Control of 2-Dimensional Molecular Self-Organisation: Towards Designed Surfaces
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Organic molecular monolayers at surfaces often constitute the central working component in nanotechnologies such as sensors, molecular electronics, smart coatings, organic solar cells, catalysts, medical devices, etc. A central challenge in the field is to achieve controlled creation of desired 2D molecular architectures at surfaces. Within this context, the past decade has witnessed a real and significant step-change in the 'bottom-up' self-organisation of 2D molecular assemblies at surfaces. The enormous variety and abundance of molecular structures formed via self-oeganisation has now critically tipped the argument strongly in favour of a 'bottom-up' construction strategy, which harnesses two powerful attributes of nanometer-precision (inaccessible to top-down methods) and highly parallel fabrication (impossible with atomic/molecular manipulation). Thus, bottom-up molecular assembly at surfaces holds the real possibility of becoming a dominating synthesis protocol in 21st century nanotechnologies
Uniquely, the scope and versatility of these molecular architectures at 2D surfaces have been directly captured at the nanoscale via imaging with scanning probe microscopies and advanced surface spectroscopies. At present, however, the field is largely restricted to a 'make and see' approach and there is scarce understanding of any of the parameters that ultimately control molecular surface assembly. For example: (1) molecular assemblies at surfaces show highly polymorphic behaviour, and a priori control of assembly is practically non-existent; (2) little is understood of the influence and balance of the many interactions that drive molecular recognition and assembly (molecule-molecule interactions including dispersion, directional H-bonding and strong electrostatic and covalent interactions); (3) the role of surface-molecule interactions is largely uncharted even though they play a significant role in the diffusion of molecules and their subsequent assembly; (4), there is ample evidence that the kinetics of self-assembly is the major factor in determining the final structure, often driving polymorphic behaviour and leading to widely varied outcomes, depending on the conditions of formation; (5) a gamut of additional surface phenomena also also influence assembly e.g. chemical reactions between molecules, thermally activated internal degrees of freedom of molecules, surface reconstructions and co-assembly via coordinating surface atoms.
The main objective of this project is to advance from experimental phenomena-reporting to knowledge-based design, and its central goal is to identify the role played by thermodynamic, entropic, kinetic and chemical factors in dictating molecular organisation at surfaces under given experimental conditions. To address this challenge requires a two-pronged approach in which ambitious and comprehensive theory development is undertaken alongside powerful imaging and spectroscopic tools applied to the same systems. This synergy of experiment and theory is absolutely essential to develop a fundamental understanding, which would enable a roadmap for controlled and engineered self-assembly at surfaces to be proposed that would, ultimately, allow one to 'dial up' a required structure at will. Four important and qualitatively different classes of assembly at surfaces will be studied: Molecular Self-Assembly; Hierarchical Self-Assembly; Metal-Organic Self Assembly; and, on-surface Covalent Assembly.
Uniquely, the scope and versatility of these molecular architectures at 2D surfaces have been directly captured at the nanoscale via imaging with scanning probe microscopies and advanced surface spectroscopies. At present, however, the field is largely restricted to a 'make and see' approach and there is scarce understanding of any of the parameters that ultimately control molecular surface assembly. For example: (1) molecular assemblies at surfaces show highly polymorphic behaviour, and a priori control of assembly is practically non-existent; (2) little is understood of the influence and balance of the many interactions that drive molecular recognition and assembly (molecule-molecule interactions including dispersion, directional H-bonding and strong electrostatic and covalent interactions); (3) the role of surface-molecule interactions is largely uncharted even though they play a significant role in the diffusion of molecules and their subsequent assembly; (4), there is ample evidence that the kinetics of self-assembly is the major factor in determining the final structure, often driving polymorphic behaviour and leading to widely varied outcomes, depending on the conditions of formation; (5) a gamut of additional surface phenomena also also influence assembly e.g. chemical reactions between molecules, thermally activated internal degrees of freedom of molecules, surface reconstructions and co-assembly via coordinating surface atoms.
