Next Generation Biomaterials Discovery
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Pharmacy
Abstract
Advanced biomaterials are essential components in targeting infectious diseases and cancers, realising the potential of regenerative medicine and the medical devices of the future. A multidisciplinary team spanning Engineering, Science and Medical Faculties in Nottingham, in collaboration with 4 leading international groups has combined to realise the vision of materials discovery in 3D. Without this leap beyond 2D screening methodologies we will miss new advanced materials because they omit architecture and often poorly represent the in vivo environment. The aim is to allow us to move beyond the existing limited range of generic bioresorbable polymeric drug and cell delivery agents currently licensed for use in man and medical device polymers, to bespoke materials identified to function optimally for specific applications.
We know that defining chemistry, stiffness, topography and shape can control the response of cells to materials. This programme will focus on producing and testing large libraries of these attributes in the form of patterned surfaces, particles and more complex architectures. New materials will be identified for application in the areas of targeted drug delivery, regenerative medicine and advanced materials for next generation medical devices.
The 3D screening methods will define a new landscape in biomaterials discovery and create the platforms through which more effective advanced materials will be discovered. Our three ambitious application focussed areas provide high impact examples in which our biomaterials leads are developed towards exploitation in the clinic. These downstream projects will be carried out in both academic and commercial research programmes funded through partnering, licensing and formation of spin-outs as appropriate.
We know that defining chemistry, stiffness, topography and shape can control the response of cells to materials. This programme will focus on producing and testing large libraries of these attributes in the form of patterned surfaces, particles and more complex architectures. New materials will be identified for application in the areas of targeted drug delivery, regenerative medicine and advanced materials for next generation medical devices.
The 3D screening methods will define a new landscape in biomaterials discovery and create the platforms through which more effective advanced materials will be discovered. Our three ambitious application focussed areas provide high impact examples in which our biomaterials leads are developed towards exploitation in the clinic. These downstream projects will be carried out in both academic and commercial research programmes funded through partnering, licensing and formation of spin-outs as appropriate.
Planned Impact
Beneficiaries from the proposed research will include:
- In the short-term, researchers in the Programme Grant's challenge areas will benefit from the provision of new materials with which to develop biomaterial solutions to healthcare needs. When these materials make their way to the clinic, patients will benefit from improved biomaterials that will result in reduced morbidity and mortality. Clinicians will benefit through the provision of increased treatment options.
- Society will benefit from reduced healthcare costs associated with hospital associated infections, reduced medical implant rejection and improved quality of life for the ageing population.
- Commercial partners in regenerative medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and medical devices will benefit from the generation of new revenue streams associated with new materials which will positively influence the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom.
- The methodologies developed will have significant impact in the materials scientific research community, facilitating the vision of targeted materials function. These will be applicable beyond healthcare to various sectors including energy, food and manufacturing.
- The researchers involved in the programme and investigators will benefit from highly interdisciplinary training in the growth area of materials and exposure to different ways of working within the UK and international partners.
From a commercial perspective, research is targeted to be directly relevant to 3 broad groups of beneficiaries with whom we have close working relationships established through current research projects:
- In Regenerative Medicine we are collaborating with GE Healthcare, Intercytex, Mica Technologies, Haemostatix, Neusentis, Locate Therapeutics, Neotherix, NCTS, Tokyo Electron and Syngenta.
- In Pharmaceutics, we are collaborating with GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Greenpharma, UCB Pharma, PsiOxus, Novozymes, Boots and Molecular Profiles.
- In Medical Devices we are collaborating with Smith and Nephew, Dow Corning, Arterius, Camstent, Protip Medical, Tensive Medical and J&J Visioncare.
Examples of expected outputs include:-
- The discovery of lead material-topography combinations for stem cell differentiation into bone.
- Polymers with the potential to efficiently traffic therapeutics through the body to deliver them preferentially in the vicinity of infections and tumours.
- Mature cardiomyocytes for drug toxicity screening in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Materials which have an immune instructive effect to reduce failure for dental and orthopaedic implants.
- ChemoTopo Chips that will be of use in screening for cell instructive materials in the regenerative medicine industry.
- New 3D models of polymicrobial infections to identify future strategies for preventing/treating chronic infections. This will enable transformational approaches to be taken to meet unmet clinical needs.
- In the short-term, researchers in the Programme Grant's challenge areas will benefit from the provision of new materials with which to develop biomaterial solutions to healthcare needs. When these materials make their way to the clinic, patients will benefit from improved biomaterials that will result in reduced morbidity and mortality. Clinicians will benefit through the provision of increased treatment options.
- Society will benefit from reduced healthcare costs associated with hospital associated infections, reduced medical implant rejection and improved quality of life for the ageing population.
- Commercial partners in regenerative medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and medical devices will benefit from the generation of new revenue streams associated with new materials which will positively influence the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom.
- The methodologies developed will have significant impact in the materials scientific research community, facilitating the vision of targeted materials function. These will be applicable beyond healthcare to various sectors including energy, food and manufacturing.
- The researchers involved in the programme and investigators will benefit from highly interdisciplinary training in the growth area of materials and exposure to different ways of working within the UK and international partners.
From a commercial perspective, research is targeted to be directly relevant to 3 broad groups of beneficiaries with whom we have close working relationships established through current research projects:
- In Regenerative Medicine we are collaborating with GE Healthcare, Intercytex, Mica Technologies, Haemostatix, Neusentis, Locate Therapeutics, Neotherix, NCTS, Tokyo Electron and Syngenta.
- In Pharmaceutics, we are collaborating with GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Greenpharma, UCB Pharma, PsiOxus, Novozymes, Boots and Molecular Profiles.
- In Medical Devices we are collaborating with Smith and Nephew, Dow Corning, Arterius, Camstent, Protip Medical, Tensive Medical and J&J Visioncare.
Examples of expected outputs include:-
- The discovery of lead material-topography combinations for stem cell differentiation into bone.
- Polymers with the potential to efficiently traffic therapeutics through the body to deliver them preferentially in the vicinity of infections and tumours.
- Mature cardiomyocytes for drug toxicity screening in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Materials which have an immune instructive effect to reduce failure for dental and orthopaedic implants.
- ChemoTopo Chips that will be of use in screening for cell instructive materials in the regenerative medicine industry.
- New 3D models of polymicrobial infections to identify future strategies for preventing/treating chronic infections. This will enable transformational approaches to be taken to meet unmet clinical needs.
