Naturally Photoactive Biopolymers. The basic aim of this project is to assess the viability of using semiconducting biopolymers from the melanin family of macromolecules in photoactive device based applications. In order to do this, key optical, structural, electronic, and photochemical properties will be assessed on thin films in the solid state. The melanins are the only known semiconducting biopolymers, and are non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. Their use as ?active? materials in ....Naturally Photoactive Biopolymers. The basic aim of this project is to assess the viability of using semiconducting biopolymers from the melanin family of macromolecules in photoactive device based applications. In order to do this, key optical, structural, electronic, and photochemical properties will be assessed on thin films in the solid state. The melanins are the only known semiconducting biopolymers, and are non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. Their use as ?active? materials in solid state or photo-electrochemical devices has never before been suggested. Specifically, these materials could be used as the light harvesting components in dye sensitised Gratzel cells, or, as the donor material in soft solid photovoltaic junctions. The melanins are also a key class of biomolecules (their involvement in skin cancers is well documented), and hence, any advancement in our understanding of their functions and properties could have biological importance.Read moreRead less
Micro-patterning of fluoropolymer surfaces for electronic and biomaterials applications. Formation of micro-patterned structures on fluoropolymers including PTFE, FEP and PVDF will be performed using micro-contact printing techniques in combination with surface graft co-polymerisation; an innovative convergence of two emerging technologies. Surface modification and structures formed will be investigated using contact angle measurements and mapping, and surface analytical techniques (XPS and TOFS ....Micro-patterning of fluoropolymer surfaces for electronic and biomaterials applications. Formation of micro-patterned structures on fluoropolymers including PTFE, FEP and PVDF will be performed using micro-contact printing techniques in combination with surface graft co-polymerisation; an innovative convergence of two emerging technologies. Surface modification and structures formed will be investigated using contact angle measurements and mapping, and surface analytical techniques (XPS and TOFSIMS). Processing methodologies will be identified which allow formation of micrometre scale tracks, and selected area deposition of sensor films and reactive biomaterials. Trial device fabrication will be undertaken using conditions and device structures similar to those required for production of diagnostic sensors and arrays, and polymer-based electronic devices.Read moreRead less