Biography
I began my career at Keele University in 1993 in the Department of Chemistry, now part of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences. I then joined the Department of Medicines Management in 2005 as Director of Studies (Pharmaceutical Science) and played a major role, alongside others, in the development of the School of Pharmacy and Keele MPharm programme. My academic position is currently Senior Lecturer in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry and I hold administrative roles within the School and the University. I was awarded the Keele University Excellence in Learning and Teaching award in 2008 and I was awarded the Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine Research Fellowship for 2015-2016. I have acted as an external examiner for higher degrees across the various disciplines within Chemistry. My research into synthetic chemistry and drug discovery is aligned with the Keele Nanopharmaceutics Research Group. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Chartered Chemist (FRSC CChem) and a member of a number of other learned societies, including the American Chemical Society, the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the United Kingdom and Ireland Controlled Release Society.
Research and scholarship
ISTM Research theme: Therapeutics
My research interests lie at the interface between the physical and life sciences with a focus on the synthesis of molecules with biological or medicinal significance.
As a member of the Keele Nanopharmaceutics Research Group with Dr Clare Hoskins my research is directed towards the synthesis of drugs and delivery systems for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, the fourth most prevalent cancer in the Western World: Surgical intervention is currently the only treatment for pancreatic cancer with a survival rate 5 years following surgery of 5-34%. The only clinically-available chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer is gemcitabine which proves effective in 23.8% of patients, hence there is obvious interest in increasing the efficacy of gemcitabine and the discovery of novel therapeutic opportunities. My research interests in this area include the synthesis of novel chemotherapeutic agents and prodrugs for delivery to cancerous cells using gold-iron oxide hybrid nanoparticles HNPs) and the use of calixarenes for drug formulation and delivery.
Please click here for a link to the Keele Nanopharmaceutics Research Group website
I also collaborate with Dr Alan Richardson from the Keele School of Pharmacy in the synthesis of novel and adjunct therapies for the treatment of ovarian cancer (with Dr Jóhannes Reynisson, University of Auckland), and with Dr Paul Horrocks from the Keele School of Medicine in the development of drug-like molecules for use as antimalarial agents (with Dr Ravi Pathak, University of Cambridge).
Selected Publications
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Investigation into the Use of Microfluidics in the Manufacture of Metallic Gold-Coated Iron Oxide Hybrid Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, 2976, vol. 11(11). link> doi> link> full text>2021.
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Thermally reactive N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) amphiphiles for drug solubilisation. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Article 120570, vol. 601. doi> link> full text>2021.
- 2020.
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Silver-Nanoparticle-Mediated Therapies in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS, 1758-1772, vol. 2(4). link> doi> full text>2019.
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Novel Calix[4]Resorcinarene Nanocarriers for enhanced Drug Solubilisation: Synthesis of Octaamino-Substituted Resorcinarenes. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY (pp. 10-11, vol. 71). link>2019.
Full Publications Listshow
Books
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KATRITZKY AR, RAMSDEN CA, SCRIVEN EFV, TAYLOR RJK (Eds.). 2008. 1,2,4-Triazoles. (vol. 5). Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.
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BELLUS D, LEY SV, NOYORI R, REGITZ M, REIDER PJ, SCHAUMANN E, SHINKAI I, THOMAS EJ, TROST BM (Eds.). 2003. 1,2,4-Triazoles. (vol. 13). Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.
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REHM HJ, REED G, PUHLER A, STADLER P (Eds.). 2000. The Use of Enzymes in C-C Bond Formation. (vol. 8b). Stuttgart: VCH.
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Katritzky AR, Rees CW, SCRIVEN EFV (Eds.). 1996. Bicyclic 5-5 Systems: Four Heteroatoms 1:3. (vol. 7). Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd. doi>
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Katritzky AR, REES CW, SCRIVEN EFV (Eds.). 1996. Bicyclic 6-6 Systems: Four Heteroatoms 1:3. (vol. 7). Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd. doi>
Journal Articles
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Investigation into the Use of Microfluidics in the Manufacture of Metallic Gold-Coated Iron Oxide Hybrid Nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, 2976, vol. 11(11). link> doi> link> full text>2021.
