Website The University of Manchester
Details
Nanoparticles have become essential tools for drug delivery and diagnostics in brain diseases, but their interactions with cells and tissues remain poorly understood. This multidisciplinary project explores how multivalent lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) interact with cells, focusing on their ability to bind, be internalised, and navigate biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Understanding these interactions will help optimise nanoparticle design for improved targeting, uptake, and therapeutic efficiency in brain disease treatment.
Over four years, we will use biophysical, physicochemical, and biological techniques to study how LNPs behave in biological environments. Advanced imaging and molecular interaction analysis will help map how nanoparticle surface modifications influence cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking. The outcomes of this research will contribute to developing next-generation drug carriers and improving treatments for brain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
This project is conducted in collaboration with AstraZeneca (AZ), and candidates will have the opportunity to spend part of their time at AZ’s facilities under the supervision of Dr Marianne Ashford, gaining industry experience and access to additional research expertise and resources.
This is a self-funded PhD project. Interested applicants should contact the supervisors before applying to discuss project suitability.
Entry requirements
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as biomedical sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, nanotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field.
Candidates with experience in nanoparticle formulation, biophysical characterisation techniques (e.g., Langmuir trough, BLI, SPR, QCM), microscopy (confocal or super-resolution), or flow cytometry are particularly encouraged to apply. Additionally, those interested in nanomedicine, drug delivery, and brain disease research will find this project highly relevant and rewarding.
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.
For international students, we offer the opportunity for you to undertake an accredited teaching certificate whilst carrying out your research with our PhD with Integrated Teaching Certificate. We also offer self-funded international students the chance to study a master’s before progressing onto a PhD with our Integrated PhD. Visit our international postgraduate researchers page to find out more.
On the application form please select PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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
Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/
References
Christos Tapeinos*, Giulia Torrieri, Shiqi Wang, João P. Martins, Hélder A. Santos*, (2023) Evaluation of cell membrane-derived nanoparticles as therapeutic carriers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using an in vitro tumour stroma model. J Control Release, 362:225-242, DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.045
Matteo Battaglini*, Natalia Feiner, Christos Tapeinos, …, Lorenzo Albertazzi, Gianni Ciofani*, (2022) Combining confocal microscopy, dSTORM, and mass spectroscopy to unveil the evolution of the protein corona associated with nanostructured lipid carriers during blood-brain barrier crossing. Nanoscale, 14, 13292-13307, DOI: 10.1039/D2NR00484D
Christos Tapeinos†,*, Francesca Tomatis†, Matteo Battaglini, Aitor Larrañaga, Attilio Marino, Iker Aguirrezabal Telleria, Makis Angelakeris, Doriana Debellis, Filippo Drago, … Edoardo Sinibaldi, Gianni Ciofani*, (2019) Cell membrane-coated magnetic nanocubes with a homotypic targeting ability increase intracellular temperature due to ROS scavenging and act as a versatile theranostic system for glioblastoma multiforme. Adv Healthc Mater., 8(18):e1900612, DOI:10.1002/adhm.201900612
Jackman MJ, Li W, Smith S, Workman D, Treacher K, Corrigan K, Abdulrazzaq F, Sonzini S, Nazir Z, Lawrence MJ, Najet Mahmoudi N, Cant D, Counsell J, Cairns J, Ferguson D, Lenz E, Baquain S, Madla CM, van Pelt S, Moss J, Peter A, Puri S, Ashford M, Mazza M, (2024) Impact of the Physical-Chemical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)–Poly(ethylene glycol) Polymeric Nanoparticles on Biodistribution. Journal of Controlled Release, 365:419-506.
Spadea A, Jackman M, Cui L, Pereira S, Lawrence MJ*, Campbell RA, Ashford M, (2022) Nucleic acid-loaded lipid nanoparticle interactions with model endosomal membranes ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 14, 30371-30384
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).