The main topics of the research group activity are in the field of Molecular Imaging with particular interest for the set up of:
- Protein based innovative nanotheranostic delivery systems;
- Efficient MRI cellular labeling procedures for an early diagnosis of the pathology; Visualization of drug delivery processes;
- Development of tumour selective boron containing agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy functionalized with MRI contrast agents for boron quantification;
- Development of innovative diagnostic protocols for low field FFC-MRI applications.
The nanosized delivery systems used in this research are liposomes, polylactic and glycolic (PLGA) nanoparticles and natural proteins such us ferritin and Low density Lipoproteins (LDL) that can be loaded with both therapeutic and imaging agents. A recent topic of her research is focused on the exploitation of low magnetic fields tissue relaxation to obtain contrast in the MRI images reporter of tumour malignancy.
New book chapter: