Soft nanotubes for biomedical applications. Nature employs self-assembly of small molecules to build complex materials. This project will mimic natural self-assemblies to design synthetic tubular structures on the nanoscale, and apply these nanostructures to solve problems in the fields of biology and medicine.
Origami with triblock copolymers. This project aims to develop new nanoparticles structures with optimised shapes for biological applications. Most nanoparticles developed for drug delivery are spherical. However, these are not always the most efficacious as they often encounter problems penetrating the living cell. Viruses which have evolved to highly effectively invade living cells are often elongated. The project aims to mimic these structures by using the self-assembly of polymers. Expected ....Origami with triblock copolymers. This project aims to develop new nanoparticles structures with optimised shapes for biological applications. Most nanoparticles developed for drug delivery are spherical. However, these are not always the most efficacious as they often encounter problems penetrating the living cell. Viruses which have evolved to highly effectively invade living cells are often elongated. The project aims to mimic these structures by using the self-assembly of polymers. Expected outcomes include a better understanding how various sizes, shapes and surface groups of the prepared nanoparticles interact with cells. The knowledge could assist in the creation of better drug carriers for more efficient disease treatment.Read moreRead less
New polymers for imaging applications. Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the most devastating diseases in any developed country. This project describes improved imaging agents to improve the detection and earlier treatment of diseases whilst avoiding any problems with toxicity of imaging agents in the body.
Advanced macromolecular engineering: novel approaches to self-directed assembly and vesicle formation. The aim of this project is to develop new approaches in nanotechnology for the preparation of well-defined polymeric particles. The research will result in the development of new methodology which has the potential to impact areas of commercial interest including those in the health-care sector.