Attana biosensors at the University of Birningham

Under the supervision of Professor Eugenia (Éva) Valsami-Jones and Dr. Iseult Lynch, the Environmental Nanosciences group aims at understanding reactivity at the nanoscale, and how this impacts on processes such as biomineralisation, environmental transformation and ageing, and nanoparticle interactions with organisms. In particular, the group focuses on:

- Nanoparticle interactions with biomolecules in the environment (natural organic matter, secreted proteins, organic pollutants, etc.) – investigating the “eco-corona” and secondary pollutant effects.

- Determination of the fate and behavior of nanomaterials in the environment.

- Development of high throughput screening applications: nano(eco)toxicology, bionanointeractions and assessment of environmental fate of nanomaterials.

The group will use the Attana instrument to characterize nanoparticle behaviour in different environments and to develop an assessment and prediction tool for nanoparticle behavior, including dissolution, homo and heteroagglomeration and binding of environmentally relevant biomolecules and macromolecules.

“The Attana Cell 200 will be a vital instrument to characterize and understand nanoscale materials, which can behave in novel and unexpected ways. Their very small size and exceptionally high surface area to volume ratio are features that alter their properties enormously. This results in a high reactivity and a large area onto which biomolecules and other environmental entities can bind. The kinetic interaction analysis enabled by the Attana Cell 200 is essential to understand and safely utilize nanoproperties for a range of environmental applications” comments Dr. Lynch.

Attana CSO, Teodor Aastrup adds, “Environmental Nanosciences at University of Birmingham is one of the leading groups in nanoparticle characterization and we are excited about the Attana instrument being part of their important research. It is yet another confirmation of the importance of understanding the kinetic interactions in complex and realistic environments.”