In Vivo Reporting using Nanosystems Chemistry and Optical Spectroscopy

The research focus of this feasibility account is in the application of nanoscience into living systems for improvement of health. There are two themes which run through this research focussing on diagnostics and therapeutics. Our existing Platform Grant has allowed us to start looking at functionalised nanoparticles as responsive nanosensors for analysing cell receptors and enzyme activity within cells based on the change in surface enhanced Raman scattering in a number of target systems. The focus so far has been on immunologically compromised cells and, through very exciting preliminary data and discussion with interested, more clinically based parties, we propose to use this feasibility account to allow us to conduct preliminary studies transposing our research to the next level and to that of genuine in vivo experimentation and implementation of nanoscience. So far, the focus has been on diagnostic information retrieval however, here we propose to couple this with a therapeutic aspect. The mounting of biological drugs, such as therapeutic antibodies, onto nanoparticles appears to have significant effect on the efficacy of the drug when used in vitro. To test this in vivo is very challenging and largely an unknown entity. New biological drugs that have been developed are not fully characterised in terms of where they locate within a body and where they provide their most beneficial action. Despite this, FDA approval has been given and we propose to use our combination of nanoscience, spectroscopy functionalisation and immunological/clinical expertise to create a series of cross disciplinary highly adventurous in vivo experiments with a view to pump priming a much larger and consolidated programme of work.

The main benefit to arise from this research will be information relating to the assessment of functionalised nanoparticles to provide improved in vivo diagnosis and imaging of different types of inflammatory disease. The research grouping consists of physical scientists, life scientists and clinicians and as such we will be able to assess the impact of the work in terms of providing positive indications for further investigation or indeed, identify where there may be relevane to other members of the scientific community outwith the consortium. Outreach will be made to ensure the scientific and commercial communities become aware of the potential impact of this research. All of the researchers are active in ensuring that the wider community is aware of the work they are doing and this has had different impacts and benefits at a number of different levels. For instance, several spin out companies have already been formed by the applicants individually rather than as a group and Professor McInnes is also very experienced in dealing with pharmaceutical companies in terms of clinical trials. Obviously the main benefit to the wider population is that through a better understanding of inflammatory disease improved treatments and disease management will be able to take place which leads to enhanced quality of life and health. This will be longer term following on from the initial work conducted through the feasibility account. In order to ensure that impact is maximised from this work, we will actively engage with other researchers but also with the end user communities to ensure that the science is being directed in the most effective manner. We have involved the end user communities through Professor McInnes and we will continue to assess the impact that the science is likely to have on the end user community as this will shape the direction that our feasibility study takes.