Resonance Issue 14 | Spring 2021
The University of Sheffield’s Chemistry News Team HOMES UNDER THE PRINTER
PERSEVERANCE ROVER - MARS 2020
SUNLIGHT TO SUGAR WITHOUT PLANTS
Resonance
Resonance
The University of Sheffield’s Chemistry News Team
Resonance is a biannual newsletter produced by chemistry students at the University of Sheffield. It aims to provide insights into unheard stories from the department and to engage its readers with issues in the wider scientific world.
Editor Courtney Thompson Design Editor Courtney Thompson
Editorial
Contributing Authors Larissa Aravantinou Ida Shahriari Zavareh Zak Pinkney Emily Goddard Luis Fernando Valdez Pérez Courtney Thompson Josh Nicks t Copy Editors Courtney Thompson Josh Nicks Dr Jonathan A. Foster Prof Anthony J. H. M. Meijer
Email chem-news@sheffield.ac.uk
Printers Print and Design Solutions Bolsover Street Sheffield S3 7NA
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I
ssue 14 of Resonance looks to the future. While focusing on the present is important, in these unprecedented times looking to the future is all the more important. The future of science is a fascinating topic, with many avenues to explore, some of which we will delve into throughout this issue. From space travel to global warming this issue has it all. If space takes your interest, then read Larissa’s article about how diffuse interstellar bands map out unknown molecules in space. Or why not delve into NASA and SpaceX’s new 3D printing project, an article written by Zak. Emily details how the most recent mission to Mars is defining the future of space travel and Ida focuses on new production methods for sustainable polymers. Previous editor of Resonance Josh has written an interesting article about a novel use for greenhouse gases while future Resonance editor Luis has outlined the future of organic chemistry. As you my have guessed this is the last issue of Resonance that I will be taking part in as editor as I move ever closer to the 4th year of my PhD and the all-important writing of the thesis. I’d like to thank everyone that has contributed to the issues I had the pleasure of editing and I would like to wish our new editor Luis good luck with issue 15! All that is left to say is, sit back, grab a chocolate digestive or ten and delve in! Bye for now,
Courtney Thompson
Contents
On the Cover
5
In This Issue
Editorial
1
Diffuse Interstellar Bands
3
The Future of Sustainable Polymer Production
4
Homes Under the Printer: The Future of Construction
5-6
Homes Under the Printer
Elemental Factfile: Titanium
6
The future of construction seems to be leading towards greater use of 3D printing. This article details SpaceX and NASA’s most recent construction endeavour.
Perserverence Rover - Mars 2020 Mission
7-8
The Future of Organic Chemistry
9-10
Sunlight to Sugar without Plants
11-12
Departmental news
13-14
PhD Insight with Resonance
15-16
7
Chemistry Crossword This Semester in Pictures
Perseverance Rover - Mars 2020 At 20:55 GMT on 18th February 2021, Perseverance landed successfully on Mars. Read all about this recent mission.
17 Back
Check Us Out @resonancenews @SheffieldChem
11
@sheffield.chem The University of Sheffield University of Sheffield Chemistry Alumni @Resonance_Sheff
Sunlight to Sugar without Plants Fancy some greenhouse gas in your tea? How can sunlight be used to help turn CO2 into sugar without plants.
chem-news@sheffield.ac.uk www http://bit.ly/2weV7M1
The University of Sheffield || Resonance Issue 14
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Insight
Diffuse Interstellar Bands:inThe Diamonds the Graveyard of Many a Career Rough By Larissa Aravantinou By Tom Neal
S
pace is filled with stars and planets. Between these celestial bodies are gaps filled with thinly spread gas and dust known as interstellar dust clouds. Through telescopes scientists can take a look into space and use measurements of electromagnetic radiation to determine which particles are present in the interstellar medium. This is possible because atoms and molecules interact with radiation in different ways. Consequently, different atoms and molecules have characteristic patterns of absorption. Scientists can then use this information to match absorption patterns of known atoms or molecules with the patterns observed in space.1 But what if the absorption patterns in space don’t match to those of any atom or molecule known to scientists? That is exactly the case with the Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs). The Diffuse Interstellar Bands are absorption bands belonging to interstellar material in space known as carriers. There are over 500 DIBs that range between 4000 Å to 10000 Å as shown above. They have baffled scientists for over 100 years since their first discovery by Mary Lea Heger in 1919. This is because despite many DIBs having been detected, there is only one molecule that has been found to match two diffuse interstellar bands at 9577 Å and 9632 Å - and that is the C60+ buckminsterfullerene cation.2 The confirmation of C60+ as a carrier in 2015 signified a breakthrough in the research of diffuse interstellar bands and the understanding of the interstellar medium. It meant that larger, more complex structures may
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Infrared Spectrum detailing the apearance of diffuse interstellar bands.1
exist in interstellar space compared to what was previously thought. There may even be molecules in the interstellar medium that have never been observed on Earth!2 Astronomers assume that some of the DIB carriers may be polyaromatic hydrocarbons or other larger fullerenes. However, btaining laboratory evidence to confirm these carriers is extremely difficult since it requires scientists to essentially replicate the conditions of deep space in a lab. The molecules have to be isolated in temperatures as low as 4.2 K in neon or helium matrices in order to obtain their gas phase spectra and compare them to absorption spectra from space.3 Moreover, whilst there is some clue as to the identity of the DIB carriers, nobody really knows how they actually got there. So far speculations suggest that they are formed in the atmosphere of carbon rich stars and are then carried into space by the star’s stellar wind. However this is far from conclusive.3
There is still a lot to be uncovered in regards to the chemical and physical reactions occurring in the interstellar medium and in space. Whilst astronomers are one step closer to identifying carriers for the DIBs, the fascinating century-old mystery continues.
