Investigation of the interactions of proteins with fibrils in composite gel: a multiscale approach

This multidisciplinary project involving both experimental characterization and theoretical aspects aims to characterise the interactions between the components of a gel-like composite of 'inert' polysaccharide fibrils and protein aggregates at multiple length scales (from macro-colloidal-nanoscale).

We first aim to map the macroscale chemistry of interactions using wet chemistry techniques and then probe the dynamic behaviour using advanced confocal microscopy and scattering techniques. Quantification of forces in the protein-fibril complex (surface interactions, bindings - both covalent and non-covalent interactions, mechanical forces, adhesion) will be characterized at colloidal and nanoscale, latter using nanomechanical techniques. We plan to identify key motifs in the protein and the fibrils and factors (temperature, pH, chain length) that control the component interactions and overall structure and strength of this composite material. We aim to develop mesoscopic models using mathematical models and computer simulations to understand: the effect and strength of short-range and electrostatic interactions, surface charge density, surface charge distribution in protein-fibre complexes and compare experimental results with theoretical results to pin-point the key controlling interactions and the distribution within the material.

Protein chemistry, probing interactions experimentally at colloidal length scale, rheology, imaging (advanced confocal microscopy with Raman, cryo-scanning electron microscopy with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)), scattering- Prof. Brent Murray/ Prof. Anwesha Sarkar (Food Sci)

Development and application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques in imaging and force spectroscopy mode, nanomechanics (adhesive forces, pulling forces), and biopolymer network characterisation at the nanoscale. - Dr Simon Connell (Physics)

Modelling interactions at colloidal length scale, Self-consistent field theory calculations, Brownian dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations - Dr Rammile Ettelaie (Food Sci)

Direct utilization of facilities at Bragg Centre of Materials Research (e.g. Wellcome trust-funded high speed confocal with force measurements)

Direct utilization of facilities at LEMAS (Leeds Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy Centre) (e.g. SEM with EDX)

This study will identify what are the key interactions that generate the texture of a model Quorn vegetarian product.

The future growth of Quorn will depend on replicating or enhancing these textures with plant proteins.

It is hoped the output of this work will accelerate plant protein reformulation allowing the company to reduce egg white use and further improving the company sustainability/LCA profile into the future.

The CDT in Molecules to Product has the potential to make a real impact as a consequence of the transformative nature of the underpinning 'design and supply' paradigm. Through the exploitation of the generated scientific knowledge, a new approach to the product development lifecycle will be developed. This know-how will impact significantly on productivity, consistency and performance within the speciality chemicals, home and personal care (HPC), fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, and pharma/biopharma sectors.
UK manufacturing is facing a major challenge from competitor countries such as China that are not constrained by fixed manufacturing assets, consequently they can make products more efficiently and at significantly lower operational costs. For example, the biggest competition for some well recognised 'high-end' brands is from 'own-brand' products (simple formulations that are significantly cheaper). For UK companies to compete in the global market, there is a real need to differentiate themselves from the low-cost competition, hence the need for uncopiable or IP protected, enhanced product performance, higher productivity and greater consistency. The CDT is well placed to contribute to addressing this shift in focus though its research activities, with the PGR students serving as ambassadors for this change. The CDT will thus contribute to the sustainability of UK manufacturing and economic prosperity.
The route to ensuring industry will benefit from the 'paradigm' is through the PGR students who will be highly employable as a result of their unique skills-set. This is a result of the CDT research and training programme addressing a major gap identified by industry during the co-creation of the CDT. Resulting absorptive capacity is thus significant. In addition to their core skills, the PGR students will learn new ones enabling them to work across disciplinary boundaries with a detailed understanding of the chemicals-continuum. Importantly, they will also be trained in innovation and enterprise enabling them to challenge the current status quo of 'development and manufacture' and become future leaders.
The outputs of the research projects will be collated into a structured database. This will significantly increase the impact and reach of the research, as well as ensuring the CDT outputs have a long-term transformative effect. Through this route, the industrial partners will benefit from the knowledge generated from across the totality of the product development lifecycle. The database will additionally provide the foundations from which 'benchmark processes' are tackled demonstrating the benefits of the new approach to transitioning from molecules to product.
The impact of the CDT training will be significantly wider than the CDT itself. By offering modules as Continuing Professional Development courses to industry, current employees in chemical-related sectors will have the opportunity to up-skill in new and emerging areas. The modules will also be made available to other CDTs, will serve as part of company graduate programmes and contribute to further learning opportunities for those seeking professional accreditation as Chartered Chemical Engineers.
The CDT, through public engagement activities, will serve as a platform to raise awareness of the scientific and technical challenges that underpin many of the items they rely on in daily life. For example, fast moving consumer goods including laundry products, toiletries, greener herbicides, over-the-counter drugs and processed foods. Activities will include public debates and local and national STEM events. All events will have two-way engagement to encourage the general public to think what the research could mean for them. Additionally these activities will provide the opportunity to dispel the myths around STEM in terms of career opportunities and to promote it as an activity to be embraced by all thereby contributing to the ED&I agenda.