Evaluation of the effect of proton exchange membrane fuel cell nanocatalysts on membrane proteins

The promising perspective of the use of proton exchange membrane fuel cells for a wide variety of power applications ranging from portable and stationary power supplies to transportation, may pose new risks for human health. The possibility of nanomaterials such as PE proton exchange membrane fuel cells MFC catalyst nanoparticles gaining access to the bloodstream via inhalation is particularly relevant. In the bloodstream, nanoparticles encounter a very complex environment of plasma proteins and blood cells, including platelets. Platelets are central to a healthy vascular system where they maintain normal haemostasis thrombosis. However, excessive activation of platelets, which leads to their aggregation, is a causative factor for thrombotic diseases that can result in such events as a stroke or heart attack.

Nanoparticles have been shown to activate and aggregate platelets in vitro and induce vascular thrombosis in vivo. Recent literature suggests that this behaviour is largely dependent on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles, such as particle size, surface chemistry, morphology and their aggregation in water, and that activation is mediated by crosslinking of distinct classes of surface receptors. Since each nanoparticle is unique and mechanisms of interactions with various components of the bloodstream may vary even for nanoparticles of the same material, there is the need for an in-depth research concerning the effects of proton exchange membrane fuel catalyst nanoparticles on platelet function and vascular thrombosis.

This research project aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of PEMFC catalyst nanoparticles on platelet adhesion and platelet activation, thereby providing significant insights into the health effects of PEMFC technology. Our first objective is to synthesise and characterise a range of platinum (Pt)-based electrocatalysts with controlled sizes, structures and surface chemistry and evaluate their ability to induce activation of human platelets in vitro both in solution and on surfaces. Our second objective in this project is to synthesise reported high performance bimetallic catalysts once more with well controlled properties and analyse the effects of the bimettalic-based nanocatalysts on platelet activation in comparison with Pt-only nanocatalysts. We will use novel microscopy methodology (so called super-resolution microscopy) to visualise binding of particles to receptors and downstream signalling events.

The project is funded as part of the Fuel Cells DTC on a 1 + 3 year model and includes 120 credits of introductory modules (see http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/chemical-engineering/energy-chemical/fuel-cells/CDT/phd-programme.aspx). It is suitable for a biologist, chemist, material scientist or chemical engineer.

For further information please contact Steve Watson ([Email Address Removed]) or Paula Mendes ([Email Address Removed]).

Please send applications to Mrs Gayle Halford ([Email Address Removed]) by the 31st January 2018.