Female astronomer Mary Lea Heger, who made important discoveries in interstellar medium.
1. https://bit.ly/3dsSfj5 2. https://bit.ly/32qlz3u 3. https://bit.ly/32qlz3u
Research Interview
The Future of Sustainable Polymer Production By By Ida Ida Shahriari Shahriari Zavareh Zavareh
T
here is a significant need to discover more sustainable and affordable polymer production mechanisms, due to the everincreasing plastic waste problem and environmental devastation from the burning of fossil fuels. PHAs or polyhydroxyalkanoates are leading sustainable polymer alternatives. They posess the ability to be converted into carbon dioxide and water in the presence of oxygen by microorganisms, and they can be synthesised from renewable carbon sources.1
PHBV monomer repeating unit.
PHBV is a thermoplastic copolymer made up of the monomers, 3-hyrdoxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid which are also known as 3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), respectively. These monomers are joined together by ester bonds through condensation reactions. The monomer units are synthesised simultaneously in bacterial cytoplasm.1 The different ratios of the two monomers result in different properties of PHBV. As the fraction of 3HV monomer in the polymer increases the degredation rate and melting point of the resultant PHBV also increases. This increase can be atributted to the low crystalinity of the biopolymer.1
Po l y ( 3 - hy d r o x y b u t y r at e - c o - 3 hydroxyvalerate) or PHBV is a type of PHA. PHBV is a biodegradable copolymer which is produced through a controlled fermentation process using microorganisms. Its main use is in the drugs industry, but not for the drugs themselves, but instead they are used in the creation of the packaging.1
In addition to its favourable biodegradable and renewable qualities, PHBV also has many outher advantageous qualities. It is non-toxic, has biocompatiblity with many types of cells, a high degree of crystallinity, it is resistant to ultraviolet radiation and posesses high surface tension and flexibility.1
The polymer backbone is made of carbon and oxygen atoms, allowing PHBV to undergo bacterial degradation into carbon dioxide and water which is favourable in many medical applications.
However, PHBV applications are limited due to its poor mechanical properties compared to conventional polymers. it has increased fragility and low impact resistance while having relatively high production costs,
making it extremely cost ineffective. PHBVs biodegradability and renewable qualities cause it to lack mechanical strength, porosity, electrical and thermal properties. However, new advancements altering the polymer chemistry have improved these qualities. These enhancements will help the shift from packing based on fossil fuels to more renewable polymer production.2 If PHBvs have any place in the sustainable polymer market then solutions to their poor mechanical properties must be found. Introducing crosslinking with other long chain molecules or altering the 3HV fraction has been seen to enhance PHBVs mechanical properties. With more progressive research, more sustainable and affordable solutions will be developed. All of which are critical in the fight against environmental devastation.2
PHBV widely used in drugs packaging.
