An innovative class of nanoparticles (“smartcubes”) for the targeted delivery of protein therapeutics
'SmartCubes' are an innovative class of nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of protein therapeutics. The objective is to deliver high levels of membrane proteins to cancer cells to combat disease. I will achieve this by creating novel 'sponge-like' targeted nanoparticles (SmartCubes) to selectively deliver unprecedented levels of a cancer therapeutic protein to colon adenocarcinoma cells.

‘SmartCubes’ are based on a cubic membrane structure. They contain a highly stable lipid bilayer displaying a 'honeycomb-like' construction. This structure has prevented previous applications as the water channels were too small for large proteins to enter and reconstitute into the membrane. I am uniquely able to tune the sizes of the water channels within the 'SmartCubes' to create water networks sufficiently large to house a whole new class of proteins. I will achieve this new class of nanoparticles by creating 'SmartCubes', modifying the outer surface of the 'SmartCubes' with a selective antibody, loading the cubic membrane with a cancer therapeutic protein and delivering them to cancer cells.

Protein therapeutics are an exciting alternative to conventional cancer treatments due to reduced side effects and their high target selectivity. I can surpass previous attempts which were limited by rapid protein degradation and the instability of the delivery vehicle. As protein therapeutics increase in complexity, there is a need for stable, high surface area, membrane based delivery systems. This project, hosted in the 2014 European life sciences group of the year, will transform my fundamental research into a platform technology that will revolutionise the field of protein therapeutics.