Machine guided optimization of organic semiconductor films for light activated antimicrobial and antiviral surfaces

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the spread of infection is an area of grave concern globally and needs urgent attention. We are in the midst of COVID19 but how do we halt its progression and prepare for or even prevent the next pandemic? Infection mediated by contaminated surfaces is critical to the spread of disease. Our multidisciplinary team is developing an entirely novel application of plastic electronic materials to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and develop them into antimicrobial surfaces. We ask the following question: Do our lightactivated antimicrobial surfaces provide a feasible mechanism of infection control? In this project, we wish to use robotic synthetic chemistry and machine learning approaches to develop the next generation of LAMS (Lightactivated Antimicrobial Surfaces) to destroy microbes on surfaces and limit the spread of infection.

We have exploited light-absorbing films based on solution processable organic/inorganic semiconductors typically used in solar energy research as a platform to develop novel antimicrobial coatings. When these coatings are exposed to ambient, visible light and oxygen, ROS, including superoxide, are generated which is subsequently able to destroy bacteria and viruses. Superoxide is one of the most aggressive, indiscriminately toxic species with the capacity to cause significant alterations in molecular and cellular function through multiple attack pathways and oxidative modifications of membranes, proteins and DNA. We aim to use the powerful combination of robotic aided synthetic chemistry, machine-guided learning and materials design to accelerate the development of these novel antimicrobial coatings on a timescale not possible using classical approaches to chemistry.

Globally, institutions have rapidly reacted to ramp-up vaccine-based research in Manhattan-esque projects. In parallel to vaccine development, it is crucial we develop strategies to reduce the role of environmental contamination in the spread of infectious agents. Studies have so far shown that microbes and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can survive on various surfaces for up to a week. Our approach goes beyond just Covid-19 in that it is shows potential in tackling the growing threat of nosocomial infections caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses, such as candida, MRSA and C. difficile. The contamination of surfaces is significant to the spread of disease and research in this field can help be part of our arsenal to limit or even halt the progression of future pandemics and tackle the increasing existential threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Academic impact:
Recent advances in data science and digital technology have a disruptive effect on the way synthetic chemistry is practiced. Competence in computing and data analysis has become increasingly important in preparing chemistry students for careers in industry and academic research.

The CDT cohort will receive interdisciplinary training in an excellent research environment, supported by state-of-the-art bespoke facilities, in areas that are currently under-represented in UK Chemistry graduate programmes. The CDT assembles a team of 74 Academics across several disciplines (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Maths and Computing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sciences), further supported by 16 industrial stakeholders, to deliver the interdisciplinary training necessary to transform synthetic chemistry into a data-centric science, including: the latest developments in lab automation, the use of new reaction platforms, greater incorporation of in-situ analytics to build an understanding of the fundamental reaction pathways, as well as scaling-up for manufacturing.

All of the research data generated by the CDT will be captured (by the use of a common Electronic Lab Notebook) and made openly accessible after an embargo period. Over time, this will provide a valuable resource for the future development of synthetic chemistry.

Industrial and Economic Impact:
Synthetic chemistry is a critical scientific discipline that underpins the UK's manufacturing industry. The Chemicals and Pharmaceutical industries are projected to generate a demand for up to 77,000 graduate recruits between 2015-2025. As the manufacturing industry becomes more digitised (Industry 4.0), training needs to evolve to deliver a new generation of highly-skilled workers to protect the manufacturing sector in the UK. By expanding the traditional skill sets of a synthetic chemist, we will produce highly-qualified personnel who are more resilient to future challenges. This CDT will produce synthetic chemists with skills in automation and data-management skills that are highly prized by employers, which will maintain the UK's world-leading expertise and competitiveness and encourage inward investment.

This CDT will improve the job-readiness of our graduate students, by embedding industrial partners in our training programme, including the delivery of training material, lecture courses, case studies, and offers of industrial placements. Students will be able to exercise their broadened fundamental knowledge to a wide range of applied and industrial problems and enhance their job prospects.

Societal:
The World's population was estimated to be 7.4 billion in August 2016; the UN estimated that it will further increase to 11.2 billion in the year 2100. This population growth will inevitably place pressure on the world's finite natural resources. Novel molecules with improved effectiveness and safety will supersede current pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals used in the fabrication of new materials.

Recent news highlights the need for certain materials (such as plastics) to be manufactured and recycled in a sustainable manner, and yet their commercial viability of next-generation manufacturing processes will depend on their cost-effectiveness and the speed which they can be developed. The CDT graduates will act as ambassadors of the chemical science, engaging directly with the Learned Societies, local council, general public (including educational activities), as well as politicians and policymakers, to champion the importance of the chemical science in solving global challenges.