1. https://bit.ly/2SGXHaf. 2. https://bit.ly/3eA
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Feature
Homes Under the Printer: The Future of Construction By Zak Pinkney By Zak Pinkney
F
rom toys and artwork to human organs and houses on mars, the scope for 3D printing is limited only by the imagination of the designer. With so much potential, what does the future of 3D printing have in store for us? While it is somewhat unlikely that 3D printers will become as ubiquitous as laser printers, most people will encounter a 3D printer in one form or another as a direct result of their functionality, which it owes largely to the range of materials that can be used. From metals such as titanium and stainless steel, to thermoplastics and carbon fibre, the gamut of materials possible is only set to increase as materials science develops new and exciting mediums to construct with. SpaceX and NASA have the goal of colonising Mars within the next 10 years, so we need a relatively inexpensive method of building habitats for crews to live in.1
Enter 3D printing, with completely automated in-situ construction; large scale 3D printers can be sent to Mars to construct the habitats in preparation for the arrival of humans. In 2019 NASA concluded a multiphase challenge to construct sustainable 3D printed housing for deep space exploration. The winners being AI Space Factory with their ‘Marsha’ design, which utilises the ability to print using resources available on mars to cut the cost of sending construction materials. The habitats will be constructed out of a mixture of basalt fibre (found in Martian rocks) and renewable bioplastics (Polylactic Acid, PLA) which would be processed from plants grown on Mars.1 Unlike the brick-and-mortar houses on earth, homes on Mars would need to be able to withstand the chilling thermal stress of -60 oC and internal atmospheric pressure for the inhabitants, requirements that
AI Space Factory’s Vision of “Marsha” Martian Houses’ insitu on Mars.1
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“Marsha” Interior Schematic.1
are met by the composite used. This combination of basalt fibre and PLA was proven by NASA to be 2-3 times stronger than concrete in compression. The PLA bioplastic is also an effective shield for ionising cosmic radiation due to its low atomic weight. It also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion which is imperative for creating a basalt fibre composite. The emissions released from PLA formation are benign – unlike petrochemical plastics.2 Following the ‘Marsha’ Martian house design, AI Space Factory have designed a similar concept called ‘Terra’ for sustainable low-cost housing on earth. Using the same autonomous 3D printing strategy alongside the use of composite materials, it is easy to see how our traditional construction techniques may be replaced.2
Feature The shift to use fully compostable materials for construction may help save our planet by eliminating the masses of waste non-recyclables produced by the construction industry. Unlike the fossil fuel derived and energy intensive materials that are used for building fabrication, these new 3D printable biopolymers can be reused and eventually composted. So, when will we have 3D printed skyscrapers? For the time being, it is unlikely 3D printing will surpass current construction methods for buildings 100s of feet tall as designing a 3D printer that big would produce more design problems than the construction itself. Though with the possibility of ex-situ part fabrication, we could see a quick change away from our traditional construction methods. 1. https://bit.ly/3dD9fSr 2. https://bit.ly/3dv9pvi
AI Space Factory’s Vision of “Tera” 3D Printed House.2
33
Elemental Factfile: Arsenic
Infamous as a spy’s best friend in a compromising situation, this element definitely has quite the gruesome reputation.
Arsenic in its yellow form
Arsenic reportedly got it’s name from the Greek word “arsenikon” meaning yellow pigment, in conjunction with a futher Greek word “arsenikos” meaning potent. Both of these are very literal descriptions of the element itself. Occuring naturally in a crystaline form, arsenic has three common allotropes, grey, yellow, and black. The brittle grey shiney arsenic is
the most common form, with the yellow waxy arsenic converting into its more brittle counterpart with exposure to light at room temperature.
It is thought that the element was first isolated back in the Middle Ages, specifically 1250 by a scholar named Albertus Magnus. However is wasn’t until Paracelsus, a physician-alchamist got his hands on arsenic that it was reported to be prepared in its metallic form, taking on its title as “The King of Poisons”. Its high toxicity is what makes this element the “King of Poisons.” However it is relatively easy to trace when used in this way, leaving behind traces in hair, urine and blood. Exposure to even the smallest amounts of arsenic can
As
74.922 6 and lead to multiple-organ failure,
genetic damage.
C
12.011
Despite bad reputation, arsenic can also contribute to society in a more positive fashion through its use as a blue pigment in pyrotechnic displays or as a semi-conductor doping agent. Its toxicity can also be used for good, as it takes on the role of an insecticide, helping with wood presevation. This element is the perfect example of “don’t judge a book by its cover’” what seems like a dangerous element can actually be used for good.
Arsenic in its grey form
The University of Sheffield || Resonance Issue 14
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Feature
Perseverance Rover – Perseverance Rover – Mars 2020 Mission Mars 2020 Mission By Emily Goddard
A
t 20:55 GMT on 18th February 2021, Perseverance landed successfully on Mars after a 6 - month journey to the Red Planet.
Named by school-child Alexander Mather, Perserverance is the latest rover in NASA’s Mars program that has been exploring our solar system’s most accessible planet since the Viking missions in the 1970s. Being a terrestrial planet with a complex geology and a climate that has changed throughout history, the similarities to Earth make Mars an attractive destination to look for extra-terrestrial life. The main scientific goals of the Mars 2020 mission continue previous missions’ work as well as introducing exciting new opportunities for discovery.
The first image sent back to Earth by Perseverance after landing in the Jezero Crater.
