This assignment addresses the following learning objectives:

– Have knowledge of imaging modalities useful for cell-labelling and tracking in vivo
– Demonstrate an understanding of the potential benefits and disadvantages of each molecular imaging modality in application to cell tracking/targeting, particularly in nanomedicine
– Demonstrate the ability to apply each modality to a specific cell-targeted application
– Acquire sufficient knowledge to choose the appropriate labelling approach for chelates and conjugates and demonstrate said knowledge of the application of chelates and conjugates in molecular imaging and nanomedicine

((Case Scenario)): You work as a researcher in the field of nanomedicine with a strong focus on molecular imaging and have been approached by a company who believes that they have a peptide drug that shows high efficacy towards killing prostate cancer cells. Unfortunately, this drug is very unstable in vivo and is quickly degraded upon injection. You decide that a liposomal delivery system based on PEG is the best way to deliver this peptide to prostate cancer cells.

Task A: Design and describe clearly your approach that you will take to achieve maximum delivery of the liposomal system to prostate cancer cells. (Words: Max 1page)

Points to Note (Please read carefully):

In your discussion, you should

– describe which molecular imaging modality (or modalities!) you will use to help you answer the important questions
– your response should be focussed on the delivery system, not necessarily how well the peptide works (i.e. you don’t have to design drug efficacy experiments, only test how well you can deliver the drug)

Task B: Write a maximum 2-page justification of your design approach to achieve maximum delivery of the liposomal system to prostate cancer cells.