Microfluidic Engineering of Alginate Nanogels for the Delivery of Gene Therapies to the Central Nervous System

Project Summary
While gene therapy is usually performed using viral vectors, non-viral systems may also be used although they are often less effective in delivering expression for the required time period. Our recent work has indicated nanogels may be applicable for the delivery of genetic materials, particularly to the CNS where we have shown suitable expression timeframes. The project will involve the development of microfluidic approaches to develop nanogels as delivery systems for gene therapy. These systems will be used to explore the manufacture, scale up and efficacy of the delivery systems, hence the project activities will range from engineering through to drug delivery and biological assessment. The project will suit a candidate who has a background in drug delivery, engineering and processing and an understanding of the principles and requirements of gene therapy.

Main Methods and Techniques to be employed
Design and characterisation of drug delivery systems, microfluidic approaches, biological assessment of the gene expression.