Bioinspired antimicrobial surfaces
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Project Aims
This project plans to use a biomimetic approach to understand the mechanisms underlying the resistance of nano-textured biological surfaces to bacteria, based on existing bacteria-resistant structures and morphologies found in the natural world. We will use this insight to design new antibacterial structured surfaces that strongly resist bacterial adherence and biofilm proliferation, and have the ability to be manufactured at scale and therefore used to prevent bacterial spread and transmission.
- Aims and objectives
The goal of this PhD project is to understand the mechanism by which cicada wing surface nano-structures resist biofilm formation - what is special about these nano-structured surface features? These features have previously been described as antireflection structures to make the wings more transparent current evidence suggests that improving transparency helps to make them harder to see by predators. It is also the case that they also resist bacteria growth, so a multifunctional nanostructure all on the surface of an insects wing. We want to mimic these structures to make bacteria-resistant surfaces. We plan to use commercially available materials that are available at scale, we may also be able to use low cost recycled polymer materials to create a high value product.
- The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
Using a number of surface characterisation techniques of surface chemistry and morphology (XPS, AFM, ion beam and SIMS) we will thoroughly characterise these biological surfaces and then replicate these features in a synthetic analogue. This will involve using the EPSRC national epitaxy facility to create large area mimics using electron beam lithography. In tandem with the surface characterisation we will perform bacterial growth assays on these surfaces and use optical fluorescence microscopy to quantify the number of live/ dead for a number of carefully selected bacterial strains. We plan to iterate the structures and assess the ability to kill bacteria by tuning the length-scales of the surface structures.
- Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
The project aligns strongly with the healthcare technologies theme and manufacturing the future as well the Polymer Materials theme.
- Any companies or collaborators involved
The project is a joint project with Dr Rebecca Corrigan in the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department in Sheffield.
This project plans to use a biomimetic approach to understand the mechanisms underlying the resistance of nano-textured biological surfaces to bacteria, based on existing bacteria-resistant structures and morphologies found in the natural world. We will use this insight to design new antibacterial structured surfaces that strongly resist bacterial adherence and biofilm proliferation, and have the ability to be manufactured at scale and therefore used to prevent bacterial spread and transmission.
- Aims and objectives
The goal of this PhD project is to understand the mechanism by which cicada wing surface nano-structures resist biofilm formation - what is special about these nano-structured surface features? These features have previously been described as antireflection structures to make the wings more transparent current evidence suggests that improving transparency helps to make them harder to see by predators. It is also the case that they also resist bacteria growth, so a multifunctional nanostructure all on the surface of an insects wing. We want to mimic these structures to make bacteria-resistant surfaces. We plan to use commercially available materials that are available at scale, we may also be able to use low cost recycled polymer materials to create a high value product.
- The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
Using a number of surface characterisation techniques of surface chemistry and morphology (XPS, AFM, ion beam and SIMS) we will thoroughly characterise these biological surfaces and then replicate these features in a synthetic analogue. This will involve using the EPSRC national epitaxy facility to create large area mimics using electron beam lithography. In tandem with the surface characterisation we will perform bacterial growth assays on these surfaces and use optical fluorescence microscopy to quantify the number of live/ dead for a number of carefully selected bacterial strains. We plan to iterate the structures and assess the ability to kill bacteria by tuning the length-scales of the surface structures.
- Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
The project aligns strongly with the healthcare technologies theme and manufacturing the future as well the Polymer Materials theme.
- Any companies or collaborators involved
The project is a joint project with Dr Rebecca Corrigan in the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department in Sheffield.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 2113478 | Studentship | EP/N509735/1 | 01/10/2018 | 10/05/2022 | Thomas Catley |
| EP/R513313/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2113478 | Studentship | EP/R513313/1 | 01/10/2018 | 10/05/2022 | Thomas Catley |