Professor Anna Peacock named EuroBIC Medal recipient for 2026 - University of Birmingham

The award recognises outstanding young scientists working in bioinorganic chemistry in Europe.

birmingham.ac.uk

Ultrasound-activated ‘nanoagents’ kill superbugs in biofilms - University of Birmingham

New ‘nanoagents’ can carry drugs straight to infected areas with minimal amounts of drug - reducing the risks of antibiotic resistance.

birmingham.ac.uk

A perfluoro-functionalised fluorescent maleimide probe for imaging of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - Environmental Chemistry Letters

The persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment is becoming a major health concern, yet studying their fate and behaviour in complex media is limited due to the lack of suita...

link.springer.com

A palindromic triplex architecture for DNA-templated synthesis designed for the core of a synthetic ribosome

We demonstrate a triplex-based architecture for DNA-templated synthesis. This study is motivated by progress towards the development of a synthetic ribosome – autonomous, genetically programmable, molecular machinery for synthesis. Such schemes for the creation and evolution of chemically diverse DNA-tagged chemica

pubs.rsc.org

Photo-initiated solvent-mediated depolymerization of consumer poly(methyl methacrylate) without chlorinated reagents - Nature Communications

Chemical recycling of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) typically requires high temperatures. Here, the authors report the UV-initiated depolymerisation of PMMA at low temperatures, in non-chlorinated ...

nature.com

Women in Photochemistry Symposium 2026

Join us for an afternoon of inspiring talks and networking at the Women in Photochemistry Symposium!

eventbrite.co.uk

University of Birmingham appoints globally renowned life sciences experts - University of Birmingham

Two internationally renowned experts are coming to Birmingham as part of a Government drive to attract global research talent to the UK.

birmingham.ac.uk

NIR-Actuated Morphodynamic 2D Nanopatches for Interface-Programmed Immunoactivation and Tumor Regression

Achieving precise spatiotemporal modulation of immunostimulatory effects remains a fundamental barrier in tumor immunotherapy, particularly in the context of limited tumor antigen exposure and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Herein, we present a light-responsive “dynamic nanopatch” platform that addresses these challenges through morphology-directed and interface-programmed immunoactivation. Constructed from crystalline poly(ε-caprolactone) and integrated with photothermal conversion elements, the nanopatch undergoes a near-infrared (NIR)-triggered morphology-dynamic transition from a two-dimensional planar structure to a zero-dimensional spherical counterpart. This dynamic structural transformation enables programmable interactions with the cellular membrane, establishing a versatile nanointerface capable of the in situ regulation of cancer cell membrane integrity. Upon NIR irradiation, the nanopatch stably adheres to the tumor cell surface and initiates a cascade of adhesion, deformation, and internalization events. This process promotes localized mechanical stress and membrane perturbation, enhancing the release of tumor-associated antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns, which collectively initiate potent immunogenic cell death. Subsequent activation of antigen-presenting cells leads to robust adaptive immune engagement and amplified immune cell infiltration within the tumor microenvironment. This morphodynamic nanopatch offers a highly controllable strategy for cancer immunotherapy and a new paradigm for interface-programmed functionalities with broad implications for precision medicine, immunotherapy, and biomaterial engineering.

pubs.acs.org