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Thermally reactive N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) amphiphiles for drug solubilisation. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Article 120570, vol. 601. doi> link> full text>2021.
- 2020.
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Silver-Nanoparticle-Mediated Therapies in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS, 1758-1772, vol. 2(4). link> doi> full text>2019.
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The use of nanotechnology in cardiovascular disease. APPLIED NANOSCIENCE, 1607-1619, vol. 8(7). link> doi> full text>2018.
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A Novel PAA Derivative with Enhanced Drug Efficacy in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), vol. 11(4). link> doi> full text>2018.
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Stimuli Responsive Polymeric Systems for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics, vol. 10(3). link> doi> full text>2018.
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Dual Acting Polymeric Nano-Aggregates for Liver Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics, vol. 10(2). link> doi> full text>2018.
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Combined Effect of Anticancer Agents and Cytochrome C Decorated Hybrid Nanoparticles for Liver Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics, vol. 10(2). link> doi> full text>2018.
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Application of Nanoparticle Technologies in the Combat against Anti-Microbial Resistance. Pharmaceutics, vol. 10(1). link> doi> full text>2018.
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Diels Alder-mediated release of gemcitabine from hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced pancreatic cancer therapy. Journal of Controlled Release, 355-364, vol. 266. doi> link> full text>2017.
- 2017.
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Diels Alder-mediated release of gemcitabine from hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced pancreatic cancer therapy. J Control Release, 355-364, vol. 266. link> doi> full text>2017.
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Thermally triggered theranostics for pancreatic cancer therapy. Nanoscale, 12735-12745, vol. 9(34). link> doi> full text>2017.
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Further correction: Synthesis and characterization of TPGS-gemcitabine prodrug micelles for pancreatic cancer therapy (vol 6, 60126, 2016). RSC ADVANCES, 17367, vol. 7(28). link> doi> full text>2017.
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Synthesis and characterization of TPGS-gemcitabine prodrug micelles for pancreatic cancer therapy (vol 6, pg 60126, 2016). RSC ADVANCES, 12598, vol. 7(21). link> doi> full text>2017.
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Potential of hybrid iron oxide-gold nanoparticles as thermal triggers for pancreatic cancer therapy. RSC ADVANCES, 95044-95054, vol. 6(97). link> doi> full text>2016.
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Synthesis and characterization of TPGS-gemcitabine prodrug micelles for pancreatic cancer therapy. RSC ADVANCES, 60126-60137, vol. 6(65). link> doi> full text>2016.
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Investigation into drug solubilisation potential of sulfonated calix[4]resorcinarenes. Journal of Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology, Article 2, vol. 7. doi> full text>2016.
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Heat Dissipation of Hybrid Iron Oxide-Gold Nanoparticles in an Agar Phantom. Journal of Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology. doi> full text>2015.
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Simple Calixarenes and Resorcinarenes as Drug Solubilizing Agents. Journal of Nanomedicine Research, Article 28, vol. 2(3). doi>2015.
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Enhancement of the Cytotoxic Effect of Anticancer Agent by Cytochrome C Functionalised Hybrid Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Cancer Cells. Journal of Nanomedicine Research, Article 10, vol. 2(1). doi>2014.
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The Use of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy. Journal of Nanomedicine Research, 1-12, vol. 1(1). doi>2014.
- 2014.
- 2013.
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Poly(allylamine) Magnetomicelles for Image Guided Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, 224-238, vol. 1(3). doi>
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Preclinical Evaluation of Statins as a Treatment for Ovarian Cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 417-424, vol. 129. doi>2013.
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Structure Correction and Synthesis of the Naturally Occurring Benzothiazinone BMY 40662. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 5855-5857, vol. 58(21). doi>1993.
