Quantum dot nanoparticles: a new drug delivery system to prevent blood clots

ThrombiGlow: ‘Smart’ Multimodal Platelet Specific ‘Theranostic’ Drug Delivery Imaging Agents (Miss Michelle Kinnon)

The PhD student supervised by Dr Graeme Stasiuk is creating a state-of-the-art new drug delivery and imaging system using quantum dot nanoparticles. This system will allow doctors to deliver drugs to specific types of blood cell, called platelets, and then follow these cells as they move through the circulatory system. Platelets protect us from injury. When you cut yourself, they become activated and stick together to form a plug, or clot, that seals the cut. But even without injury platelets can form large clots that block blood vessels, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Existing drugs can be used to try and prevent these clots, but the side effects mean better treatments are needed. In this project, the student will be using quantum dot nanoparticles, which are incredibly small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. The student will attach three molecules to the surface of nanoparticles: a targeting molecule, an imaging agent and a drug. Attaching these three molecules will enable scientists to deliver the drug in a specific manner, see exactly where the activated platelet is and treat a disease with the appropriate drug. They will test how effective this new drug delivery system is using a range of lab techniques. This new approach could improve the effectiveness of drugs and help prevent blood clots forming, and therefore reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. If it works, it could be adapted to target other cell types to treat other conditions.