Perseverance is following in the footsteps of the Curiosity rover by examining Mars for habitability. It is looking for evidence of ancient microbial life or the environments that could have supported it by mapping the elemental distribution
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on the planet’s surface. A completely new venture for Mars 2020 is Perseverance’s capability to gather samples for analysis on Earth, rather than being limited by instruments that can make it to Mars. Preparations for future manned missions are also underway, investigating whether O2 can be made from the predominantly CO2 atmosphere, as well as monitoring weather changes to develop forecasting tools for potential human explorations. Landing site is key in search for ancient life1 Perseverance landed in Jezero Crater, a 45 km wide basin just north of the Martian equator. Inlets and outlets in the rock show that rivers supplied and drained a lake similar in size to The Isle of Wight. The water is long gone, but sediment left behind in the large fan-shaped delta is scientists’ greatest hope for finding the biosignatures this mission is searching for. Hot rocks exposed at the rim during the impact that formed the crater are a potential location of hot springs, another conceivable place to find signs of ancient organisms. The mission is looking for what microbial life left behind, as the climate is too cold for current life to be a possibility. Stromatolites are sedimentary layers formed by microorganisms on top of the lakebed that
distort layers in the rock, giving signs that life could have existed in the ancient lake, alongside organic carbon and differences in elemental distribution. Carbonate around the edge of the crater is also of interest. On Earth, carbonates are often deposited by living organisms e.g. coral reefs, but it is rare on Mars. The concentration detected on what would have been the shore of the Jezero Lake could be another site of biosignatures. Instruments on board Perseverance2 All of NASAs missions to Mars build on knowledge and discoveries of previous missions, improving the technology and adding new ideas. Perseverance is no different, built mainly using the Curiosity rover design, but with improved entry, descent and landing technologies, analytical instruments, and technology demonstrations. Two instruments specially designed for the mission are PIXL and SHERLOC. PIXL (named after the pixel, the smallest unit of a digital image) - Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry - is a micro-focus x-ray fluorescence spectrometer for examining the elemental composition of Mars’ surface. It can detect over 26 elements down to 10ppm concentrations to identify signs of biofilms formed by microbes, and has a camera to relate the elemental composition detected
Feature to a photo of the area being analysed, allowing more detailed mapping of composition. The SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) measures the native fluorescence and Raman scattering of species. It will be used to detect aliphatic and aromatic organic molecules (potential biosignatures) and to detect and characterise minerals (indicators of aqueous chemistry as further proof of an ancient lake). This UV spectrometer aims to help solve the mystery of life on Mars just as Sherlock solves his mysterious cases. SHERLOC wouldn’t be complete without his trusty sidekick WATSON (Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering), the instrument’s imaging component. Perseverance also carries two technology demonstrations: promising technologies trialled on a
small scale to test concepts for later missions. Ingenuity, a helicopter the size of a chihuahua weighing only 1.8kg, is aiming to perform the first powered flight on another planet. Despite gravity on Mars being only 1/3 of that on Earth, the atmosphere is 99% thinner, so Ingenuity must be light yet powerful to produce enough lift to take off. Carbon fibre blades spinning at 2400 rpm (6x faster than passenger helicopters), have succeeded in simulated conditions on Earth, so the hope is that can be replicated out there.3 The second technology demonstration is MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In Situ Resource Utilization Experiment), an instrument designed to make oxygen on the Red Planet. This side of the Mars 2020 mission focuses solely on the possibility of human exploration. Mars’ atmosphere is 95% CO2, so O2 production in situ would be required for human survival. Less obvious
perhaps, is the use of O2 to fly our explorers home again. For a four-man crew, 25 metric tons of O2 would be needed to produce enough thrust to launch the rocket from Mars. In situ production instead of shipping it from Earth would be therefore a major advantage. MOXIE pressurises the atmospheric CO2 to 1 atm, then uses a solid oxide electrolyser to split it electrochemically, producing O2 at the anode. Running at over 800°C, it needs to be coated in a gold layer to prevent the rest of the Perseverance rover from overheating. The instrument currently on Mars is the size of a car battery and produces enough O2 to keep a small dog alive. Michael Hecht, MOXIE’s Principal Investigator at MIT, estimates a fullsize system making enough O2 to launch a rocket would be slightly bigger than a household stove.3 Perseverance got us there - now we need patience The successful landing of another Mars rover and all the discoveries awaiting us are very exciting but, as with all space exploration and investigations into extra-terrestrial life, patience is required. All the samples Perseverance gathers and stores on Mars won’t be collected until at least 2028 when the combined efforts of NASA and ESA can reach them with a mission capable of returning to Earth intact. Once on Earth, analysis is a long process; lunar samples from the Apollo Missions (1969-1972) are still being studied today. As Ken Farley (NASA project scientist) explained to the BBC, there is a very high burden of proof for extra-terrestrial life. On Earth, despite controversy over the details of its origins, at least we know life exists. On Mars we don’t know if life even existed, let alone when, where or how.
