Fluorescent Imaging of Unstable Atherosclerotic Plaques in Blood Vessels

背景：开展的研究将包括对集团内以前开发的Diels-Alder反应类别进行优化和进一步开发，提供更高的产率和更大的产品范围。然后，这些产品中的一些将被用作荧光探针，用于细胞传感疾病的标志，如动脉粥样硬化斑块和癌细胞。目的：生产一种治疗药物，当与疾病的目标标记物如动脉粥样硬化斑块接触时，能够选择性地释放药物分子和荧光标记物。目的：进一步优化和发展先前在集团内开发的Diels-Alder反应类别，以生产多种不同的芳香支架。-利用已开发的Diels-Alder反应瞄准并生产一种能够对选定的疾病标志物作出反应的选择性释放的荧光探针。-利用荧光成像分析来确定所开发的荧光探针对其目标反应条件的响应性，并同时测量药物分子的释放。潜在的应用和好处：-进一步发展以前在该集团内确定的Diels-Alder反应类别，可以允许一条更可行的路线到达某些合成支架。这可能有利于在行业内更有效地生产潜在的药物化合物。-生产有针对性的治疗药物可以同时识别和治疗某些疾病，如冠心病和癌症。这将提供大量更多与动脉粥样硬化斑块和癌细胞位置有关的信息，同时还可以在单一剂量下治疗这些问题。作为这些疾病的一种潜在的非常有效的早期治疗/识别方法，这可能对社会的健康大有裨益。与研究委员会的关系：该奖学金由工程和物理科学研究委员会(EPSRC)资助。所进行的研究将与EPSRC相关，因为它将在物理科学领域(化学)产生发展，有可能通过生产更有效的治疗和识别危及生命的疾病的方法来造福社会。二级主管关系：Alex Cresswell博士在周环反应领域拥有专业知识，可以为研究的潜在工业应用提供流动仪器，使他在实现我的前两个目标方面非常有用。

ontext: The research carried out will consist of the optimization and further development of the classes of Diels-Alder reactions developed within the group previously, providing higher yields and larger scope of products. Some of these products will then be applied as fluorescent probes for cellular sensing for markers of disease such as atherosclerotic plaques and cancerous cells. Aim: To produce a theranostic agent capable of selectively releasing a drug molecule and a fluorescent marker upon contact with targeted markers of disease such as atherosclerotic plaques.Objectives:-Further optimise and develop the Diels-Alder reaction classes previously developed within the group to produce numerous varied aromatic scaffolds. -Target and produce a fluorescent probe capable of selective release in response to chosen disease markers utilising the developed Diels-Alder reactions.-Utilise fluorescent imaging assays to determine the responsiveness of the developed fluorescent probe to its targeted response conditions and measure the release of the drug molecule alongside this.Potential Applications and Benefits: -The further development of the Diels-Alder reaction classes which were previously identified within the group could allow for a more viable route to certain synthetic scaffolds. This could be of benefit within industry to produce potential pharmaceutical compounds more effectively.-The production of targeted theranostic agents could allow for the simultaneous identification and treatment of certain diseases such as coronary heart disease and cancers. This would provide a significant amount more information to do with the location of atherosclerotic plaques and cancerous cells whilst also treating these issues within a singular dose. This could be of great benefit to the health of society as a potentially highly effective early treatment/identification method for these diseases.Relevance to Research Council: This studentship is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The research undertaken will be of relevance to the EPSRC as it will yield developments within the physical sciences field (chemistry) with the potential to yield benefit to society through the production of more effective methods of treating and identifying life-threatening diseases.Relevance of Secondary Supervisor: Dr. Alex Cresswell has expertise within the field of pericyclic reactions and can provide flow apparatus for potential industrial applications of the research, making him highly useful in achieving my first two objectives.