Modelling in-vitro host-parasite infection

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact:

Current knowledge gap in role of mechanical and chemical stimuli in host-parasite infection. This has a knock-on effect in developing new and better treatments for parasitic diseases since current testing of drugs takes place in environments that are quite different from in-vivo conditions (cells at the bottom of a dish). Potential impact in designing new more realistic in-vitro systems for testing drugs against parasitic infections.


Aims and objectives:

Mathematically model host-parasite interactions when exposed to a range of different chemical and mechanical stimuli. Consider this in the context of in vivo drug testing systems and how the operating conditions may influence the interactions. Make suggestions for better in vitro testing conditions that are more realistic than the current approach


Novelty of the research methodology:

Addressing the identified knowledge gap through the development of novel mathematical models describing the processes at play.



Alignment to Research Council's strategies and research areas:

Mathematical Sciences - Continuum mechanics, mathematical biology, fluid mechanics
Healthcare Technologies
Physical Sciences - Biophysics and soft matter physics
Health Nation



Any companies or collaborators involved:
Experimental collaborators.