The main objective of this project is to advance from experimental phenomena-reporting to knowledge-based design, and its central goal is to identify the role played by thermodynamic, entropic, kinetic and chemical factors in dictating molecular organisation at surfaces under given experimental conditions. To address this challenge requires a two-pronged approach in which ambitious and comprehensive theory development is undertaken alongside powerful imaging and spectroscopic tools applied to the same systems. This synergy of experiment and theory is absolutely essential to develop a fundamental understanding, which would enable a roadmap for controlled and engineered self-assembly at surfaces to be proposed that would, ultimately, allow one to 'dial up' a required structure at will. Four important and qualitatively different classes of assembly at surfaces will be studied: Molecular Self-Assembly; Hierarchical Self-Assembly; Metal-Organic Self Assembly; and, on-surface Covalent Assembly.
Planned Impact
Dissemination: Research outputs will be published in high impact journals and presented at international conferences, increasing the profile of UK science.
Industry impact:
Results of significance to technology and society will be disseminated to industry, government and public bodies via the dedicated UoL publication 'Research Intelligence'. Key breakthroughs will be publicised through the press offices of KCL and UoL, which have direct links to the media and to all learned societies (e.g. the Royal Society, the RSc, IoP, and the IoM). Work of the project will also be presented at 'Industry Days' being planned by RR, where invited industrial delegates and members of Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTN) in Nanotechnology, Materials, Chemistry and Health will engage with academic researchers and discuss collaboration and partnership. Theoretical advances, relevant to industry, will be disseminated with the help of KCL Business, a gateway for society and businesses to access research outputs at KCL, and the Thomas Young Centre (TYC), where LK is on the Executive Committee. TYC enjoys close contacts with National Physics Laboratory and also with Samsung, UK Defence Industry and BP.
Knowledge Transfer (KT) capability:
The research outputs will be scrutinised by the PIs for possible exploitation, patent protection and commercialisation, aided by the Business divisions from each institution. Both Universities are members of the Russell Group, are strongly committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and research, have a long-established track records of impact resulting from research, and strong cultures for Knowledge Exchange (KE) activities. UoL topped the Russell Group in 2007 for income per academic from KE, is the best performer in KT Partnerships in the northwest of England, and holds an EPSRC KT Account (KTA) to increase the impact and Technology Readiness Level of EPSRC funded research. RR is the KE coordinator for the School of Physical Sciences, has strong experience in engaging with the private sector in her previous role as the Associate Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Innovative Catalysis at UoL and is a member of European research networks with active industrial partnership and has secured international patents. She has also been actively engaged with UoL Business Gateway team regarding IP protection, shareholding agreements and spin-outs.
Public Engagement and Outreach:
RR is PI on a major EPSRC public partnership grant 'Giants of the Infinitesimal' that has created an exhibition on nanoscience for school children (launched in October 2011 at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry). Additional funds are requested to expand the exhibition to describe self-assembly at surfaces and how such systems could underpin new nanotechnologies, and allow the exhibition to travel to new sites. The Societal Impact of this exhibition will be to make the public aware of the potential of nanoscience, the future applications of research and the responsibilities involved. The topic of self-assembly will form a dedicated zone and will include applications such as organic solar cells, smart displays, electronic paper, etc. At KCL, results of wider significance to technology and society will be disseminated by a dedicated science media liaison person, who will communicate our outcomes to wider mainstream media. There will also be dissemination at weekly Maxwell lectures, hosted by KCL, which are open to the general public. The Physics Department has an active outreach committee, which will ensure that our results become available to several London based secondary schools via seminars and invited lectures. LK has been invited by Highgate School to give presentations about his research. Specifically, London schools from deprived areas will be targeted to increase interest in science, and we request funding to cover the cost for them to visit the Departmen
Industry impact:
Results of significance to technology and society will be disseminated to industry, government and public bodies via the dedicated UoL publication 'Research Intelligence'. Key breakthroughs will be publicised through the press offices of KCL and UoL, which have direct links to the media and to all learned societies (e.g. the Royal Society, the RSc, IoP, and the IoM). Work of the project will also be presented at 'Industry Days' being planned by RR, where invited industrial delegates and members of Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTN) in Nanotechnology, Materials, Chemistry and Health will engage with academic researchers and discuss collaboration and partnership. Theoretical advances, relevant to industry, will be disseminated with the help of KCL Business, a gateway for society and businesses to access research outputs at KCL, and the Thomas Young Centre (TYC), where LK is on the Executive Committee. TYC enjoys close contacts with National Physics Laboratory and also with Samsung, UK Defence Industry and BP.
Knowledge Transfer (KT) capability:
The research outputs will be scrutinised by the PIs for possible exploitation, patent protection and commercialisation, aided by the Business divisions from each institution. Both Universities are members of the Russell Group, are strongly committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and research, have a long-established track records of impact resulting from research, and strong cultures for Knowledge Exchange (KE) activities. UoL topped the Russell Group in 2007 for income per academic from KE, is the best performer in KT Partnerships in the northwest of England, and holds an EPSRC KT Account (KTA) to increase the impact and Technology Readiness Level of EPSRC funded research. RR is the KE coordinator for the School of Physical Sciences, has strong experience in engaging with the private sector in her previous role as the Associate Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Innovative Catalysis at UoL and is a member of European research networks with active industrial partnership and has secured international patents. She has also been actively engaged with UoL Business Gateway team regarding IP protection, shareholding agreements and spin-outs.
Public Engagement and Outreach:
RR is PI on a major EPSRC public partnership grant 'Giants of the Infinitesimal' that has created an exhibition on nanoscience for school children (launched in October 2011 at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry). Additional funds are requested to expand the exhibition to describe self-assembly at surfaces and how such systems could underpin new nanotechnologies, and allow the exhibition to travel to new sites. The Societal Impact of this exhibition will be to make the public aware of the potential of nanoscience, the future applications of research and the responsibilities involved. The topic of self-assembly will form a dedicated zone and will include applications such as organic solar cells, smart displays, electronic paper, etc. At KCL, results of wider significance to technology and society will be disseminated by a dedicated science media liaison person, who will communicate our outcomes to wider mainstream media. There will also be dissemination at weekly Maxwell lectures, hosted by KCL, which are open to the general public. The Physics Department has an active outreach committee, which will ensure that our results become available to several London based secondary schools via seminars and invited lectures. LK has been invited by Highgate School to give presentations about his research. Specifically, London schools from deprived areas will be targeted to increase interest in science, and we request funding to cover the cost for them to visit the Departmen
Organisations
- University of Liverpool (Lead Research Organisation)
- UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH (Collaboration)
- Lund University (Collaboration)
- University of Rennes 1 (Collaboration)
- Unilever (Netherlands) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM (Collaboration)
- RIKEN (Collaboration)
- Bruker Corporation (Collaboration)
- Virustatic Shield Ltd (Collaboration)
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (Collaboration)
- University of Graz (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Rasmita Raval (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Abbasi-Pérez D
(2019)
Controlling the preferential motion of chiral molecular walkers on a surface.
in Chemical science
Abbasi-Pérez D
(2019)
Correction: Controlling the preferential motion of chiral molecular walkers on a surface.
in Chemical science
Amabilino D
(2017)
Supramolecular systems at liquid-solid interfaces: general discussion.
in Faraday discussions
Amabilino D
(2017)
Preparing macromolecular systems on surfaces: general discussion.
in Faraday discussions
Amabilino D
(2017)
Supramolecular effects in self-assembled monolayers: general discussion.
in Faraday discussions
Amabilino D
(2017)
Probing properties of molecule-based interface systems: general discussion and Discussion of the Concluding Remarks.
in Faraday discussions
Darling GR
(2017)
Chiral segregation driven by a dynamical response of the adsorption footprint to the local adsorption environment: bitartrate on Cu(110).
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
E. G Latter
(2017)
Chirality in Supramolecular Assemblies - Causes and Consequences
Floris A
(2016)
Driving Forces for Covalent Assembly of Porphyrins by Selective C-H Bond Activation and Intermolecular Coupling on a Copper Surface.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Forster M
(2016)
Simple rules and the emergence of complexity in surface chirality.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Gibson QD
(2020)
Modular Design via Multiple Anion Chemistry of the High Mobility van der Waals Semiconductor Bi4O4SeCl2.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Haq S
(2015)
A small molecule walks along a surface between porphyrin fences that are assembled in situ.
in Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
Jiang S
(2017)
Oriented Two-Dimensional Porous Organic Cage Crystals.
in Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
Kunstmann-Olsen C
(2021)
Ion shuttling between emulsion droplets by crown ether modified gold nanoparticles.
in Nanoscale advances
McBride F
(2018)
Encyclopedia of Interfacial Chemistry
Morris G
(2024)
Temperature and pH Stimuli-Responsive System Delivers Location-Specific Antimicrobial Activity with Natural Products.
in ACS applied bio materials
Morris G
(2021)
A Novel Self-Assembly Strategy for the Fabrication of Nano-Hybrid Satellite Materials with Plasmonically Enhanced Catalytic Activity.
in Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
Omiya T
(2019)
Ultrafast Vibrational Dynamics of CO Ligands on RuTPP/Cu(110) under Photodesorption Conditions
in Surfaces
Omiya T
(2017)
Desorption of CO from individual ruthenium porphyrin molecules on a copper surface via an inelastic tunnelling process.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Pallavicini P
(2017)
Modular approach for bimodal antibacterial surfaces combining photo-switchable activity and sustained biocidal release.
in Scientific reports
Raval R
(2017)
Molecular assembly at surfaces: progress and challenges.
in Faraday discussions
Seufert K
(2019)
Porphine Homocoupling on Au(111)
in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Sorzabal-Bellido I
(2022)
Effect of Local Topography on Cell Division of Staphylococcus spp.
in Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
Susarrey-Arce A
(2016)
Bacterial viability on chemically modified silicon nanowire arrays.
in Journal of materials chemistry. B
Description | Significant new knowledge on the use of C-H synthons to drive clean covalent coupling at surfaces. Significant New Knowledge Created on the mechanisms that drive self-assembly and covalent coupling of complex molecules in 2-dimensional systems at surfaces. Important new research questions on the nature of molecular motion at surfaces, and how it may be directed unidirectionally, with implications for molecular motors and molecular separations. Demonstration that simple molecular structures can be used as directional molecular walkers at surfaces. Important platform knowledge to create complex functional interfaces that can be applied for anti-microbial and anti-biofouling interfaces. This has led to the establishment of a new research area of Antimicrobial Surfaces in my group. This capability is also core within the newly launched BBSRC/Innovate UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre, and other large consortium grants. |
Exploitation Route | Knowledge generated in this project will impact on a range of scientific fields in nano-, surface and materials science. Specifically, the ability to control 2D assembly of molecular components at surfaces will impact on research in smart materials, catalysis, information storage, molecular electronics and nanolocomotion. The capability to create complex building blocks at a surface has led to the establishment of a new research area of Antimicrobial Surfaces in my group. This capability is also core within the newly launched BBSRC/Innovate UK National Biofilms Innovation Centre. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Education Electronics Energy Healthcare |
Description | Understanding molecular assembly at surfaces provides a way to create novel coatings for the marine, biomedical and healthcare industries. Understanding covalent molecular coupling at surfaces provides a way to create robust coatings for biomedical and energy industries. This knowledge base has been instrumental in establishing a new research area on antimicrobial and anti-biofouling surfaces, which has led to follow on finding from Innovate UK, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESIF and Strength in Places Fund. |
First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | BBSRC |
Amount | £12,500,000 (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 | Delivering Integrated Solutions for Human Infections |
Amount | £18,000,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2020 |
End | 08/2025 |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £413,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/N51004X/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2016 |
End | 12/2017 |
Description | ERDF |
Amount | £1,995,198 (GBP) |
Funding ID | X03168PR |
Organisation | Government of the UK |
Department | Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 06/2015 |
Description | Formulated Materials for Infectious Disease Prevention |
Amount | £3,300,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Department | European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start | 07/2020 |
End | 07/2023 |
Description | In situ AFM of Bio-inspired Antimicrobial Surfaces |
Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S508020/2 IF087 |
Organisation | National Biofilms Innovation Centre |
Sector | Private |
Start | 12/2021 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £521,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/P004512/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 02/2019 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £493,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/L004925/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2014 |
End | 02/2016 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £350,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/P013716/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £668,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/N005600/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2016 |
End | 08/2018 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £333,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/L00190X/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2014 |
End | 07/2016 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £334,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/L001985/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2013 |
End | 02/2016 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £320,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | TS/L007932/1 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2014 |
End | 08/2016 |
Description | Innovate UK |
Amount | £668,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | £145,762 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2016 |
End | 02/2019 |
Description | National Biofilms Innovation Centre |
Amount | £7,659,682 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/X002950/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2022 |
End | 11/2027 |
Description | POC4 Funding Round |
Amount | £87,576 (GBP) |
Organisation | National Biofilms Innovation Centre |
Sector | Private |
Start | 08/2021 |
End | 06/2022 |
Description | Bioinspired protein technology for biofilm prevention on indwelling medical devices |
Organisation | Virustatic Shield Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Research and Development collaboration using specialist research labs and instruments. |
Collaborator Contribution | £ 42,500 In-kind support, sub-contracting, materials |
Impact | N/A project ongoing |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Dr Per Uvdal |
Organisation | Lund University |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Surface science experiments of self-assembly systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Modelling vibrational data. |
Impact | publications: doi:10.1063/1.4907721 |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Dr Yousoo Kim |
Organisation | RIKEN |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Jointly funded studentship. Co-Design of experiments. Self-assembly of complex molecules at surfaces. |
Collaborator Contribution | Jointly funded studentship. Co-Design of experiments. Low Temperature STM experiments |
Impact | Publications: doi:10.1039/c7cc01310h Joint memorandum of understanding signed between Riken and University of Liverpool. Multidisciplinary research: Surface chemistry; Surface Physics; Surface Dynamics; Theoretical modelling |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Formulated Materials for Infectious Diseases |
Organisation | Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Surface bioassays to drive innovation for regional companies. |
Collaborator Contribution | Providing specialist surface analysis and facilities to drive innovation and TRL levels. To provide information for knowledge based product development for the companies involved in the project. |
Impact | Drive innovation for regional companies allowing companies to add to their product claims and understand product performance. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Formulated Materials for Infectious Diseases |
Organisation | Unilever |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Surface bioassays to drive innovation for regional companies. |
Collaborator Contribution | Providing specialist surface analysis and facilities to drive innovation and TRL levels. To provide information for knowledge based product development for the companies involved in the project. |
Impact | Drive innovation for regional companies allowing companies to add to their product claims and understand product performance. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | In situ AFM of Bio-inspired Antimicrobial Surfaces |
Organisation | Bruker Corporation |
Department | Bruker (United Kingdom) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Used the selfassembly of proteins to form a novel kind of well-controlled, nanostructured, and bio-compatible surface with antimicrobial functions. This smart surface will help us fight against the increasing threats from antibiotic resistance of bacteria. |
Collaborator Contribution | Advised on optimising experimental parameters and operating conditions. |
Impact | TBC |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Jeanne Crassous |
Organisation | University of Rennes 1 |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Co-Design of experiments. Undertaking chiral surface assembly experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-Design of experiments. Synthesis of molecules. |
Impact | Participation in specialist conferences. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | National Biofilm Innovation Centre |
Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | R Raval is the one the four academic co-directors who led a successful £12.5M BBSRC bid to create and launch an Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Biofilms, named the National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC). This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team in physical and biological sciences from the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh to tackle research challenges, innovation and training in the field of biofilms. My team brings in expertise in surface science, state of the art spectroscopic and imaging techniques, and the design of antimicrobial, anti-infective and anti-biofilm surfaces. Each lead university partner provides access data, equipment, facilities and researchers in order to pursue joint research collaborations. This is governed by a signed collaboration agreement between the universities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each lead team from the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh contributes: Expertise and intellectual input; Research Infrastructure; Researchers; Training facilities in order to roll out a national and international programme on research, innovation and training in the field of Biofilms. Together, the partners bring together £400M of infrastructure and a combined university commitment of £4M to support this initiative. |
Impact | Multidisciplinary collaborations between Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. Outputs: doi:10.3390/polym11121921; 10.1021/acsabm.9b00562; |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | National Biofilm Innovation Centre |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Department | School of Life Sciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | R Raval is the one the four academic co-directors who led a successful £12.5M BBSRC bid to create and launch an Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Biofilms, named the National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC). This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team in physical and biological sciences from the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh to tackle research challenges, innovation and training in the field of biofilms. My team brings in expertise in surface science, state of the art spectroscopic and imaging techniques, and the design of antimicrobial, anti-infective and anti-biofilm surfaces. Each lead university partner provides access data, equipment, facilities and researchers in order to pursue joint research collaborations. This is governed by a signed collaboration agreement between the universities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each lead team from the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh contributes: Expertise and intellectual input; Research Infrastructure; Researchers; Training facilities in order to roll out a national and international programme on research, innovation and training in the field of Biofilms. Together, the partners bring together £400M of infrastructure and a combined university commitment of £4M to support this initiative. |
Impact | Multidisciplinary collaborations between Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. Outputs: doi:10.3390/polym11121921; 10.1021/acsabm.9b00562; |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | National Biofilm Innovation Centre |
Organisation | University of Southampton |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | R Raval is the one the four academic co-directors who led a successful £12.5M BBSRC bid to create and launch an Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Biofilms, named the National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC). This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team in physical and biological sciences from the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh to tackle research challenges, innovation and training in the field of biofilms. My team brings in expertise in surface science, state of the art spectroscopic and imaging techniques, and the design of antimicrobial, anti-infective and anti-biofilm surfaces. Each lead university partner provides access data, equipment, facilities and researchers in order to pursue joint research collaborations. This is governed by a signed collaboration agreement between the universities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each lead team from the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, Nottingham and Edinburgh contributes: Expertise and intellectual input; Research Infrastructure; Researchers; Training facilities in order to roll out a national and international programme on research, innovation and training in the field of Biofilms. Together, the partners bring together £400M of infrastructure and a combined university commitment of £4M to support this initiative. |
Impact | Multidisciplinary collaborations between Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. Outputs: doi:10.3390/polym11121921; 10.1021/acsabm.9b00562; |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Prof David Amabilino |
Organisation | University of Nottingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Co-Design of experiments. Undertaking surface science experiments on synthesized molecules. |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-Design of experiments. Synthesis of molecules |
Impact | Joint Publications see DOIs below: doi: 10.1039/C7FD90077E doi: 10.1039/C7FD90076G doi: 10.1039/c7fd90074k doi: 10.1021/nn502388u doi: 10.1002/anie.201502153 Multidisciplinary: Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Surface Science, Theoretical Modelling |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Prof L Grill University of Graz |
Organisation | University of Graz |
Country | Austria |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Conducting a joint research project on novel coupling reactions at surfaces. Our team conducted room temperature STM experiments, data analysis, provided input intoDFT calculations and co-wrote the paper. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Graz team conducted low temperature STM experiments, data analysis, provided input intoDFT calculations and co-wrote the paper. |
Impact | Seufert, K., McBride, F., Jaekel, S., Wit, B., Haq, S., Steiner, A., . . . Grill, L. (2019). Porphine Homocoupling on Au(111). JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C, 123(27), 16690-16698. doi:10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b02770 Multidisciplinary collaborations between Physics, Chemistry and theory. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | CMD-29, Manchester |
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 | CMD29 is a large international conference covering all aspects of condensed matter physics. It the 29th in the series of General conferences of the Condensed Matter Division of the European Physical Society, organised together with the Institute of Physics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.iop.org/events/cmd-29 |
Description | Geneva Day 18th Jan 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited Talk on 'What molecules do at Surfaces' to postgraduate students during the Geneva Chemistry and Biochemistry Days, University of Geneva January 17-18, 2019. Attended by 100 postgraduate students drawn from a chemistry and biochemistry background. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.unige.ch/sciences/chimie/Conferences/posters/ConfPost2357.pdf |
Description | Invited presentation at the "In The Know" breakfast event on Infection and Disease at Liverpool Science Park, 30 Mar 2017 |
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 | Invited presentation at the "In The Know" breakfast event on Infection and Disease at Liverpool Science Park, 30 Mar 2017 to highlight research and innovation in the region. A number of interactions with regional institutes and national/global industry were initiated. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | KTN- NBIC Workshop in Biofilms, 27 February 2018 |
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 | A joint KTN- NBIC Workshop in Biofilms, 27 February 2018, to bring UK researchers and businesses in the field of Biofilms to identify major challenges in the field. A number of follow-on interactions and partnerships created and a formal report submitted by KTN to be considered for directing innovation and research strategy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Launch of book ' NANOSCIENCE Giants of the Infinitesimal' By Peter Forbes and Tom Grimsey, 2014 |
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 | Book Launch of "NANOSCIENCE: Giants of the Infinitesimal" By Peter Forbes and Tom Grimsey, 2014 (Papadakis 2014 | 192pp ISBN 9781906506230) on Tuesday, 3rd June 2014 at The Smith Centre, The Science Museum Entrance on Imperial College Road South Kensington London SW7 2DD |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | https://www.facebook.com/events/328088314006037/ |
Description | Launch of the National Biofilm Innovation Centre, The Royal Society London, 28th November 2017. |
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 | Official launch of the £26M National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC), The Royal Society London, November 2017, as part of the the award of the BBSRC IKC and Government's Industry Strategy. NBIC was launched to restructure Biofilms research and innovation in the UK and will drive a national agenda to this effect. It is led by the 4 co-leads: Prof J Webb (U of Southampton); Prof R Raval (U of Liverpool), M. Camara (U of Nottingham) and C. MacPhee (U of Edinburgh) who represent a multi- and inter-disciplinary team. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Nanosciences@Surfaces Summer School, IOP, Liverpool |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Students participated in a 3-day Summer School covering the fundamentals and applications of Surface Science techniques for probing molecular interactions and manipulation of surfaces at the nanoscale. Techniques included: Scanning Probe and Electron Microscopies, Electron and Optical Spectroscopies, Surface Structure from Diffraction Techniques and the Modelling of Surfaces and Adsorption on Surfaces. These can be applied to study of surfaces of strongly correlated materials, surface and thin-film magnetism, bio-interfaces, atmospheric sciences, astrochemistry, battery science and electrochemistry and catalysis. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://iop.eventsair.com/nsss2022/ |
Description | Presentation at the Chemistry Industry Engagement Day 13 Sept 2018 |
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 | Industry engagement day to showcase research and innovation within the department of chemistry, University of Liverpool. This led to a number of follow-up interactions with industry, |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Presentation to the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership Innovation Board 13 June 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presentation on translation of research to innovation to the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership Innovation Board. A number of follow-on interactions resulted. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Research visit to Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (CSIC) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Visit to the Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (CSIC) to discuss research results and initiate new discussions of collaborations between your institute and the Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces, Surface Science Research Centre and School of Chemistry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Roadmapping workshop on Detection of Biofilms, Birmingham 24 Sept 2018 |
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 | Organised workshop to road-map challenges in the detection of Biofilms. A number of follow-on interactions resulted. A formal report on the main outcomes is being produced and will inform policy. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |