PhD defence by Sara Vogt Bleshøy

From uptake to release: live-cell single-particle insights into intracellular biopharmaceuticals delivery

Assessment Committee:
Professor Hanne Mørck Nielsen, Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Associate Professor Andrew Urquart, DTU health tech
Associate professor Erdinc Sezgin, Karolinska Institute

Supervisor(s):
Professor Nikos Hatzakis

Department:
Department of Chemistry

Place:
2-11, Room: aud - A2-11.01- CPSC1,Bülowsvej 21, 1870 Fredertiksberg C

Email address to gain access to the thesis: sara_bleshoy@hotmail.com 
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.

Short description of the thesis:
Biopharmaceuticals are reshaping modern medicine, but their success depends on more than molecular design alone. Cells are not passive recipients - they actively influence whether a drug reaches its intended target. As biopharmaceuticals become increasingly complex, understanding their journey within living cells is essential for improving therapeutic efficacy. In my PhD research, I combine live-cell fluorescence microscopy, single-particle tracking, and quantitative image analysis to follow therapeutic particles as they navigate intracellular pathways. By uncovering cellular internalization, transport, and release of biopharmaceuticals and nanoparticles, this work provides new insights into the dynamic interactions that govern successful drug delivery and introduces analytical tools that enable mechanistic understanding and support the rational design of future therapies.