Research projects
Discover more about the projects being undertaken by our researchers

Elucidating the potential interaction of manufactured nanoparticles with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: An integrated toxicogenomics approach.
The overall objective of the TREE project is to reduce uncertainty in estimating the risk to humans and wildlife associated with exposure to radioactivity and to reduce unnecessary conservatism in risk calculations.
Learn more about this projectMoving up a dimension: 3D in vitro models as effective alternatives to live fish studies.
An integrated approach to develop and undertake pre-validation of molecular and genetic biomarkers in therapeutic management of cancer
The project aims to explore the following hypotheses:
Funding: Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust; Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund; Plymouth University.
Relative sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR 4,5 and IGROV1) following treatment with auranofin, an anti-rheumatic drug
Applications of 3D spheroid cultures in fish ecotoxicology
The project aims to focus on the development of ‘3 dimensional’ (spheroid) cultures, in particular cells of ‘gut’ origin in fish. The main objectives of this interdisciplinary project are:
Funding: AstraZeneca and Plymouth University (PhD Studentship).
Spheroids from fish gut cell
Can engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) induce potential neurological health effects: an in vitro study adopting molecular approaches
The primary objectives of this interdisciplinary project are to test the following hypotheses:
The proposal aims to address these critical issues to elucidate the mechanisms of uptake, cell specific bioaccumulation, cellular growth, and biological properties (e.g. myelination) and toxicity of combinations of simple and structurally modified ENPs in a range of cells under in vitro conditions.
Funding: Plymouth University (Faculty of Science and Engineering and Peninsular School of Medicine and Dentistry Interdisciplinary studentship).
Detection of genetic damage following exposure to copper in undifferentiated and differentiated neuronal cells using immunocytochemistry techniques
Developing an integrated strategy for the assessment of hazardous substances in Kuwait’s marine environment
The project aims to investigate:
Funding: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas) UK; Kuwait Environment Public Authority, Kuwait; Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Kuwait.
Screening water samples from Kuwait for determining antimicrobial resistance
Analytical, toxicogenomics and modelling approaches to determine the impacts of radionuclides and metals
This project aims to probe the following hypotheses:
Funding: Plymouth University (Faculty of Science and Engineering Studentship).
Determining DNA damage using comet assay in mussels
Laser Light Interaction and their influence on DNA and cell under in vitro conditions
The project aims to probe the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on cellular proliferation, cell survival and DNA damage (repair) under in vitro conditions. The project also aims to elucidate impact of different confounding factors (e.g. power, polarized and unpolarised light, coherent and non-coherent (LED) light, magneto-optical phenomenon etc.) on the above parameters to improve laser-based therapy.
Funding: Republic of Iraq (PhD Studentship).
Cells being exposed to lasers