Core Capability for Chemistry Research in Southampton

The overall aim of this application is to modernise and enhance capability of core multi-user instrumentation in Southampton Chemistry to secure the underpinning of a wide range of current and future research projects in Chemistry, and associated disciplines, in EPSRC priority areas.

The ability to design, synthesis and characterise molecular species lies at the heart of chemistry. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (MS) are two of the key techniques used very widely across organic and inorganic chemistry for the characterisation of small and large molecules and assemblies, and for the identification of the individual constituents present in complex mixtures. They are very powerful techniques that are used on a daily basis by most researchers working in these disciplines.

Key elements of this application include: (i) replacing two NMR spectrometers with new, superior instruments to give increased capacity, capability and resilience to the core open access NMR provision at Southampton; (ii) replacing old MS systems with new instruments that will give fast throughput, improved quality results, and allow structural elucidation of compounds unsuitable for NMR spectroscopy. The very high sensitivity of the new MS systems will also be really beneficial for identification of very low level but potentially important impurities, for example those formed during the decay of radio-tracer species used in medical imaging.

Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) is an important analytical technique in materials science, which gives highly magnified images of the morphology of solids, including powders, microcrystals, thin films and nanoparticles. By using specific probes attached to the SEM, quantitative information concerning the elements present, including low level impurities that might compromise the properties of the materials, can be obtained. This application also seeks to upgrade an existing SEM instrument through replacement of its work station and operating system, and will ensure that the ability to obtain these types of information from new materials produced in Southampton Chemistry is maintained in the future.

Southampton Chemistry are committed to obtain maximum value from the capital equipment provided under the grant and have mechanisms enabling external user, including companies and academics, to use the facilities to support their research activities.

A direct impact arising from the equipment obtained from this call, and the training provided, will be the provision of highly skilled scientific researchers familiar with the use and application of modern instrumentation and the experimental possibilities offered. The UK chemical sector forms an important component of our economy with recent output over £50 billion. The success of this sector relies on its ability to recruit highly trained personnel, and it is crucial that they are familiar with the latest techniques and equipment. It is also important that trained researchers can transfer knowledge into an industrial setting in a SME, or be able to quickly adapt and contribute in research setting already well equipped with modern instrumentation. The core capability provided in this application along with the pathways to impact will equip our researchers with an appropriate advanced knowledge and skills base for future employment. The equipment will also support a number of early career researchers in Chemistry, and will give this highly talented individuals core capabilities required to carry out cutting edge research and progress their careers to provide future research leaders.
A major impact of the equipment funded under this grant will be upon the research projects supported. The impacts of these individual research projects are manifold, enhancing the reputation of the University of Southampton and the UK science base, increasing knowledge and understanding, and feeding into the economy through applications. Research is widely accepted to be fundamental in driving economic growth in the UK, and UoS Chemistry has an excellent track record of research discoveries that have led to successful spinout companies and intellectual property. The impacts of the equipment on the individual research projects have previously been assessed under the scrutiny of peer review. These will have real and demonstrable impact in Energy, Healthcare and other EPSRC priority areas, and examples have been discussed in the case for support. Additional examples include using tailored heterogeneous catalysts seeking to develop more sustainable and selective catalysis. The impact of this work includes economic (patent royalty income, cheaper more efficient processes), and societal (atom economy, preserve natural resources, reduced pollution, reduced usage of scarce metals). Companies including Honeywell, SiGNa and AWE are collaborating with UoS in this area. In another project, fundamental work on anion transporters has led to the next step; the application of these anionophores in biological settings. Specifically, strategies for the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis that are associated with defective ion transport are targeted. Impacts here will be on the health and well-being, and organisations (e.g. Novartis) support this research. Accelerated progression of these projects supported by core capability will take them further faster. DSTL is working with Southampton chemists to develop projects in several areas including antibiotics possessing novel modes of action, which are highly relevant to future health and economic prosperity.
Another important impact will be the availability of state of the art equipment to support an industrial user base comprising of small local companies, to large organisations who recognise the excellence and expertise provided within Southampton Chemistry Analytical Solutions (SCAS provides support for over 20 companies including Argenta, AstraZeneca, Target Molecules). In the case of SMEs, the cost of investment in expensive large equipment is prohibitive and use of Southampton Chemistry facilities allows them to carry out high level scientific research, and contribute to the economy. Some interactions have led to ongoing research collaborations (e.g. BP, CRUK, Dstl).
There are many opportunities to reach out to the public; the Characterisation and Analytics laboratories are and will be show-case