Inteventional Medicine

When assessing the efficacy of new drugs and medical devices, it is essential that real-life conditions are replicated accurately before in vivo testing. Whilst it is essential to understand the biological effects of therapeutic compounds or devices under normal physiological conditions, it is equally as important to evaluate how these may be altered in disease states. One of our branches of interventional medicine develops physiological and pathological models of the human vasculature, which facilitates research to evaluate the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of therapeutic agents. The second branch uses computational and experimental models, to investigate the role of flow dynamics on the formation of encrustation and biofilms in endourological devices.

Ultrasound Therapies

The non-specific action of therapeutic agents administered systemically via traditional intravenous and oral routes, frequently results in reduced treatment effectiveness and further detriment to patient health. Ultrasound responsive micro- and nano-carriers, provide a dynamic means of drug delivery with high temporal and spatial specificity. Controlled drug release at a target site ensures that there is concentrated local availability, whilst tissue uptake is facilitated by the mechanical action of the ultrasound responsive agent. Therefore, ultrasound mediated therapies can be employed in regenerative and antimicrobial medicine, to enhance the efficacy of an administered drug whilst limiting adverse systemic side-effects.

Microfluidic Reactors

Microfluidic reactor technology has emerged as a valuable tool for organic and inorganic synthesis, within both the industrial and research setting. Recent innovations in the fabrication methods and design of microfluidic devices, have allowed the range of their applications in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industry to expand. Microfluidic systems allow the manipulation and precision control of fluids, which holds an intrinsic advantage for chemical applications. This high level of control over the reaction using such small volumes, makes microfluidic reactors a high-yield, fast throughput and safe alternative to batch processing. Our research in this area focuses on generating microfluidic platforms that improve cost-effectiveness, ease of use and utility in non-specialised environments.