Final Report Summary - CONQUEST (Clinical ultrasound platform for the quantitative and longitudinal imaging of theranostics and cellular therapy)
We were able to study the unique structure of our imaging nanoparticles, where we found (to our surprise) that the hydrophobic perfluorocarbon was hydrated. The nanoparticles exhibit unusual imaging properties, and are suitable for imaging with several modalities, providing a platform for the imaging of cell therapies and other applications. We exploited this, particularly in cell tracking, and are able to produce GMP-grade nanoparticles for application is a proof-of-concept trial. Furthermore, a spin-off has been set up to commercialise these imaging agents. Given the huge costs and strong side-effects of current personalised medicine, particularly cell therapies, there is a huge need for imaging nanoparticles like these. We are now able to produce the particles at GMP grade at a scale suitable for clinical trials, in addition to at a larger scale for lab-grade applications, with several customisations and modifications possible.