Multifunctional polymeric nanomaterials for cancer imaging and therapy

This thesis summarized my postgraduate research work on the design and synthesis of multifunctional polymers self-assembled for cancer imaging and therapy. It would focus on the fluorescent polymers from visible to near infrared (NIR) region with good biodegradability and bio-compatibility that performed highly fluorescence and robust photostability for long-term bioimaging. Besides, the biocompatible polymers with NIR absorption were investigated to show excellent photothermal conversion for cancer therapy. Finally, these multifunctional polymers were explored as theranostic nanomaterials that incorporated fluorescence imaging or photoacoustic imaging with cancer therapy strategies. It could not only diagnose disease sites by strong contrast signal, but also could treat diseased tissues by releasing encapsulated drug or heat generated by photothermal effect.Doctor of Philosophy (SCBE