Development of Heavy Metal Free Quantum dot Lanthanide Conjugates for Sensing

Project Description

The overall aim of this project to use innovative inorganic chemistry for the supramolecular self-assembly of novel heavy metal free nanocrystal (quantum dots) and lanthanide complexes to give multimodal contrast agents for molecular imaging. Key goals are (i) The functionalisation of fluorescent quantum dots with capping groups containing MRI active metal centres; (ii) rigorous molecular (e.g. spectroscopy) and solid state characterisation (e.g. X-ray and powder diffraction) of the new materials; (iii) in depth evaluation of the photophysical and magnetic properties of the materials; (iv) via an iterative loop of design-synthesis-application -evaluation, to produce a prototype multimodal contrast agent. The project will also be a superb experience for our PhD students and create a new scientific relationship between two early career groups.