Matthew Gibson

Matthew Gibson

@labgibson.bsky.social

Chair of Sustainable Biomaterials (glycoscience, ice and polymers) in Department of Chemistry and and Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester. Co-founder @Cryologyx

284 followers244 following30 posts

Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest work @uommib.bsky.social . A big frustration in #glycotime is glycans are too hydrophilic to enter cells: You normally acetylate and add solvents (🤯 🤮 😱) to your cells! We show superchaotropic boron clusters for intracellular glycan delivery. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.comIntracellular Delivery of Hydrophilic Glycans Using Superchaotropic ClustersSuperchaotropic boron clusters are demonstrated to deliver hydrophilic glycans directly into mammalian cells, removing the need for acetylation and cytotoxic solvents such as DMSO. Azido glycans for ...
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest from Ivan and Sara-Jane in @pubs.acs.org @uommib.bsky.social . We review polymeric nanodisc formers for membrane protein extraction, covering the range of polymer types, challenges/limitations and assays to screen for new materials. pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

pubs.acs.orgNanodisc-Forming Polymers for the Extraction of Membrane ProteinsMembrane proteins are estimated to be encoded by 30% of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes and are key drug targets. A key challenge in the study of membrane proteins is their low solubility in aqueou...
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

latest work in collaboration with Steve Armes and Panos G out @chemicalscience.rsc.org . We discover the INSIDE of PISA particles impacts their inhibit ice recrystallisation, even though coronal polymers have no ice affinity. New routes to soft matter ice modulation. pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...

pubs.rsc.orgCore-block engineering enables control of ice recrystallisation inhibition in polymer nanoparticlesIce-binding proteins (IBPs) are potent ice recrystallisation inhibitors (IRIs) that have inspired the development of synthetic cryoprotectants, spanning small molecules to polymers, but there are only...
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest work from Doug is online. We show how ice recrystallisation inhibition activity in short PVA’s can be increased with hydrophobic tails: this means we can get ‘small’ IRI’s with <mM activity. pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

pubs.acs.orgAntifreeze Glycolipid-Inspired Ice Recrystallization Inhibitors Based on End-Group Functionalized Poly(vinyl alcohol)Poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA, is a molar mass-dependent ice recrystallization inhibitor (IRI), with larger polymers that are more active, similar to antifreeze glycoproteins. Attempts to modulate PVA’s IRI activity by side-chain modification or assembly have given limited gains or even a loss of function. Here we take inspiration from antifreeze glycolipids by installing hydrophobic tails at the α-terminus of well-defined PVA derived from RAFT/MADIX photopolymerization, enabled by site-specific capping of the structurally ambiguous ω-end chains. Lower molar mass PVAs (<1000 g·mol–1) were discovered to have enhanced IRI upon installation of the tails below 0.1 mM, which was more active than small-molecule IRIs of a similar MW. This unlocks new opportunities for IRIs at moderate molar masses and the potential to modulate activity via site-specific end-group chemistry.
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Thanks to @chemguyeli.bsky.social and others for hosting me in St Andrews. We had some great discussions, particularly around ‘impact’/tech transfer (including challenges) and shared some of our experiences. I was also treated to some incredible views over the old course and beach..!

Matthew Gibson reposted

David Mills
@millsgroupchem.bsky.social

We are hiring! Two PDRAs in a collaborative project between researchers in the EPSRC National Research Facility for EPR Spectroscopy, Manchester Chemistry, and the Eddleman Quantum Institute. Please share: www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai... www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...

jobs.manchester.ac.ukResearch Associate in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry:Oxford RoadFor recent publications relevant to the project see: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 27993; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2024, 146, 15000; Nat. Commun. 2019, 10, 3330; Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 3003.
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest work @uommib.bsky.social is published @pubs.acs.org . Here we explore new polypeptoids to inhibit protein aggregation in solution, using PEG alternatives. pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/...

