Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
An IntroductIon to MoleculAr IMAgIng
Ga-Lai Law and Wing-Tak Wong
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon,
Hong Kong SAR, China
1.1
IntroductIon
The aim of this topic is to introduce the concepts of different imaging techniques that are employed for diagnostics and
therapy and the role that chemistry has played in their evolution. The topic provides a general introduction to the area of
molecular imaging, giving an account of the role of molecular design and its importance in modern-day techniques, with an
in-depth introduction of some of the probes and methodologies employed. This first chapter introduces the different types
of imaging modalities currently at the forefront of imaging and illustrates some basic concepts underlying these techniques.
It acts as a simplified background to set the scene for the following chapters, which will discuss the chemical properties of
molecules and the role they play in different imaging modalities. For the interested readers, other textbooks are referenced
that will provide more detailed information regarding the different techniques reviewed.
In life everything is incessantly changing. There is constant evolution in life sciences, evolution in the way problems
arise, and evolution in the way they are solved. Diagnostics and therapy are both important, but as Einstein said, “intellec-
tuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.” The key challenge still remains to unravel the hidden knowledge within life
sciences, which constantly challenges us with new diseases and mechanistic mutation of biological systems and pathways
[1]. Again, as stated by Einstein, “once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.”
Molecular imaging aims to detect and monitor mechanistic processes in cells, tissues, or living organisms with the use of
instruments and contrast mechanisms without perturbing their living system. Ultimately, it is a field that utilises molecular
building blocks to bring solutions to problems by specialised imaging techniques that have matured into a large integrated
field enveloped within various branches of science (Figure 1.1) [2]. In the area of modern-day imaging where technology is
at its pinnacle, molecular design still holds a dominant role in the forefront of molecular imaging.
In the past, developments in contrast agents, probes, and dyes have brought about an era of creativity where new
techniques, materials, and designs have flourished to form a concrete foundation resulting in today's achievements in
diagnosis and therapy (Figure 1.2). The construction of better chemical molecules will continue to help us develop a
more comprehensive picture of learning about life science. Figure 1.3 depicts a timeline in the development of the
field [1-3].
