6th October 2009

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A world class scientist is exploring a new nano-material at the University of Ulster that has the potential to create the next generation of medical sensor devices.
 
Dr Abhijit Ganguly, from the National Taiwan University has joined Ulster’s Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC) based at Jordanstown campus. 

He was awarded a prestigious Leverhulme Trust Visiting Fellowship to carry out a year-long research project that could lead to major advances in the field of nanobiotechnology.
 
His research will focus on a new form of carbon called graphene, which is being developed and characterised by NIBEC researchers under the supervision of Professor Pagona Papakonstantinou.  NIBEC is one of the world’s leading centres for nanobiotechnology research.
 
Graphene, a single-layer of graphite has emerged as a material with fascinating properties that provide benefits within devices related to the energy, medical devices and electronics sectors.
 
One of the most electrically and thermally conductive materials, the potential of graphene in improving medical sensor technology has generated interest throughout the healthcare sector worldwide.
 
Professor James McLaughlin, Director of the Nanotechnology Institute at Ulster, explained that this research has the potential to benefit both patients and clinical staff.  

“In particular the materials used in high resolution and fast response sensors – for example as used in heart monitors – is of high importance.
 
Graphene will allow more efficient mechanisms to monitor patients’ electrolytes and blood – in turn allow faster point of care diagnostics. The outcome will be to enable doctors and medical staff to make faster, more accurate decision about the treatment of patients.
 
“Patients will benefit from improved care due to rapid decision making and costs can be reduced due to improved efficiencies. This work is central to creating the next generation of sophisticated point of care diagnostics that we will find on hospital wards or within our homes,” said Professor McLaughlin.

Dr Ganguly said:  "I am very happy to be at NIBEC and I hope to contribute significantly to the scientific endeavour taking place here. Graphene is a cutting-edge nanomaterial and one which has great potential to revolutionise biotechnology and many other fields."
 
Professor Papakonstantinou added: "The fellowship underlines the ability of the Institute to attract world class researchers for performing front-edge science.”  

The Leverhulme Trust Visiting fellowship is designed to attract young outstanding scientists to work in the UK. With annual funding of some £40 million, the Trust is among the largest all subject providers of research funding in the UK.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter