Directing Biological Response through Material Properties
PhD Supervisor(s): Paul Roach
Contact Email: f.kuforiji@keele.ac.uk
Undergraduate Degree: BEng in Chemical and Bio-system Engineering, University of Surrey
PhD Summary
The aim of my project is to investigate material-protein-cell interactions at the nanoscale, using various means to assess the dynamic environment of protein adsorption onto chemically defined nano materials and has this subsequently impacts on cell response characteristics. Proteomics allows us to interrogate cell secreted proteins in response to material interactions and understand how both the material surface and the cell mediate protein layer composition. We aim to fundamentally address material design issues facing Bio-material science, understand biological response to micro-environmental changes and help in development and advance of medical devices, therapeutics and diagnostics.
Skills & Techniques
Publications, Presentations and Awards
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Future/Career Plans
Research Interests:
Cell response to nano-scale topography and defined chemistry
My research is focus on understanding how cells respond to nano-scale topography and defined surface chemistry which are important considerations in the design of novel biomaterial systems for tissue engineering. The project focused on understanding how different techniques for fabrication and characterisation of nanostructured materials (e.g. glasses, polymer) affect cellular response such as adhesion, proliferation, morphology and alignment needs to be focused upon. Understanding these interactions will aid in the design of medical devices and treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular and cancer.
Investigation of cell secretome
Secretome is defined as set of molecules secreted from living cell. Secreted protein plays a vital role in cell signalling and migration. Challenges facing secretome analysis needs to be addressed such as sample preparation, collection and data analysis of result. Understanding the methodology will help in developing more effective therapeutic and biomarker diagnostics. Investigation of secreted proteins from stem cells, cancer cells using biological mass spectrometry will help in potential drug and therapeutic targets.
Protein adsorption from single / multiple protein solutions
Protein adsorption to surfaces is the first step in biological processes and also plays a vital role in the integration of implant. Studying the change in protein conformation or flexibility upon binding to different surface chemistry will give a clear fundamental understanding of the effects of surface parameters and protein features on kinetics, thermodynamics and structural change. Applications of controlled protein adsorption can be used for tailoring material responses such as in blood compatibility in drug delivery systems, medical implants and fouling of contact lenses.
