Selective Extraction of Radiotherapeutic Metals for Targeted Alpha Cancer Therapy

Saturn_Nuclear_CDT

Nuclear fission produces radioactive isotopes that are considered as waste and are currently disposed. However, a number of medically useful therapeutic radioisotopes are contained within this waste stream and remain an untapped resource; specifically alpha therapeutic agents such as Ac-225 and Pb-212 (originating from uranium and thorium) which may be used for cancer treatment. Reactor produced radionuclides require rapid and selective separation in a few simple steps before undergoing bioconjugation to a suitable targeting vector to make them viable as cancer therapeutics. The coordination chemistry of these radionuclides differs and achieving selective extraction remains challenging. We have recently developed a one pot procedure to selectively extract the long-lived minor actinides from the lanthanides using flexible multidentate polyaminocarboxylate extractants functionalised with amino acids. These are resistant to gamma radiation, operate over a wide pH range, exhibit rapid complexation kinetics and are easily modified to alter the selectivity for a given metal based on ionic radii and coordination donor preferences.

This project, funded by the SATURN CDT and the National Nuclear Laboratory, will develop selective extractants for therapeutic radionuclides currently disposed of in reactor waste streams. The extractants are peptides and peptide appended polyaminocarboxylate chelators with variable backbone length, donor atom and peptide sequence. The extracted species will be fully characterised using standard analytical techniques (NMR, IR, Mass spectrometry, UV-vis, fluorescence). Following radionuclide extraction (aqueous to organic phase), the peptide appendages will be bioconjugated to a known protein/targeting vector using established chemistry and their suitability for cancer therapy assessed in vitro.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap. Please use the SATURN Application Centre.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact the CDT team by emailing saturn@manchester.ac.uk

EDI

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).