Priority Research theme 1

Fundamental Materials Science: Nano-Micro-Bio Materials Convergence

Trends in chemical and biological sensing are rapidly evolving towards completely autonomous analytical devices that can perform sophisticated analytical procedures and processes independently and reliably. Central to the realisation of the next generation of analytical devices is control of the macroscopic properties of surfaces through manipulation of the surface structure at the molecular level. The NCSR is aiming to further develop its strengths and expertise in fundamental materials in areas such as:

Molecular deposition and immobilisation, and associated surface characterisation and imaging.
Low power approaches to liquid transport on surfaces or within microchannels; e.g.photo/electro- control of surface polarity/charge switching, or use of soft polymer biomimetic (artificial muscle) pumps and valves incorporating effective charge carrying entities like CNTs.
Materials for energy scavenging and storage leading to energy self-sufficient platforms.
Bead or micelle/colloid based systems for sampling, molecular transport, surface recognition, controlled delivery.
Switchable systems (photochemical and electrochemical) that display very significant (reversible) changes in properties under external control, including surface binding, polarity, charge, permeability, porosity, colour etc.
Nanostructured and nanomaterials such as conducting polymers and composites for sensing applications.

Steps towards delivering this vision have already been taken in that existing and new networks are being leveraged on a national and international scale to maximise funding opportunities in these targeted areas. There is significant overlap between these research deliverables and current EU policies in nanomedicine, environmental monitoring and personal health. (EU Directive No's. )

< PREV NEXT >