Channels

 

Special Offers & Promotions

 

 

Latest News

 

 

View Channel

New Products

 

 

View Channel

Video Presentations

 

 

View Channel

Separation Science

 

 

View Channel

Microscopy & Image Analysis

 

 

View Channel

Laboratory Automation & IT Solutions

 

 

View Channel

 

JPK reports on the biophysical research activities of Dr Michael Higgins of IPRI and ACES at the University of Wollongong in Australia

Dr Michael Higgins

JPK Instruments, a world-leading manufacturer of nanoanalytic instrumentation for research in life sciences and soft matter, reports on the use of AFM to study the nanoscale interactions of biological systems at the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) and ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) of the University of Wollongong in the group of Dr Michael Higgins.

Dr Michael Higgins is currently an ARC Australian Research Fellow in the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and leading research on the application of Scanning Probe Microscopy to biological systems. Dr Higgins's main interest and research has focused on the application of AFM to study the nanoscale interactions of biological systems, including living cells, model lipid membranes, single ligand-receptor interactions, individual protein unfolding, fundamental surface-force interactions, as well as being involved in AFM instrument development. He now has over 15 years of experience with AFM in the field of Biophysics.

Dr Higgins described his research goals: "We wish to develop organic conductors (CNT, graphene, conducting polymers) as advanced electrode coatings in biological applications, including electronic in vitro culture systems (e.g. electronic petri dishes), implantable electrodes for tissue regeneration and electroactive coatings for preventing inflammatory responses or bacterial adhesion. The premise for using these materials is that we can use electrical stimulation to control cell interactions."

He continued: "The motivation is that in order to successfully develop these types electrodes, we need a much better understanding of the cellular - material interface. For example, how do we fabricate these materials so that they make a better electrical 'connection' to the living cell or tissues? Or how can we harness their dynamic, electromaterial properties to control cell interactions? These will require an ability to guide cell growth toward the electrode, enhance cell-electrode adhesion, tailor surface chemistry for biomolecular and cellular recognition, and then ultimately use electrical stimulation via the electrode to control the cell interactions."

Having used a variety of commercial systems over a ten year period, the advent of the JPK NanoWizard® has provided new opportunities for advanced research and experimental flexibility. "We like the way it integrates well with optical techniques while the Fluid cell has several nice configurations (e.g. petri dish holders, BioCellTM etc...) that enable live cell studies. Specifically for us, the range of electrochemical cell configurations enables us to study single molecule and cell interactions in response to different electromaterials and electrical stimulation."

For more details about JPK's specialist products and applications for the bio and nano sciences, please contact JPK on +49 30533112070, visit the web site www.jpk.com


If you have not logged into the website then please enter your details below.



 

Subscribe to any of our newsletters for the latest on new laboratory products, industry news, case studies and much more!

Newsletters from Lab Bulletin

 

Request your free copies HERE

 

 

 

Popular this Month

Top 10 most popular articles this month

 

 

Today's Picks

 


 

Looking for a Supplier?

Search by company or by product

 


Company Name:

Product:


 

 

 

 

Please note Lab Bulletin does not sell, supply any of the products featured on this website. If you have an enquiry, please use the contact form below the article or company profile and we will send your request to the supplier so that they can contact you directly.

Lab Bulletin is published by newleaf marketing communications ltd.


 

Media Partners

 

Exhibitions & Events