Loughborough University scientists have begun a research project with Peterborough City Hospital into a new blood test for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.

The research, set up as part of a PhD studentship, will focus on using nanotechnology to develop a diagnostic kit for screening neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that result in the progressive loss of brain function and mobility.

Matthew Healey has been appointed by Loughborough University to undertake the research with the Pathology Department at Peterborough City Hospital.

He said: “I’ve studied analytical chemistry, so I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to use my knowledge and expertise to develop the diagnostic test using the state-of-the-art laboratories at Peterborough City Hospital. I’m confident that this collaborative project will produce ground-breaking results.”

Dr Mark Platt, from the Department of Chemistry at Loughborough University, said: “The project hopes to test, develop and embed the protocols we have developed at Loughborough into an assay for screening prion disease. This collaboration ensures that the programme is continuously aligned and tested to the standards of the NHS, and that's an exciting prospect that we hope will deliver a high impact result.” 

Dr Muttuswamy Sivakumaran, Consultant Haematologist and Chairman of the Trust Research and Development Committee, added: “We are all very excited about this new research collaboration.”