pubs.acs.orgPoly(sarcosine)-block-oligo(l-tryptophan) Copolymers as Noncovalent Inhibitors of Protein AggregationIrreversible protein aggregation can cause loss of function of proteins during storage and transport, presenting a challenge in biotherapeutics, biocatalysis, and the food industry, as well as in basi...
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

We have a PRDA vacancy, in collab. with Mike Shaver to explore life cycle analysis of polymeric cryoprotectants, which have many use cases but sustainability metrics are not known. Experience of LCA essential. Not a ‘wet lab’ project. www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...

jobs.manchester.ac.ukResearch Associate in Life Cycle Assessment of Polymeric Cryoprotectants:Oxford RoadAs an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest work is online @chemcomm.rsc.org @uommib.bsky.social . This feature article covers progress we (+ others) in polymer-tethered glycosylated nanoparticles as tools for glycoscience. This spans synthetic rationale and opportunities for deployment. pubs.rsc.org/en/content/a...

pubs.rsc.orgPolymer-tethered glycosylated gold nanoparticles as versatile tools for bio-sensingGlycans direct many biological recognition and signalling processes, spanning basic cell biology to diagnostics and therapy. Multivalent presentation of glycans is well established to increase avidity...

Matthew Gibson reposted

Mark A. Hanson
@hansonmark.bsky.social

We've got ISSUES. Literally. We scraped >100k special issues & over 1 million articles to bring you a PISS-poor paper. We quantify just how many excess papers are published by guest editors abusing special issues to boost their CVs. How bad is it & what can we do? arxiv.org/abs/2601.07563 A 🧵 1/n

Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest work, showing cryopreservation of Avian red blood cells using our macromolecular cryoprotectants is out now! pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10....

pubs.acs.orgCryopreservation of Avian Erythrocytes Using Macromolecular CryoprotectantsErythrocyte (red blood cell) cryopreservation is an essential biotechnology for healthcare (transfusions), diagnostics, conservation, and fundamental research. Mature mammalian erythrocytes are anucleate, do not divide, and cannot undertake protein biosynthesis. In contrast, avian erythrocytes have a distinct evolutionary pathway, retaining their nucleus, and are capable of other limited functions, such as protein biosynthesis, but have a shorter shelf life than mammalian erythrocytes. Here, we report the successful cryopreservation of avian red blood cells using a polyampholyte (macromolecular cryoprotectant), which can reduce intracellular ice formation. Under optimized conditions with 10% DMSO and 60 mg·mL–1 of polyampholyte, ∼90% recovery could be achieved, outperforming a conventional glycerol-based formulation, especially when longer-term storage (up to 6 months) was tested. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the cells’ morphology was retained. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed reduced apoptosis compared to glycerol cryopreservation and confirmed increased recovery of actin (cytoskeleton) polymerization post-thaw. Overall, these results show the potential of macromolecular cryoprotectants to be deployed in nonhuman cryobiology for animal health and potentially species conservation.

Matthew Gibson reposted

Science X / Phys.org
@sciencex.bsky.social

A new cryopreservation method using polyampholytes, DMSO, and trehalose significantly reduces thaw time for red blood cells, supporting faster emergency transfusions and improved blood storage. doi.org/g92knc

medicalxpress.comBlood on demand: New freezing method slashes thaw time for emergency blood transfusionsA transformative new method for freezing human red blood cells has been developed by researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Leeds.
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Our latest work is out. Glyconanoparticles with complex branched glycans to interrogate influenza binding, with no labels in a microplate. Nice academic/industry collaboration @uommib.bsky.social with Iceni and AZ, and Rob Field. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.comLabel‐Free and Microplate‐Based Dissection of Glycan‐Virus Interactions Using Polymer‐Tethered GlyconanoparticlesThis work demonstrates the use of polymer-tethered glycosylated gold nanoparticles for the label-free evaluation of influenza virus binding in a simple microplate. Sialylated linear and branched glyc...
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Registration is now open for the Annual MacroGroupUK Symposia and Medal Award Lectures, hosted @uommib.bsky.social 8/9th September. Fabulous line up of speakers. Thanks to sponsors, we have poster prizes and low registration including all refreshments . www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2025-macro...

