field. Find out more: Butler Group Research Website Chemistry Profile 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021