Organisations
- University of Nottingham (Lead Research Organisation)
- Maastricht University (UM) (Collaboration)
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Camstent Ltd (Collaboration)
- University of Southern Denmark (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Collaboration)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (Project Partner)
- Maastricht University (Project Partner)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Project Partner)
Publications
Abuawad A
(2020)
Metabolic characterisation of THP-1 macrophage polarisation using LC-MS-based metabolite profiling.
in Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society
Adlington K
(2016)
Application of Targeted Molecular and Material Property Optimization to Bacterial Attachment-Resistant (Meth)acrylate Polymers.
in Biomacromolecules
Aladdad AM
(2019)
A thermoresponsive three-dimensional fibrous cell culture platform for enzyme-free expansion of mammalian cells.
in Acta biomaterialia
Alexander MR
(2017)
Water contact angle is not a good predictor of biological responses to materials.
in Biointerphases
Alobaid MA
(2020)
Developing immune-regulatory materials using immobilized monosaccharides with immune-instructive properties.
in Materials today. Bio
Alvarez MM
(2016)
Delivery strategies to control inflammatory response: Modulating M1-M2 polarization in tissue engineering applications.
in Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society
Alvarez-Paino M
(2019)
Polymer Microparticles with Defined Surface Chemistry and Topography Mediate the Formation of Stem Cell Aggregates and Cardiomyocyte Function.
in ACS applied materials & interfaces
Amer MH
(2017)
Translational considerations in injectable cell-based therapeutics for neurological applications: concepts, progress and challenges.
in NPJ Regenerative medicine
| Title | Bio-Instructive Materials Inspires a Community-Made Lab Coat |
| Description | Heart-in-a-dish platforms for modelling cardiac disease have been formed from polymer chemistries which support human pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes using micro-topographies discovered in the Biomaterials Discovery EPSRC Programme Grant and an Impact Acceleration Account grant. This work was represented in visually stunning art works which were exhibited at Highfields Park, Art-in-science exhibition (2021) on University Park campus and featured as a front cover in Advanced Healthcare Materials journal. These bio-instructive material designs were taken from canvas to 111 textile artworks created by Nottingham-based community members (through workshops held at City Arts and Hubb Nottingham, Sneinton) which were skilfully stitched into a stunning lab coat (by Bespoke Clothing in Nottingham City - one BC). This was part of an exciting new project, HeART, funded by University of Nottingham's Institute for Policy & Engagement. The lab coat has been exhibited at City Arts, Lakeside Arts and is set to be part of an ongoing travelling exhibition including Nottingham's Festival of Science and Curiosity and "Science in the park" at Wollaton. The lab coat will be taking residence at the Biodiscovery Institute where it will be used a communication tool to hold patient public involvement groups for Bio-Instructive materials for translation-ready medical devices. Heart Project Lab Coat https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/news/2023/bio-instructive-materials-inspires-a-community-made-lab-coat.aspx |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Impact | The lab coat has been exhibited at City Arts, Lakeside Arts and is set to be part of an ongoing travelling exhibition including Nottingham's Festival of Science and Curiosity and "Science in the park" at Wollaton. The lab coat will be taking residence at the Biodiscovery Institute where it will be used a communication tool to hold patient public involvement groups for Bio-Instructive materials for translation-ready medical devices. |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/news/2023/bio-instructive-materi... |
| Title | Scales of Resistance video |
| Description | A short video presentation providing educational information regarding the issue of antibiotic resistance and the need to take effective action in the future. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | Used as part of the Royal Society Summer Science Online programme promoting science to the general public. |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/royal-society-summer-science-exh... |
| Title | Super biomaterials to fight superbugs |
| Description | A short animated video showing how Nottingham University are trying to find novel surface coatings that prevent superbugs sticking and building slime city communities called biofilms. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Impact | Used as part of the Royal Society Summer Science Online programme promoting science to the general public. |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/royal-society-summer-science-exh... |
| Description | The following 8 publications represent key findings from the grant: 1. Spatially Resolved Molecular Analysis of Host Response to Medical Device Implantation Using the 3D OrbiSIMS Highlights a Critical Role for Lipids, Suvannapruk et al. Advanced Science 2024 Cell-instructive polymers which modify the healing process around implanted biomaterials were found to have metabolite molecules at the biointerface which correlated with polarised macrophages, and highlighted the role of lipids agreeing with the hypothesis emerging as an explaining factor in the foreign body response to imparted medical devices. 2. Microparticles Decorated with Cell-Instructive Surface Chemistries Actively Promote Wound Healing, Latif et al. Advanced Materials, 2022 Over 300 polymers were screened to identify candidates which actively drive fibroblasts toward either pro- or anti-proliferative functional phenotypes. Fibroblast-instructive chemistries are identified, which are synthesized into surfactants to fabricate easy to administer microparticles for direct application to diabetic wounds. A mouse wound healing model confirmed that pro-proliferation identified in the in vitro model resulted in more rapid and complete wound healing. These materials have great potential in chronic wound which is being explored in the EPSRC Large Grant https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/X001156/1). 3. Immune Modulation by Design: Using Topography to Control Human Monocyte Attachment and Macrophage Differentiation Vassey et al. Advance Science, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201903392 In this publication, members of Next Generation Biomaterial Discovery team (including Maastricht University collaborator) identified specific surface structures which promoted or inhibited macrophage immune cells from attaching to surfaces and illustrate that biomaterials can be designed to modulate inflammatory responses in the fight against foreign body rejection of medical devices. Using a high throughput screening approach, the authors were able to look at over 2000 micropatterns to show immune cells can be modulated by specific topographies to promote pro-healing phenotypes which could potentially have beneficial effects on long term biomaterial integration. 4. Topographical biomaterials instruct bacterial surface attachment and the in vivo host-pathogen response Manuel Romero et al. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.10.328146 This study tackled the prevention of biofilm development on the surfaces of implanted medical devices, a global challenge in the healthcare sector by applying materials discovery. Bio-instructive materials that intrinsically prevent bacterial biofilm formation and drive an appropriate host immune response are required to reduce the burden of healthcare associated infections. Although bacterial surface attachment is known to be sensitive to shapes at the micrometre and nanometre scales, its exploitation has been limited by the lack of unbiased high throughput biomaterial screening combined with model-based methods capable of identifying correlations and predicting generic responses across a large library of features. This study filled this knowledge gap by using polymer chips, incorporating 2176 different surface structures, to assess bacterial pathogen attachment. A strong correlation between some surface shapes, bacterial attachment and biofilm formation was established, facilitated by using machine learning methods to analyse specific surface parameters for predicting attachment. Further experiments showed that candidate surface structures were able to prevent colonization against selected bacterial pathogens in vitro. 5. Effects of Polymer 3D Architecture, Size, and Chemistry on Biological Transport and Drug Delivery In Vitro and in Orthotopic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models Pearce et al. Advanced Heathcare Materials 2020 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adhm.202000892 This study reported the synthesis and application against Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) of a library of new architecturally-defined polymers with systematic variations in size, shape, placement of degradable groups and pro-drug linkers. eThe polymers were designed to probe key transport pathways in complex 3D in vitro cancer models, and also in orthotopic TNBC in mice.The study showed for the first time that changes in size of less than 5 nm and variations in shape from 'star' to 'hyperbranched' architectures markedly altered organ accumulation in miceThis information was used to design an in vivo efficacy study, which demonstrated better tumour reduction of a specific polymer-doxorubicin carrier compared to the free drug, and with better tolerability. These data are informing our design of next generation combination polymer therapeutics. 