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MRG are pleased to announce a 3 year project funded by EPSRC in collaboration with the Physics Department, Henkel, Schlumberger and Dynex Semiconductors Ltd. Project supervisors Professor Samjid Mannan, Dr Mike Clode and Dr Mark Green (Physics). Total project funding including industrial contributions ~£1M.

High-res imaging of the electric surface potential of biomolecular structure

The objective of this project is to develop a method for high-resolution, quantitative mapping of the surface potential of biomolecular structures in water. The method is based on Kelvin-probe Force Microscopy (KFM), in which a biased, conductive, standard Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tip is scanned close to a sample surface resulting in a very sensitive, quantitative measurement of the surface potential with a lateral resolution of about 50 nm. To date, the method is restricted to measurements in air or vacuum, which is mainly due to the design of commercial AFM-tips. However, as KFM is a currentless technique the method could also be applied in conductive liquids such as water. Our goal is to expand KFM to aqueous solutions and increase its resolution. We will also produce model samples based on bacterial S-layers with patterned charges to demonstrate and evaluate the method. The successful expansion of KFM to water will open up entirely new routes for research into biological systems where surface charges play an important role, such as in ion channels, charged membrane proteins, lipid rafts or the charge-influenced aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils. This project is being carried out by Dr Carl Leung; the PI is Dr Patrick Mesquida in collaboration with Dr Stefan Howorka, Department of Chemistry, University College London. The project is funded by the BBSRC.

Nanoparticle Stabilized Solder Materials for High Reliability

This IeMRC funded project is an extension of the project below, and involves Dr. Roya Ashayer-Soltani and Mr. Simon Hillman as researchers. Project supervisors are Professor Samjid Mannan, Dr Shahriar Sajjadi, Dr Mike Clode, Dr Mark Miodownik. The project is due to complete in 2009.

Microemulsion Fabrication of Nanoparticles for Enhanced Solder Materials

This IeMRC funded project explores the possibility of producing tailored nanoparticles to strengthen solders for use in harsh environments. Dr. Roya Ashayer-Soltani is the Researcher on the project. Project supervisors Professor Samjid Mannan, Dr Shahriar Sajjadi, Dr Mike Clode, Dr Mark Miodownik.Bio-Inspired NanoCAD

We are developing a CAD tool called NanoConstructor which mimics nature by evolving artifical nanostructure designs in a computer. The basis of the code is a genetic algorithm that evolves the 3D nanostructures to optimise their physical and electrical properties. Project supervisor Dr Mark Miodownik.

 

Using Shape Memory Alloys to Understand the Role of Physics in Evolving Systems

The development of mechanisms to actuate robotic devices using NiTi alloys. The work is in collaboration with Peter Bentley and Siavash Mahdavi from the Computer Science Department of University College London, who are using genetic algorithms to evolve behaviour of these types of robots.

Computer Modelling of Zener-Smith Pinning

Computer modelling of the pattern formation mechanisms active during microstrucutural evolution of crystalline materials, of particular interest are pinning phenomena. This project is in collaboration with Dr Liz Holm from Sandia National Labs, USA. Project supervisor Dr Mark Miodownik.

Self-Assembly of 3D Microstructure

We are using Genetic Algorithms to evolve 3D Cellular Automata that assemble 3D microstructure. This effort is partly funded by Sandia National Laboratories, and is specified by, and supports, the US BES initiative "Ensemble Controlled Deformation of Materials." Project supervisor

Dr Mark Miodownik.

High Temperature Electronics

When electronics are used in high temperature environments (e.g. near engines, down oil wells), the soldering materials used to join the components to the circuit boards often fail. At KCL, we are investigating a novel technique to allow the solder bonds to withstand harsh environment conditions. The solder bonds are designed to melt at high temperature, providing only electrical connection, while mechanical connection is maintained by other components of the assembly. Understanding and controlling the reactions between the molten solder and surrounding surfaces is key to the project's success. The researcher on the project is Dr Jianfeng Li. Project supervisors Professor Samjid Mannan and Dr Mike Clode

Electrical Analysis of Nanofilms

The electrical resistance between two conducting particles is often governed by the nature of thin semiconducting or insulating films trapped at the interface. Using electrical methods, these films can be studied in-situ, increasing our understanding of these nanometer sized objects. A PhD student, Simon Hillman, is working on this project Project supervisor

Professor Samjid Mannan.

Self-Assembly of Drosophila Embryos

We are investigating how groups of cells co-operate to initiate global shape changes, such as morphogenetic changes during embryo development. This is a complex problem in which the mechanics and the biology cannot easily be separated and requires an interdisciplinary approach. We are constructing a computer model to test current theories of Drosophila gastrulation, and investigate the relationship between the physical parameters that describe the mechanics of cell shape changes and the genetic information that determines the cell behaviour. The key innovation in this project is that for the first time we will be linking cell shape changes of individual cells to the simulated expression of proteins in those cells. The project is being carried out by postdoctoral fellow, Dr Vito Conte, in collaboration with biologist Dr Buzz Baum University College London and Dr Jose Munoz from Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya. Project manager Dr Mark Miodownik.  This work is funded by the BBSRC