Diagnostics research
We develop novel technologies for disease diagnosis at an early pre-symptomatic stage using a synergistic combination of gold nanostructures and unique Raman spectroscopic techniques.
Raman spectroscopy offers the potential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis for certain types of cancer by detecting subtle changes in the molecular of the affected tissue or blood samples. The advantage of this technique is that it is non-invasive and it can provide real-time information about the chemical composition of tissues, allowing for easy and early detection of changes associated with cancer development. Raman can also be used in the early detection of tissue degeneration diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Current research topics
- Noninvasive Cancer imaging: locating cancer tumour in vivo
- Biosensing: disease biomarker detection from tissue biopsies and liquid biopsies
- Plasmonic biosensors: Gold nanostructures and their controlled assemblies as signal boosters and sensors for disease diagnosis.
Collaborations
- Queen Mary University London
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
- University of Bath
- University of Surrey
Publications highlights
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Dey, P., Vaideanu, A., Mosca, S., Salimi, M., Gardner, B., Palombo, F., Uchegbu, I., Baumberg, J., Schatzlein, A., Matousek, P. and Stone, N., (2022), "Surface enhanced deep Raman detection of cancer tumour through 71 mm of heterogeneous tissue", Nanotheranostics.
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, Blakey, I. and Stone, N., (2020), "Diagnostic prospects and preclinical development of optical technologies using gold nanostructure contrast agents to boost endogenous tissue contrast", Chemical Science.
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Siani, A., Teixeira, L. I., D’Arcy, R., Roberts, I. V., El Mohtadi, F., Donno, R., and Tirelli, N. (2023) "Polysulfide nanoparticles inhibit fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition via extracellular ROS scavenging and have potential anti-fibrotic properties", Biomaterials Advances
Research groups
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Advanced Materials for Diagnosis and Therapy Research Group
We're researching the bioactive molecules and biocompatible materials for their potential use as drug carriers, bioadhesives, surgical implants and more.
Discover our areas of expertise
Biomaterials for tissue engineering is one of areas of expertise in the Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences research area. Explore the others here.
Biomaterials for tissue engineering
We work at developing products that will be used in the repair of damaged tissue, in particular cartilage, bone, tendons and muscles.
Nanomaterials for Drug and Gene Delivery
We're helping to create targeted, safe and effective medicines to positively impact patients' lives.
Theory, Modelling and Drug Design
Discover how our research identifies new drug molecules and improves drug design
Molecular mechanisms of diseases
We're exploring the molecules and molecular processes that cause diseases, and working to develop better treatments.
Interested in a PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences?
Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences postgraduate research degrees page.