Industrial Liaison Office
Meet the Team
Understanding catalytic filter devices for automotive emissions control
How our clients have used synchrotron light in their research
How the structure of soil affects plant root growth
Fragment screening to fight COVID-19
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
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...Adapting β-Glucosidases to function in extreme production processes
The Problem
A group of enzymes called β-Glucosidases are used in the food industry to hydrolyse glycosidic bonds in complex sugars. Since many food industrial processes involve harsh conditions like high concentrations of solvents and sugars, low pH, and high temperatures, there is a need for these kinds of enzymes to be adapted to function in extreme environmental conditions.
These enzymes can be employed for the cleavage of isoflavone glucosides from soy flour, to produce soy isoflavones, a valuable food supplement.
The Problem
The essential trace mineral, selenium, is of fundamental importance to human health. It plays an important role in many biological processes such as guarding against oxidants, the formation of thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis, fertility and reproduction.
At present, insufficient levels of Se in the diet affects up to 14% of the population worldwide, bringing with it the associated risk of developing chronic degenerative diseases.
Plants can transform naturally occurring inorganic Se species (present in soil) into organic Se species – the desired form of selenium in the human diet. Effectively, the Se level in soil usually has a direct influence on the concentration of Se present in food and subsequently in the human body. However, high Se concentration in soil induces stress in the plant and may hamper its normal development.