6. Discovery of synergistic material-topography combinations to achieve immunomodulatory osteoinductive biomaterials using a novel in vitro screening method: The ChemoTopoChip Burroughs et al, Biomaterials, 2021 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120740 This study reported on a novel screening platform developed in this project, called a ChemoTopoChip used to identify new cell-instructive materials, exemplified here for use in bone regeneration. Using a large library of materials with different topography shapes, and with the help of machine learning, the study was able to reveal the relative roles of topography and material chemistry on the immunomodulatory and bond forming propensity of macrophage and stem cells respectively, both of which play key roles in the regeneration process. Ultimately this allows identification of biomaterials able to modulate cells towards pro-healing phenotypes and offering a materials-induced alternative in bone-regenerative applications. 7. Discovery of a Novel Polymer for Xeno-Free, Long-Term Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Expansion Nasir et al., Advanced Healthcare Materials 2020 https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.2020014482020 Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) can be expanded and differentiated into almost any adult tissue cell type, thus making them a valuable source for various biomedical applications. In this study, a high-throughput materials discovery approach was used to screen over 600 hPSC-polymer interactions to identify a novel fully-defined material (polymer synthetic substrate) for hPSC culture. This system overcomes current limitations of hPSC culture methods, providing a scalable substrate which can be readily applied to tissue culture plasticware; whilst retaining stem cell integrity after long-term serial culture. Fulfilment of regulatory culture requirements makes this research translatable to clinical-scale and biomedical applications. 8. Designing topographically textured microparticles for induction and modulation of osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cell engineering Amer et al. Biomaterials, 2021 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120450 Mesenchymal stem cells, a type of cell that can make several types of cells belonging to our skeletal tissues, such as cartilage and bone, are a focus of intense research in bone development and regeneration. This study investigated how microparticles of varying sizes with different topologies (shapes) influenced mesenchymal stem cell attachment, proliferation (cell growth) and markers of osteogenesis (bone growth). The study highlighted the ability to modify and manipulate the cell responses to achieve desired cell fates without the need for other external factors. |
| Exploitation Route | In the original pathways to impact document the following beneficiaries were cited-we note progress under these headings and anticipated future opportunities: 1. Researchers, from the provision of new materials with which to develop biomaterial solutions to healthcare needs. Vassey et al Advance Science 2020 (https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201903392) has received 116 citations (Feb 2024) already and been highlighted in significant reviews such as "Combating Implant Infections: Shifting Focus from Bacteria to Host" Advanced Materials 2020. Understanding of the relationships between micro object geometry and macrophage response has been identified in the paper Vassey et al Matter (Cell Press) 2023 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2023.01.002) "Innate immune cell instruction using micron- scale 3D objects of varied architecture and polymer chemistry: The ChemoArchiChip". New molecular biointerfacial drivers of cell-instruction have been identified in the paper Suvannapruk et al. Advanced Science 2024 (https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.08.18.553860) "Spatially resolved molecular analysis of host response to medical device implantation using the 3D OrbiSIMS highlights a critical role for lipids". 2. Patients, when these materials make their way to the clinic Materials directly from the programme grant have not yet made it to the clinic, but proof of concept work is underway with commercial partners in the area of wound care, venous catheters and more widely across their portfolio. 3. Clinicians, through the provision of increased treatment options A polymer identified by materials discovery which preceded this grant is now on the NHS catalogue as a urinary catheter with reduced bacterial colonisation. First in man data is encouraging and a large-scale clinical trial to quantify efficacy across a homogeneous patient cohort is scheduled for 2021. 4. Society, from reduced healthcare costs See 3 5. Commercial partners, generation of new revenue streams associated with new materials Ongoing collaborations with companies make this an achievable goal for the future. We have used iCURE and Wellcome Trust business development funding to establish a link to companies with potential application areas. 6. The research community facilitating the vision of bespoke materials. See 1 7. Beyond healthcare to various sectors including energy, food and manufacturing. Collaboration with commercial partners are underway in reducing bacterial colonisation of water handling systems Benefits through research training will grow the PDRAs involved in the programme and the investigators will benefit from highly interdisciplinary training in the area of biomaterials discovery and exposure to different working approaches with international partners, e.g. time spent in the leading translational Langer Lab culture that has produced many research stars. Benefits to the public through our engagement programmes. We took an active role in The Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2019 and 2020 (as well as numerous local Nottingham Public Engagement events). https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2020/summer-science-online/ |
| Sectors | Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201903392,https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.10.328146,https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adhm.202000892,https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.04.29.067421,https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.2020014482020,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120450 |
| Description | A. Commercialisation of a bacteria resistant coated urinary catheter product, 'a bench to bedside' success. Discovery of a new class of bacteria resistant materials by the grant has enabled the successful development of a bacteria resistant coated catheter. Camstent Ltd https://www.camstent.com, who have licensed the patented technology, have attracted GBP4,500,000 of investment, opened an ISO approved manufacturing facility with commercially attractive production capacity, and obtained a CE mark for a urinary catheter with a 'bacteriaphobic' descriptor. The patent relating to this work [1] is licensed to Camstent in the field of urology. They ran a clinical trial which we took part in that was recently published containing successful biofilm reduction in a variety of patient cohorts. [2] Based upon this, they undertook a second clinical trial monitoring the clinical endpoint of bacteriuria, which is expected to provide sufficient support for wide clinical uptake of this device. References 1. Polymers which resist bacterial attachment UK Patent Application no: 1107416.8, 2011. Granted 2018 US9981068 B2 US Continuation App. 15/988,753, 2018. Licensed to Camstent Ltd. 2. Polymer-Coated Urinary Catheter Reduces Biofilm Formation and Biomineralization: A First-in-Man, Prospective Pilot Study Journal of Urology Open Plus Kiril Kalenderski, Jean-Frédéric Dubern, Christopher Lewis-Lloyd, Nicola Jeffery, Stephan Heeb, Derek J Irvine, Tim J Sloan, Brian Birch, Daniela Andrich, David Humes, Morgan R Alexander, Paul Williams 2 (1) p e00005 (2024). B. The new research area of "Cell-Instructive" or 'Active' Biomaterials is nucleating/evolving. Publications from this award have played a significant part with significant advances in materials using chemistry, topography and micro object shape to control stem cell, macrophage, fibroblast and bacterial cell phenotype to inhibit bacterial and fungal biofilms to reduce clinical infection. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Guidance from NC3Rs on non-animal derived matrices |
| Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or Improved professional practice |
| URL | https://nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resources/replacing-basement-membrane-extracts-bmes |
| Description | A New Correlative Approach for Structure Determination & Imaging of Molecular Materials |
| Amount | £1,470,902 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/W006413/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2021 |
| End | 11/2026 |
| Description | Acellular / Smart Materials - 3D Architecture: UK RMP Hub |
| Amount | £4,280,786 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/R015651/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2018 |
| End | 04/2024 |
| Description | BBSRC National Biofilms Innovation Centre Innovative Knowledge Centre |
| Amount | £15,600,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R012415/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | Bacterial Decision Making; to stick or not to stick? |
| Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 103882/Z/14/B |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2019 |
| End | 10/2022 |
| Description | Designing bio-instructive materials for translation ready medical devices |
| Amount | £5,200,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/X001156/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 12/2026 |
| Description | Dialling up performance for on demand manufacturing |
| Amount | £7,200,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 09/2027 |
| Description | Dialling up performance for on demand manufacturing |
| Amount | £5,865,535 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/W017032/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 09/2027 |
| Description | Dynamic physicochemical nanoscale imaging at the solid-liquid interface |
| Amount | £1,171,682 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/V053884/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2026 |
| Description | EMPIR: 'MetVBadBugs' |
