Dr Richard Moakes

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Richard’s research is centred around merging both chemical and material sciences to engineer the next generation of materials that synergistically work with the body to shape biology.

His work within the translational field, spanning “bench to bedside”, incorporates fundamental science, GMP manufacture and clinical trials, producing research that directly enhances patient health.

Richard Moakes is part of the Healthcare Technologies Institute (HTI), an interdisciplinary network of over 70 academics working together to advance new technologies and treatments that encourage better tissue healing and rehabilitation tools. The HTI brings together leading experts from a variety of disciplines across the University of Birmingham, including chemical engineering, biomedical science, computer science, applied mathematics, chemistry and physics. Researchers across campus are working collaboratively to speed up the translation of new discoveries into health applications.

Richard’s research is focused on being able to direct biological processes through a materials-based approach; using a multi-disciplinary setting to translate basic science through to the patient.

Key research themes include:

Structuring materials for improved functionality
Shaping biology through engineering biological micro-environments
Anti-scarring technologies

Research Groups

Healthcare Technologies Institute (HTI)

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: science-driven; guiding; flexible.

Provision of Training

I try to help the researcher establish independent research early on; mostly through discussions and providing guidance and helpful avenues.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect you to take ownership of the project, but like to keep up to date with any progress - mainly through regular discussions about your data.

Communication

I have an open door policy and encourage my team to drop in or send emails as and when questions.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per month

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

Meetings will mainly be face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Pattern

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Novel Stabilisation and Delivery Materials for RNA-based Therapies

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).

Novel Stabilisation and Delivery Materials for RNA-based Therapies

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Owen Thomas

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes: Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

After nearly five decades of research and innovation, the first mRNA-based vaccines burst on to the world stage during the COVID-19 pandemic halting the spread of infections and heralding a new era in development of vaccine and biotherapeutics.[1] In vitro transcribed (IVT) messenger (m)RNA is viewed as a paradigm shift within the pharmaceutical field; with the potential to revolutionise pharmaceutics and approaches to medicine. The idea, beautiful in its simplicity, of engineering mRNA sequences which elicit the patient’s own cells to regulate and produce therapeutic agents, verges on the apex of personalised medicines.[2] While the potential of RNA therapies appears boundless, for widespread future use several key challenges must be addressed, i.e., maintenance of stability (physical and chemical), eliminating heavy reliance on cold chain infrastructure, and manufacture of such medicines in appropriate dosage forms.

The current gold-standard for the stabilisation and delivery of RNA-based therapies centres around the use of lipid nano-particles (LNPs); these are submicron particles comprising a complex mixture of various lipid components that form protective capsules around the RNA cargo. Although as a technology, they have facilitated the translation of new vaccines, the inherent chemistry of LNPs ultimately results in low loading efficiencies and poor shelf-lives (requiring vast cold chain infrastructure) – the latter as a result of chemical degradation (oxidation) and physical instability (aggregation, crystallisation).[3] At the University of Birmingham we have demonstrated an ability to improve the stability of RNA using sugar-based polymers. Our early data demonstrates that these materials can interact with the RNA and act as scaffolds to prevent denaturation during adverse conditions such as elevated temperatures. This opens a wealth of options for such therapies including new lower cost manufacturing capacities, improved storage and shelf-life and the ability to formulate RNA into various dosage forms (sprays, drops, hydrogels). Moreover, it offers a solution for the effective distribution of RNA medicines to developing countries, where the costs of cold chain has hindered their usage.

Objectives

The vision for this project is to build a deeper understanding of how polysaccharides can be used to stabilise and deliver RNA-based therapies. It will be founded upon a multi-disciplinary approach combing aspects of biotechnology, engineering/materials science and translational medicine to unpick the underpinning interactions, formulate and characterise novel delivery vehicles for RNA-based therapies. Therefore, the main objectives of this project will be to:

understand the interactions between RNA and sugar-based polymers that lead to stabilising effects;
demonstrate efficacy of the RNA-polysaccharide complexes;
formulate the complexes into different dosage formats.

Key Methods

In this multi-disciplinary project the researcher will undertake an array of experimental procedures and learn new skills in various areas. For example, a few of these will include:

Biotechnology
- In vitro transcription of and purification of mRNA
- Gel electrophoresis-based analyses
- Biophysical characterisation, incl. Zetapotential and particle size analysis, Circular dichroism (CD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Cell culture and transfection assays
Engineering/materials science
- Microstructural design and materials formulation
- Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS)
- Rheometry
Translational Medicine
- Understanding pathways to clinic

References

[1] Barbier, A. J., Jiang, A. Y., Zhang, P., Wooster, R. & Anderson, D. G. Nature Biotechnology 40, 840-854, (2022).

[2] Sahin, U., Karikó, K. & Türeci, Ö. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 13, 759-780, (2014).

[3] Hou, X., Zaks, T., Langer, R. & Dong, Y. Nature Reviews Materials 6, 1078-1094, (2021).