Our Research
Minimally invasive diagnostics for the skin
Our current work focuses on microneedle-based biosensors that can extract and analyse biomarkers from various skin depths, with minimal discomfort to the user. Multiple biomarkers can be analysed simultaneously in vitro (outside the body) to increase the speed and reliability of the test. The technique may replace invasive skin biopsies as a way to analyse skin biomarkers. It is rapid (analysis takes only a few hours), antigen-specific, highly sensitive (it can detect antigens at ≤10 pg/mL), inexpensive and requires no specialist equipment to operate. Our goal is to perfect the technology as an accessible, rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnostic device for a range of skin diseases, such as skin cancer.
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Delivering drugs and genes via the skin
We are interested in effective approaches to delivering drugs and genes to the skin. To do this, we increase skin permeability by physical or chemical means. For example, we and others have previously delivered genes to the skin using microneedles. This has potential applications in gene therapy. We have also investigated co-drugs (mutual pro-drugs) as a means enhancing drug uptake into the skin by chemical modification of the drug itself. At present, we are particularly interested in synergy between chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs). CPEs are molecules that disrupt the skin barrier to increase its permeability. Formulations containing multiple CPEs may see one CPE modify (boost or suppress) the effect of another. Understanding the mechanisms by which CPEs act synergistically will help us design topical or transdermal formulations that are effective.
Related publications:
- Development of an ex vivo human skin model for intradermal vaccination : tissue viability and Langerhans cell behaviour
- Therapeutic and cytotoxic effects of the novel antipsoriasis codrug, naproxyl-dithranol, on HaCaT cells
Cultivating skin
Skin research requires tests on skin tissue. Suitable in vitro skin models allow such tests to be carried out without using animals. Our aim is to develop and validate in vitro skin models, not just of normal skin but of various skin diseases, for such studies. We have previously developed a human skin organ culture model for studying skin immunology in vitro. In our current work, we reconstruct semi-artificial human skin using tissue engineering techniques.
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