eventbrite.co.uk2025 MacroGroup Annual Symposia and Medal LecturesGet ready for two jam-packed days of talks, discussions, and prestigious medal lectures at the 2025 MacroGroup Annual Symposia!
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

This has been a challenge for us, due to lability of the RAFT end-group after deprotection giving us low conversion. Using a photo-reduction, we can cap the reactive end group and install bio-conjugation functionality at the other end.

Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Early morning start, to head over the Pennines to visit Sheffield, hosted by Steve Armes . I’ll be talking Chemical Cryobiology, focussing on new, and unpublished, polymeric protein stabilisation tools. Talk is at 12 noon in chemistry dept.

Matthew Gibson reposted

Prof. Zoë Waller
@drzoewaller.bsky.social

Job alert! 3-year PDRA position to work on synthesis of ruthenium complexes as probes for i-motif DNA - please share with anyone looking for positions! Happy to answer any questions 😃 www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DLN413/s...

jobs.ac.ukSenior Research Associate in Inorganic and Biophysical Chemistry at Lancaster UniversityAn academic position as a Senior Research Associate in Inorganic and Biophysical Chemistry is being advertised on jobs.ac.uk. Click now to find more details and explore additional academic job opportu...

Matthew Gibson reposted

Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
@uommib.bsky.social

@labgibson.bsky.social is part of a new Prosperity Partnership – led by Prof Mike Shaver – to address plastic waste in healthcare. This partnership between @official-uom.bsky.social and @bupauk.bsky.social will drive meaningful change for the sector. www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/u...

manchester.ac.ukUniversity of Manchester and Bupa combine to affect change on environmental impact of healthcare sectorThe University of Manchester and Bupa have announced an innovative new collaboration to develop new methods and strategies to drastically reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental impact upon our p...

Matthew Gibson reposted

Manchester Institute of Biotechnology
@uommib.bsky.social

Prof Alan Dickson will co-lead a new £8.2m project with the University of Kent and UCL that will bridge the gap in diagnostics development. CADDA will bring together academics, industry, the NHS and regulators to help bring new products to market. www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/t...

manchester.ac.ukThe University of Manchester partners in £8.2 million initiative to accelerate diagnostic innovationThe project, led by the University of Kent, and including The University of Manchester, and University College London (UCL), will address the development gap in the diagnostics innovation ecosystem.Ac...
Matthew Gibson
@labgibson.bsky.social

Excited to be part of this project looking at single use plastics on heathcare.

The University of Manchester@manchester.ac.uk

ANNOUNCED: The University of Manchester and Bupa have launched an innovative new collaboration to drastically reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental impact on our planet 🌍 www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/u...

manchester.ac.ukUniversity of Manchester and Bupa combine to affect change on environmental impact of healthcare sectorThe University of Manchester and Bupa have announced an innovative new collaboration to develop new methods and strategies to drastically reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental impact upon our p...

Matthew Gibson reposted

The University of Manchester
@manchester.ac.uk

ANNOUNCED: The University of Manchester and Bupa have launched an innovative new collaboration to drastically reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental impact on our planet 🌍 www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/u...

manchester.ac.ukUniversity of Manchester and Bupa combine to affect change on environmental impact of healthcare sectorThe University of Manchester and Bupa have announced an innovative new collaboration to develop new methods and strategies to drastically reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental impact upon our p...

Matthew Gibson reposted

Liz Fullam
@proflizf.bsky.social

Replying to @proflizf.bsky.social

🔔 We also have PhD positions available which will be advertised shortly! 🔔 If you would like to join us @uommib.bsky.social for your PhD training to develop new approaches to tackle the TB pathogen 🦠🧪 I would love to hear from you 😊.

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