Analysing Nanomaterials in Complex Environments
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Chemical and Process Engineering
Abstract
Context of research
Engineered nanoparticles are finding applications in various and numerous fields from healthcare to energy generation. The resulting increase in human exposure to these types of nanomaterials has led to concerns regarding the risk to health, necessitating the full characterisation of relevant nanoparticle systems under representative conditions which may permit safety assessment following correlative or evaluative studies.
Depending upon the application area, nanomaterials may be dispersed in complex environments. This can complicate analysis and understanding of the resulting system, with the requirement of new, innovative and correlative approaches to be developed.
Aims and objectives
The purpose of this project is to develop methods to identify and quantify the structure and dispersion of nanomaterials in complex matrices. The project will utilise advanced characterisation techniques in the analysis of dispersed nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using the recently installed FEI Titan Themis Cubed at Leeds will enable imaging and nanoscale chemical analysis of nanoparticles frozen in relevant suspensions. This representative sample preparation, in conjunction with correlation to larger length scales and to bulk metrics, will permit measurement and lead to understanding of nanomaterial properties under realistic conditions.
Potential applications and benefits
This research will result in greater understanding of nanomaterials dispersed in complex environments, with analysis protocols developed for the extended use of analytical electron microscopy with correlation to bulk techniques. The applicability of the latest electron microscopy techniques will be assessed (e.g. analytical cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, liquid cell TEM), which will provide further guidance as to the applicability of these techniques for other systems.
Further benefits may be gained by nanoparticle manufacturers (including academic research groups) and related industries. The understanding of the nanomaterial systems that will be gained, in addition to the development and implementation of the characterisation methodology, will aid in reducing safety concerns regarding nanomaterials for the general public. This research fits within the EPSRC themes of 'Manufacturing the Future' and 'Physical Sciences', specifically in the research areas of 'Analytical Science' and 'Particle Technology'.
Engineered nanoparticles are finding applications in various and numerous fields from healthcare to energy generation. The resulting increase in human exposure to these types of nanomaterials has led to concerns regarding the risk to health, necessitating the full characterisation of relevant nanoparticle systems under representative conditions which may permit safety assessment following correlative or evaluative studies.
Depending upon the application area, nanomaterials may be dispersed in complex environments. This can complicate analysis and understanding of the resulting system, with the requirement of new, innovative and correlative approaches to be developed.
Aims and objectives
The purpose of this project is to develop methods to identify and quantify the structure and dispersion of nanomaterials in complex matrices. The project will utilise advanced characterisation techniques in the analysis of dispersed nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using the recently installed FEI Titan Themis Cubed at Leeds will enable imaging and nanoscale chemical analysis of nanoparticles frozen in relevant suspensions. This representative sample preparation, in conjunction with correlation to larger length scales and to bulk metrics, will permit measurement and lead to understanding of nanomaterial properties under realistic conditions.
Potential applications and benefits
This research will result in greater understanding of nanomaterials dispersed in complex environments, with analysis protocols developed for the extended use of analytical electron microscopy with correlation to bulk techniques. The applicability of the latest electron microscopy techniques will be assessed (e.g. analytical cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, liquid cell TEM), which will provide further guidance as to the applicability of these techniques for other systems.
Further benefits may be gained by nanoparticle manufacturers (including academic research groups) and related industries. The understanding of the nanomaterial systems that will be gained, in addition to the development and implementation of the characterisation methodology, will aid in reducing safety concerns regarding nanomaterials for the general public. This research fits within the EPSRC themes of 'Manufacturing the Future' and 'Physical Sciences', specifically in the research areas of 'Analytical Science' and 'Particle Technology'.
Organisations
Publications
Ilett M
(2020)
Nanoparticle corona artefacts derived from specimen preparation of particle suspensions.
in Scientific reports
Ilett M
(2017)
Cryo-STEM-EDX spectroscopy for the characterisation of nanoparticles in cell culture media
in Journal of Physics: Conference Series
Ilett M
(2020)
Analysis of complex, beam-sensitive materials by transmission electron microscopy and associated techniques.
in Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences
Ilett M
(2019)
Cryo-analytical STEM of frozen, aqueous dispersions of nanoparticles.
in Micron (Oxford, England : 1993)
Ilett M
(2020)
Application of automated electron microscopy imaging and machine learning to characterise and quantify nanoparticle dispersion in aqueous media.
in Journal of microscopy
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509681/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1787177 | Studentship | EP/N509681/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2020 | Martha Ilett |
| Description | - The work has demonstrated the first use of analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy in the examination of nanoparticles captured in a layer of vitreous ice. - The work has identified sample preparation derived artefacts, both in terms of nanoparticle suspension preparation causing changes to pH and transmission electron microscopy specimen preparation. |
| Exploitation Route | -The works findings are already implemented by other members in the wider research group and also has application in other microscopy groups and the outcomes are relevant to those studying nanoparticles |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Environment,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30763878;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31823372 |
| Description | University of Leeds BeCurious Public Engagement Event 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As part of the University of Leeds public engagement festival 'BeCurious' members of the team led a stand called 'Tiny new world: Viewing nanomaterials'. Visitors could build models of atomic structures using craft supplies, and use a desktop scanning electron microscope to view real world items at high magnification. The purpose was to show the relevance of nanomaterials and the microscopes we use to examine these to the lives that we lead. The University believes more than 1200 people attended to the events, and dozens of people (including children) used the electron microscope. Feedback from people was positive (that it was enjoyable and interesting), with aspects of this included in school visits held later in the year and plans for the 2020 BeCurious event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | http://www.leeds.ac.uk/download/482/be_curious_programme |