| Amount | € 389,000 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Department | Horizon 2020 |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 05/2016 |
| End | 05/2019 |
| Description | EPSRC 3D OrbiSIMS: Label free chemical imaging of materials, cells and tissues. |
| Amount | £2,500,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/P029868/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2017 |
| End | 07/2022 |
| Description | EPSRC Thematic Doctoral Training Programme: Bioinstructive materials for healthcare applications (BMHA) |
| Amount | £280,241 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/N50970X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | EPSRC Thematic Studentship |
| Amount | £280,241 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2017 |
| End | 08/2020 |
| Description | EPSRC: Engineering Growth Factor Microenvironments |
| Amount | £3,700,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/P001114/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2021 |
| Description | EPSRC: Formulation for 3D printing |
| Amount | £3,800,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/N024818/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2016 |
| End | 09/2020 |
| Description | EPSRC: Healthcare Technologies Impact Fellowship |
| Amount | £540,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/N03371X/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2016 |
| End | 11/2018 |
| Description | Enabling Next Generation Additive Manufacturing for Pharma and related industries |
| Amount | £5,900,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/P031684/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2017 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | Expanding the Horizons of Imaging: Real-time Tracking of Drugs in the Brain |
| Amount | £202,381 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/V049291/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2021 |
| End | 12/2023 |
| Description | Experiencing the micro-world - a cell's perspective |
| Amount | £600,755 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R035563/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2018 |
| End | 11/2022 |
| Description | Exploring the role of matrix encapsulation on early developmental decisions using non-animal sourced hydrogels |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NC/W001918/1 |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 01/2026 |
| Description | FindABetterWay: Working together |
| Amount | £2,800,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Find a Better Way |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2017 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | Fully humanised 3D vascular perfused model for breast cancer modelling and therapeutic screening |
| Amount | £75,911 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NC/T001259/1 |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | H2020 grant 'Personalised Integrated Biomaterials Risk Assessment (PanBioRA)' |
| Amount | € 7,944,786 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 760921 |
| Organisation | European Commission H2020 |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 12/2021 |
| Description | High resolution, cryogenic analytical and transfer scanning electron microscope (HR-CAT-SEM) |
| Amount | £1,564,542 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/S021434/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2019 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | How simple plastic surfaces can be recruited to the fight against contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 |
| Amount | £417,480 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/V055372/1 |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2021 |
| End | 07/2022 |
| Description | Human stem cell models of de novo tumorigenesis to replace the use of animals for the study of cancer initiation. |
| Amount | £120,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NC/W001896/1 |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 12/2026 |
| Description | Innovation to commercialisation of university research (ICURe) Nottamouse project |
| Amount | £40,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 05/2022 |
| End | 12/2022 |
| Description | Live monitoring of foreign-body response in animals by diffuse Raman spectroscopy |
| Amount | £506,474 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NC/W001179/1 |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2021 |
| End | 03/2024 |
| Description | MRC CiC |
| Amount | £70,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2018 |
| End | 10/2018 |
| Description | Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Biomedical Surfaces |
| Amount | £230,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | Modulation of immune recognition by P. aeruginosa through engagement of lectin receptors. |
| Amount | £490,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/P001033/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Molecular Imaging Strategies for Studying Neurodegenerative Disorders |
| Amount | £230,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2019 |
| End | 07/2022 |
| Description | NanoPrime: Maximising Equipment and Expertise Sharing in Nanoscience |
| Amount | £202,437 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R025282/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2018 |
| End | 07/2022 |
| Description | National Biofilms Innovation Centre |
| Amount | £12,801,513 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/R012415/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2017 |
| End | 11/2022 |
| Description | Optimising human stem cell models to decipher signals and responses during organogenesis |
| Amount | £196,734 (GBP) |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2023 |
| End | 02/2025 |
| Description | Replacing the need for patient-derived xenografts and matrigel organoid culture as preclinical models for breast cancer |
| Amount | £75,591 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NC/T001267/1 |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2019 |
| End | 06/2020 |
| Description | Sprayable dressings for accelerated wound care with reduced scarring and infection - 2020 MRC funded Confidence in Concept scheme - RA6237, CiC # 8 |
| Amount | £747,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 02/2021 |
| End | 10/2021 |
| Description | Understanding How Matrix Remodelling & Respiratory Infection Impact Progression Of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Stem Cell Derived Alveolar Cells |
| Amount | £93,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Lung Foundation (BLF) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | University Of Nottingham CiC#8 - Translation of novel polymer anti-bacterial coatings to invasive medical devices used in the neonatal intensive care for high risk preterm infants |
| Amount | £118,086 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2021 |
| End | 12/2021 |
| Description | Wellcome Trust: a prestigious 'Sir Henry Wellcome Early Career Fellowship' |
| Amount | £250,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
| Department | Wellcome Trust Bloomsbury Centre |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2016 |
| End | 07/2018 |
| Description | Wireless communication with cells towards bioelectronic treatments of the future |
| Amount | £974,695 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/R004072/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2018 |
| End | 04/2024 |
| Title | A new particle mounting method for surface analysis Adam A. Dundas, Stefanie Kern, Valentina Cuzzucoli Crucitti, David J. Scurr, Ricky Wildman, Derek J. Irvine, Morgan R. Alexander First published: 08 September 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/sia.7010 |
| Description | Abstract The chemical analysis of microparticles is challenging due to the need to mount the particles on a substrate for analysis; double-sided adhesive tape is often used (sometimes conductive), however that is usually coated with poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) that is often used as a release agent. PDMS is a common surface contamination that can mask surface chemistries and hinder material performance where it is dependent on this contaminated interface. It is known that PDMS contains a very mobile oligomeric fraction that readily diffuses across surfaces resulting in the contamination of mounted particulate samples before and during surface chemistry analysis. This makes it impossible to determine whether the PDMS has arisen from the analysis procedure or from the sample itself. A new sample preparation method is proposed where polymer microparticles are mounted on a poly (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) polymer solution, which we compare with particles that have been mounted on adhesive discs using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and 3D OrbiSIMS analysis. Particles mounted on the pHEMA substrate results in a reduction of PDMS signal by 99.8% compared with microparticles mounted on adhesive discs. This illustrates how a simple, quick and inexpensive polymer solution can be used to adhere particles for analysis by ToF-SIMS, or other surface chemical analysis techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), without introduction of large amounts of silicone contaminant. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | It is hoped that this will be useful to people analysing the surface chemistry of particles. |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.1002/sia.7010 |
| Title | Inkjet 3D Printing of Polymers Resistant to Fungal Attachment |