The Perseverence Rover lands on Mars (top) & Ingenuity helicopter (bottom).
So, the search for life on Mars continues, but with Perseverance’s help, maybe one day humans will reach the Red Planet, although hopefully without Matt Damon’s drama in The Martian.
1. https://bbc.in/3stojIF 2. https://go.nasa.gov/3w4zYQk 3. https://bit.ly/31joqus
The University of Sheffield || Resonance Issue 14
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Insight
The of Organic Chemistry TheFuture Future of
Organic Chemistry By Luis Fernando Valdez Pérez
O
rganic chemistry is quite a mature discipline, and it has experienced many changes since the term itself was coined. The typical definition of organic chemistry as the study of carbon compounds falls short, as modern organic chemists must often dig into more than just carbon chemistry. For example, organometallic and coordination chemistry, photochemistry, and electrochemistry to name a few of the knowledge areas that an that aid the creation of design synthetic routes towards known or new molecules. Furthermore, organic chemistry is a science that finds itself between the limits of art and creativity, needed to solve complex retrosynthetic problems, and industrial applications, to develop molecules in gram to kilogram scales for commercialization. Indeed, if we just stop for a minute to think about how organic chemistry
By Luis Fernando Valdez Pérez
has evolved along the years it can be overwhelming.1 Still, there are challenges to be addressed, and solutions for these are not trivial at all. One of these challenges, and what all synthetic chemists dream about, is synthesis automation. Although fascinating, lab work can be tedious, with lots of hours needed for setting up reactions, isolating, purifying and characterizing products. In pop culture (or maybe not that popular) there is a movie called Forbidden Planet (1956). A robot called Robby (clever name, right?), which has the ability to synthesise almost anything. Having a machine capable of synthesizing any molecule we want would be a dream come true for all organic chemists. Currently such systems exist, although only for polymeric molecules such
AutoSyn “Cityscape Architecture” power plant schematic.3
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as oligopeptides, carbohydrates and DNA. The reason why these types of molecules are suitable for automation is that the chemistry of such systems requires simple and well-known coupling and deprotection steps. If a problem presents, usually repeating a step solves the problem. Purification is also relatively straightforward. Most of the times it consists of washing a solid support to extract the desired product.2 The case for fine chemicals is far more complicated. An automated system for those would require it to be capable of performing hundreds of chemical reactions, synthetic sequences and being compatible with thousands of building blocks, and at the same time keeping human manipulation as low as possible. There are some research groups around the world working on this problem. One of the systems in development is called AutoSyn, with a design named as Cityscape Architecture, as it resembles the skyline of a city.3 But that is only the surface, as the system consists of a sublevel with a design that looks similar to a subway (or underground if you prefer) map. Generally speaking, the surface part of the system is comprised by the reactors and separators. The subway level consists of a flow chemistry platform, where reactors and separators are connected by flow components that work as pipes. The flow of liquid phases is enabled by HPLC pumps that are able to achieve pressures between 500 to 2500 psi.3
News Insight
AutoSyn “Cityscape Architecture” platform schematic.3 Some pharmaceutically relevant targets have been prepared using this system. Transformations that can be tolerated by this system include amine acylation, N-alkylation of heterocycles and amides, etherification, halogenation, SNAr, imine formation, Michael addition, various SN2 displacement reactions, Grignard addition, hydrolysis, ketone epoxidation, and catalytic hydrogenation being well tolerated. The system was able to deliver from 10 – 15 mg of crude product up to the gram scale. Certainly, it will not be tomorrow when these systems are going to be widespread, but still the future looks promising. On a different front we have the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of programs capable of devising synthetic routes to-
wards complex molecules. The task of retrosynthetic planning involves the best selection of reactions to prepare a complex molecule in the lowest step count possible; it is like solving a puzzle. In 2017, a team at IBM developed a methodology for the forward synthesis of molecules, where the starting materials are known. The program was taught a set of 395,496 reactions! The program, or neural network, used the information to predict the outcomes of reactions with new substrates with an accuracy of up to 80%.4 Further advances have been focused on retrosynthetic analysis of pharmaceutical relevant molecules. In 2018, Segler et. Al. developed a three-layered neural network. The first layer starts by proposing the synthesis of a molecule with the lowest num-
ber of steps, the second one evaluates the feasibility of such steps, and the third one tests the probability of each step of being successful.4 This is only a glimpse of what the future has to offer to organic chemistry. New AI algorithms, prediction tools, automated systems and robots are being developed to make the process of finding molecules that could solve today’s problems. Organic chemists are not going to be replaced anytime soon, but we have to keep in mind what the future looks like and be prepared to adapt to it. 1. https://bit.ly/2SYAwsd 2. https://bit.ly/3tTpn8L 3. https://bit.ly/3eSJyPM 4. https://rsc.li/3eQSRQr
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Feature Interview
From Sunlight to Sugar
Sunlight to Sugar without Plants By Josh Nicks
F
ancy some greenhouse gas in your tea? Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany, have designed an artificial version of a chloroplast, the microstructures inside plant cells responsible for photosynthesis. Using sunlight and a chemical pathway designed by chemists instead of nature, to turn CO2 into sugar.1-2 Artificial photosynthesis could be used to build microscopic solar factories. This more efficient chemical pathway that the researches have designed beats anything found in nature, meaning it could actually help us remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
However, at such an early stage in the project, whether or not this technology will get to that stage remains to be seen. Fixing CO2, the process of turning it into sugar using enzymatic processes, is something that nature has multiple ways of doing. These chemists, lead by Prof. Tobias Erb have devised the seventh. They used a combination of thermodynamics and kinetics to redesign CO2 fixation and improve its efficiency. This new pathway is called the CETCH cycle, a network of enzymes 20% more energy efficient than the pathway used in natural forms of photosynthesis. To demonstrate that this might work in a living
Labelled diagram of a chloroplast.
