Laboratory Resources and Research Capabilities

Nanotechnology Laboratory

The Nanotechnology Laboratory serves as a central hub for developing advanced drug-delivery systems designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. The lab specializes in producing a wide range of nanoparticles—such as liposomes, niosomes (neosomes), polymeric particles, gold nanocarriers, and other engineered systems—to improve drug solubility, targeting, stability, and controlled release.

Established preparation methods are employed, including microsynthesis, thin-film hydration, ether injection, and extraction. After formulation, nanoparticles are fully characterized (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release profile, stability) to ensure high performance. Formulations are then tested in vitro on relevant tissue types to evaluate biological efficacy and mechanism of action.

Nanoparticle Preparation & Characterization

• Microscopic mixing systems – For controlled preparation of lipid-based nanoparticles (e.g. liposomes, niosomes).
• Rotary evaporator – Supports thin-film hydration for lipid film formation.
• Dynamic Optical Diffusion Diodes (DID) – Measures nanoparticle size, polydispersity, and zeta potential.
• Inductive electrophoresis & Western blot system – For protein analysis and validating nanoparticle–cell interactions.
• −80 °C ultra-low freezer – For long-term storage of sensitive samples.
• Rotary mixer – Ensures homogenous formulation mixing.
• Centrifuge – Separates nanoparticle formulations, free drug, and aggregates.
• Ultrapure water purification system – Produces high-quality water essential for formulation and analyses.
• Refrigerators and freezers – For storage of reagents, samples, and biological material.

EPSRC Multiscale Metrology Suite (MMS)

Dr Zahra Rattray from the University of Strathclyde, one of our crucial members of the group, is leading the EPSRC Multiscale Metrology Suite for Next-Generation Healthcare Nanotechnologies (MMS) in her laboratory, providing cutting-edge field-flow fractionation (FFF) technologies. This suite supports asymmetric, centrifugal, and electrical flow FFF modalities, enabling high-resolution separation of nanomaterials, small molecules, peptides, and proteins for both in-line and offline analysis.

The MMS is equipped with a comprehensive array of inline and offline detectors for robust physical and chemical characterization. These include:

• UV absorbance
• Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS)
• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
• Fluorescence detection
• Viscometry
• Refractive Index
• Raman spectroscopy
• ICP-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

In addition to FFF, the system supports size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with these detectors, allowing multi-dimensional characterization of the same sample. This integrated approach pushes existing analytical boundaries by providing detailed insights into the size, mass, composition, and structural features of nanomaterials.

Data derived from these measurements enhance our understanding of critical physicochemical properties driving the performance of new nanomedicines. It also fosters collaboration by offering access to both academic and industry researchers to test novel prototypes, validate workflows, and push forward nanotechnology-based therapeutic development.

Additionally, the laboratory houses:

• A Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) system (NS300) for real-time measurement of particle size distribution and concentration.
• An Archimedes Resonant Mass Measurement system, which provides extremely precise mass-based particle quantification—including for particles with low refractive index contrast.
  

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Description
HPLC separates sample components through their differential interaction with mobile and stationary phases. Components that bind more strongly to the stationary phase exhibit longer retention times, and by carefully selecting both phases, researchers can fine-tune separation specificity.

Applications

• Identification and quantification of complex mixtures
• Analysis of drug purity, degradation, and related substances
• Determination of encapsulation efficiency and drug-release profiles
• Quality control of both active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients
  

Tissue Culture Laboratory

The Tissue Culture Laboratory supports in vitro studies using skin cells and a bank of cancer cell lines. These cell models are essential for evaluating the biological effects of formulations developed in our Pharmacy. Cells are grown under optimal conditions, treated with test formulations, and analyzed via cytotoxicity assays, fluorescence microscopy, and gene-level quantitation (PCR).

Key equipment includes:

1. Sterile biosafety hood – For aseptic handling of epidermal and cancer cells.
2. CO₂ incubator – Maintains physiological growth conditions.
3. Inverted microscope (bright-field) – For regular observation of cultured cell morphology.
4. Inverted fluorescence microscope – For visualization of cellular uptake, live/dead assays, and fluorescence experiments.
5. ELISA plate reader – For cytokine, biomarker, and protein assays.
6. Protein-in-gel analyzer – For assessing protein expression and post-treatment profiling.
7. PCR analyzer – For quantifying gene-expression changes in response to formulation treatment.
8. Drop-Nano analyzer – For precise quantification of nucleic acids and proteins.
9. Temperature-controlled water bath – For reagent preparation and controlled incubations.
10. Refrigerated and standard centrifuges – For sample preparation, cell harvesting, and isolation of assay components.​​
    

How Our Resources Support Research

The synergy between our Nanotechnology Laboratory, MMS facility, Tissue Culture Lab, and analytical platforms empowers our research group to:

• Engineer a broad spectrum of nanocarriers tailored to specific therapeutic challenges
• Achieve high-resolution physicochemical characterization using advanced fractionation and detection methodologies
• Evaluate biological performance rigorously using validated in vitro cell models
• Produce detailed, mechanistic insights into drug–carrier and cell–carrier interactions
• Promote collaborative innovation by offering access to state-of-the-art instrumentation for both academic and industry researchers

Our infrastructure underscores the group's commitment to excellence in nanomedicine research and strengthens our capacity to deliver translational, high-impact science.