I am a scientist at Nebu~Flow, where I contribute to the development of next-generation nebulisers for pulmonary drug delivery. I earned my master’s degree in Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases from the University of Glasgow, with prior experience in clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. My current work focuses on the nebulisation of biologics, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and liposomes, with the goal of optimizing aerosol performance and delivery efficiency. At Nebu~Flow, I contribute to experimental design and technical evaluation for nebulisation of biologic therapeutics, leveraging acoustic nebuliser technology to preserve biologic integrity during aerosol generation. My broader interests include strategies to enhance the affinity and delivery efficiency of respiratory therapeutics. My research centres on the development of an inhalable immunoliposome designed to enhance cellular specificity to reduce pathological responses in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly within alveolar epithelial cells.
Development of an inhalable SPK-181-loaded immunoliposome modified with SP-A mAb for optimized idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease associated with a high mortality rate. While current pharmaceutical treatments offer certain benefits, the persistently high mortality rate underscores the urgent need for more effective therapeutics that precisely target lung cells.
A promising approach involves the use of liposomes, which enhance drug delivery through controlled release, protection from enzymatic degradation, and reduced immunogenicity. However, their lack of specificity limits their therapeutic impact. To improve targeting, immunoliposomes—liposomes conjugated with antibodies or antibody fragments—offer a solution for precise cellular uptake.
IPF pathology involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs II), driven by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), leading to fibroblast accumulation and fibrosis. Immunoliposomes can be designed to mitigate IPF pathogenicity by specifically targeting EMT in AECs II. Inhibiting TGF-β1-driven EMT necessitates precise drug delivery to AECs. Surfactant protein A (SP-A), a critical regulator of lung homeostasis, is highly expressed in AECs II. Incorporating SP-A antibodies onto the liposome surface enhances targeting specificity for AECs.
SRK-181, a potent inhibitor of TGF-β1 activity, has demonstrated efficacy in attenuating fibrosis-related pathways; however, its efficient delivery to alveolar cells remains a challenge. The proposed project aims to develop an inhalable immunoliposome targeting TGF-β1-driven EMT in AECs II. Immunoliposomes encapsulating SRK-181 will be conjugated with SP-A antibodies to enhance specificity for AECs.
The structural integrity and aerosolisation efficiency will be assessed post-nebulisation using the Nebu~Flow nebuliser. Liposome formation and antibody conjugation will be characterised using dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and protein assays. To determine the in vitro efficacy of nebulised immunoliposomes, AEC proliferation will be evaluated via an MTT assay, and qPCR will be conducted to quantify TGF-β1 mRNA expression levels, in collaboration with Professor Julien Reboud from the University of Glasgow. If successful, this immunoliposome-based strategy has the potential to serve as a novel inhalable therapeutic platform for EMT-associated pulmonary conditions.
Experimental plan:
Step 1: Immunoliposome Formation
The formation of SP-A-conjugated liposomes containing SPK-181 will be studied and characterised using laser dynamic scattering and the micro Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) protein assay.
Step 2: In Vitro Characterisation
The stability and uptake of the immunoliposomes will be evaluated before and after nebulisation using the Nebu~Flow platform. The type II AEC cell line (e.g., T7) will be used to assess liposome uptake before and after nebulisation, examining cell proliferation via an MTT assay and measuring TGF-β1 suppression using qPCR.
My interest in respiratory medical technology and drug aerosolization developed during my time as a medical laboratory technician in a COVID-19 referral hospital. Experiencing the challenges of treating severe respiratory conditions highlighted the importance of effective drug delivery to the pulmonary system.
I hold an MSc in Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, which enriched my understanding of respiratory disease mechanisms and fostered a strong interest in cutting-edge therapeutic delivery platforms for pulmonary disorders. Recognizing the limitations of inhaled drug delivery, I transitioned into the field of aerosol science, where I now contribute to the development of next-generation nebulisers designed to optimize inhaled drug administration. As an immigrant in the UK, I am ambitious in advancing my career and eager to deepen my expertise in therapeutic aerosolization.
This project will serve as a pivotal stepping stone in preparing me for the next stage of my career—becoming a prominent researcher in respiratory drug delivery. It will help me develop both technical and research skills while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of inhalable therapeutics.
The DDL Career Development Award will provide exposure to the field of inhalable immunoliposomes, an area not explored in my master’s research and currently unavailable within my company. This project will offer a comprehensive foundation in pharmaceutical formulation development, targeted drug delivery, and pulmonary immunology, equipping me with the expertise necessary to excel in respiratory therapeutics research.
The focus on immunoliposome engineering will significantly enhance my proficiency in nanoparticle formulation, bioconjugation strategies, and advanced characterization techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), in collaboration with researchers at the University of Glasgow. By working on immunology-integrated inhalable therapeutics, I aim to refine my skills, strengthen my technical capabilities in experimental design and research implementation, and set the stage for impactful contributions to the field.
This project will support my career progression, whether by becoming a research assistant in my current company or pursuing PhD studies. Additionally, disseminating the findings of this research at the DDL conference or other drug delivery conferences will enhance my presentation skills, foster collaborations within the scientific community, and build my track record in pulmonary drug delivery.
In summary, this grant will support the establishment of my research project in inhaled drug delivery, encompassing formulation development, nebulisation optimization, and drug activity and stability evaluation. The findings generated through this research will contribute to advancements in respiratory therapeutics, improving biologic delivery to target sites and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with respiratory disorders, enabling them to embrace a future of better pulmonary health.