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Prof. Tobias Erb. cell, a collaborator called Tarryn Miller isolated light-harvesting membranes from spinach, mixed them with the CETCH cycle enzymes, and showed they can work together. Why is this interesting? Well, it means that these scientists basically made a human-made chloroplast, in which the CETCH cycle enzymes use energy from the sun to turn CO2 into glycolate. Glycolate is a common chemical feedstock, used to make a range of organic products, including pharmaceuticals and biopolymers. So, not only could these artificial chloroplasts potentially help us remove CO2 from the atmosphere and fight climate change, but its possible they could be designed to produce usefil molecules that nature does not.
Feature However, like a lot of cutting edge science, there are many obstacles to overcome before we see this technology succeed. The spinach membranes used to harvest solar energy degrade after a few hours, and isolating them to begin with is time consuming. Though according to Erb, a potential solution to this is to also produce artificial light harvesters.
Yutestu Kuruma, a synthetic biologist at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, said ““we might be able to use the chloroplast mimics as an energy production system for artificial cells.” Though it would be ideal if these artificial chloroplasts could self-repair/reproduce, as natural chloroplasts are able to – something that hasn’t yet been achieved.3
In a recent Nature News articles,
These problems should not distract
from this great work though. There’s a real possibility that we may one day have “synthetic plants” that not only use CO2 to breath, but also to feed themselves! 1. https://bit.ly/3bROJOb. 2. https://bit.ly/3fKCjbR. 3. https://go.nature. com/3yFyaif.
The massive enzymatic cycle developed by Erb and co-workers.
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News
News from the
Alzheimer’s Drug Breakthrough D ementia is becoming more common in society as we live longer. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, responsible for 60-80 % of cases. It is predicted to affect 150 million people worldwide in less than 30 years. New drug leads, discovered by a multidisciplinary team and led by scientists at the University of Sheffield including the Chen group. The work improves on previous approaches and is a step towards developing new treatments for this debilitating disease. The causes of Alzheimer’s Disease are complex, but it is known that two rogue versions of natural proteins are involved. The first, called amyloid beta (Aβ), triggers the formation of plaque
around brain cells, preventing them from communicating properly. The second, called Tau, forms toxic tangles inside the brain cell which stops it from transporting essential nutrients.
new drug leads, through a multistep molecular-sifting process, that not only bind to Aβ, but block its interaction with PrPc and disrupts the formation of Tau tangles.
Scientists believe a third molecule, called PrPc, is responsible as when it binds to the rogue Aβ it leads to the distinctive cognitive impairment and neurotoxicity seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
The team now hopes to gain funding to further their research by optimising these new compounds into drug candidates for pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Together, Aβ, Tau and PrPc are seen as the three pillars which cause Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, most recent drug trials for Alzeimer’s Disease have only targeted Aβ, by trying to prevent it causing plaques and inducing Tau to start tangling. This approach has so far proved to be unsuccessful. The Sheffield team has identified two
Shedding New Light on Organic Semiconducters
R
esearchers have published a new study that gives scientists a better understanding of the processes driving spectral conversion in organic materials. The study helps to explain how high
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energy photons can be converted to pairs of low energy photons, and vice versa, through the processes of down-conversion and up-conversion. This knowledge could be used to make more efficient solar cells and have useful biological applications.
