Peptide-mediated nanocarrier drug delivery for enhanced brain targeting and treatment of inflammation
About the Project
This project involves the study of nanoparticles and drug delivery to the brain. The student would be required to make and characterise novel nanoparticles from special lipid molecules of various compositions more suitable for blood-brain barrier (BBB) targeting. It entails experimental investigation to evaluate if we can use such nanoparticles and targeting peptides to transverse the BBB more effectively for treating brain diseases. Our focus would be to study the uptake of nanoparticles enabled through peptides and other targeting molecules using brain cells and assess their penetration ability using an in-house built in vitro BBB model. A significant amount of work will be based on studying delivery with the aim of trying and delivering drugs to treat inflammation and oxidative stress while improving drug efficacy.
Besides the scientific impact on treating inflammation and oxidative stress-derived brain pathologies, the project also has significant technological potential. Moreover, this PhD program provides the opportunity for the student to develop skills in preclinical models and clinical settings, supporting his future career development. The University of Manchester will provide the student with a range of training sessions and seminars aimed at improving communication, scientific writing, data analysis, and various other soft skills.
The main supervisor can support the student by covering consumables and services through a personal grant awarded by the Royal Society (£44k, end date: May 2025).
A major part of the research will be carried out at the Division of Pharmacy and Optometry at the University of Manchester. The clinical part will be conducted at the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility, part of the University of Manchester.
Training/techniques:
Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and commercial assay kits for assessing inflammation and oxidative stress (e.g., ELISA kits) are a few of the techniques the student will be trained upon. Additionally, the student will build a correlation between the in vitro findings and clinical data derived from patients. Analysis of patient samples (e.g., levels of oxysterols and other disease-related biomarkers) will be performed using mass spectroscopy.
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, (bio)medical sciences, biology or any other related subject. Experience in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences is desirable. Highly motivated applicants who hold a first-class degree in a relevant biological science discipline are encouraged to apply.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor.
On the online application form select PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/international-phd/
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Funding Notes
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