Drug Delivery and Biomaterials
Research in this theme is focused on the development of materials which interface with the body and provide enhanced functionality, such as drug delivery, infection resistance or monitoring of levels of drug or host markers. Activities are concentrated on the development of new methods for fabricating materials for medical device manufacture including biomaterials with enhanced anti-infective and biocompatibility properties. Sensor research focuses on sensors immobilised in biocompatible scaffolds, blood-free diagnosis/patient monitoring using microneedles and developing point-of-care tests for microbial infection.
Research Equipment Includes:
Hitachi TM-3030 Tabletop SEM
Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM)
Used to explore the surface morphology of materials or drug delivery systems and their microstructures, and to observe cell or bacteria morphology seeding above a surface. Electrically-cooled cold stage attachment also available.
School of Pharmacy (Lab M204)
Bookable only after suitable training
ChemInstruments Coefficient of Friction Analyser
Coefficient of friction measurement
To determine coefficient of friction values of coated and non-coated surfaces according to ASTM test method D-1894 and others.
School of Pharmacy (Lab M208)
Bookable only after suitable training
Raman Micro 300, Raman Microscope
Raman Microscopy/Spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy can be used for the identification of materials and can provide a more detailed study of their molecular structure. This Raman microscope can obtain single-point Raman spectra from either physically small samples such as fibers and single crystals or from small areas of larger samples such as contamination on a surface. The software controlled motorised stage also allows for chemical imaging (the study of component distribution across the surface of a sample) or depth profiling. Objectives from 4x - 100x are available.
School of Pharmacy (Lab M204)
Bookable only after suitable training
Theta optical tensiometer
Contact angle analysis and topography measurement
Attension Theta Optical Tensiometer is a computer controlled and user programmable video based instrument designed for the measurement of surface and interfacial tension, static and dynamic contact angles, surface free energy of solids and dilatational interfacial rheology. Theta includes a video camera, an adjustable sample stage and a LED light source.
The OneAttension software included with this instrument allows the easy operation of a variety of pre-programmed experiments which can be modified to any needs. The data is stored to the hard drive and can be retrieved and analyzed later. The data analyses can be done without instrument connection. Data files can be easily exported and imported if another data reduction software than the one provided is preferred.
School of Pharmacy (Lab M106)
Bookable only after suitable training
Keyence digital microscope, VHX-700F series, with VH-Z100R/W and VH-Z20R lenses available
Digital optical microscopy
Allows observation, recording and measurement with a single instrument. Free-angle observation is possible when the lens is tilted or the motorised stage is rotated, allowing observation from a range of angles without having to touch the sample. It has depth composition and 3D display functions, providing depth compositions and 3D images quickly. The higher magnification wide-range zoom VH-Z100R/W lens has magnification settings of 100-1000X, while the ultra small high-performance zoom VH-Z20R lens has 20-200X capabilities.
School of Pharmacy (Lab M208)
Bookable only after suitable training
For more information on equipment and facilities in this research theme contact: Andrew Gray
E-mail: a.j.gray@qub.ac.uk
Tel: 02890 972333
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