About I²NM²

I²NM² is a new campus wide research center dedicated to the discovery and application of fundamental and translational medical science based upon previously unexplored chemistry combined with nanotechnology and the biosciences. I²NM² will shortly become the international leader in the reinvigorated field of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a cell-selective binary radiation method for cancer, arthritis and evolving non-invasive surgical protocols. The BNCT program will be conducted with the dedicated neutron source now under construction at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR; the most powerful university-based research reactor in the world) and the use of the life sciences laboratory of the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, including small animal facilities. I²NM² will be housed in its own 30,000 ft² laboratory building now nearing completion in Reactor Park adjacent to the MURR and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center.

I²NM² is engaged in multifaceted research projects involving the creation of novel materials, devices and agents enhanced by nanotechnology with applications in medicine, related materials science and beyond. Current research is focused in six general areas: a) discrete target-specific molecular (monodisperse) nanoparticles which carry multiple copies of, or a combination of, diagnostic and therapeutic agents, b) first demonstration of the proof-of-principle for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer, arthritis and radiation mediated surgery (BNCT), c) development of nano-sized molecular motors with biomedical applications, d) the development of catabolism-resistant pharmaceuticals based on carborane surrogate chemistry, e) the design, synthesis and characterization of new, high-energy materials for energy storage in units ranging from nano dimensional to macroscale, f) the development of advanced hydrogen storage systems based upon nanotechnology and hydride chemistry.

The unique strength of I²NM² is its new approach to medical inventions and its developing position as the strongest research facility for the development of boron neutron capture therapy of cancer in the world. These efforts are supported by superbly equipped laboratories with great strength in chemical synthesis coupled with nanotechnology, biological chemistry, radiation biology and medicine. I²NM² is dedicated to truly translational medicine.

I²NM² is currently staffed by four faculty in chemistry and radiation biology and positions for additional academics in several fields exist at all levels. A research team of approximately twenty researchers is currently employed. The Institute is funded by the NIH, DOE, NSF, Honeywell and the Washington Savannah River Company.