This research develops a nanoparticle-based diagnostic test for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and deadly blood disorder. By enabling fast, affordable detection of the ADAMTS13 enzyme, the system could allow earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved survival while inspiring new approaches to rare disease diagnostics.

This research uses neutron scattering — “neutron vision” — to reveal the full structure of complex nanoparticles that X-rays can’t fully resolve. By developing statistical methods to optimise experiment design and analyse data, the project enables clearer structural insights, accelerating the development of advanced materials for energy, medicine and nanotechnology.