Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and Colloid Science
Edyta’s and Dom’s paper on the using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) to characterise the degradation of core-shell nanogels is now available. We think that AF4 is a very useful for looking at nanoparticle degradation behaviour. Access the paper here.
Really well done to Cameron for passing his PhD viva today with minor corrections! Many thanks to Nick Warren and Tom Hasell for examining Cameron’s work.
Another paper by former PhD student Heba Elkateb is out now. Her research on high drug loading lipid-based nanoparticles in JCIS Open showcases the use of a nanoprecipitation method to produce SLNs, NLCs, and nanoemulsions with high drug loadings. Access the paper here.
Congratulation to George, who today passed his MPhil viva with minor corrections on his thesis titled “Formulating Polypropylene to Establish Structure-Property-Performance Relationships in Recycled Material for Packaging Applications”. Well done George!
George completed his thesis while working in his new career as a Data Analyst, we thank him for all his hard work and wish him all the best in the future.
Many thanks to Haifei Zhang and Lee Fielding for their time spent assessing George’s work.
We are delighted to announce the publication of an important research paper in Food Hydrocolloids, stemming from Nancy’s PhD work.
Nancy’s research focuses on utilising a titration method to enhance the stability and release behaviour of curcumin nanosuspensions—a compound with limited aqueous solubility. By employing biocompatible and biodegradable polyelectrolytes, nanosuspension coatings were successfully applied, leading to promising results.
The study showcases the potential of layer-by-layer (LbL) modification, specifically by using a pH-responsive outer layer, which delays curcumin release in acidic conditions and facilitates release in neutral pH environments over an extended period.
These findings contribute to the development of more effective oral drug delivery systems. Nancy’s work demonstrates the value of a titrated LbL modification approach in tailoring nanosuspension stability and release behaviour.
As of April 2023, Tom has joined the University of Manchester and is based at the Henry Royce Institute Hub Building. Tom has a joint role as a Reader in both the Materials and Chemistry Departments.
This move strengthens the group’s activities in Sustainable Materials, through co-location in the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub and close collaboration with Manchester academics. Tom will remain an Honorary member of staff at the University of Liverpool and will continue to work closely with his collaborators and colleagues at Liverpool.
The Henry Royce Institute Hub Building provides an exceptional environment for our research group. Its state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative atmosphere will foster new opportunities and interdisciplinary collaborations.
We are pleased to announce the publication of the review article based on Jess’ work, which addresses the urgent need for improved therapeutic systems to combat preterm birth—a global concern. The article explores the potential of nanomedicine in enhancing the efficacy and safety of existing treatments. It delves into various nanomedicine strategies, including liposomes and polymers, showcasing their successful applications in obstetrics. Additionally, the review highlights the repurposing of active pharmaceutical agents with tocolytic properties for preterm birth treatment. This research provides valuable insights into the future of preterm birth management, offering hope for improved outcomes for both mothers and infants.
Access the paper here.
Katie has joined the group as a PhD student having previously done her MChem project in the group. Katie is doing a Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (CASE) PhD with Unilever. Katie’s project is titled “Controlling the delivery of benefit ingredients by tuning the microstructure of personal care products”.
Siyu has joined the group on a China Scholarship Council (CSC) award. She will be working on design nanoparticles for the delivery of actives to or through skin. Her PhD is join with Kevin Hamill in Eye & Vision Sciences.
Based on the award of a Royce Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme Emily has started a 10 week project to investigate how the robotic platforms in the Materials Innovation Factory can be used to accelerate research in the effect of washing conditions on the removal of found in recycled plastics. This work is in collaboration with Bright Green Plastics and offers the potential to lead to an improvements in the quality of recycled plastics.
