Professor Neil Champness

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The research in the Champness group spans supramolecular chemistry, chemical nanoscience and molecular organization. In particular the group focusses on molecular design and synthetic methods, employing self-assembly to create framework materials on surfaces and in the solid-state, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), and for the creation of interlocked structures in solution.

Research Groups

Neil Champness Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: collaborative, goal-driven, understanding.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your development and guidance at first, leading to more independence as the science develops.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly basis but will always discuss a plan of action together. I have high expectations and will encourage you to your full potential.

Communication

I am happy to discuss issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or expectations.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

DNA-MOF composites: Bespoke Biocompatible Materials

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

DNA-MOF composites: Bespoke Biocompatible Materials

Secondary Supervisor(s): Prof James Tucker

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Industrial Biotechnology)

Project Outline

The project will generate new functional materials by combining advanced material science with synthetic biology, by preparing new biocompatible composite porous materials through the functionalisation of porous metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with DNA. Employing the ‘sticky end’ approach[1,2] distinct MOF crystals with compatible DNA functionalisation will be joined to form MOF-DNA composites with tailored properties, exploiting the tuneability of MOFs in terms of porosity, conductivity, magnetism and so forth. Ultimately designed materials could find applications in bioremediation, catalysis, sensing and metal ion separation and recovery.

Our initial studies illustrate the potential of this approach illustrating the connection of DNA, suitably tagged with fluorescent groups, connected to the surface of MOF crystals. The project will develop this approach by studying the assembly of DNA-MOFs with i) different compatible ‘sticky end’ MOFs; ii) compatible ‘sticky end’ DNA functionalised with suitable fluorescent tags; iii) DNA-MOF-polymer composites exploiting the interaction between DNA and various polymers substrates.

The resulting materials will be studied to establish whether MOF properties are retained following DNA functionalisation and whether MOF composites simply combine properties of the constituent component materials or whether new emergent properties are found. Applications in device fabrication will be explored, particularly in terms of stabilising the MOFs by embedding them in a composite material.

This project is a collaboration between the Champness and Tucker research groups, bringing together expertise in advanced materials science (Champness) with DNA chemistry and design (Tucker). This powerful synergy will offer the student the opportunity to become expert in the broadest range of techniques and skills.

[1] Wang, et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 2215–2219.

[2] Wang et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2017, 139, 9827-9830.

MOF-RNA Encapsulation and Delivery

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

MOF-RNA Encapsulation and Delivery

Secondary Supervisor(s): Prof Mike Hannon

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

The project will employ metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as porous hosts to encapsulate RNA. Our design strategy is based on the stability of MOFs over a range of conditions whilst presenting pores with tuneable dimensions and geometries. MOFs with pores of 2-5nm are readily prepared, ideal for the encapsulation of RNA. We anticipate that encapsulation within MOFs will stabilise RNA under conditions that would typically lead to degradation, affording greater stability of the RNA across a wider temperature range and in the presence of degrading chemical agents. The design of MOFs allows the use of components that are biocompatible and biodegradable.

Studies of RNA encapsulated in MOFs are extremely limited[1,2] and have not used the pores of the framework as host, rather the MOF forms an amorphous matrix around the guest species. Our approach seeks to establish protocols for designing interactions between the tailored MOF pore and RNA guest, hence tuning RNA stabilisation. The resulting materials will be studied to establish how the MOF interacts with the RNA, using a variety of characterisation techniques, to tune host-guest interactions controlling RNA release mechanisms. The resulting materials could find applications in RNA stabilisation and RNA delivery.

This project is a collaboration between the Champness, Hannon and Hodges research groups, bringing together expertise in advanced materials science (Champness) with RNA chemistry and design (Hannon) and cell and toxicology studies (Hodges). This powerful synergy will offer the student the opportunity to become expert in the broadest range of techniques and skills and to test the compounds made inside cells and spheroids to explore and optimize RNA release and efficacy.

[1] Han et al, Part. Part. Syst. Charact., 2024, 41, 2400039.

[2] Alsaiari et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2018, 140, 143.