Biocompatible Functionalised Cationic Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer Gene Therapy
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD
Applications are now CLOSED
Funding
Funded
Reference Number
SCCE-2024-025
Application Deadline
26 January 2024
Start Date
1 October 2024
Overview
Polymeric nanomaterials are used in many biomedical applications, especially in the context of drug/DNA delivery for treating various diseases. To avoid toxicity and inflammation issues of the formulations, choosing biocompatible monomers and developing advanced facile biologically-friendly polymerisation procedures (no organic solvents or toxic catalysts) that can produce highly biocompatible non-cytotoxic polymers, is crucial.
The goal of this project is to develop novel polymer-based pharmaceutical formulations that have the potential to reach the clinic for the treatment of genetic disorders and cancer. Various novel functionalised polymeric nanostructures that can form strong complexes with nucleic acids will be developed to identify the ideal nanomaterial for use in novel efficient pharmaceutical formulations.
Specific objectives:
(1) Development of novel well-defined polymeric nanostructures
A facile solvent-free synthetic procedure, simultaneous ring opening polymerisation and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation (Themistou et al. Polymer Chemistry 2014, 5, 1405) will be used for the synthesis of cationic poly[2- (dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]- containing polymeric nanostructures that are promising transfecting reagents. Aqueous RAFT polymerisation at physiological and sterile conditions will be used for facile formation of cationic star polymers, micelles and vesicles in a biologicallyfriendly environment. To lower the potential toxicity of the synthetic nanovectors, biodegradable polyesters [poly(lactic acid) and poly(trimethylene carbonate)] together with biocompatible U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) and poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine] that can provide enhanced cell affinity will be used. The polymers will be characterised by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to understand their structure-property relationships and interaction with nucleic acids in order to identify the best candidate(s) for gene therapy formulation production.
(2) Functionalisation of polymeric nanostructures for targeted therapy
For delivering the gene/polymer complex (polyplex) to a target tissue, attachment of a targeting ligand, which can bind to specific receptors overexpressed on that tissue, will be performed. A single domain antibody (sdAb) that can specifically bind epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) will be used for targeted cancer therapy.
(3) Polymer-nucleic acid complex formation, characterisation and stability
The polymer ability to bind strongly and reversibly with nucleic acids (DNA, siRNA) will be examined both in physiological and in the acidic pH of the endosome (~5-6). Evaluation of the polymer-nucleic acid complexes will be performed to identify the ideal nanovector with the highest transfection efficiency through collaborations (Themistou group has successful collaborations with the Centre for Cancer Research resulting in many publications). After selection of the best candidate polymer, optimisation of the synthetic procedure and polyplex formation will be performed, ensuring the development of a novel efficient facile technology.
Funding Information
** Funding for this project studentship is not guaranteed. Applicants for this and a number of other projects will be in competition for studentships funded by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE)**
Full eligibility (including residency conditions) and funding information can be viewed via https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/department-economy-studentships
Candidates must possess or expect to obtain, a 2:1 or first-class degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline
Candidates must be available to start the post by October 2024
Project Summary
Supervisor
Dr Efrosyni Themistou
Mode of Study
Full-time: 3 years
Funding Body
DfE
Chemical Engineering overview
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering aims to promote sustainable processes and materials to meet the energy and healthcare demands of the future. The School is expanding rapidly and this is creating many new and exciting research opportunities with over £15m being invested to develop and expand the core research areas of catalysis, biological and medicinal chemistry, and materials.
Mode of study / duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).
Key Facts
Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities
- QUB is joint 1st in the UK for Research Intensity for Chemical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2021)
- Over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021
88% of research submitted by Queen’s has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021 - QUB is ranked in the top 25 universities in the world for international joint publications (U-Multirank 2020)
- QUB is ranked 43 in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2021
- 83% of Research Impact case studies by the School has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent REF2021, placing it among the top UK universities for Research Impact
Course content
Research Information
Associated Research
Much of our research falls under the broad headings of Healthcare and Sustainability, examples of recent funded projects include development of novel antibiotics and reduction of single use plastics. The School also leads the EU-funded Bryden Centre for renewable energy research, the industry-led Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) as well as our world-leading QUILL ionic liquids research centre. Students trained in our School are equipped with the skills that allow them to go out and make a real difference in the world.
Our areas of interest include adventurous research at the cutting edge of catalysis (where chemistry meets other disciplines, especially engineering, innovative Molecular Materials and Functional Materials), ionic liquid technology (‘super solvents' which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) and Synthesis and Biological Organic Chemistry (working to deliver compounds addressing the regulation of cellular functions).
QUILL (Queen's University Ionic Liquid Laboratories): the largest multidisciplinary research group in the world centred on ionic liquid technology, whose work on ‘super solvents' (which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) was voted ‘Most Important British Innovation of the 21st Century' in 2013.
All of our research groups have significant links with researchers and institutions globally, and there are opportunities for collaboration, study visits, etc.
We have extensive links with industry, meaning that employment prospects for our graduates are excellent.
Much of our research is interdisciplinary, and our students can broaden their experience and knowledge by working with researchers from other disciplines (eg biologists, physicists).
Career Prospects
Introduction
For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk.
Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.
People teaching you
Professor John Holbrey
Director of Postgraduates
Chemistry&Chemical Engineering
Email: J.Holbrey@qub.ac.uk
Course structure
-Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC |
| EU Other 3 | £25,600 |
| International | £25,600 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2021-22, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Chemical Engineering costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
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