The main goal of our research group is to develop design principles for nanoparticles to be used both as molecular imaging contrast agents and for targeted therapy. Our multidisciplinary research approach integrates chemistry, engineering, biology and radiology in order to gain understanding about biological processes and to identify diseases based on molecular markers, which appear earlier than the diseases' clinical symptoms. Understanding fundamental biological mechanisms underlying nanoparticle behavior in living subjects will set the stage for new diagnostic and therapeutic clinical applications.