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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/N006615/1
Title: Next Generation Biomaterials Discovery
Principal Investigator: Alexander, Professor MR
Other Investigators:
Yang, Dr J Tuck, Professor CJ Denning, Professor C
Grabowska, Professor A Rose, Professor FRA Davies, Professor M
Shakesheff, Professor K Hague, Professor RJ Alexander, Professor C
Kim, Dr D Irvine, Professor DJ Bunch, Professor J
Ghaemmaghami, Professor AM Merry, Professor C Howdle, Professor S
Williams, Professor PM Wildman, Professor R Williams, Professor P
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
CSIRO Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Maastricht
University of Southern Denmark
Department: Sch of Pharmacy
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Programme Grants
Starts: 09 November 2015 Ends: 31 July 2022 Value (£): 5,365,958
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Drug Formulation & Delivery Materials Characterisation
Materials Synthesis & Growth Med.Instrument.Device& Equip.
Tissue engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
03 Jun 2015 Programme Grant Interviews - 3 June 2015 (PS and Eng) Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form


Advanced biomaterials are essential components in targeting infectious diseases and cancers, realising the potential of regenerative medicine and the medical devices of the future. A multidisciplinary team spanning Engineering, Science and Medical Faculties in Nottingham, in collaboration with 4 leading international groups has combined to realise the vision of materials discovery in 3D. Without this leap beyond 2D screening methodologies we will miss new advanced materials because they omit architecture and often poorly represent the in vivo environment. The aim is to allow us to move beyond the existing limited range of generic bioresorbable polymeric drug and cell delivery agents currently licensed for use in man and medical device polymers, to bespoke materials identified to function optimally for specific applications.

We know that defining chemistry, stiffness, topography and shape can control the response of cells to materials. This programme will focus on producing and testing large libraries of these attributes in the form of patterned surfaces, particles and more complex architectures. New materials will be identified for application in the areas of targeted drug delivery, regenerative medicine and advanced materials for next generation medical devices.

The 3D screening methods will define a new landscape in biomaterials discovery and create the platforms through which more effective advanced materials will be discovered. Our three ambitious application focussed areas provide high impact examples in which our biomaterials leads are developed towards exploitation in the clinic. These downstream projects will be carried out in both academic and commercial research programmes funded through partnering, licensing and formation of spin-outs as appropriate.

Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk