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Marco Giardiello

Dr Marco Giardiello
PhD, MChem, FHEA

Research

Inorganic/Organic Nanocomposite Particles (I/O-NP)

Inorganic nanoparticles are used in several diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications. There are multiple drawbacks, however, when inorganic nanoparticles are used in vivo, for example: non- specific targeting and physiological accumulation and associated toxicity risks; nanoparticle variation in properties due to protein binding/immune response. Research is aimed at addressing these issues through the development of Inorganic/Organic Nanocomposite Particles (I/O-NP), where the inorganic component is encapsulated within an organic framework. The platform technology allows for advantages such as: reduction in toxicity; inorganic nanoparticle protection from physiological processes; disease site specific targeting; high payload delivery.

The research themes I/O-NP development is targeted at include:
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticle (SPION) tracers for Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI)
Gold nanoparticle (AuNP) based radiosensitisers for Cancer Radiotherapy
Lanthanide Upconversion Nanoparticle (LnUCNP)tracers as Optical Imaging Probes
Polymeric nanocomposites as Theranostic Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Research grants

New Imaging Methods for Functional Changes in Diagnostic Nanocomposite Particles

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL

March 2023 - October 2024

MOMENTUM+HYPER Magnetic Particle Imaging + Localised Hyperthermia Platform

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

May 2022 - April 2025

New Branched Polymers Excipients and Emulsions for Enhanced Drug Delivery

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

July 2018 - June 2023

Increasing Industry Engagement and Open Innovation in Health and Life Sciences - Proximity to Discovery Award

MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

March 2016 - August 2017