| Description | Inkjet 3D printing is an additive manufacturing method that allows the user to produce a small batch of customized devices for comparative study versus commercial products. Here, we describe the use of a commercial 2D ink development system (Dimatix material printing) to manufacture small batches of 3D medical or other devices using a recently characterized fungal anti-attachment material. Such printed devices may resist problems that beset commercial medical products due to colonization by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. By sequentially introducing the cross-section bitmaps of the product's CAD model and elevating the print head height using the auto-clicking script, we were able to create complex self-support geometries with the 2D ink development system. The use of this protocol allows researchers to produce a small batch of specimens for characterization from only a few grams of raw material. Additionally, we describe the testing of manufactured specimens for fungal anti-attachment. In comparison with most commercial AM systems, which require at least a few hundred grams of ink for printing trials, our protocol is well suited for smaller-scale production in material studies. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This will allow others to make objects such as medical devices, using bio-instructive monomers. |
| URL | http://www.bio-protocol.org/e4016 |
| Title | Molecular Formula Prediction for chemical filtering in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) |
| Description | This code allows automated (un-biased) assignment of putative structures to SIMS ions. In particular, the mass resolving power of the OrbiTrap allows established structural libraries such as LIPIDMAPS and the Human Metabolome Database to be leveraged to increase the coverage of endogenous species using OrbiSIMS in the analysis of complex biological samples. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This method has allowed OrbiSIMS practitioners to increase their analytical coverage by 2 orders of magnitude's, as illustrated in this paper where the previous targeted approach on a dataset was reanalysed using this method to identify 100 times more putative peak assignments. Toward Comprehensive Analysis of the 3D Chemistry of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04443 |
| URL | https://github.com/medney96/SIMSMFP |
| Title | The ChemoTopoChip |
| Description | Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are widely represented in regenerative medicine clinical strategies due to their compatibility with autologous implantation. Effective bone regeneration involves crosstalk between macrophages and hMSCs, with macrophages playing a key role in the recruitment and differentiation of hMSCs. However, engineered biomaterials able to simultaneously direct hMSC fate and modulate macrophage phenotype have not yet been identified. A novel combinatorial chemistry-topography screening platform, the ChemoTopoChip, is used here to identify materials suitable for bone regeneration by screening 1008 combinations in each experiment for human immortalized mesenchymal stem cell (hiMSCs) and human macrophage response. The osteoinduction achieved in hiMSCs cultured on the "hit" materials in basal media is comparable to that seen when cells are cultured in osteogenic media, illustrating that these materials offer a materials-induced alternative to osteo-inductive supplements in bone-regeneration. Some of these same chemistry-microtopography combinations also exhibit immunomodulatory stimuli, polarizing macrophages towards a pro-healing phenotype. Maximum control of cell response is achieved when both chemistry and topography are recruited to instruct the required cell phenotype, combining synergistically. The large combinatorial library allows us for the first time to probe the relative cell-instructive roles of microtopography and material chemistry which we find to provide similar ranges of cell modulation for both cues. Machine learning is used to generate structure-activity relationships that identify key chemical and topographical features enhancing the response of both cell types, providing a basis for a better understanding of cell response to micro topographically patterned polymers. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120740 |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120740 |
| Title | Data for: Peptide Gels of Fully-Defined Composition and Mechanics for Probing Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions In Vitro |
| Description | Supporting data for the Matrix Biology publication 'Peptide Gels of Fully-Defined Composition and Mechanics for Probing Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions In Vitro'. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/r77hhgf99k |
| Title | Data for: Peptide Gels of Fully-Defined Composition and Mechanics for Probing Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions In Vitro |
| Description | Supporting data for the Matrix Biology publication 'Peptide Gels of Fully-Defined Composition and Mechanics for Probing Cell-Cell and Cell-Matrix Interactions In Vitro'. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/r77hhgf99k/1 |
| Title | Data for: Synthesis of micellar-like terpolymer nanoparticles with reductively-cleavable cross-links and evaluation of efficacy in 2D and 3D models of triple negative breast cancer |
| Description | FACS and Confocal microscopy data |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/symprw3z6t |
| Title | Data for: Synthesis of micellar-like terpolymer nanoparticles with reductively-cleavable cross-links and evaluation of efficacy in 2D and 3D models of triple negative breast cancer |
| Description | FACS and Confocal microscopy data |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| URL | https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/symprw3z6t/1 |
| Description | Andrew Hook |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | My group provide expertise in glycosaminoglycan structure and function. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Andrew Hook is an expert in surface structural analysis and we are working together to develop methods for the rapid analysis of glycosaminoglycan structures. |
| Impact | Fully funded studentship associated with Andrew's Nottingham Research Fellowship, Co-supervised studentship under the BBSRC DTP, Patent application in progress, working with companies to develop solutions to high throughput, low volume analysis of heparin for pharmaceutical use. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | CamStent Ltd |
| Organisation | Camstent Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Discovered new bacteria resistant materials. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Developing and testing the material as a urinary catheter coating. |
| Impact | CE mark gained in 2017- approved for testing in humans. The patent relating to this work [1] is licensed to Camstent in the field of urology. They ran a clinical trial which we took part in that was recently published containing successful biofilm reduction in a variety of patient cohorts. [2] Based upon this, they undertook a second clinical trial monitoring the clinical endpoint of bacteriuria, which is expected to provide sufficient support for wide clinical uptake of this device. References 1. Polymers which resist bacterial attachment UK Patent Application no: 1107416.8, 2011. Granted 2018 US9981068 B2 US Continuation App. 15/988,753, 2018. Licensed to Camstent Ltd. 2. Polymer-Coated Urinary Catheter Reduces Biofilm Formation and Biomineralization: A First-in-Man, Prospective Pilot Study Journal of Urology Open Plus Kiril Kalenderski, Jean-Frédéric Dubern, Christopher Lewis-Lloyd, Nicola Jeffery, Stephan Heeb, Derek J Irvine, Tim J Sloan, Brian Birch, Daniela Andrich, David Humes, Morgan R Alexander, Paul Williams 2 (1) p e00005 (2024). |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Collaboration with Daniel Anderson at MIT |
| Organisation | Harvard University |
| Department | Program of Health Sciences and Technology |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Morgan Alexander and other Post Docs associated to the Programme Grant have worked with Daniel Anderson. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Daniel Anderson has worked with Morgan Alexander and others on the Programme Grant. |
| Impact | None during this programme grant. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with David Needham at the University of Southern Denmark |
| Organisation | University of Southern Denmark |
| Department | Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy |
| Country | Denmark |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Felicity Rose, Phil Williams and Post Docs on the programme grant including Marta Alvarez have worked with David Needham. |
| Collaborator Contribution | David Needham has worked with Felicity Rose, Phil Williams and Post Docs on the programme grant including Marta Alvarez. |
| Impact | None yet. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with David Winkler |
| Organisation | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation |
| Department | CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Paulius Mikulskis (Post Doc) and Morgan Alexander have worked closely with David Winkler. |
| Collaborator Contribution | David Winkler has worked with Paulius Mikulskis (Post Doc) and Morgan Alexander. |
| Impact | A paper should be coming from this work soon but is not published yet. |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Collaboration with Jan de Boer in Maastricht |
| Organisation | Maastricht University (UM) |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Morgan Alexander and Post Docs on the programme grant (including Britta Koch) have worked with Jan de Boer. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Jan de Boer has worked with Morgan Alexander and Post Docs on the programme grant (including Britta Koch). |
| Impact | None yet but a paper is being written (not published yet). |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Title | Bacterial Attachment Microtopographies |
| Description | patents have been filed to protect a number of findings including in vitro and in vivo instruction of immune cells and bacterial biofilms using both polymer selection and topography |
| IP Reference | GB2002010.3 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Patents have been filed to protect a number of findings including in vitro and in vivo instruction of immune cells and bacterial biofilms using both polymer selection and topography (GB2002011.1 - Chemical & Microtopography Effects) |
