AACE-CED-115: Modelling aggregation processes of magnetic nanostructures in cellular environments

Progress in nanoscience has opened new ways to manipulate nanoscale structures and gain understanding of biological processes at the nanoscale, which has lead to promising applications in medicine. For example, magnetic nanostructures are being considered as agents for tumour diagnosis and imaging, magnetically guided drug delivery, or localised hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Although some of these applications have already progressed through human clinical trials in recent years, our understanding of the fundamental interactions of nanostructures within biological environments still remains rather limited.

This project is theory and computation based and aims to develop dissipative particle dynamics and kinetic Monte-Carlo methods to gain insights into the aggregation phenomena in colloidal dispersions of magnetic nanoparticles in complex biological fluids. The research will focus on gaining the understanding of the fundamental role of the interaction forces (e.g. magnetostatic, steric, convective forces) to open prospects for enhancing the functionality and controllability of nanostructures in living cells.

We seek high calibre graduates in Physics, Engineering or Mathematics with a high degree of computer programming proficiency and strong mathematical skills. Funding notes: Stipend and fees for 3 years. Eligibility UK/EU.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Ondrej Hovorka, FEE - Computational Engineering research group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4898, or Tim Sluckin, Mathematical Sciences, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3680