Nanoscale Sentinels and Molecular Beacons: Illuminating Disease from the Inside Out
Adam Shuhendler
Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
11:00 a.m.
In-person: C2-361
Abstract: Are you a chemistry enthusiast with a passion for saving lives, but feeling uninspired by the crowded drug development space? Step into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of diagnostic medicine, where signal precision and chemical innovation redefine what’s possible. Novel molecules and materials empower Molecular Imaging—the frontier of bioresponsive injectable agents designed to illuminate the early, hidden onset of disease.
In this seminar, I will describe three imaging agents developed in our lab:
- Tetrazinanone-Derived Organic Radical Contrast Agent: For the first time, this metal-free contrast agent translates a gold-standard blood biomarker into a tool for mapping kidney disease.
- [18F]4-fluor-4-deoxyfructose: A PET radiotracer tracking pathological energy pathways to provide unparalleled mapping of inflammation of the heart and brain.
- Gold Superclusters: Designed for intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography, this agent detects the subtle biomolecular changes signaling early heart disease.
By targeting early molecular shifts associated with disease, these innovative chemical and nanomaterial-based tools are pushing the boundaries of diagnostic imaging. The ultimate goal? Revolutionizing medical care with earlier, more precise diagnoses.
Join me to explore how cutting-edge chemistry is expanding the possibilities of medicine beyond drugs.