PhD position in Brain cell membrane-coated nanoparticles co-delivering nanozymes and inflammation modulators for the treatment of post-ischaemic stroke injury

Details

Ischaemic stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Reperfusion triggers a surge in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), driving secondary neuronal injury; however, clinically available antioxidants are limited by poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetration, short systemic half-lives, and off-target effects.

This joint UoM–CPU PhD project aims to develop a next-generation nanotherapeutic based on brain cell membrane-coated nanoparticles designed to co-deliver catalytic nanozymes (e.g., CeO₂- or Mn-based) alongside small-molecule modulators of inflammation directly to the ischaemic penumbra. The student will: (i) synthesise and characterise the nanoparticle core and incorporate nanozymes and therapeutic modulators; (ii) isolate brain-derived membranes (e.g., microglia or BMEC) to functionalise the nanoparticle surface, enabling homotypic targeting and enhanced BBB transport; (iii) evaluate physicochemical properties, colloidal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and release kinetics; (iv) investigate cellular uptake, ROS-scavenging activity, cytoprotecting, and anti-inflammatory effects in neuronal cultures and microfluidic BBB-on-chip models under oxygen–glucose deprivation. Effects on mitochondrial function will be assessed by measuring electron transport chain function, mitochondrial ROS production, redox state and respiration; and (v) validate the lead formulation in vivo using a rodent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model at CPU, assessing infarct volume, neurobehavioral outcomes, biodistribution, and safety.

This is a split-site PhD: the candidate will be registered at the University of Manchester and will spend one full year at China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) in Nanjing, China. The 4-year programme includes a 12-month placement in Prof. Pin Li’s laboratory at China Pharmaceutical University, providing hands-on training in in vivo stroke models and a genuinely international research experience. The successful candidate will develop interdisciplinary expertise at the interface of nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and neuroscience, contributing to a translational pipeline with clear clinical relevance for post-ischaemic stroke therapy.

Eligibility  

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class (2.1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanotechnology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree in a relevant area is desirable. Candidates with prior hands-on experience in nanoparticle synthesis/characterisation, cell culture, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy or microfluidics, or with a demonstrable interest in nanomedicine, drug delivery, the blood–brain barrier or stroke, are particularly encouraged to apply. Strong written and spoken English is required. Applicants must be willing to spend approximately 12 months on placement at China Pharmaceutical University (Nanjing, China) as part of the programme.

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  

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Pharmacy Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester  

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: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester 

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/