Dr Paolo Actis
- Position: Associate Professor of Bio-nanotechnology
- Areas of expertise: nanopores; biosensor; single-cell analysis; bionanotechnology, single molecule analysis, electrochemistry
- Email: P.Actis@leeds.ac.uk
- Phone: +44(0)113 343 4625
- Location: GR24 Bragg
- Website: Twitter | LinkedIn | Googlescholar | ORCID
Profile
I am an Assocate Professor in Bionanotechnology and I strive to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.
My research involves the development of nanoprobes for single-cell analysis and manipulation with single molecule resolution. I am working with biologists and physicians to understand the deepest difference between healthy cells and diseased cells. After graduating in 2008 with a PhD from the Grenoble Institute of Technology (FR), I spent 4 years in California working on my tan at NASA Ames (US) and UC Santa Cruz (US) before crossing the pond again to lose my tan at Imperial College London (UK). I then spent two years at Bio Nano Consulting as a Consultant & Project Manager.
I love gardening and cooking (I make the best Lasagna this side of the Channel) and I used to play beach volleyball, surf and practice Krav Maga (with very mediocre results). I am massive Juventus fan !
Responsibilities
- Deputy Director for Student Education
Research interests
Our beauty is in our differences. This is true down to the level of individual molecules that make up our body. I am working with biologists and physicians to understand the deepest difference between healthy cells and diseased cells.
My research plan aims to develop a new platform for single-cell analysis and manipulation to study the dynamic function of individual cells in heterogeneous populations with single molecule resolution.
Single-cell Nanosurgery. I am developing an electrical nanobiopsy platform capable of extracting genetic material and organelles from single cells in culture. I apply this technology to understand why a brain cancer called GBM is so deadly and what we can do to stop it!
Single molecule Biosensing. I am developing functionalized DNA origami constructs to capture disease biomarkers within biological fluids. I then analyse them one at the time using nanopore sensors aiming to detect the tiniest amount of disease biomarkers so that a diagnosis can be done as quickly as possible.
Single-molecule Nanoinjection. I am developing a platform that can inject biomolecules one at the time into living cells in culture. I am hoping this technology will help us understand the mechanism of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.
I am collaborating with poets, dancers, musicians, designers and even chefs because knowledge has no boundaries.
Student education
I am the module leader for ELEC5650 "Medical Electronics and e-Health"
Research groups and institutes
- Pollard Institute