| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/C53204X/1 |
| Title: |
SYNTHESIS OF ENHANCED MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES USING BIOMINERALISATION METHODS FROM MAGNETOTACTIC BACTERIA |
| Principal Investigator: |
Staniland, Dr SS |
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| Department: |
Inst of Cell and Molecular Biology |
| Organisation: |
University of Edinburgh |
| Scheme: |
Postdoc Res Fellowship PreFEC |
| Starts: |
01 June 2005 |
Ends: |
30 June 2008 |
Value (£): |
151,005
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| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Magnetotactic bacteria produce highly regular, crystalline magnetite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of a specific size and shape. This project aims to exploit and adapt this process to synthesise improved MNPs for magnetic technology for communication, computation and medicine, particularly information storage and drug delivery. Previous work has demonstrated that magnetotactic bacteria cultured in media containing Co2+ ion may ingest them, altering the magnetic character of the magnetite they produce. We will thus consider the biological processes that occur in this altered environment by identifying Co2+ transporters and mutations that enable Co2+ uptake, with the aim of mutating the bacteria to take up cobalt with limited toxic affect. We also intend to identify the proteins that are involved in biominerahsation and use them to synthesise magnetite in vitro in combination with chemical techniques and variable quantities of Co2+ ions, enabling large scale production. The research draws together collaborates in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Cape Town with experience in microbiology, colloidal and materials chemistry. The project crosses the boundary between materials and life sciences to mutual benefit. This research approaches materials problems from a biological perspective and uses materials analytical techniques to elucidate to biological mechanisms, resulting in advances of academic and industrial importance.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ed.ac.uk |