Industrial Liaison Office
Meet the Team
From protein to structure using Diamond's services
How our clients have used synchrotron light in their research
How the structure of soil affects plant root growth
Characterising a next-generation COVID vaccine
Synchrotron Services for Industrial Scientists
Welcome to the Industrial Liaison Office. We are a group of specialist scientists with a diverse range of expertise, all dedicated to supporting scientists and researchers from a variety of industries access the facilities here at Diamond. The team has an assorted range of backgrounds and each member is a specialist in a different technique. We are therefore able to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to solving research and development problems.
To find out more about how we can help with your project, the technique you are interested in, the industry sector you are from, or simply find out more about the service we can offer, click on one of the buttons below.
If you would like to discuss your requirements with us, please use the contact details on this page to get in touch.
Featured Case Studies
Exploring novel antibodies to neutralise the RBD of SARS-CoV-2
The Problem
The COVID-19 virus pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus poses an ongoing serious global health threat that requires effective and safe therapeutics. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus uses its spike glycoprotein to bind to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and enter the body’s cells.
The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike glycoprotein is the main target for neutralising antibodies as it can block the virus-host interaction and prevent the infection. The RBD is highly variable and can mutate to escape recognition by antibodies, thus reducing their efficacy and increasing the risk of resistance.
Moreover, the RBD is only exposed transiently on the spike glycoprotein, making it difficult for antibodies to access and bind to it. Novel antibodies are needed that can recognise and neutralise the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 with high potency and stability, regardless of its variability and accessibility
Read more...A novel sample environment to probe the surface structure of engine oils
The Problem
Organic Friction Modifiers (OFMs) are surfactants included in engine oil formulations. They adsorb on metal surfaces, forming compact surface layers that act as protective coatings to reduce friction and wear occurring between mechanical engine parts.
The use of OFMs is associated with more energy-efficient engines and a reduction in CO2 emissions. The design of effective new formulations and novel OFMs relies on a detailed understanding of how OFMs self-assemble at interfaces and how their surface structure changes with tribological conditions.
Read more...Exploring the effects of soil management practices to improve agricultural productivity
The Problem
With global food demands growing, maximising crop yield is of critical importance. Soil structure is one of the most important environmental factors affecting root architectural development and consequently plant yield.
Despite the criticism associated with prolonged use, tillage improves the structure of soils for good early root establishment as it breaks down large clumps of soil into smaller aggregates and individual particles to ensure good seed-soil contact in the seedbed as well as an ideal pore network for root growth. To ensure the best possible plant yield, in addition to having the optimum tillage, other soil management practices need to promote optimal root growth.
Read more...
