Dr Nicholas Baidoo

Nicholas Baidoo achieved his MSc in Biomedical Science from London Metropolitan University before obtaining a PhD in Bio/chemical Sciences from Roehampton University in London. Following this, he held an honorary research fellowship at Queen Mary University of London. With a wealth of experience spanning over 17 years, Baidoo is a HCPC-state registered biomedical scientist specialising in histopathology. As a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, Baidoo actively participates in training graduates to acquire state registration in cellular pathology. He has worked in more than 30 healthcare sectors, both in the UK and internationally, with diverse roles and specialities. Baidoo takes pride in having worked at esteemed institutions such as the Experimental Histopathology Research Laboratory at Francis Crick Institute in London, the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry, the Institute of Liver Studies at Kings College Hospital, and the Molecular Pathology Section at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Imperial College Hospital in Hammersmith, among others.

Baidoo's passion for research began during his time at London Metropolitan University, where he focused on the impact of grape polyphenols on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. As a senior research scientist in experimental histopathology at Francis Crick Institute, Baidoo provided technical and teaching assistance to various research groups. His work currently involves utilising human gastrointestinal tissues to conduct structural and molecular studies, evaluating how cellular and extracellular matrix within the gut wall are affected by ageing. Additionally, Baidoo has contributed to the teaching of biomedical science undergraduate students and supervised master's research students at Roehampton University.

Nicholas Baidoo (BSc; MSc; PhD; FIBMS) is intrigued by cellular and molecular biology of the ageing gastrointestinal tract, with a specific focus on the role played by various cells in the ageing process. In the human population, there is a prevalence of lower bowel disorders such as chronic constipation, faecal impaction, and incontinence, which significantly impact the lives of approximately 7 million individuals aged over 65 years in the UK. This is particularly evident within elderly care facilities. If these conditions are not effectively treated, the elderly may experience chronic pain, a reduced quality of life, a loss of independence, and become an increasing financial burden (costing the NHS over £1.7 billion annually). The complex structure of the lower bowel necessitates a comprehensive understanding of how ageing affects different intestinal cell types and structures, and how these in turn affect the functioning of the bowel in the elderly population. These structural studies have been largely neglected in investigations of the human gastrointestinal tract. My primary research interests involve the analysis of human colonic samples to assess the cellular and extracellular matrix components that are susceptible to age-related changes, utilising a systematic and replicable methodology.

My research initially focused on examining the distribution patterns of collagen content in the human colon, during my doctoral studies. This work revealed that advanced age leads to an increase in total collagen content within the key sublayer of the gut. Notably, higher total collagen levels were observed in the submucosa and muscularis externa of the elderly (≥ 65 years) compared to adults (< 65 years). These structural studies provided evidence that supports the physiological changes commonly observed in elderly individuals. My research further delved into assessing the enteric nervous system, which controls the motility of the colon. This investigation demonstrated that the ageing of the human colon impacts the distribution patterns of specific subpopulations of enteric glial cells and calretinin-immunoreactive neurons in a region and sublayer-dependent manner. Understanding the contributions of critical cell types and extracellular matrix components that constitute the gut wall to age-related functional changes in gut physiology is crucial for the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies.

For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.