| Title | Chemical & Microtopography Effects |
| Description | patents have been filed to protect a number of findings including in vitro and in vivo instruction of immune cells and bacterial biofilms using both polymer selection and topography |
| IP Reference | GB2002011.1 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | patents have been filed to protect a number of findings including in vitro and in vivo instruction of immune cells and bacterial biofilms using both polymer selection and topography |
| Company Name | PeptiMatrix |
| Description | PeptiMatrix develops 3D culture growth technology for the drug testing industry, aiming to replace products derived from animals. |
| Year Established | 2023 |
| Impact | We have applied for Innovate funding to help establish the company after 2 successful rounds of BBSRC ICURe funding. We are working closely with Clive Roper as our commercial advisor, benefiting from his expertise in alternatives to animal use in the toxicology sector. |
| Website | https://www.peptimatrix.com/ |
| Description | "Materials for Virus Binding and RNA Vaccine Formations". Medilink East Midlands Virtual Seminar 25th June 2020. by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | "Materials for Virus Binding and RNA Vaccine Formations". Medilink East Midlands Virtual Seminar 25th June 2020. by Prof Cameron Alexander This free to attend webinar was held as part of the INSTILS programme - a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Key questions addressed included: -Why does it take so long to make a new vaccine? -How might DNA and RNA vaccines disrupt the current process? -In what ways could the SME sector contribute when vaccines have traditionally been dominated by Big Pharma? -What are the risks on the way?. The coronavirus crisis has resulted in an unprecedented acceleration of efforts to develop vaccines. This webinar will cover some of the basic concepts underlying nucleic acid vaccines, and how new materials and formulations might change the way in which vaccines are made and distributed. DURATION: 1 hour with question and answer session at the end which was well received. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.medilinkem.com/event/webinar-materials-for-virus-binding-and-rna-vaccine-formations/ |
| Description | "Polymer therapeutics - from cancers to vaccines". Keele University Virtual Seminar, 24th June 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A seminar given to Keele University via Virtual Seminar on 24th June 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander entitled "Polymer therapeutics - from cancers to vaccines". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | "Stimuli-responsive polymeric nanomedicines for neuro-oncology" 2nd Workshop on Drug Delivery to the Brain: Edinburgh, 27th February 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | On Thursday 27th February 2020, 73 enthusiastic delegates convened at the Surgeon's Playfair Hall in Edinburgh, UK. The aim was to discuss transformative research that could lead to new, innovative ways of overcoming the challenges of brain tumour drug delivery, particularly in children. Sponsored by Children with Cancer UK, this was the CBTDDC's (Children's Brain Tumour Drug Delivery Consortium; www.cbtddc.org) second drug delivery workshop. We were delighted to welcome researchers, clinical academics, patient representatives, charities and pharma/biotech companies, all keen to share their rich and varied experience and knowledge. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | http://www.cbtddc.org/workshop/blog-workshop-2020.aspx |
| Description | "Synthetic polymers as bioprobes and therapeutics" - University of Liverpool, March 11th 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | TBA |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/chemistry/seminars/ |
| Description | 30th July 2020 - TCES Virtual Seminar Series - Oral presentation: "Xeno-free culture systems for human pluripotent stem cells discovered by high-throughput screening" Dr Aishah Nasir |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Oral presentation by Dr Aishah Nasir: "Xeno-free culture systems for human pluripotent stem cells discovered by high-throughput screening" Tissue and Cell Engineering Society conference - Furthering knowledge, research and dissemination of information on Cell and Tissue Engineering |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://tces.org/tces-virtual-seminar-series-july-2020/ |
| Description | 3rd BIRAX Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Chris Denning attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | A Science Public Lecture by Professor Morgan Alexander Title: Biomaterials discovery: the journey to clinical application of a novel urinary catheter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A Science Public Lecture Speaker: Professor Morgan Alexander Title: Biomaterials discovery: the journey to clinical application of a novel urinary catheter Abstract: In this talk Professor Alexander will tell the story of his teams discovery of a novel class of biomaterials resistant to bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation from the conception of the initial idea, through to them reaching the clinic and very recent generation of early efficacy results. In the talk Professor Alexander will aim to highlight aspects of the high throughput discovery approach they took, the lessons that can be learned about the many challenges of taking candidate biomaterials from the lab to the clinic. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/Professor+Morgan+Alexander+-+Biomaterials+discoveryA+the+j... |
| Description | APS Industrial Insights Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Dr Marta Alvarez Paino attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Advanced Molecular Materials Research Priority Area (Nottingham) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Internal Publicity: at the University of Nottingham Elizabeth Hudson presented the project to the Advanced Molecular Materials Research Priority Area Sandpit (18/01/16). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | After School Science Club (Nottingham) |
| 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 | A session was delivered at Berridge School, Hyson Green, Nottingham. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Annual Biomaterials Discovery workshop (Nottingham) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The launch for the Inaugural Biomaterials Discovery Workshop which will be held annually at the University of Nottingham, associated with the recently awarded EPSRC Programme Grant in Next Generation Biomaterials (EP/N006615/1). The second Biomaterials Discovery Workshop will take place in January 2018. The intention is to provide a space for people working in this field to come together and share ideas. Just under 90 people attended this closed workshop with ~300 people attending an open lecture from Daniel Anderson (MIT) as part of this event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/events/inaugural-annual-biomateri... |
| Description | Biofilm meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Morgan Alexander attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Biomaterials Discovery Website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A project website has been established to communicate the aims and progress of the EPSRC Programme Grant in Next Generation Biomaterials Discovery. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/index.aspx |
| Description | CLINAM Virtual Conference, 27th October 2020. Modifying Drug Carrier Transport through Nanotechnology to Widen the Therapeutic Index by Cameron Alexander. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited Lectures at International Conferences and Symposia - Modifying Drug Carrier Transport through Nanotechnology to Widen the Therapeutic Index |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.clinam.org/images/clinam2020/CLINAM_SUMMIT_19.10.20.pdf |
| Description | Cheltenham Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Felicity Rose and Kevin Shakesheff talked about 3D Futures: Building Beating Hearts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Computational modelling of biological processes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | July 2016, Nottingham, Dr Aurelie Carlier (MERLN Institute, the Netherlands) held a seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | European Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Morgan Alexander attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | First Lego League |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Adam Dundas ran an event as part of the First Lego League on 6th January 2017 at the University of Nottingham. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Fourth Annual Biomaterials Discovery Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ~over 100 people attended the Third Biomaterials Discovery Workshop at the University of Nottingham in January 2020. The audience was mainly academic but also PhDs, Post Docs, Industry members etc. The BDW involved some excellent discussions in this area and will continue to be an annual event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019,2020 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/news/2020/biomaterials-discovery... |