- 2002.
- 2001.
- 2000.
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Studies Directed Towards Conformationally Restricted Nucleosides. ARKIVOC, 218-227, vol. 1(3).2000.
- 1999.
- 1999.
- 1997.
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1,5-Asymmetric Inductions in the Reactions of 2-(2',3',4',6'-Tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzaldehyde with Danishefsky's Diene. Tetrahedron Letters, 8689-8692, vol. 36(47). doi>1995.
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The Origin of the Stereoselectivity in the Aldol Reactions of beta-Boronate Carbonyl Derivatives. Tetrahedron, 187-198, vol. 49(1). doi>1993.
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Asymmetric Diels-Alder Reactions. Part 6. Regio- and Stereo-selective Cycloadditions of 5-(2',3',4',6'-Tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-1,4-naphthoquinone. Journal of the Chemical Society; Perkin Transactions 1, 1981-1991. doi>1992.
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Stereoselective Aldol Reactions of beta-Boronate Carbonyl Derivatives. Tetrahedron Letters, 1507-1510, vol. 32(11). doi>1991.
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Highly Regio- and Stereo-selective Diel-Alder Reactions of 5-(2',3',4',6'-Tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-1,4-naphthoquinone. Chemical Communications, 119-121. doi>1991.
Chapters
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Potential Use of Hybrid Iron Oxide-Gold as Drug Carriers. In Nano Based Drug Delivery. IAPC-OBC. doi>2015.
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Potential Use of Hybrid Iron Oxide-Gold as Drug Carriers. In Nano Based Drug Deliver. IAPC-OBC.2015.
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1,2,4-Triazoles. In Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry III: Five-membered rings: Triazoles, Oxadiazoles, Thiadiazoles and their Fused Carbocyclic Derivatives. KATRITZKY AR, RAMSDEN CA, SCRIVEN EFV, TAYLOR RJK (Eds.). (vol. 5.02). Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.2008.
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1,2,4-Triazoles. In Science of Synthesis: 5-Membered Hetarenes with Three or More Heteroatoms. BELLUS D, LEY SV, NOYORI R, REGITZ M, REIDER PJ, SCHAUMANN E, SHINKAI I, THOMAS EJ, TROST BM (Eds.). (vol. 13). Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.2003.
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Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation, Addition, Elimination and Substitution Reactions: 1 Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation Using Enzymes. In Biotechnology: Biotransformations II. (vol. 8b). Stuttgart: VCH Verlag. doi>2000.
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Bicyclic 5-5 Systems: Four Heteroatoms 1:3. In Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry II: Fused Five and Six-membered Rings without Ring Junction Heteroatoms. KATRITZKY AR, REES CW, SCRIVEN EFV (Eds.). (vol. 7). Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd.1996.
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Bicyclic 6-6 Systems: Four Heteroatoms 1:3. In Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry II: Fused Five and Six-membered Rings without Ring Junction Heteroatoms. KATRITZKY AR, REES CW, SCRIVEN EFV (Eds.). (vol. 7). Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd.1996.
Other
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Novel Calix[4]Resorcinarene Nanocarriers for enhanced Drug Solubilisation: Synthesis of Octaamino-Substituted Resorcinarenes. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY (pp. 10-11, vol. 71). link>2019.
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Synthesis of novel hybrid nanoparticle-prodrug constructs for pancreatic cancer therapy. full text>
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Temperature controlled theranostics for pancreatic cancer.
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The co-administration of anticancer and pro-apoptotic agents as novel approach in liver cancer therapy. full text>
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Thermoresponsive copolymer: (HPMA-CO-(APMA-R))-co-PEG polymer synthesis and physiochemical characterization. full text>
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LOADING AND RELEASE OF NOVAL GEMCITABINE ADDUCT ONTO HYBRID GOLD IRON-OXIDE NANOPARTILCE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER THERAPY.
