Why did you choose the ICMAB?

ICMAB is located on the UAB campus and offers access to many advanced facilities and equipment. The mentors here are highly responsible, and I've been able to learn a lot from them.

How would you explain your research to a non-scientific audience?

I synthesize dendritic polymer frameworks with various structures and then attach radicals to their ends to study the synthesis and properties of these compounds.

What are the main applications of your research? Could you give us an example?

It is used to enhance contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What will you miss the most from ICMAB?

I'll miss the helpful and kind professors and colleagues, as well as the fun activities organized around the holidays every year.

How do you think this experience will contribute to your training and to your future?

I've developed skills in independent thinking, problem-solving, and big-picture planning. In the future, I’ll be able to approach problems more calmly and complete work efficiently and directly.

What do you wish you had known at the beginning of your PhD?

I wish I had been more confident, improved my presentation skills earlier, worked more efficiently, balanced life and work better, and exercised regularly.

Why did you become a scientist? Which have been your role models?

I enjoy researching problems and understanding the mechanisms behind experimental phenomena. My role model is "Lu Ban", a craftsman from ancient China (~500 BC) whose architectural and woodworking innovations are still in use.

Which is your favourite female scientist?

Lin Qiaozhi, the pioneer of modern obstetrics and gynecology in China, who dedicated her life to excellence in medicine and possessed a high moral standard.

 Abstract

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop metal-free contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on organic radicals, addressing the well-known toxicity associated with the commonly used Gd(III)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in clinical diagnostics. Radical Dendrimers, which are monodisperse polymers with a precisely defined molecular structure, serve as an ideal platform for anchoring organic radicals. This strategy not only enhances relaxivity but also provides a shielding effect, protecting the radicals from reduction.This thesis explores the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel radical dendrimers, with a focus on i) improving previous synthetic methods, ii) investigating amphiphilic radical dendrimers capable of self-assembly into supramolecular structures, and iii) incorporating additional properties to develop bimodal imaging probes. All of them designed to enhance water-solubility, imaging capabilities and improve safety, while also opening new avenues for a broad range of biomedical applications, including platforms for drug delivery, theranostics, and multimodal imaging.

Supervisors

José Vidal

Vega Lloveras

PhD comitee

President: Dr. Gerard Tobías, ICMAB, Spain

Secretary: Dr. Francisco Nájera, Universidad de Málaga, Spain

Vocal: Dra. Paula Ortega, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Spain