Researchers in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and the Department of Chemistry, focussed on a form of down-conversion called singlet exciton fission, and the same process in reverse, known as triplet-triplet annihilation. In the study, led by Dr J. Clark and published in Nature Chemistry, researchers investigated the 1(TT) state in triplet-triplet annihilation, using two different classes of materials. Experiments were carried out in the University of Sheffield’s Lord Porter Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory. The paper associated with this research can be found at the following link, why not take the time to give it a read: https://go.nature.com/2Pfr6XG
D
e
News
Department Cheaper Single-Molecule Microscopes
A
team of scientists and students from the University of Sheffield has designed and built a specialist microscope, and shared the build instructions to help make this equipment available to many labs across the world. The microscope, called the smfBox, is capable of single-molecule measurements and works just as well as comercially avaliable instruments. it allows scientists to look at one molecule at a time rather than generating an average result from bulk samples. This single-molecule method is currently only available at a few
specialist labs throughout the world due to the cost of commercially available microscopes. The team has published a paper in the journal Nature Communications, which provides all the build instructions and software needed to run the microscope, to help make this singlemolecule method accessible to labs across the world.
The microscope was built with simplicity in mind so that researchers interested in biological problems can use it with little training, moreover the lasers have been shielded in such a way that the smfBox can be used in normal lighting conditions, and is no more dangerous than a CD player.
The interdisciplinary team spans the University of Sheffield’s Departments of Chemistry and Physics, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s Central Laser Facility. They spent a relatively modest £40,000 to build a piece of kit that would normally cost £400,000 to buy.
Congrats Dr Burnham Dr Jenny Burnham is one of five University of Sheffield staff who have Principal Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA). Here, she explains a bit more about her approach to leadership education.
A
senior university teaching in the Department of Chemisty has been given professional recognition for her strategic leadership in academic practice and contributions to high quality student learning.
“My leadership takes the form of advocacy for teaching and teaching quality to create a nurturing environment in which anyone can gain recognition for excellence. I have sought to raise the profile of teaching as an activity by influencing and championing others through networking, mentoring, supporting, encouraging, and providing a stage on which they can reach a wide audience. My approach to strategic leader-
ship is one of empowerment and I create and facilitate opportunities for colleagues to grow and develop their teaching careers and to showcase their work. Community is a key part of this and my application for PFHEA focussed on my work with the teaching networks I have led nationally, as well as in Sheffield. The assessment panel commended me for my passion for supporting others. They saw to the heart of what I do and have praised me for it. I am proud of my networks. I am really pleased that my facilitative, bottom-up approach to leadership has been recognised with this award and I hope it encourages other teaching-specialists to seek similar recognition for their work.”
The University of Sheffield || Resonance Issue 14
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Insight
PhD Insight with Resonance
What is a PhD? When someone said the words “postgraduate degree” to you, what would you think? Perhaps you would think that you don’t want to spend another 3 - 4 years of your life branded as a “student” or that you would like to get out into the “real world” and get a job, or maybe you would be left thinking “I really don’t know what that actually means.” This is what I thought until I took the time to speak to PhD students and understanding what the process involves. PhDs are amazing oppertunities with the ability to open many doors for your future. Not only do you get 3-4 years of high quality training and opportunities to interact with some of the most groundbreaking research of our time but you are also gifted the chance to develop skills in a forgiving envrioment that will improve your career prospects. There are also a few hidden benefits that aren’t spoken about as openly. It isn’t often that you find yourself in a position with such flexibility, managing your own time and tailoring your working hours to suit you. Being able to travel as part of your work is also extremely common with chances to attend national and international conference as well as taking part in internships and placements. Broadening your skill set is also common as you can, I took on a paid teaching role as part of the undergraduate lab programme, something which I did not realise I would love doing as much as I do.
be set out and related to the academics research interest.This allows for you to interact with an academic who might inspire you or to engage in a research that particulary interests you. The second most common type of PhD is part of a Centre of Doctoral Training or CDT programme. These programmes recieve specific funding for a group of PhD students to carry out research in specific areas, often associated with novel and current innovation. One such CDT programme is the Polymer, Colloids and Soft Matter CDT that is housed here in Sheffield. A CDT allows a student to carry out their research, often sponsered by an industrial partner, while also taking part in compulsory auxilary modules such as business skills development, hoping to produce more well rounded individuals. How do I go about finding a PhD that suits me? This was a question that I did not know the answer to when I was an undergraduate so it is completely understandable not to. The first way is to look via a specific institutes website. Most universities advertise the PhDs they have on offer on their own domains. This however, requires you to have
some sort of knowledge of where you would like to undertake your PhD. Alternatively you could try websites such as “findaphd.com”, “phdportal. com” or “prospects.ac.uk”. Using websites such as these allow you to cast your net wide and see what is out there in all areas of research and all parts of the world. Finally, if you have decided that you want to take part in a CDT programme then looking at the website of the specific funding bodies can help. The two main funding bodies are the EPSRC or the BBSRC which fund project for engineering and physcial sciences and biological sciences, respectively. How do I know it is for me? The answer to this is not so cut and dry, but I challenge you to question why it isn’t for you. A PhD isn’t a stop gap before entering the “real world” it is a bridge to greater career prospects. If you have any questions or want to chat to somebody who has been through the experience of finding and applying for a PhD then feel free to contact me directly: cjthompson2@sheffield.ac.uk
What types of PhD are there? There are two main types of PhD in the UK. the first of which is one associated with a specific academic. With this type of PhD the project will
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findaPhD Website
Prospects Website
PhD Opportunites in Sheffield
Research Insight
Organic Chemistry
If the highlight of your undergraduate career was labs then maybe an organic PhD is for you, synthesis is key here. There are currently PhDs avaliable with Prof Joe Harrity, Prof Simon Jones, Prof Nick Williams, Dr Ben Partridge, and Prof Ian Coldham. All of which focus on either sysnthesising novel compounds or bettering synthesis pathways.
