Nanomaterials, sensors and bacteria: health and disease

The ESKAPE pathogens are a group of resistant bacteria expected to cause more deaths than cancer by 2050. To prevent this from occurring we need to come up with innovative therapeutics to accompany or replace antibiotics, and soon.

Exploring the potential of nanomaterials to change the world we live in. Using tiny materials for future medical sensors, flexible technologies and building materials for Mars explorers.

The human body is composed of cells, most of which are continuously dying and being created. Unfortunately, neurons are a type of cell that cannot be generated in the later stages of our lives leading to neurodegenerative disease, such as Parkinson’s disease. It is linked to the death of specific neurons, which are responsible for dopamine synthesis. Current treatments are only used to decrease the symptoms by the administration of dopamine. In my project, we aim to deliver dopaminergic neuron precursors directly into the brain to replace those that have died, thereby allowing for more natural dopamine secretion.