Phase-change nanodroplets for ultrasound based theranostics

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Ultrasound is ubiquitous in diagnostic medicine to image tissue non-invasively. To improve image quality, tiny microbubbles of gas are used as a safe and non-toxic contrast agent. The microbubbles scatter sound more efficiently than the surrounding tissues to provide better images, but can also be used to enhance tissue and cellular porosity, for safe and non-invasive targeted drug and gene delivery. However, despite a number of in-man studies now having taken place, delivery efficiencies remain low. It is also challenging to get these microbubbles into solid tumours where they are needed because of the tumour micro-environment. A new innovation, phase-change nanodroplets could provide the solution. Their smaller size means they can escape the vasculature and better penetrate tissues. They can be more stable than gas-filled microbubbles allowing them to stay in the body for longer. They can also still be activated to become a microbubble at the location of interest, therefore retaining the attractive microbubble properties. Just like microbubbles they can also be functionalized to carry a therapeutic cargo or attach to specific protein markers of diseaseThe aim of the project is to investigate the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of phase-change nanodroplets as a combined theranostic (therapy and diagnosis) platform in colorectal cancer. The student will join an existing team already working in this area and will be responsible for the optimisation of nanodroplet fabrication and characterisationtechniques. They will investigate the potential of these nanodroplets to deliver both improved ultrasound imaging of hard to interrogate tumours, and to act as an ultrasound stimulated vector to deliver therapeutic agents. In the second year, the student will have the opportunity to undertake secondment to the University of Waterloo to access a novel in vitro research platform.