Abstract:

Modern molecular science, best described as the convergence of (bio)chemistry, molecular biology, physics, and the transformative power of artificial intelligence, is paving the way in design of advanced materials for precision medicine and sustainable manufacturing. One of the most promising innovations are bio-nano hybrids, engineered systems that seamlessly integrate biomolecules into synthetic nanostructures to bridge the gap between biology and technology.  

We have recently developed range of nanostructured tools that can be adapted either to improve early monitoring and diagnosis of disease, in particular those characterised by early burden of damaged, senescent cells. In addition to early detection, we are also exploring different therapeutic strategies to help us deal with hard-to-treat cancers such as solid tumours such as pancreatic cancer.  

Beyond the current applications, the talk will also explore the use of nanocarriers as protein nanodegraders, the property that emerged as a result of multiple attachments of targeting molecule onto the surface of nanomaterials. Finally, short overview of key challenges that must be addressed to streamline the translation pipeline from lab to clinic will be addressed. 

About our speaker:

Prof Ljiljana Fruk is a Professor of Bionano Engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. She studied chemistry in Zagreb, obtained PhD in biospectroscopy from University of Strathclyde (Glasgow), and completed postdoctoral research at University of Dortmund. Before joining Cambridge in 2016, she led a research group at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany working on design of bioinspired photoactivable nanomaterials.  

Her research encompasses the design and development of nanoscale materials and devices for biomedical applications, including drug delivery to solid tumors and detection of chemotherapy-induced cell ageing and senescent cells. She also made significant contributions to development of hybrid bio-nano materials and their application in photocatalysis and sustainable manufacturing.  

Beyond her research and academic work, Ljiljana is a science communicator, art-science curator, and co-founder of Senesys Bio, a Cambridge spinout developing therapeutic formulations for senescent cell removal.