Award details

The development of techniques for the direct quantification of cell-surface adhesion using a force microscope

Reference	E08293
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor W Bowen
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Swansea University
Department	Chemical & Biological Process Eng
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	156,743
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/01/1998
End date	01/01/2001
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Adhesion of biological cells to surfaces is a ubiquitous phenomenon in biotechnology and the biological sciences. The project will develop methodologies for the direct quantification of such cell-surface interactions by using an atomic force microscope to measure directly the force of adhesion of single cells at appropriate surfaces. The approaches to be developed will offer the benefits of unique quantification of the strength of cell-surface interactions, unique quantification of the timescale of development of the adhesive contact, quantification of the influence of environmental factors (pH, ionic strength, medium components), quantification of the effect of surface properties (type, roughness, preparation, coatings (natural and applied)), quantification of the effect of cell life cycle and growth conditions on adhesion and quantification of the effect of chemical methods for weakening adhesion. The methodologies developed will be applied to problems of key importance in biotechnology and the biological sciences. Firstly, in bioprocess engineering where cell adhesion reduces the efficiency of operation of process equipment and results in increased problems in achieving and maintaining sterility. Secondly, in the natural environment where adhesion can control the spread of bacteria. Thirdly, in medical and dental technology where adhesion of cells limits the lifetime of medical implants and is a precursor to tooth decay.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Engineering & Biological Systems (EBS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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