I am a Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Manchester, specialising in pharmaceutical nanotechnology for the treatment of brain diseases such as glioblastoma and neuroinflammation. My research focuses on the development of smart nanomedicines and multifunctional drug delivery systems designed to overcome complex biological barriers, particularly the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and to selectively target diseased tissues within the central nervous system (CNS).

A core part of my work involves developing advanced in vitro models, including fluidic systems that replicate both physiological and disease-mimicking brain environments. These models enable mechanistic studies of nanoparticle transport, uptake, and function in highly controlled but biologically relevant conditions.

In parallel, I also investigate pancreatic cancer, with a particular focus on reconfiguring the desmoplastic tumour microenvironment to improve nanoparticle penetration and therapeutic efficacy. Across both disease contexts, I integrate biomimetic and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials to enhance delivery precision, control intracellular trafficking, and improve therapeutic outcomes.

My research has been supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the Royal Society, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and Translation Manchester.

I joined the University of Manchester in November 2022, following research positions at several internationally recognised institutions, including the National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos' (Greece), the National University of Ireland Galway, the University of Chicago, the Italian Institute of Technology, and the University of Helsinki.

My academic background bridges biomaterials, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences, and I work across disciplines to design translational solutions for complex diseases. As a Co-Investigator in the HALo programme (Centre of Excellence for Long-Acting Therapeutics), I lead the development of skin-mimicking models to investigate drug diffusion following subcutaneous administration of long-acting formulations.

• Development of smart nanomedicines and multifunctional drug delivery systems

• Application of pharmaceutical nanotechnology in:

  • Brain diseases, including glioblastoma and neuroinflammation

  • Pancreatic cancer, focusing on desmoplastic microenvironment modulation

• Investigation of cell–materials interactions, including:

  • Nanoparticle recognition, binding, and internalisation

  • Control of intracellular trafficking, especially endosomal escape and exocytosis

• Engineering of microenvironment-targeted therapies for inflammatory and solid tumours

• Development of fluidic models of the blood–brain barrier and CNS pathologies

• Construction of skin-mimicking models for long-acting and subcutaneous delivery systems

• Use of disease-mimicking in vitro platforms for functional nanoparticle screening

• Study of single-particle/single-cell interactions 

• Translational integration of nanotechnology with precision medicine

Nanoparticle Systems and Materials I Work With

My group works with a broad range of nanoparticle systems, including:

• Lipid-based nanoparticles

  • Phospholipid vesicles such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for targeted drug delivery

• Cell membrane-derived nanoparticles

  • Biomimetic carriers for improved targeting and biologicl barrier crossing

• Polymeric nanoparticles

  • e.g. PLGA for sustained and controlled release applications

• Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers

  • e.g. smart systems that respond to pH, temperature, or cellular cues

• Inorganic nanoparticles, including:

  • Cerium oxide (CeO₂) and manganese oxide (Mn₃O₄) with antioxidant and redox-modulating properties

  • Iron oxide nanoparticles and microparticles for hyperthermia and magnetic single-particle manipulation studies

Funding and Support

My research has been supported by:

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

• The Royal Society

• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

• Translation Manchester