Nanotechnology for brain disease

This theme consists of six research teams, each led by a Faculty member or a senior scientist. Our teams build expertise and knowledge around a specific area of nanotechnology while working together and with other existing themes in the Centre.

Each of the nanotechnology for brain disease research teams aims to bridge the gap between fundamental nanomaterial engineering for medical devices and therapeutics development to contribute to advanced diagnostic, treatment or monitoring technologies for brain disease.

The theme’s mission is to offer solutions to clinical needs based on the cutting-edge and emerging discipline of nanoscience and nanotechnology, with the aim of translating new platforms to the clinic.

Our core research

Nano-therapeutics

Aims to exploit the properties of nanoparticles and their interactions with cells and tissues for the development of safe and effective medicines, using clinically-relevant disease models.

This research area is led by Dr Tom Kisby, Research Fellow.

Nano-omics

Aims to generate fundamental knowledge about the interaction of nanomaterials with blood components, with the ultimate goal to unveil novel biomarker panels for disease detection and monitoring, and untangle underlying biological processes and molecular pathways.

This research area is led by Dr Marilena Hadjidemetriou, Lecturer.

Nano-neuro

Aims to utilise implanted graphene-based technologies (transistor arrays and stimulating electrodes) to gain a better understanding of neurological disease pathology and to offer novel therapeutic options.

This research area is led by Dr Rob Wykes, Senior Lecturer.

Nano-cell biology

Explores interactions of nanomaterials with cells focusing on deciphering their interactions with plasma membrane, cellular uptake pathways and intracellular trafficking/subcellular localisation.

This research area is led by Dr Sandra Vranic, Lecturer.

Nano-inflammation

Studies how nanomaterials may trigger inflammation or be used to modulate inflammation and control disease.

This research area is led by Cyrill Bussy, Senior Lecturer.

Nanomedicine@ICN2

Transforms and engineers nanomaterials for next generation medical technologies. Nanomaterials act as platforms for therapeutic and diagnostic applications, including the development of graphene and 2D materials in medicine, and liposome systems for various biomedical applications, ranging from cancer therapeutics to neurodegenerative disease interventions.

This research area is led by Dr Neus Lozano, Senior Scientist.

Funded projects

Nanotechnology-Enabled Deep Profiling of the Blood and Brain Proteome, at the Intersection of Neurodegeneration and Neurooncology (NanoNeuroOmics)

Funder: European Research Council (ERC)
Funding amount: £1.28m
Project lead: Dr Marilena Hadjidemetriou

The NanoNeuroOmics project aims to bridge the gap between brain pathophysiology and molecular changes in the blood, focusing on two of the most challenging central nervous system disorders: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Glioblastoma (GBM).

Dr Hadjidemetriou’s approach involves using nanoparticles as scavenging agents to discover brain disease-specific protein markers in blood, which are often masked by the overwhelming presence of highly abundant molecules. By tracking blood and brain proteomic signals at different stages of disease progression, NanoNeuroOmics aims to overcome the technological challenges of discovering highly specific blood biomarkers.

The project proposes an innovative nanotechnology-based approach to integrative profiling of blood and brain tissue proteomes, addressing two interconnected challenges:

1. Early Diagnostic and Disease-Monitoring Blood Biomarkers: The project aims to meet the unmet clinical need for specific blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and Glioblastoma, two of the most difficult-to-treat neurological disorders.
2. Addressing the AD-GBM ‘Inverse Comorbidity’ Knowledge Gap: NanoNeuroOmics seeks to uncover the intriguing molecular interrelation between AD and GBM, and to explore the potential shared molecular pathways between them.

NanoNeuroOmics represents a significant step forward in the quest to understand and treat complex neurological diseases. The integration of nanotechnology with advanced proteomics could pave the way for more precise diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Evaluating the impact of spreading depolarisations, post stroke, in the awake brain using graphene enabled nanotechnology

Funder: European Union Graphene Flagship & Medical Research Council UK
Funding amount: £1.3 million
Local researchers: Dr Rob Wykes, Professor Stuart Allan, Professor Kostas Kostarelos
External researchers: Dr Anton Guimerà-Brunet, CNM-CISC

Immediately after a stroke there can be early seizures and spreading depolarisations lasting a few hours to days. It is thought that the frequency and duration of SDs in particular play a significant role in infarct size. SDs can induce hypoperfusion in at-risk tissue surrounding the ischaemic core. Graphene micro-transistor arrays allow detection of SDs without the signal attenuation, distortion or voltage drift associated with traditional metal-based electrodes. Additionally, they are transparent and compatible with several imaging modalities including laser speckle contract imaging of blood flow. We are applying these techniques to map SD and haemodynamic responses in the post-stroke brain and evaluating therapeutic approaches that target SDs to determine whether they result in reduced stroke severity.

Read more about the research happening in the Wykes Lab here. 

Hybrid Minds: experiential, ethical and legal investigation of intelligent neuroprostheses

The Hybrid Minds project aims to lay the foundation for a unified theoretical approach to the ethical-legal assessment of intelligent neuroprostheses.

The approach is informed by the experiences and perspectives of users, as well as dialogue within the neuroengineering community and other key stakeholders.

Learn more on the Hybrid Minds website.

Case Studies

Advancing brain surgery with graphene technology

Overview

INBRAIN Neuroelectronics has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by using its graphene-based technology in a world-first human procedure. During a brain tumour resection, the device successfully distinguished between healthy and cancerous tissue with micrometer-scale precision. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of graphene to transform precision surgery and neurotechnology.

Background

The study was conducted at Salford Royal Hospital, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, and led by neurosurgeon Dr David Coope, Theme Lead for Brain Tumours and Professor of Nanomedicine Kostas Kostarelos, Theme Lead for Nanotechnology for Brain Disease and Co-Founder of INBRAIN. Sponsored by The University of Manchester and funded by the European Commission’s Graphene Flagship project, the research highlights Manchester’s leadership in advanced medical innovation.

What Makes Graphene Revolutionary?

Graphene is an ultra-thin, single layer of carbon that is stronger than steel and highly conductive. Its unique properties make it ideal for creating devices capable of ultra-precise sensing and stimulation. These abilities are critical in surgeries where preserving functions like movement and speech is essential.

Study Objectives

The initial trial, involving 8–10 patients, focuses on proving the safety of graphene when in contact with brain tissue. It also aims to demonstrate how well graphene can decode brain activity compared to traditional materials, providing real-time insights during both awake and asleep surgical states.

Future Impact

This innovation could redefine treatments for conditions like cancer and Parkinson’s by enabling safer, minimally invasive, and highly personalised care. The partnership between The University of Manchester, Salford Royal Hospital, and INBRAIN exemplifies how cutting-edge research can transform patient outcomes, positioning Manchester as a global hub for neuroscience and technology.

 

 

Investigators