The Hirak Patra Lab brings together enthusiastic and disruptive innovators from cross-disciplinary backgrounds to explore nanoscale science, technologies, and materials for advanced healthcare applications.
Our work
The Patra Lab group combines and applies tools from chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and engineering to construct materials and to engineer their physical and chemical properties for biomedical applications. Our work addresses active needs in biomedical science and biotechnology.
We develop precise molecular strategies at the nanoscale that help us conceal drugs during transportation and develop tools to deliver them to the tertiary level (organelle). We are developing nano-toolboxes for disease-specific requirements that can develop with theranostic capacity (combining diagnosis and therapy).ÌýOur current research interests include:
Basic understanding
Biochemical environment of drug resistance.
Cell specific response to nanoparticles.
Understanding strategies for non-invasive monitoring of nanomaterials.
Addressing the physicochemical environment for tissue regeneration.
We aim to explore the biochemical and physicochemical basis of drug resistance and tissue regeneration, such as how a 3D environment influences a complex biomedical scenario such as tissue regeneration, drug resistence, metastasis, etc.
Engineering
Synthesis and application of ultra-small Nano Systems.
Surface engineering nanomaterialsÌýfor specific targeting, biosensing and therapy.
Biosynthesis of nanoparticle / exosome / ECV / microparticles.
Designing molecules and biopolymers for specific stimuli response.
Theranostic module (combined diagnostic and therapeutic component in a single platform).
We aim to develop systematic syntheses of ultra-small metallic NanoSystems, biosynthesis of nanoparticles (exosome, ECV, etc.), stimuli response materials, and theranostic modules (combined diagnostic and therapeutic components in one platform). These are haematologically safe for use in nanomedicines and regenerative medicines.
Translation
Nano-diagnostics and biodevices.
Medicated artificial implants to combat with rejection.
Nano Systems for vaccines and immunomodulation.
Personalised Nano Systems and Precision Drug Delivery systems.
Our translational research interests are in diagnostics and therapeutics. We are focusing onÌýnano-diagnostic systems, rejection-combating medicated implants, nanovaccines,Ìýenhanced nano-immunomodulator, and personalised delivery systems (exosome, ECV, and microparticle).
Our facilities
Ultra-small nanoparticle synthesis system
Nanoparticle Tracking - ZetaView® Twin
High resolution digital optical microscope (20x-7000xÌýmagnification range)
Primary cell culture
Laser cutting
Rheometer and mechanical (tensile) testing
Patra Lab members
We are a group of enthusiastic researchers from diverse cross-disciplinary background united together to enjoy the fun in understanding nanoscience and exploring through dedicated scientific research.
(Group Lead) Professor of Nanomedicine & Regenerative Medicine
Ìý±Ê³ó¶Ù Research Fellow
DrÌýElena Zattera PhD Research Fellow
Mr Alexander B CÌýGray MSc PhD student
Mr Thomas LesterÌýMRes PhD student / Research technician
Our inclusive-practice lab is always looking for enthusiastic and passionate researchers. If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch:Ìýhirak.patra@ucl.ac.uk.
PhD studentships
If you are interested in pursuing your doctoral degree with us, you can consider the following schemes. Many students areÌýfunded through Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT).
If you are interested in joining us and eligible to apply for aÌýfellowship, please contact us with your plan and how it fits with our research aims. We get a lot of interest and can only host small numbers at our lab and viaÌýour collaborators.