“Development of the eVOC model for identification of novel volatile biomarkers in (e)-cigarette smoke-induced airway injury”

Superviser: Dr Patricia A Ragazzon (Supervisor)
Email: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone: +44-161-2955978 Website: https://www.seek.salford.ac.uk/profiles/PRagazzon.jsp
Key Subject Words: cancer; human health; cancer biology; analysis; toxicology, chemistry,

E-cigarettes sales have a global value of £452bn Traditional cigarettes have over 2,000 components, including nicotine, heavy metals and carbonyls. E-cigarettes, marketed as a healthier option, have fewer ingredients such as nicotine, solvent (propylene glycol) and flavours. Several studies have shown e-cigarette components to be toxic and the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated the safety and potential health risks of e-cigarettes remain undetermined. We are focusing on the composition of e-cigarettes, mainly the flavouring agents and the biological activity on lung cells. The aim of this project is to develop a working 3D cell culture model and assess the volatiles produced by the e-cigarettes as well as metabolites from cells.

You will:
• Develop cell biology skills in the cell culture and toxicology area,
• Develop analytical chemistry skills for the detection of volatiles,
• Study the effect of the e-cigarette components on a new lung model.

You will be crossing the interface between chemistry, biology and toxicology. You will use several analytical methods, cell biology, microscopy and much more. You will gain biological and chemical skills and scientific papers. The results of this PhD project have the potential of reducing the burden on governmental health systems by providing information about the toxicity of e-cigarettes and how to assess them.

For more information on research within the School of Environment and Life Sciences please visit the School research website www.salford.ac.uk/environment-life-sciences/research