π-extension of aromatic compounds by intramolecular oxidative coupling with a peripheral conjugated substituent (=fusion reaction) is currently an active research field in molecular chemistry since numerous potential applications are expected (PDT,IR absorption, solar cells, molecular conducting materials…).

This project aims at
1) synthesizing porphyrinic precursors to be fused,
2) synthesizing and exploring the reactivity of fused compounds,
3) transferring the reactivity observed in solution onto a surface by grafting the unfused precursors/fused compounds leading to switchable materials.

Principal Investigator: Dr Charles Devillers

This interdisciplinary project aims to develop some bioresorbable nanocarriers characterized by a long-lasting circulation time in order to plentifully exploit the promising potential of the ultrasmall gold nanoparticles for image-guided radiotherapy used for the control growth of solid tumor.

Stéphane ROUX, UFC/UTINAM Collab. ICMUB, EA4267, CGFL

In order to propose a targeted and efficient treatment of most advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the BioCAIR project proposes to identify new biomarkers of clinical response to immunotherapies and develop innovative imaging diagnostic tools. The consortium is a public-private partnership with skills suitable for molecular imaging studies, from molecular chemistry to preclinical imaging in close vicinity with several hospital clinical departments.

In the last few years s-tetrazines have been the object of considerable interest in various research fields of primary importance. These include the development of functional materials for energy and health applications. For instance, tetrazines are bioorthogonal “Click Chemistry” reagents or useful fluorophores with original optoelectronic features. Yet, the synthetic preparation of highly functionalized s-tetrazine remains extremely limited. It mainly relies on the initial Pinner synthesis of poorly-functionalized tetrazine halides or arenes, showing serious synthetic limitations. This entire project aims at delivering the next generation of synthetic methods towards modular and convenient construction of highly functionalized tetrazines and useful derivatives. The potential of application is very significant, and overall is industrially-pertinent, as testified by the intense patenting in the field in the last years, including in our research group. We target metal-catalysed reactions based on modern sustainable chemistry and green processes, by mainly using ortho-selective C–H bond activation and direct C–H bond functionalization at s-tetrazines. We will investigate the methods and reaction scope of usable transition metals with electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents to integrate with tetrazine-core useful reactive functional groups through C–C and C–X bond formation (X = O, N, P, B, etc.). The complementary electrophilic and nucleophilic methodologies developed will then apply on targets which span various topical domains from molecular materials to medicinal applications. 

Principal investigator: Dr Julien Roger

The IMAPPI project (Integrated Magnetic resonance And Positron emission tomography in Preclinical Imaging - MRI and PET imaging coupled with pre-clinical), introduced as part of the call "Equipment for Excellence" (EquipEx) of the "Investissements d'Avenir" (Investments for the Future), in which ICMUB is a major partner, is funded by the General Commission for Investment and the French Government.

Lead by Professor François Brunotte - Head of Nuclear Medicine Department of the Cancer Center Georges-François Leclerc in Dijon - this project aims at developing an emerging technology that combine in the same imaging camera both MRI and Positron emission tomography (PET) detection techniques. It represents a major technological challenge since such equipment is now available as a prototype in only a few sites in the world. None is available in France.

This innovative project is based on strong collaboration between research teams (public and private teams) and the desire for Bioscan, a globally recognized company in the field of preclinical imaging, to develop a prototype PET-MRI in Dijon. Three research axes essential for the development of such equipment will be developed through the participation of various partners through the: i) technological development of a PET-MRI equipment and post-processing technologies, ii) development of molecular probes and multimodal nanoparticles detected by both techniques MRI and PET and iii) development of animal models that, after injection of the aforementioned bimodal probes, will allow the validation and fine-tuning of the prototype.

ICMUB will be the driving force behind the second axis of research for the development of multimodal molecular probes detected by both techniques MRI and PET. ICMUB can rely on its human and scientific skills to carry out this project of major interest.

This project is the logical continuation of efforts made for many years to develop of a pharmaco-imaging center in Burgundy (CPER 2007-2013, Pharmimage® and its technological platforms, 3MIM project carried by the ICMUB) involving public and private partners including ICMUB. The realization of this project will allow Burgundy to have a fleet of leading technology platforms to enhance its ambition in the fields of imaging and health, and its economic attractiveness.