Description
Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics (Shen) Unit would like to invite you to the seminar by Prof. Nicholas W Turner on February 12 (Wednesday).
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Date: February 12, 2025
Time: 14:00-15:00
Venue: C209, OIST
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Speaker: Nicholas W Turner Professor Chemistry,
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
University of Sheffield, UK
Title:
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biomedical Applications
Abstract:
Molecular Imprinting (MI) is a technique which allows for the creation of target specific recognition sites in a wide range of materials and formats. Capable of specifically targeting anything from cells, nucleic acids and proteins to small bioactive molecules these “artificial antibodies” have shown great promise in several fields, including biotechnology, drug delivery, separations and sensing. As such, imprinting has garnered significant interest in the past few years with a near exponential growth in published work following the advent of nanoscale polymerisation techniques.
In this presentation Nick will give a brief overview of the imprinting technique and describe the current work of his group and collaborative partners. This will include developing materials for electrochemical sensing applications, drug delivery for cancer treatment, and modulation of protein functionality. He will also present further electrochemistry studies on extracellular vesicle analysis and discuss where we are looking to implement imprinting into broader techniques.
Bio:
Nick studied for a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology at the University of Southampton, UK, followed by a master’s by research in biochemistry in Exeter, UK. He prepared his doctoral thesis under the guidance of Professor Piletsky at Cranfield University, UK in the field of sensor design and molecular imprinting. Having held research positions at University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Cranfield University; and the University of Utah, USA, he started his academic career at the Open University in 2009. He moved to De Montfort University in 2018, initially as Senior Lecturer, then Reader in Bioanalytical Chemistry. In late 2021 he was awarded an EPSRC Established Career Fellowship, followed by his Personal Chair in 2022. Nick moved to Chemistry in Sheffield in March 2023. is research work is focused on novel uses of molecular imprinting, biomimetics, creation of hybrid polymeric materials and associated (bio) sensor design, while his teaching duties are based around medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and analytical chemistry.
Host: Prof. Amy Shen