Expansion of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells using Carbon Nanotube-Magnetic Nanoparticle Hybrid System

Supervisor Prof Nguyen T.K. Thanh, Biophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London
(http://www.ucl.ac.uk/biophysics/research/#nanoparticles; http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ref2014)

Haematopoietic cell transplantation is a developing therapy for many patients with haematological malignancies and other life-threatening blood disorders. Today, these therapies can, in part, utilise umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a valuable source of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Unfortunately, UCB cell numbers are generally low, and so require ex vivo expansion to boost the cell yields for therapy. This multidisciplinary project will adopt a new approach to improve cell yields using novel magnetic, carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffolds. The magnetic components will assist with the carbon nanotube removal, and thus circumvent current in vivo complications associated with carbon nanotubes in the body. More specifically, the physicochemical properties of the magnetic CNT scaffolds, biomolecular mechanisms underlying UCB-HSPC expansion and in vivo functionality of the expanded HSPC will be comprehensively studied.

The candidate required to have 1st or 2:1 class Integrated Masters degree (MSci, MChem, etc.) or 1st or 2:1 BSc plus stand-alone Masters degree Merit/Distinction in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science or Biology.

Further details:
http://www.universitypositions.eu