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Thermoresponsive copolymer: HPMA-co-AMPA-R polymer synthesis and physiochemical characterization. full text>
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Thermally triggered theranostics for pancreatic cancer. European journal of cancer (p. S129, vol. 61). Elsevier. doi> full text>2016.
- 2016.
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Novel Iron Oxide-Gold Nanohybrids with Heat Triggered Surface Manipulation. full text>
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Synthesis of novel hybrid nanoparticulate-prodrug constructs for pancreatic cancer therapy. full text>
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TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED THERANOSTICS FOR PANCREATIC CANCER. full text>
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Novel Iron Oxide-Gold Nanohybrids with Heat-Triggered Surface Manipulation.
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Synthesis of Novel Hybrid Nanoparticulate-Prodrug Constructs for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy.
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Novel Iron Oxide-Gold Nanohybrids with Heat Triggered Surface Manipulation.
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Poly(allylamine) Magnetomicelles for Image Guided Drug Delivery.
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Synthesis of Novel Hybrid Nanoparticulate-Prodrug Constructs for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy.
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Poly(allylamine) Magnetomicelles for Image Guided Drug Delivery.
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Hybrid Iron Oxide-Gold Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cancer Therapy.
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From Classroom To VLE And Back Again: A Blended Approach To Skills Development For Chemistry Students.2010.
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Effect of microtopographical cue on human corneal keratocytes orientation. INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE (p. U254, vol. 44). link>2003.
PhD Studentships
I welcome applications from students who wish to undertake PhD postgraduate studies in my team. Former, and current, postgraduate students include UK nationals as well as overseas students from the Middle East and India, undertaking full-time studies in my laboratory. Interested students can contact me directly on a.d.m.curtis@keele.ac.uk to discuss potential projects as well as the application process for these degrees.
My current research interests are in Nanopharmaceutics. Nanopharmaceutics is a form of nanotechnology that involves the formulation of medicines into very small dosage forms suitable for administration by various routes as required, intravenously for example (nanomedicine). Often drug molecules have undesirable properties: For example, drugs may not be very soluble in water or they may not be absorbed well by the body which hinders their usage. These drugs require careful formulation in order for them to be administered to patients effectively and display their proposed therapeutic effect. Traditional formulation strategies do not live up to the high demand in recent years where approximately 60% of all new drugs under development are classed as practically insoluble in water, hence the increase in nanomedicine research worldwide. The most common nano-systems for drug formulation are core-shell based systems. Many of these systems have undergone the rigors of regulatory testing and are now licensed for use in the clinic across the globe.
The nano-structures act as chaperones for the drug molecules, carrying their cargo past the body’s defense systems to their intended target site, thus avoiding any premature drug degradation or metabolism. The nano-carriers themselves are relatively simple and cheap to make and they can be easily tailored for application. This tailoring may include inclusion of specific functional groups which help the particle reach their destination more easily or confer additional properties, such as fluorescence in order for their journey after administration to be tracked.
Nanopharmaceutics research has experienced exponential growth internationally in the past ten years. Here in ISTM we have a highly motivated and interdisciplinary Nanopharmaceutics team who strive to drive forward innovation in this area. Our area of research spans across the boundaries of chemistry, physics and the life sciences with an aim to produce novel nanomedicines for a wide variety of different diseases with a special focus on pancreatic cancer. For more information please have a look at the Nanopharmaceutics research group website:
https://www.keele.ac.uk/pharmacy/research/nanopharmaceutics/
Or contact me directly.
School address:
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Hornbeam Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG
Research centre address:
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Guy Hilton Research Centre
Thornburrow Drive
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 7QB
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 674988
Undergraduate enquiries:
Email: enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 734786
Postgraduate enquiries:
Please contact the CPD4ALL team:
Email: phab.postgraduate@keele.ac.uk
Keele Centre for Medicines Optimisation (KCMO)
Tel: +44 (0)1782 733831 / 734131
The Virtual Patient project enquiries:
Contact our Digital Development team:
Email: pharmacy.digital@keele.ac.uk