by Aston University
Aston University's podcast, What is a membrane, is hosted by the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME). It shines a spotlight on its latest research in fields as varied as water purification and drug discovery. AIME combines world-class expertise in membrane biology and polymer chemistry, bringing together scientists who wouldn't usually speak to each other, let alone work together. AIME supported by a £10m award from the Research England Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Programme.
Language
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Publishing Since
5/15/2024
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April 11, 2025
<p><strong>Jedi jam and bioprinting</strong></p><p>In this episode of What is a Membrane?, host Dr Matt Derry is joined by Dr Emma Shepherd, Dr Dominic Mosses, and Dr David Jenkins to explore the groundbreaking Quantum X bio printer at Aston University — the first of its kind in the UK.</p><p>Installed in 2024 with support from the BBSRC, this cutting-edge bioprinter uses ultra-precise lasers to create intricate 3D structures of living cells within a gel scaffold — mimicking real organ and tissue environments. The team discusses how this revolutionary technology is transforming research into diseases, drug development, and tissue engineering.</p><p>Dr Shepherd explains the process with a little help from “Jedi jelly” and “lightsabres,” while Dr Jenkins shares how brain and liver tissues can now be printed to study real-life biological systems in stunning detail. Dr Mosses also highlights why this printer sets a new standard in bioprinting.</p><p>Discover how this sci-fi-sounding tech is advancing science in real time.</p><p>Learn more about the Quantum X bio printer and how researchers can access it by emailing: <a rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">qxb_support@aston.ac.uk</a>.</p>
April 10, 2025
<p><strong>Episode 5 – Simmering Science: Engineering Bacteria for Membrane Protein Production</strong></p><p>In this episode of What is a Membrane?, host Dr Matt Derry sits down with Dr Doug Browning to explore how harmless strains of E. coli are being genetically engineered to supercharge membrane protein production.</p><p>Membrane proteins play a vital role in biology and are the targets of top-selling medicines and major vaccines — from COVID-19 to hepatitis B. But producing them in large amounts has always been a scientific challenge, thanks to stress responses that shut down the process in bacteria.</p><p>Dr Browning shares how his team is redesigning E. coli to better handle these stresses, using a clever analogy: cooking rice in a rice cooker rather than on a stove. The goal? A smart system that avoids the biological equivalent of a boil-over.</p><p>This work is part of a £1.8m project funded by UKRI’s Engineering Biology Mission Award, in collaboration with the University of Warwick and Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME).</p><p>Tune in to learn how this innovative research could pave the way for next-generation drug development and vaccine creation.</p>
September 24, 2024
<p> Dr Matt Derry, a polymer chemist and founding member of Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME), has spoken to AIME co-director Professor Roslyn Bill about his groundbreaking battery research in the latest episode of What is a membrane? His research aims to make batteries safer, greener and more recyclable, with the potential to impact portable electronics like mobile phones, electric vehicles and energy storage systems worldwide. Dr Derry was recently awarded a prestigious New Investigator Award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for his pioneering work on polymer gel electrolytes for batteries. The electrolyte in a battery carries the charge, and is generally a highly flammable, organic liquid. There have been several high-profile incidents involving battery fires. The £450,000 EPSRC funding will support Dr Derry’s research project, which seeks to replace the flammable, organic liquid electrolytes with safer, more stable gel alternatives. His research group has recently published in this area in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s flagship journal, Chemical Science [https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC06717C].</p>
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Aston University's podcast, What is a membrane, is hosted by the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME).
It shines a spotlight on its latest research in fields as varied as water purification and drug discovery.
AIME combines world-class expertise in membrane biology and polymer chemistry, bringing together scientists who wouldn't usually speak to each other, let alone work together. AIME supported by a £10m award from the Research England Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Programme.
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