Self-assembling polymers and peptides for hydroxyapatite mineralisation
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
The aim of the project is to design self-assembling polymers and small molecules that control the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals in the oral environment. We will develop smart block copolymers with pH-responsive self-assembly and peptide-inspired polymers, both of which self-assemble into morphologies like hydrogels, micellar, lamellar and worm-like micelles. The polymers will be functionalised with acidic moieties so as to induce the crystallisation of calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite. We expect that the morphology of the self-assembled structures will help direct the morphology of the nascent hydroxyapatite crystals, leading to mineralised structures that mimic those of hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel.
This project will be a collaboration between Dr M Shaver (PI) and Dr F Nudelman (Co-supervisor), and Dr C Fowler (GSK Healthcare).
The project fits into the EPSRC remit including the theme of Healthcare technology, research area of Biomaterials and tissue engineering: "Research into biomedical materials with novel chemical, physical or mechanical properties or use of materials in a range of medical applications and interventions including regenerative medicine".
This project will be a collaboration between Dr M Shaver (PI) and Dr F Nudelman (Co-supervisor), and Dr C Fowler (GSK Healthcare).
The project fits into the EPSRC remit including the theme of Healthcare technology, research area of Biomaterials and tissue engineering: "Research into biomedical materials with novel chemical, physical or mechanical properties or use of materials in a range of medical applications and interventions including regenerative medicine".
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509644/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
1799702 | Studentship | EP/N509644/1 | 31/08/2016 | 31/12/2020 | Yasmeen Jhons |
Description | The synthesised funtionalised polymer is promotes the precipitation of amorphous calcium phosphate which was both confirmed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. However the precipitation depends on where the phosphorous moiety in the polymer chain. It was also found that block copolymers that contain an OH group can promote growth of calcium phosphate according to dynamic light scattering. Some polymers were tested as protected films on enamel in the incidence where acid erosion could occur, and it was found the a when polymers made a film or worms they were more successful then when the polymers formed spheres. |
Exploitation Route | The stability of the amorphous calcium phosphate precipitated needs to be checked. Then some more scanning and transmission electron microscopy needs to be seen to check for crystalline calcium phosphate for the polymer which contains alcohol groups. The amount of functional groups in the polymer that is needed to promote calcium phosphate precipitation. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Healthcare Government Democracy and Justice Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Biofouling and Adhesive properties of Self-assembling polymers |
Organisation | Queen Mary University of London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I synthesised the block copolymer that were being tested and tested some myself by spending a week at Queen Mary University of London. |
Collaborator Contribution | They provided the testing methods and did most of the testing for the polymers |
Impact | It is a multi-disciplinary collaboration |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Biomineralisation 2019 conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Poster presentation to leaders in the biomineralisation field. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.biomin2019.de/ |
Description | Careers Hive 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Schools and the general public came to the National Museum in Edinburgh where they engaged in scientific activities such as hacking. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Cooking with Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A workshop where the science behind cooking was highlighted |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Poster Presentation at APME 2019 conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Poster presented to over 100 people from the materials field and helps me secure my future job |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://academic.sun.ac.za/apme/ |
Description | Postgraduate Open Day November 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Showing people around the chemistry building and giving my personal experience of postgrad in the Department of Chemistry |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | STEM Speed Networking 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Went to a school and then the students rotate between tables and ask questions about science and university to us. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | STEM4BRITAIN 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presenting a poster to a lay audience to highlight the great research going on in Britain |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.setforbritain.org.uk/index.asp |