Dr Hanene Ali-Boucetta

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Health Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Hanene’s research is dedicated to developing advanced nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene-based vectors, for the precise delivery of therapeutics in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. She focuses on overcoming critical biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, to enable effective intracellular delivery of small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids. Her work seeks to combine high therapeutic efficacy with biocompatibility, translating nanomedicine innovations into safer, more targeted treatments.

A passionate advocate for 3D in vitro models, Hanene envisions bridging the gap between traditional 2D cell cultures and in vivo systems, creating more predictive platforms for drug delivery and toxicity studies. By integrating these advanced models with nanotoxicology and targeted delivery strategies, her research aims to accelerate the development of therapies that are both effective and safe, transforming preclinical research and bringing the next generation of nanomedicines closer to clinical reality.

Research Groups

School of Pharmacy

College of Medicine and Health

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Collaborative, student-centred, outcome-oriented.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first, leading to more independence later.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will support the student’s progression through weekly lab meetings, monthly progress reports, and milestone tracking, while encouraging them to take ownership of their research. I will provide guidance, help troubleshoot challenges, and ensure they have the resources and feedback needed to achieve their goals successfully.

Communication

I maintain open and regular communication through weekly lab meetings and ad hoc discussions, and the team also uses a WhatsApp group for day-to-day updates. I encourage students to raise any issues affecting their work and wellbeing, while supporting a healthy work/life balance.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during the core hours of 09:00 - 17:00 Monday to Friday (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Mechanistic Evaluation of Mitochondria-Targeted Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Mechanistic Evaluation of Mitochondria-Targeted Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Jonathan Barlow

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

This project aims to develop and evaluate mitochondria-targeted nanomedicines for selective cancer cell therapy. Nanoparticles functionalised with mitochondrial targeting moieties will be synthesised, characterised, and assessed for their ability to disrupt cancer cell metabolism while sparing normal cells. Advanced in vitro models such as 3D spheroids/organoids, will be employed to assess cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and mitochondrial activity. Techniques will include TEM, AFM, XPS, Raman, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and Seahorse/XFe for metabolic profiling. The project integrates nanomedicine, cellular metabolism, and cancer biology, providing insights into mitochondrial-targeted therapies. Students will gain expertise in nanoparticle design, intracellular targeting, metabolic assessment, and advanced in vitro cancer models, equipping them for careers in translational nanomedicine, biotechnology, or academic research.

APPLY HERE

Nanotoxicology of Engineered Nanoparticles in Normal and Cancer Cells

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Nanotoxicology of Engineered Nanoparticles in Normal and Cancer Cells

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

- Understanding the Rules of Life (Systems Biology)

Project Outline

This project investigates how nano-based drug delivery systems (DDS), including carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, silver, gold, and silica nanoparticles, interact with normal and cancer cells, and how these interactions affect cell signalling and viability. The student will synthesise, functionalise, and characterise nanoparticles using several techniques including TEM, AFM, XPS, Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy before assessing their biological effects. Advanced in vitro models, including 3D spheroids/organoids, alongside flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, molecular profiling, and cytotoxicity assays, will be employed to study nanoparticle uptake, intracellular distribution, and modulation of key signalling pathways such as mTOR, WNT, and WNK. The project aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying nanoparticle toxicity and therapeutic potential, guiding the design of safer, more effective nanomaterials. Multidisciplinary training integrates nanomedicine, cellular biology, and environmental nanoscience, with access to advanced laboratory facilities, industrial collaborations, and expert mentoring. The student will gain expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, characterisation, nanotoxicology, and drug delivery, preparing them for careers in translational nanomedicine and biotechnology.

APPLY HERE

Co-supervisor on a project with: Dr Felix Chan