In the past decade, the identification of unique molecular biomarkers of disease has led to the development of new nano-technologies for early detection and treatment. Molecular imaging is the spatially localized and/or temporally resolved sensing of molecular and cellular processes in-vivo. Noninvasive imaging of molecular markers of cancer and other diseases requires target-specific imaging probes as well as imaging systems that are sensitive, cost-effective, rapid, and can be used in real time. Optical molecular imaging is a relatively new modality. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF)-enhanced nanoparticles have been synthesized and tested as optical contrast agents. Optical molecular imaging offers several advantages over conventional imaging modalities in that it is extremely sensitive, inexpensive, robust, and involves no harmful radiation. The experimental protocol and results of recent in-vivo testing of our NIRF nanoparticles will be reported.

Dr. Paul McLaughlin joined Eastman Kodak Company in 1995 as a Research Scientist in the Optical Manufacturing Process Development (OMPD) group. In 1998, he was promoted to Unit Director of OMPD and, in 2002, he was appointed Director of the Precision Manufacturing Process Center , responsible for the R&D portfolio for optics, micro-machining, and polymer manufacturing processes. In 2004, we was asked to lead the New Optical Diagnostics Program in the Medical Science and Technologies Center . Dr. McLaughlin is responsible for the Kodak Research initiatives in Optical Molecular Imaging contrast agents and related instrumentation.

From 1983 to 1986, Dr. McLaughlin was a staff researcher at Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Central Research Laboratory, Itami , Japan . He was responsible for the product development and manufacturing technology transfer for the first commercial introduction of high volume axial gradient index lenses. Upon return to the US , McLaughlin joined Sinclair Optics, Inc. where from 1987 to 1994 he held leadership positions in optical modeling software development and technical support. As Director, Support Services, he was responsible for worldwide customer support.

Dr. McLaughlin received a BS Magna Cum Laude in physics from Eastern Michigan University . His MS and Ph.D. degrees are in Optics from the University of Rochester . Upon completing his Ph.D. in 1982, McLaughlin joined the research staff at the UR Institute of Optics and spent a year at Keio University in Japan as a Visiting Scientist in their Applied Chemistry Department.