Targeted nanoparticles for high-dose intracellular delivery of antibiotics

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Many pathogens that may present a military threat, such as those that be used as biowarfare agents, are problematic due to their low infectious dose, high mortality rate, and because they are often refractory to antibiotic treatment. Encapsulation of antibiotics may increase the efficacy of existing antibiotics and reduce antibiotic resistance by promoting targeted, infection-specific intracellular uptake and bacterial clearance. The aim of this PhD is to develop antibody-conjugated antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles for targeting high doses of antibiotics to bacteria and sites of infections. During the PhD, the student will conjugate bacteria-specific antibodies to polymersomes that we have previously shown to be effective against Burkholderia thailandensis. They will test the hypothesis that bacteria targeting in this manner increases the potency of the formulation using intracellular infection assays. In parallel, the student will develop methods in Raman spectroscopy to quantify antibiotic loading and intracellular partitioning and release in infected and uninfected cells. The project will lead to the training of a PhD student in a vibrant, competitive group in an in-terdisciplinary area of emerging research with a direct translation focus. It will involve close partnership with an external organisation who are co-funding this studentship (Dstl) .