| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/N35168/01 |
| Title: |
SWITCHABLE POLYMERS AND BIOADHESION |
| Principal Investigator: |
Alexander, Professor C |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Sch of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences |
| Organisation: |
University of Portsmouth |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 2000 |
Ends: |
30 September 2003 |
Value (£): |
62,100
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
|
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Chemicals |
Healthcare |
| Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
The proposal is aimed at developing a rational approach to the preparation of smart polymers and surfaces, and to address the potential of polymer phases transitions in mediating adsorption of biological macromolecules and cells. It is also an aim to elucidate the detailed macromolecular design criteria necessary to control adhesion in vivo. We have recently shown that phase transitions of surface grafted polymers can moderate adsorption of bacteria and now seek to establish the generality of this approach with other biological entities. The work will consist of 4 stages:1. The synthesis of polymers capable of displaying phase transitions, and characterisation of these transitions both in solution and at surfaces will be carried out.2. The effect of simple phase changes on primary biopolymer adsorption will be monitored, and the structure of polymer surfaces and adsorbed layers further characterised.3. Design criteria will be elucidated for grafted oligomers and polymers such that phase transitions are accompanied by optimal surface free energy changes.4. The effect of temperature and pH-induced phase changes on the adhesion of more complex biopolymers and cells will be assessed.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.port.ac.uk |