About the Project

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.

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.