| Description | Gordon Research Conference on 'Biointerface Science' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Britta Koch presented a poster. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Healthy Aircraft Journeys - Bio-effective surfaces for aeroplanes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Healthy Aircraft Journeys - Bio-effective surfaces for aeroplanes attended by Morgan Alexander at the Centre for Metamaterial Research and Innovation at the University of Exeter. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Institute of Infection and Global Health Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams gave a Research Seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | International Symposium on Polymer Therapeutics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Cameron Alexander chaired a session. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Joint Sheffield Conference on Chemoinformatics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Paulius Mikulskis attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Leonardo Study Day in Nottingham Castle |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Researchers from the School of Pharmacy and Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham delivered a Leonardo Study Day in Nottingham Castle. Morgan Alexander, Ricky Wildman, Yinfeng He, Peter Magennis and Andrew Hook delivered the study day for ~120 15-17 year olds. This was part of the Leonardo Da Vinci events at Nottingham Castle, focussing on what the ultimate Renaissance man might be doing in science today. The workshop "Materials for Man: from the idea to a product" was an interactive session with demonstrations to share knowledge and research. Da Vinci was an artist, court engineer, anatomist and inventor and this session illustrated how such interdisciplinary behaviour is now common place in scientific research. Using examples from their own research they showed how this modern interdisciplinary approach using medicine, biology, materials, chemistry, physics, engineering and business has led to the discovery of a new type of plastic which can be used to create products designed to reduce the instances of infections acquired in hospitals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pharmacy/news/archive/2016/university-of-nottingham-hold-the-fort.aspx |
| Description | MOBI4Health: Biotech Solutions for Health and Environment Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | MRC-DTB Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams gave a Research Seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Medilink Webinar: Commercial Applications for Next Generation Biomaterials |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This event organised with Medilink Midlands was part of the INSTILS programme - a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Medilink UK is a national health technology business support organisation, with a strong track record in increasing the viability of manufacturers, service providers, designers, OEMs and suppliers of medical technology. Medilink UK helps companies from concept through to commercialisation and nurtures collaborations between academics, clinicians and industry. Presentations were given by several members of the NGBM team including: - Controlling bacterial biofilms formation using polymers - Controlling foreign body reaction to medical implants using coatings - New materials for breast cancer therapies - Technologies to control Fibrosis There was a Q&A session after the webinar which was keenly participated in by the audience. This was an opportunity to partner with industrial partners keen to explore emerging novel biomaterials and their potential in healthcare in short proof of concept studies. Over 50 members from the Midland business community attended. There were a few follow ups by interested companies but no firm activity has taken place yet. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.medilinkem.com/event/commercial-applications-for-next-generation-biomaterials/ |
| Description | Mini-symposium on Nanoscience/nanomedicine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | July 2016, Nottingham, Speakers included: Angus Johnston (Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences), Kris Thurecht (Centre of Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland), Arwyn Jones (Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff) and John McGhee (UNSW Sydney). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Morgan Alexander was an invited speaker at the 10th French-speaking TOF-SIMS users meeting 2021 (Online) 23 - 25 MARCH 2021 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Morgan Alexander was an invited speaker at the 10th French-speaking TOF-SIMS users meeting 2021 (Online) 23 - 25 MARCH 2021 Title: Introduction to the 3D Orbi SIMS with application examples from an academic lab |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Morgan Alexander was an invited speaker at the HENRY ROYCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE 2021 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Morgan Alexander was an invited speaker at the HENRY ROYCE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE 2021 22 - 23 MARCH 2021 Session: Biomaterials for Medical Devices Title: Cell instructive materials for next generation medical devices With a panel discussion afterwards |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.royce.ac.uk/events/royce-conference-2021/ |
| Description | NC3Rs/Unilever joint workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This was a scoping workshop to identify opportunities for NC3Rs to work towards the development of animal product free in vitro systems. This involved a variety of industrial and academic partners looking at various 'needs' where we could/should be developing alternatives to animal use. My participation was focused on non-animal alternatives to Matrigel. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Naked Scientist Podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This week Andrew Hook spoke to Chris Smith and Izzie Clarke on BBC Cambridgeshire as part of the Naked Scientists show, about the research of the Biomaterials Discovery Group in the bacteria resistant material, currently undergoing clinical trials with Camstent. The show discusses the chemistry of the developed material, as well as the applications to healthcare and the financial impact it could have. As well as touching upon the wider aspects of the material, including the ongoing clinical trials and potential future applications. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/news/2019/speaking-on-the-naked-... |
| Description | Nanomaterials as Antibiotics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Cameron Alexander presented. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Nottingham Fesitival of Science and Curiosity |
| 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 | Stand at a local library to share research as part of a city wide festival of science |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Nottingham in Parliament Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Kevin Shakesheff, Paul Williams, Elizabeth Hudson and others attended meetings with selected MPs to discuss, for example, antimicrobial resistance. Events included 'The Future of Healthcare Technologies', 'Health, Life Sciences and Innovation showcase' and 'Developing STEM Skills of the Future.' |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.nottinghaminparliamentday.uk/ |
| Description | Participation in "Wonder" - University of Nottingham public engagement festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Wonder is a large-scale event at the University of Nottingham and multiple teams display their work, primarily in research. I contributed to the Biomaterials Discovery team exhibit, which was visited by several hundred people throughout the day. Many expressed surprise that polymers were used so widely in medicine, and multiple comments indicated a change in attitude of some members of the public towards 'plastics' |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Pink of Science (Jamie 2018) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Jamie Thompson was the coordinator for the Nottingham Pint of Science festival in 2018. This involved overseeing multiple outreach events where scientists from lots of research areas spoke and engaged in debate with the public over a week-long festival. The events were very popular with many venues at capacity. The feedback from the public was also very popular and the events had positive write-ups in the local press. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Pint of Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | JT was on the publicity team for Pint of Science 2016-17 and is a co-organiser for Pint of Science 2017-18. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Pint of Science (May 2018) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Amanda Pearson presented at Pint of Science in May 2018 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | Plastics inside us Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | A stand at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition showcasing example of plastics in medicine. Engagement with school groups, the general public and media. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2016/summer-science-exhibition/exhibits/plastic... |
| Description | Polymer Therapeutics from Cancer to Vaccines". King's College London Virtual Seminar 11th November 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Polymer Therapeutics from Cancer to Vaccines". King's College London Virtual Seminar 11th November 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Poster presentation at World Biomaterials Congress 2020 by R Owen and M Amer |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poster presented at virtual world congress (https://virtual.wbc2020.org/) originally supposed to be in Glasgow by R Owen and M Amer. Title: Defined internal geometry microparticles fabricated by two-photon polymerisation for bone tissue engineering |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://virtual.wbc2020.org/ |
| Description | Presentation "Plastics - Will They Destroy or Save the World?" - Wollaton Science Club - March 4th 2020 by Professor Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation "Plastics - Will They Destroy or Save the World?" - Wollaton Science Club - March 4th 2020 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Presentation: New materials for triple-negative breast cancer therapies by Dr Patricia Montiero - 8 Oct 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Presentation given by Dr Patricia Montiero for NBCRC (Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre) Seminars - Part of the 'Breast cancer awareness month activities' https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/nottinghambreastcancerresearchcentre/documents/nbcrc-newsletter-sept-2020.pdf 60-70 people attended, the audience was mainly students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and academics from the Schools below. - Schools - School of Medicine, Life Sciences and Pharmacy. There was a Q&A and discussion session afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/nottinghambreastcancerresearchcentre/inde |
