The Photophysics Group has positioned itself in interdisciplinary molecular research using time-resolved fluorescence. Through novel approaches we are playing our part in solving the complexities associated with biomolecules, skin, colloids, and nanoparticles that are part of the research journey from molecules to man. We are among the pioneers of modern-day fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy as well as the initiator and driving force behind Scotland being the global manufacturing centre for single-photon fluorescence lifetime instrumentation.
Our present emphasis addresses grand challenges at the biomedical and nanometrology interface. Current programmes include aggregation of biomolecules to form fibrils e.g. beta-amyloid and Alzheimer’s disease; gold nanoparticle photophysics and application in sensing and imaging; silica nanoparticle formation and metrology in the 1-10 nm range; metabolic sensing e.g. glucose for diabetes; and biomolecular structure and dynamics down to the single molecule level.
We have built strategic collaborations in order to help achieve success. In combination with Professor Duncan Graham and colleagues in Chemistry we launched in 2005 the Centre for Molecular Nanometrology. This led directly to the Physics-Chemistry Bionanotechnology initiative that is one of the major research themes in the new £89m Technology and Innovation Centre. Our collaboration with Professor John Pickup and his team at Kings College London School of Medicine has made great strides towards improved glucose sensing technology. Our spin-off company, IBH, is part of the multinational Horiba group and the world-leader in fluorescence lifetime instrumentation.
We consistently win major funding to support our ideas, travel the globe to report our findings, organise major conferences and serve on international research panels. We have well-equipped and newly refurbished laboratories. Over 30 research students have successfully completed their PhD in the Group then moved into competitively won positions in academia and industry, many eventually holding senior posts such as professorships and company directorships.
Recently we led the organization of the 2011 Nano Meets Spectroscopy (NMS) conference at NPL on September 15th and 16th 2011. See http://sensor.phys.strath.ac.uk/nms/
