2004 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

Home Page

Table of contents

Index by Author

Index by topics

Search


University of Ulster
James McLaughlinJames McLaughlin
Visions on a nanoscale – new Nanotechnology Research Institute opens at UU

New Nanotechnology Research Institute at UU

The Nanotechnology Research Institute, in conjunction with The Northern Ireland Bioengineering Research Centre (NIBEC), is internationally recognised for its work on biosensors, biomaterials, photocatalysis, and advanced functional materials research and technology transfer. This expertise has been extended to cover nanoscale research that is further supported by the newly established Nanotechnology Research Institute at the University of Ulster.

The Institute is currently involved in several major projects, developing biosensor arrays, surface modification, tissue-engineering, nanotube fabrication and characterisation, and photoelectrochemical cells. We have also established a joint University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast Centre of Excellence (NanotecNI), focused on nanotechnology and the knowledge based solutions for industry in the 21st century.


Specialisms

  •  Design, fabrication and characterisation of sensors for biomedical and environmental applications. The sensors group has strengths in the areas of ac impedance, cyclic voltammetry, potentiometry, and in their use in the characterisation of materials and interfaces. Specialisms include electronic nose devices, SPR and Raman sensors, pulse wave velocity sensing, smart sensors and implantable electrodes/arrays.

  •  Development of 'smart biomaterials' with specific bio-functionality capable of tissue regeneration and repair.

  •  Investigation of ultra-thin carbon nanolayers as produced by Dense-Plasma systems, including Filtered Cathodic Vacuum Arc, for application to magnetic storage technology.

  •  Integration of a new tissue culture laboratory with solid state devices and biosurfaces.

  •  CVD Nanotube fabrication and characterisation.

  •  Micro and nanoscale plastic moulding.

  •  Dual Beam FIB nanofabrication.

  •  The use of nanoscale photocatalytic TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) in the treatment and purification of water.


New Developments

Research is currently underway on the development of smart nanotubes that are bio-engineered and tailored-designed so as to accomplish detection of environmental micro- organisms and biomolecules with high sensitivity and specificity. The Institute aims to exploit novel TiO2 based nanotube photocatalysts for photocatalytic destruction of environmental pollutants, and also develop new technology transfer in the areas of nanoscale coatings, tissue engineering and DNA sensing.


Technology Transfer

Getting nano solutions from the lab to the production floor is a key strategic goal of the new NRI centre and, in collaboration with Nanotec NI, we shall seek to develop the already close ties the University enjoys with industrial partners in Northern Ireland. We will actively pursue the commercial opportunities that nanotechnology is opening up, through various business models, including licensing and spin outs.

Contact: Professor James McLaughlin, NIBEC Building, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 OQB;
Tel: (44) (0) 2890 368933; Secretary: 44 (0) 2890 366329; Fax: (44) (0) 2890 366863;
E-mail: [email protected] ; Web: http://www.engineering.ulster.ac.uk/nri/ ;