| Description | Recent Appointees in Polymer Science (RAPS) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Dr Amanda Pearce presented a poster. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Research Seminar, Institute of Bacterial Cell Biology |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams gave a research seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Research Seminar, Sygnature Plc., Biocity |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams gave a research seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Royal Society Summer Exhibition 'Plastics Inside Us' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Amanda Pearce (Team Leader for Drug Delivery), Taranjit Singh, Olutoba Sanni, Morgan Alexander, Andrew Hook, Paul Williams, Derek Irvine, Cameron Alexander, Steve Howdle and others were involved in this hands-on exhibit. Visitors could handle medical implants on a full scale human body, test our model antibacterial plastic surfaces by battling against toy microbes and discover what links everyday plastics to life-saving medical devices. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/summer-science-exhibition/exhibits/plastic-insi... |
| Description | Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 13,000 attendees to the week long summer science event held in London. The grant developed and showcased 3 activities and 2 animated videos to the general public and media, with articles being published in the Times and the Telegraph as well as a slot on BBC Health Check regarding our work. Telegraph Article - "New 'bacteria-phobic' material could stop the spread of superbugs in hospitals" https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/new-bacteria-phobic-material-could-stop-spread-superbugs-hospitals/ The Times article - "New catheter cuts infection by keeping bacteria 'happy'"https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-catheter-cuts-infection-by-keeping-bacteria-happy-t5h7rwdbs BBC Healthcheck https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3csy9jy In 2020 the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition was ran as a virtual event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/royal-society-summer-science-exh... |
| Description | Science in the park |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Jamie Thompson was also involved in Science in the Park in March 2017. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Second Biomaterials Discovery Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ~over 100 people attended the Second Biomaterials Discovery Workshop at the University of Nottingham in January 2018. The audience was mainly academic but also PhDs, Post Docs, Industry members etc. The BDW involved some excellent discussions in this area and will continue to be an annual event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/events/annual-biomaterials-disco... |
| Description | Seminar - Synthetic Polymers as Probes and Therapeutics" University of Warwick Virtual Seminar, 27th April 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Seminar -Synthetic Polymers as Probes and Therapeutics" given at the University of Warwick - Virtual Seminar, 27th April 2020 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Terasaki Talks: Immune-instructive Materials for Medical Applications by Prof Amir Ghaemmaghami |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Amir Ghaemmaghami presented to the Terasaki Institute online Immune-instructive Materials for Medical Applications July 22 2020 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://vimeo.com/449489603 |
| Description | Third Biomaterials Discovery Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ~over 100 people attended the Third Biomaterials Discovery Workshop at the University of Nottingham in January 2019. The audience was mainly academic but also PhDs, Post Docs, Industry members etc. The BDW involved some excellent discussions in this area and will continue to be an annual event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/biomaterials-discovery/news/2019/third-annual-biomateri... |
| Description | Tissue and Cell Engineering Society (TCES 2016) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Marta Alvarez Paino presented a poster. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | UK PharmSci Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Cameron Alexander attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | UK-China Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | UK-India global research challenges workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Morgan Alexander attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | University of Monash |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Cameron Alexander gave a Lecture. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | University of Nottingham Science Public Lecture: From cancer vaccines to Covid-19 and back - why vaccines for the pandemic may benefit future cancer patients" - December 17th 2020 by Prof Cameron Alexander |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A virtual Science Public Lecture by Professor Cameron Alexander Title: From cancer vaccines to Covid-19 and back - why vaccines for the pandemic may benefit future cancer patients Abstract: The recent deployment of vaccines for Covid-19 has occurred at unprecedented speed, and many have asked how this is possible when most recent vaccines or drugs have taken many years in development. One of the reasons is that some types of vaccine, such as those based on RNA, have in fact, been trialled for a number of years already, but primarily in late-stage cancers. In this talk we will consider how the 'plug-and-play' nature of RNA-based therapeutics allows them to be revised quickly for multiple diseases, and that their widespread adoption for Covid-19 might accelerate trials in other diseases. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/t/1_cnghpvyw |
| Description | Wellcome Trust Researcher Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Prof Paul Williams gave a Seminar. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Women In Chemistry Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Conference co-organised by Dara O'Brian for international Women's Day |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/conference/fac-sci/women-in-chemistry/index.aspx |
| Description | Wonder |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We invited families to explore the huge range of research and teaching activities that celebrated the Year of the Periodic Table. Activities had a fun link to the elements and ranged from art workshops through to science experiments. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/wonder/ |
| Description | Wonder 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We ran a stall at the University of Nottingham's premier outreach event 'Wonder'. We used the stall to highlight two aspects of the group's work. One was the use of peptide hydrogels to create improved models of disease (primarily cancer). The other was the importance of sulphated glycosaminoglycans in health and disease. Both aspects were very popular - we had hands-on exhibits targetted at children and additional information available for older children/adults so we had a lot of engagement and positive feedback. Mostly this was raising the awareness of the importance of the 3Rs in laboratory work and cancer research in particular. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/wonder/ |
| Description | Wonder, University of Nottingham |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On Saturday 17th June the Programme Grant team organised and a ran an event at Wonder 2017 (the University of Nottingham's community event). The Programme Grant event went really well and was called "The amazing material detective and the case of the superbug". 10 Post Docs and ~12 PhD students were involved on the day and over 350 people attended. Associate Prof Felicity Rose also led another event at Wonder regarding regenerative medicine in general. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/wonder/ |
| Description | World Biomaterial Congress 2020 - Dec 2020- Oral presentation by Dr Aishah Nasir |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | World Biomaterial Congress 2020 - Dec 2020- Oral presentation by Aishah Nasir (Topography and micropatterning session): "Using high-throughput polymer and micro-topographical biomaterial libraries to identify xeno-free models that mediates maturation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Cardiomyocytes", |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://virtual.wbc2020.org/events/ondemand?q=Topography&ecategory=&etype=&iCV8b65boAqThCSdA=FE4Jn2O... |
| Description | • University of Nottingham Science Public Lecture: From cancer vaccines to Covid-19 and back - why vaccines for the pandemic may benefit future cancer patients" - December 17th 2020 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This was a Public Science Lecture in the University of Nottingham series. Perhaps because of the subject matter (vaccines....) this was the best attended lecture for many years, with over 250 individual log-ins and likely many more watchers. There were multiple questions, particularly about RNA vaccines, and a number of participants said they were reassured about vaccines and were more likely to be vaccinated as a result. Whether this has translated into actual vaccine take-up isn't known, but the questions indicated an informed but also highly questioning audience. This was a really rewarding event to do - and I will undoubtedly do more as a result. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/t/1_cnghpvyw |