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Stephanie Allen

Associate Professor and Reader in Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Science

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Biography

After graduating from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Nottingham (July 1993, Pharmacy - first class honours), I returned to the School for postgraduate study (October 1994). Supervised by Professor's M.C. Davies, S.J.B. Tendler, and Dr C.J. Roberts, my Ph.D studies aimed to develop methods for the measurement of single antigen-antibody interactions using atomic force microscopy. These studies helped pioneer the field of single biomolecule force spectroscopy in the UK, and we were amongst the first research groups, internationally, to publish research in this area. At the post-doctoral level (October 1997-Dec 1998) I was able to further develop this area of research for the spatial mapping of biomolecular interactions on immunoassay substrates, and for preliminary investigations of more complex biomolecular systems, including polymeric systems for tissue-engineering/drug-delivery. With fellow researchers I also developed our own instrumentation for high-resolution force measurement as commercial instruments for such experiments were not then available. This research enabled me to secure the 'Pfizer Lectureship in Pharmaceutical Sciences' post in the School of Pharmacy (from Jan 1999).

Based within the multidisciplinary LBSA research division, I currently lead the experimental single molecule biophysics research area and was promoted to Associate Professor and Reader in Molecular Biophysics in 2006. My activities have resulted in over 50 peer-reviewed research articles in international scientific journals, and have been recognized through invitations to present at both international and national conferences. I have also been invited to sit on several expert 'Nanotechnology' panel, including a recent round table discussion on 'Nanomedicines' at the RPSGB and have delivered invited research seminars at a range of other academic institutions including the University of Cambridge (Chemistry and the Cavendish Laboratories), California Institute of Technology (CalTech)) and University of Munich. In 2003, I was also a joint winner of the Glaxo-SmithKline International Achievement Award (with M.C. Davies, S.J.B. Tendler, C. J. Roberts, P.M. Williams and N. Patel)

Research Summary

My research interests in the single molecule biophysics area are driven by a fundamental desire to understand how biological processes work at the molecular level. I also have an interest in… read more

Recent Publications

Current Research

My research interests in the single molecule biophysics area are driven by a fundamental desire to understand how biological processes work at the molecular level. I also have an interest in exploring how this can be exploited for the development of new therapeutic approaches or new materials/devices for use within the biomedical sector. Based within the Laboratory of Biophysics and Surface Analysis (LBSA) research division, my work involves the application and development of a range of advanced biophysical tools such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM-D), the Biomembrane Force Probe (BFP) and Optical Tweezers.Current projects (BBSRC funded) are directed towards understanding the interactions of multi-protein assemblies involved in DNA replication (with Dr P. Soultanas, Chemistry and Prof. C.J. Roberts, Pharmacy), and the natural force-induced unfolding of von Willebrand Factor (with Dr P.M. Williams and Dr Jonas Emsley, Pharmacy). In the materials/devices area I am involved in two major (>£1M) multi-centre collaborative projects, specifically focussing on the characterization of self-assembling nanometer scale surface templates (RCUK funded, lead by Prof. Peter Beton, Physics) and novel biological nanotubular materials (EU funded, lead by Dr Anna Mitriaki, Greece) both of which are under development for wide-ranging applications spanning the physical and life sciences. A need to improve methods to create surfaces with defined surface functionality has also recently led to collaborative studies with Prof. J.W. Park (POSTECH, Korea) and Prof. S.J.B Tendler (Pharmacy), which are focused toward the creation of dendron-based biomolecular arrays. Similarly, a need for improvements in the accuracy/precision of current force measurement approaches has recently lead to an EPSRC project award which will develop novel MEMS-based technologies to address these issues (with Dr P.J. Cumpson (National Physical Laboratory), Prof. S.J.B Tendler and colleagues within the LBSA).

Memberships of Committees and Professional Bodies

  • Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
  • Member of the Biophysical Society

Teaching

Undergraduate: (*indicates module convener)

B31A08 - Pharmaceutics 1: Physicochemical Science and Medicines DesignB31A09* - Practical Dispensing and the Science of Medicines ManufactureB33F05* - Quality in Medicines Design and UsageB34H07 - Undergraduate Project Study

Postgraduate:

MSc in Nanoscience Module

B34HAM - Single Molecular Biophysics: Theory and Practice

School of Pharmacy

University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5100
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 5102
email: pharmacy-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk