Targeted imaging of disease-specific epitopes (molecular imaging) is an emerging tool that in combination with highly sensitive imaging modalities such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) will allow early detection of disease. Dr. Alt’s research combines the biotechnological generation of novel imaging agents and the use of highly innovative targeting approaches for the in vivo proof of concept translational research in disease-relevant animal models. In the last three years and driven by a keen interest in targeted nanomedicine, Dr. Alt has extended her research focus into theranostic nanomaterials. She strongly believes that the combination of therapeutic and diagnostic functionality in a targeted particle holds a lot of promise for more efficient disease diagnosis and treatment.
In this lecture Dr. Alt will present on the development of a specific imaging agent directed against activated platelets as a promising tool for molecular imaging of cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory conditions. Her work is based on a novel enzymatic modification technique for proteins using the bacterial transpeptidase Sortase as well as “click chemistry” for imaging and drug delivery. In addition, Dr. Alt will also talk about her recent work on novel theranostic nanomedicine.