UHI researcher applies Nobel Prize-winning technology to revolutionise interventional cardiology

UHI researcher applies Nobel Prize-winning technology to revolutionise interventional cardiology

Dr Emma Coghill, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), is using Nobel Prize-winning technology to address a common complication experienced during angioplasty procedures. Her research explores the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a revolutionary porous molecular material, to improve patient outcomes and reduce treatment times.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was announced this week (Wednesday 8 October) by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, and was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi for their pioneering work on MOFs. These unique materials, which integrate metal clusters within a porous molecular structure, are known for their extraordinary properties, most notably, their incredibly large surface area. This allows them to store significant amounts of substances in a tiny volume and have been used in a wide range of applications, from water capture in desert climates to gas storage. The Nobel Committee noted that a MOF the size of a sugar cube can have the surface area of an entire football pitch.

^{Dr Emma Coghill using an analyser to measure free radical generation as part of her MOF study. Copyright: Tim Winterburn / UHI}

Dr Coghill is based at UHI's Division of Biomedical Sciences, within the Life Sciences Innovation Centre (LSIC) on the Inverness Campus, and is currently investigating MOFs to tackle a complication in angioplasty procedures. Angioplasty, a procedure used to treat coronary artery blockages, involves placing a stent into the heart's blood vessels via access through the forearm. A common and painful complication is blood vessel spasms, which can cause significant patient discomfort and extend the duration of the procedure.

To address this, Dr Coghill is working with innovative MOF-based coatings for the tubing used during angioplasty. These coatings have the potential to deliver biologically active compounds directly to patients, helping to reduce the risk of spasms and improve overall procedure outcomes. Her research is being conducted in partnership with the University of St Andrews, industry partners and NHS Highland.

Originally from Wick, Dr Coghill completed both her MSc and PhD studies at UHI, and her research is part of UHI's wider efforts to develop transformative solutions in biomedical science and healthcare. She said:

"I am delighted to be able to continue this important research right here in the Highlands at UHI. It's exciting to be working with metal-organic frameworks, a technology recognised with the Nobel Prize. These materials are not only fascinating from a scientific perspective, but they also hold real potential to improve how we deliver care during procedures like angioplasty."

Interested in learning more about Dr Coghill's research and the other exciting projects underway at UHI's Division of Biomedical Sciences? Join us for one of our upcoming lab tours:

➕ Wednesday 22 October: Laboratory Tour: UHI Biomedical Research and Innovation at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

➕ Wednesday 19 November: Laboratory Tour: UHI Biomedical Research and Innovation at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite