Multi-User Equipment to Refresh Underpinning Analytical Capabilities at the University of Warwick
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Warwick
Department Name: Vice Chancellors Office
Abstract
Our ability to rapidly and routinely obtain information about the composition, structure, morphology and function of molecules, materials and devices produced by man or by nature is central to many advances and breakthroughs in the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS). Therefore, the main aim of this proposal is to replace and upgrade obsolete or near end-of-life underpinning, multi-user equipment within our mass spectrometry, microscopy and device characterisation Facilities/Research Technology Platforms (RTP), to ensure that researchers at Warwick (UW) have access to a state-of-the-art Analytical Science (AS) infrastructure. UW's long-term excellence in AS is firmly rooted in strategic investment (e.g. people, equipment, infrastructure, training, etc.) in this underpinning field. The AS equipment requested includes:
1) Four instruments for our Mass Spectrometry (MS) Facility, including an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, Gas Chromatography Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer, MicroTOF Focus and 3D ion trap Mass Spectrometer, which will increase both our analytical capacity and level of sensitivity.
2) Three core workhorse microscopy devices from within our RTP programme: including a Transmission Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, and confocal Raman; allowing us to increase both our core analysis capacity through higher speed imaging, and improved image resolution.
3) A Parameter Analyser and Probing System to be hosted within the University's Power Electronic Characterisation suite (PEATER), to enable both greater processing capacity and the analysis of devices at higher voltages and currents.
The proposed AS equipment will be used to facilitate and strengthen a wide range of EPS research at UW, that falls within EPSRC's strategic remit and is comprehensively aligned to the research strategy of the University; contributing to core themes within the University's 'Global Research Priorities' (GRPs) including Energy, Innovative Manufacturing, Science and Technology for Health, and Materials. The new AS equipment will underpin the research of >50 academic groups from across four key departments (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and WMG) within the Faculty of Science, working in diverse fields, including: catalysis, chemical and synthetic biology, energy materials, manufacturing, medical imaging, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, polymer materials, power electronics, semiconductors, structural engineering, synthetic organic and coordination chemistry.
This investment in state-of-the art equipment will also be fundamental to facilitating the training of many M-Level undergraduates, MSc and PhD students, and early career researchers in cutting-edge AS techniques. Each Facility/RTP has well established programmes of user training and support, and these are open to all UW student and staff users. This training will also be offered to external academics and industry partners.
UW is committed to ensuring that the equipment requested is effectively managed and maintained, and that usage is maximised across the University and by external research partners. The equipment will either be managed through shared Facilities (MS and PEATER), or through the appropriate RTP (Electron Microscopy and proposed Optical Spectroscopy) to which UW has provided significant investment. Overall, UW's contribution to its RTPs totals more than £8.84M (staff, equipment, maintenance and consumables) since their inception in 2014. Access will be advertised internally through the GRPs, and externally through Warwick Scientific Services (WSS) - a centre of excellence based at UW, delivering cutting-edge world class scientific services, technical measurement solutions, innovative translational research, and knowledge and training services to businesses that could benefit from expertise and instrumentation. It will also be listed on equipment.data, a national equipment sharing portal.
1) Four instruments for our Mass Spectrometry (MS) Facility, including an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, Gas Chromatography Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer, MicroTOF Focus and 3D ion trap Mass Spectrometer, which will increase both our analytical capacity and level of sensitivity.
2) Three core workhorse microscopy devices from within our RTP programme: including a Transmission Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, and confocal Raman; allowing us to increase both our core analysis capacity through higher speed imaging, and improved image resolution.
3) A Parameter Analyser and Probing System to be hosted within the University's Power Electronic Characterisation suite (PEATER), to enable both greater processing capacity and the analysis of devices at higher voltages and currents.
The proposed AS equipment will be used to facilitate and strengthen a wide range of EPS research at UW, that falls within EPSRC's strategic remit and is comprehensively aligned to the research strategy of the University; contributing to core themes within the University's 'Global Research Priorities' (GRPs) including Energy, Innovative Manufacturing, Science and Technology for Health, and Materials. The new AS equipment will underpin the research of >50 academic groups from across four key departments (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and WMG) within the Faculty of Science, working in diverse fields, including: catalysis, chemical and synthetic biology, energy materials, manufacturing, medical imaging, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, polymer materials, power electronics, semiconductors, structural engineering, synthetic organic and coordination chemistry.
This investment in state-of-the art equipment will also be fundamental to facilitating the training of many M-Level undergraduates, MSc and PhD students, and early career researchers in cutting-edge AS techniques. Each Facility/RTP has well established programmes of user training and support, and these are open to all UW student and staff users. This training will also be offered to external academics and industry partners.
UW is committed to ensuring that the equipment requested is effectively managed and maintained, and that usage is maximised across the University and by external research partners. The equipment will either be managed through shared Facilities (MS and PEATER), or through the appropriate RTP (Electron Microscopy and proposed Optical Spectroscopy) to which UW has provided significant investment. Overall, UW's contribution to its RTPs totals more than £8.84M (staff, equipment, maintenance and consumables) since their inception in 2014. Access will be advertised internally through the GRPs, and externally through Warwick Scientific Services (WSS) - a centre of excellence based at UW, delivering cutting-edge world class scientific services, technical measurement solutions, innovative translational research, and knowledge and training services to businesses that could benefit from expertise and instrumentation. It will also be listed on equipment.data, a national equipment sharing portal.
Planned Impact
This proposal will provide equipment that underpins a diverse portfolio of research in the broad field of Analytical Science (AS) across the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS). Impact will be immediate but sustained over the long term, and will take place in the wider context of the research activity at UW; leading to benefits for a wide range of non-academic groups, including industry, the public sector, schools and the public. UW's on-going commitment to developing its provision and management of equipment through its recently developed "Research Technology Platforms" (RTPs) will ensure the items of equipment have an average lifetime of 10 years. Business plans are in place to ensure that equipment is maintained and regularly upgraded, so benefits continue into the future. A wide range of individuals and projects will benefit from these new facilities and their impact will be gauged through well-established methods.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS: All of the items of equipment will be used in collaborative projects with industry (see CfS & LoS), where they will enable aspects that are currently precluded due to the age, throughput and sensitivity of the equipment to be replaced/upgraded. Efficiency and enhanced capacity for the AS enabled will lead to accelerated delivery of results. Warwick Scientific Services will facilitate businesses in commissioning contract research using our analytical facilities. The proposed equipment will enhance our attractiveness to potential partners and we anticipate new commercial collaborations as a result. Key industrial sectors to benefit will include aerospace, chemicals, materials, electronics, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and transport. We will continue to run targeted training courses for interested industrialists.
ENHANCED SKILLS & TRAINING: This proposal will have a significant impact on current/future early stage researchers at UW who will take their additional expertise into their future careers. The new investments will facilitate the "hands-on" training of the next generation of EPS scientists, including M-level, MSc & PhD students, as well as post-graduate researchers, on state-of-the-art equipment; combining this with complementary training in experimental design and data analysis will ultimately strengthen researchers' employment prospects, especially those moving into industry careers.
ENHANCED RESEARCH CAPABILITY: The most immediate impact will be on the research capability and the research programmes being undertaken. The replacement and upgrading of equipment will lead to the enhanced generation of results and hence accelerated publication rates and other forms of dissemination and exploitation in areas of strategic importance for the University and EPSRC, and of national/international importance. Economic impacts in the following EPSRC Challenge Themes are likely: Healthcare Technologies (discovering new therapies, understanding mechanisms of disease, repurposing existing drugs, drug delivery and nanomedicine), Manufacturing the Future (supporting chemicals industries, advanced materials, sustainable processes, utilising waste), and Energy (smarter energy control/usage, renewable energies and low energy chemical processes).
OUTREACH PLANS: The equipment will be used in laboratory/department tours, student placements and work experience. All departments involved have a programme of work experience that typically takes place over the summer. The equipment will be used in University outreach activities to the benefit of school children locally. UW outreach officers will encourage more students to consider careers within the EPS, and will support local schools in their effective teaching of Science and Engineering. In terms of wider benefits to the public, this will be realised through accelerated outputs from researchers using the equipment, and impact in areas such as improved healthcare technologies, pharmaceuticals, energy storage & new materials.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS: All of the items of equipment will be used in collaborative projects with industry (see CfS & LoS), where they will enable aspects that are currently precluded due to the age, throughput and sensitivity of the equipment to be replaced/upgraded. Efficiency and enhanced capacity for the AS enabled will lead to accelerated delivery of results. Warwick Scientific Services will facilitate businesses in commissioning contract research using our analytical facilities. The proposed equipment will enhance our attractiveness to potential partners and we anticipate new commercial collaborations as a result. Key industrial sectors to benefit will include aerospace, chemicals, materials, electronics, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and transport. We will continue to run targeted training courses for interested industrialists.
ENHANCED SKILLS & TRAINING: This proposal will have a significant impact on current/future early stage researchers at UW who will take their additional expertise into their future careers. The new investments will facilitate the "hands-on" training of the next generation of EPS scientists, including M-level, MSc & PhD students, as well as post-graduate researchers, on state-of-the-art equipment; combining this with complementary training in experimental design and data analysis will ultimately strengthen researchers' employment prospects, especially those moving into industry careers.
ENHANCED RESEARCH CAPABILITY: The most immediate impact will be on the research capability and the research programmes being undertaken. The replacement and upgrading of equipment will lead to the enhanced generation of results and hence accelerated publication rates and other forms of dissemination and exploitation in areas of strategic importance for the University and EPSRC, and of national/international importance. Economic impacts in the following EPSRC Challenge Themes are likely: Healthcare Technologies (discovering new therapies, understanding mechanisms of disease, repurposing existing drugs, drug delivery and nanomedicine), Manufacturing the Future (supporting chemicals industries, advanced materials, sustainable processes, utilising waste), and Energy (smarter energy control/usage, renewable energies and low energy chemical processes).
OUTREACH PLANS: The equipment will be used in laboratory/department tours, student placements and work experience. All departments involved have a programme of work experience that typically takes place over the summer. The equipment will be used in University outreach activities to the benefit of school children locally. UW outreach officers will encourage more students to consider careers within the EPS, and will support local schools in their effective teaching of Science and Engineering. In terms of wider benefits to the public, this will be realised through accelerated outputs from researchers using the equipment, and impact in areas such as improved healthcare technologies, pharmaceuticals, energy storage & new materials.
Organisations
Publications
Imberti C
(2020)
Medicinal Chemistry
Armstrong J
(2021)
Vibrational Motions Make Significant Contributions to Sequential Methyl C-H Activations in an Organometallic Complex.
in The journal of physical chemistry letters
Armstrong J
(2023)
Correction to "Vibrational Motions Make Significant Contributions to Sequential Methyl C-H Activations in an Organometallic Complex".
in The journal of physical chemistry letters
Everett J
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Biogenic metallic elements in the human brain?
in Science advances
Banerjee S
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Transfer hydrogenation catalysis in cells.
in RSC chemical biology
Carter OWL
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Minerals in biology and medicine.
in RSC advances
Lopes L
(2020)
THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF BASIC SCIENCE: EXAMPLES OF HIGH-IMPACT DISCOVERIES FROM AN INTERNATIONAL CHEMISTRY NETWORK
in QuĂmica Nova
Banerjee S
(2019)
Dual-action platinum(II) Schiff base complexes: Photocytotoxicity and cellular imaging
in Polyhedron
Bolitho E
(2021)
Quinone Reduction by Organo-Osmium Half-Sandwich Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts
in Organometallics
Huang H
(2019)
Targeted photoredox catalysis in cancer cells.
in Nature chemistry
Banerjee S
(2024)
Experimental and theoretical evidence for unprecedented strong interactions of gold atoms with boron on boron/sulfur-doped carbon surfaces
in Nanoscale Advances
Kumar SA
(2021)
Dose- and time-dependent tolerability and efficacy of organo-osmium complex FY26 and its tissue pharmacokinetics in hepatocarcinoma-bearing mice.
in Metallomics : integrated biometal science
Ballesta A
(2019)
Kinetic analysis of the accumulation of a half-sandwich organo-osmium pro-drug in cancer cells.
in Metallomics : integrated biometal science
Coverdale JPC
(2021)
Osmium-arene complexes with high potency towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
in Metallomics : integrated biometal science
Dai T
(2019)
Design Optimization of 1.2kV 4H-SiC Trench MOSFET
in Materials Science Forum
Renz A
(2019)
Surface Effects of Passivation within Mo/4H-SiC Schottky Diodes through MOS Analysis
in Materials Science Forum
Bolitho EM
(2021)
Single-Cell Chemistry of Photoactivatable Platinum Anticancer Complexes.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Chen F
(2018)
Biguanide Iridium(III) Complexes with Potent Antimicrobial Activity.
in Journal of medicinal chemistry
Needham RJ
(2020)
Structure-activity relationships for osmium(II) arene phenylazopyridine anticancer complexes functionalised with alkoxy and glycolic substituents.
in Journal of inorganic biochemistry
Chellan P
(2021)
Bioactive half-sandwich Rh and Ir bipyridyl complexes containing artemisinin.
in Journal of inorganic biochemistry
Wang FX
(2022)
Reactions of cisplatin and oxaliplatin with penicillin G: implications for drug inactivation and biological activity.
in Journal of biological inorganic chemistry : JBIC : a publication of the Society of Biological Inorganic Chemistry
Renz A
(2020)
The improvement of Mo/4H-SiC Schottky diodes via a P2O5 surface passivation treatment
in Journal of Applied Physics
Bisceglie F
(2022)
Light Triggers the Antiproliferative Activity of Naphthalimide-Conjugated (?6-arene)ruthenium(II) Complexes
in International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Zhang WY
(2020)
Strategies for conjugating iridium(III) anticancer complexes to targeting peptides via copper-free click chemistry.
in Inorganica chimica acta
Shi H
(2019)
Diazido platinum( iv ) complexes for photoactivated anticancer chemotherapy
in Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers
Novohradsky V
(2020)
Induction of immunogenic cell death in cancer cells by a photoactivated platinum(IV) prodrug.
in Inorganic chemistry frontiers
Bolitho E
(2021)
Elemental mapping of half-sandwich azopyridine osmium arene complexes in cancer cells
in Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers
Imberti C
(2023)
Radiometal-Labeled Photoactivatable Pt(IV) Anticancer Complex for Theranostic Phototherapy.
in Inorganic chemistry
Xue X
(2021)
Photoactivated Osmium Arene Anticancer Complexes.
in Inorganic chemistry
Li F
(2020)
A First Evaluation of Thick Oxide 3C-SiC MOS Capacitors Reliability
in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices
Dai T
(2021)
A Compact Trench-Assisted Space-Modulated JTE Design for High-Voltage 4H-SiC Devices
in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices
Lermyte F
(2020)
Metallic iron in cornflakes.
in Food & function
Bolitho EM
(2022)
Density functional theory investigation of Ru(II) and Os(II) asymmetric transfer hydrogenation catalysts.
in Faraday discussions
Zhang WY
(2020)
Ligand-Controlled Reactivity and Cytotoxicity of Cyclometalated Rhodium(III) Complexes.
in European journal of inorganic chemistry
Banerjee S
(2019)
Generation of maghemite nanocrystals from iron-sulfur centres.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Chen F
(2022)
Effect of cysteine thiols on the catalytic and anticancer activity of Ru(II) sulfonyl-ethylenediamine complexes.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Gandioso A
(2020)
Unexpected photoactivation pathways in a folate-receptor-targeted trans-diazido Pt(IV) anticancer pro-drug.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Oliveira CG
(2020)
Novel tetranuclear PdII and PtII anticancer complexes derived from pyrene thiosemicarbazones.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Zhu Z
(2022)
Photocatalytic glucose-appended bio-compatible Ir(III) anticancer complexes.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Shaili E
(2021)
Platinum(IV)-azido monocarboxylato complexes are photocytotoxic under irradiation with visible light.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Sink A
(2022)
Kinetics and mechanism of sequential ring methyl C-H activation in cyclopentadienyl rhodium(III) complexes.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Needham RJ
(2021)
NMR studies of group 8 metallodrugs: 187Os-enriched organo-osmium half-sandwich anticancer complex.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Berrocal-Martin R
(2020)
Metallation-Induced Heterogeneous Dynamics of DNA Revealed by Single-Molecule FRET.
in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Zhang WY
(2020)
Ligand-centred redox activation of inert organoiridium anticancer catalysts.
in Chemical science
Anthony EJ
(2020)
Metallodrugs are unique: opportunities and challenges of discovery and development.
in Chemical science
Donnelly JM
(2021)
Cu(III)-bis-thiolato complex forms an unusual mono-thiolato Cu(III)-peroxido adduct.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Imberti C
(2021)
Facile protein conjugation of platinum for light-activated cytotoxic payload release.
in Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
Wang F
(2022)
Anion-Responsive Manganese Porphyrin Facilitates Chloride Transport and Induces Immunogenic Cell Death
in CCS Chemistry
Description | This equipment grant enabled the refresh of equipment that is essential in supporting the research carried out at Warwick. This spans multiple disciplines including physics, chemistry, engineering and manufacturing. Users range from final year undergraduates to experienced principle investigators. It is available for other institutions and industry to access. |
Exploitation Route | The equipment supported research that has resulted in scientific publications available for the research community and potentially patents that can be commercialised. The instruments have also been accessed by external companies to provide enhanced knowledge in their R&D work and solve problems in manufacturing processes. |
Sectors | Chemicals,Electronics,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |