Characterisation of Nano-Particulates in Natural Systems
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Institute of Materials Research
Abstract
Characterisation of the primary nano-particulate crystallites that make up natural and synthetic structures is of increasing importance in industrial, biological and environmental application. This Advanced Fellowship aims to build on existing studies by the applicant, his collaborators, and his PhD students, and will focus on the determination of the surface characteristics that appear to differentiate nano-particle minerals in natural systems (environmental and biological) from those in synthetic systems. In particular the underlying hypothesis is that dynamic exchangeable (or thermodynamically unstable) surfaces are a consistent feature of primary particles in natural systems that then shape the physical characteristics at the macroscopic level, in particular explaining aspects of exchangeability, turnover, mechanical strength and interaction with organic molecules. The application draws on the latest analytical electron microscopy techniques available in the physical sciences and, with novel application, applies them to the environments of natural systems which are very sensitive to electron beam irradiation. This leading edge structural analysis will provide fundamental data that will then be used to probe the function of the particle in the system. Therefore the application truly serves to advance potential understanding and cross-disciplinary interaction.
People |
ORCID iD |
Andrew Brown (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Powell JJ
(2014)
A nano-disperse ferritin-core mimetic that efficiently corrects anemia without luminal iron redox activity.
in Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine
Pereira DI
(2013)
Caco-2 cell acquisition of dietary iron(III) invokes a nanoparticulate endocytic pathway.
in PloS one
Pele L
(2015)
Artefactual nanoparticle activation of the inflammasome platform: in vitro evidence with a nano-formed calcium phosphate.
in Nanomedicine (London, England)
Pan YH
(2009)
3D morphology of the human hepatic ferritin mineral core: new evidence for a subunit structure revealed by single particle analysis of HAADF-STEM images.
in Journal of structural biology
Pan Y
(2013)
Quantification of absolute iron content in mineral cores of cytosolic ferritin molecules in human liver
in Materials Science and Technology
Mu Q
(2014)
Systematic investigation of the physicochemical factors that contribute to the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles.
in Chemical research in toxicology
Mu Q
(2012)
Mechanism of cellular uptake of genotoxic silica nanoparticles.
in Particle and fibre toxicology
McCrohan C
(2008)
Response to Comment on "Avoidance of Aluminum Toxicity in Freshwater Snails Involves Intracellular Silicon-Aluminum Biointeraction"
in Environmental Science & Technology
Manshian BB
(2013)
Single-walled carbon nanotubes: differential genotoxic potential associated with physico-chemical properties.
in Nanotoxicology
Description | I have developed methods to characterise nanoparticles in natural environments such as cells and frozen fluids by electron microscopy. Thus we can explore the structure and chemistry of these particles to explore how these environments might affect the particles' properties. |
Exploitation Route | I have progressed to a full academic in this area of electron microscopy. Others will use the microscopy techniques developed in this work for similar nano particle, nano toxicology and nano medicine investigations. |
Sectors | Chemicals,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |