Bioinspired Nanomaterials - RSC Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Interest Group ECR Meeting

Synopsis

Biomolecular structures from molecular complexes and protein assemblies to natural fibers showcase the fascinating molecular interactions of “bionanocomponents” that confer functionalities often not achieved by synthetic materials. Some examples include silk, the nuclear pore complex (NPC) for selective protein transport, and membrane scaffolds for organizing and focusing membrane protein function. These systems have direct relevance for a wide range of applications including molecular separation, biomaterials, high strength fibers, and even cosmetics and food science. Further understanding of the biomolecular structures as well as their physical chemistry can foster direct exploitation of these materials or the development of soft matter and nanosystems that mimic their function. On the other hand, the observed biochemical and biophysical principles can simply inspire novel synthetic nanomaterials that depart from the original biological functions. Some examples include nanoreactors, enzyme systems, theragnostics, and a range of bionanostructures.  
 
To highlight and encourage research in the area of bioinspired nanomaterials, this meeting will bring together researchers in biological structure characterization as well as bioinspired soft matter and bionanotechnology, and will involve industry interests in advanced materials. A low registration fee is also set to provide a forum for early career researchers to present their results.  

Confirmed speakers:

Prof Nico Bruns, University of Strathclyde  
Prof My Hedhammar, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. 
Dr Johana Kuncova-Kallio, BioNavis Ltd, Finland. 
Prof Roderick Lim, Biozentrum and The Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel. 
Dr Fabio Nudelman, University of Edinburgh. 
Prof Erik Reimhult, BOKU University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences, Vienna. 
Dr Philipp Seib, University of Strathclyde. 
Dr Simona Serban, Purolite Ltd., UK. 
Prof Patrick Theato, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. 

Scientific and organizing committee:  

Dr King Hang Aaron Lau, University of Strathclyde. 
Prof Carsten Mim, KTH Stockholm. 
Prof Basit Yameen, Lahore University of Management Sciences. 

Registration fees:  

Early bird student and postdocs (by Feb 8): £15. 
Early bird RSC Member / Non-Member (by Feb 8): £30 / £60   
Standard student / postdocs: £30 / £60  
Standard RSC Member / Non-Member: £60 / £80  

Call for oral and poster presentations:  

Deadline for oral abstract submission is Feb 15. Please see "Deadlines" and "Useful links" to the meeting website above for further details. Completed abstracts using the provided template should be emailed to Prof Carsten Mim <carmim@kth.se>. 

Contact Information:  

aaron.lau@strath.ac.uk (chair), carmim@kth.se and basit.yameen@lums.edu.pk (abstracts and program). 

Supporting organisation

Funding for this meeting has been provided by:
RSC Materials Chemistry Division
RSC Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Group
The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)
The EPSRC