Spotlight on smart materials
Smart and Functional Materials research at The Open University is driving forward the development of novel solutions to practical problems, and expanding scientific knowledge, in the fields of Energy, Nanotechnology, Diagnostics and Material Analysis using ‘smart materials’.
Smart materials have properties that react to changes in their environment. This means that their properties can be changed by external conditions, such as temperature, light, pressure or electricity. These changes are reversible and can be repeated many times.
Biological Therapeutics
The Biological Materials and Therapeutics group showed for the first time that a nanoparticle could have selective cancer cell toxicity and radiosensing potential. This discovery holds great promise for developing low-cost cancer nanotherapeutics.
Read the paper: Cancer-selective, single agent chemoradiosensitising gold nanoparticles
The group’s expertise cuts across analytical chemistry, pharmacology and biology and seeks to create novel solutions for drug and food supplement delivery.
Nanoscale Energy and Surface Engineering
The Nanoscale Energy and Surface Engineering group has developed/discovered methods for controlling the geometries of 2D materials. These materials, sometimes referred to as single layer materials, are crystalline materials consisting of a single layer of atoms. They have uses in applications such as photovoltaics, semiconductors, electrodes and water purification.
The group works with materials ranging from graphene and organic semiconductors, to inorganic materials and enzymes, across a wide range of real-life applications.
Read about the work of the Nanoscale Energy and Surface Engineering group
Analysis and diagnostics
The Analysis and Diagnostics group explores the enhanced mechanical properties of polymer composites filled with carbon nanotubes, the improved strength of which makes them suitable for demanding engineering applications, such as Structural materials for aerospace, transport, marine and in sporting goods.
The group has a diverse research programme focusing on commercial and custom-made polymers, nanocomposites, novel inorganic-organic hybrid materials, and nanometrology. Additionally, the group studies the degradation of implantable materials used for regenerative medicine.
Synthesis
The Synthesis group researches novel materials with direct applications in the chemical and healthcare industries and also in areas such as waste, sustainability and the environment.
One of the materials the group researches is nanocages, in particular, a popular silicon-based nanocage called polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, or POSS, which they are investigating for incorporation into materials used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Read the paper: Facile synthesis of novel hybrid POSS biomolecules via “Click” reactions
The group has also developed solutions to technical problems thanks to the versatility of organosilicon compounds. Examples of their extensive use in modern life include:
- They are used in many personal care products, for example, they help to make hair silky in shampoos
- They stop the diesel from foaming when cars are refilled
- They are used as medical implants and contact lenses
- They are used to waterproof buildings
- They are used for cupcake holders during baking
In the video below, hear what Peter Taylor, Professor of Organic Chemistry has to say about the uses of silicone:
Environmental Applications
The Environmental Applications group research focuses on developing and analysing novel materials for environmental applications in the real-world.
Recent research demonstrates the potential usefulness of atmospheric plasmas for preventing hospital-acquired infections.
The group has the expertise to tackle contemporary research challenges in environmental, sustainability and waste issues. It is also a leader in molecular imprinting, a highly specialised technique used in chemical sensing, and its potential uses in the areas of biological and environmental research.
Quarterly Review of Research
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