Dr Valentina Milanova received her PhD in Biomaterial Engineering and Nanomedicine from the Future Industries institutes (FII), University of South Australia (UniSA) in 2020. In 2015 she was awarded an Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) to pursue her PhD. Her project was also supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science (CBNS).
During her PhD, Dr Milanova conducted an ambitious program of research aimed at harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials towards the development of radiolabelled agents (probes) for cancer nuclear imaging and therapy. Her research delivered several methodological advances and a solid foundation for the design of clinically translatable imaging and therapeutic nanoprobes.
Currently, Dr Milanova is working with Professor Benjamin Thierry at the FII on a project funded through a NHMRC Development grant in collaboration with Ferronova, an Adelaide-based cancer diagnostic company. The research focuses on the development of a nanoparticulate-tracer for molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It builds on the vast experience gained by the research team in the development of Ferronova’s first generation MRI contrast agent FerroTrace that is currently undergoing clinical trialling in several cancer indications in Australia and the US. Dr Milanova played a key role in optimising Ferrotrace and continues to be actively involved in its validation and commercialisation.