Inorganic Chemistry
There are several PhD projects in inorganic chemistry focusing on such research topics as catalysis with Dr Marco Conte, Live imaging with Dr Adrian Chauvet, metal organic nanosheets with Dr Jona Foster and photo-activated metal complexes with Prof Jim Thomas.
Biological Chemistry
If a chemisty-biology cross-over interests you then a PhD in the Ciani or the Chen research groups could be for you. Dr Ciani’s research focuses on such topics as enzymes and membrane repair. Prof Chen’s group focuses on novel research surrounding such diseases as Alzheimers.
Physical/ Polymer Chemistry
PhDs in physical or polymer chemistry can encompases both synthesis and analysis. The Leggett group investigates surface chemistry and nanotechnology. Dr Dawson has a project avaliable investigating microporous polymers for energy and sustainablity. Prof Tony Ryan has a PhD project avalable in conjunction with Dr Mykhaylyk investigating the fundementals of haircare. Prof Steve Armes has several projects involving the synthesis and application of polymers while Prof Andre Slark’s research focuses on polyurethane science.
Computational Chemistry
If you are more interested by the theory and computation behind chemical reactions etc, then maybe a computational PhD would interest you. There are currently computational PhDs avalibile with Dr Grant Hill, Prof Anthony Meijer or Dr Natalia Martsinovich.
Most of these projects are unfunded, see https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/phd for details.
The University of Sheffield || Resonance Issue 14
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Crossword
Chemistry Crossword This crossword is designed to challenge even the most seasoned chemists. If you think you’ve completed it, take a picture and send it to chem-news@sheffield.ac.uk. We’ll announce you as the chemistry crossword winner in the next issue.
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Which constellation houses the hottest place in the universe? 6. What has a gravitational pull so strong that even light can’t escape it? 8. What colour is a Mars sunset? 10. Phobos and Deimos are moons of which planet? 12. Which planet is known as the morning star? 13. Which NASA space flight was the last manned mission to the moon? 15. What was the name of the first dog in space? 16. What is the sun’s outer most atmosphere called? 17. How many planets are in the solar system? 18. Which is the largest planet in the solar system?
2. What is the largest type of star in the universe? 3. The moon called Titan orbits which planet? 4. Which nebula houses the coldest place in the universe? 5. which is the smallest planet in the solar system? 7. Which constellation represents a hunter and his bow? 9. Which planet rotates on its side? 10. Which galaxy is home to our solar system? 11. What is the most common type of star in the universe? 14. Which is the only planet not named after a Greek god or goddess? 17. What is the most common galaxy type in the universe?
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Resonance NEEDS YOU!
Virtual Event and Seminar Listings
Interested in writing for us? Thinking of a career in Science Communication? Have you enjoyed reading this issue of Resonance? We would love for you to get involved in our next issue! We welcome anyone interested in writing or researching articles, designing or contributing to our social media presence, regardless of experience or year of study. As a bonus, contributing to Resonance is HEAR accredited.
CRS Coffee Mornings Usually 10:30 - 11:30am Hosted on Google Hangout Keep an eye out for emails! Tea@Three Think Ahead Virtual Meet Wednesday 3pm Hosted on Google Hangout Keep an eye out for emails!
More details can be found at: sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/events
If you are interested email the team at:
chem-news@sheffield.ac.uk
Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media to keep updated.
Resonance Contributors We would like to thank the following students who have contributed to Resonance over the past issue and will graduate with HEAR accreditation: Larissa Aravantinou Ida Shahriari Zavareh Zak Pinkney Emily Goddard Resonance could not exist without their dedication and hard work.
The University of Sheffield || Resonance Issue 14
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This Semester in Pictures
