Michael Greenwood

Feature Writer

B.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Drug Design and Discovery

Michael graduated from the University of Salford with a PhD in Biochemistry in 2023, and has keen research interests towards nanotechnology and its application to biological systems. Michael has written on a wide range of science communication and news topics within the life sciences and related fields since 2019, and engages extensively with current developments in journal publications.

Articles from Michael

Advantages of Fluorescent Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are widely used for fluorescent imaging of cells and tissues. They are safe, modifiable and useful for therapeutic intervention.

20 Nov 2018

High-throughput Screening Using Small Molecule Libraries

Small molecule libraries are often used in drug discovery to find molecules with the greatest activity or inhibitory potential against a particular target.

1 Nov 2018

Interfering Factors in Assay Design

There are several factors that may affect the sensitivity and reliability of an assay. These must be considered when selecting a signal amplification system.

1 Nov 2018

Fundamentals of Assay Design and Development

This article describes important factors that must be taken into account when designing an assay for the life sciences, including drug development.

1 Nov 2018

What is High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet (HPLC-UV)?

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) is a technique used to separate molecules and measure their concentration.

31 Oct 2018

What is Pyrosequencing?

Pyrosequencing is a method of DNA sequencing that detects light emitted from nucleotide bases. By comparing the relative amount of light emitted, the sequence is uncovered.

31 Oct 2018

Photolithography Microfabrication Technique

Photolithography is one of the most important and easiest methods of microfabrication, and is used to create detailed patterns in a material. In this method, a shape or pattern can be etched through selective exposure of a light sensitive polymer to ultraviolet light.

28 Oct 2018

What is Focused Ion Beam Lithography?

Ion beam lithography is used to create fine nanostructures on a surface, such as circuit boards. It can be used to directly write on the material, rather than using a photomask, as in photolithography. This is essential for creating single runs, prototypes, modifications or repairs, where the cost of a high-definition photomask can run well above $10,000.

28 Oct 2018

What is Electron Beam Lithography?

Electron beam lithography is used to draw a custom pattern on the surface of a material coated with a layer of resist. Upon exposure to electrons, this material either becomes highly soluble, allowing its removal by immersion in a solvent, or cross-links, making it resistant to a solvent so that the surrounding resist is removed.

28 Oct 2018

Nanocomposites in Biomedicine

Nanocomposites range between 1‑–100 nm in diameter and are up of ceramic, metal, or polymer. It is imbued with nanoscale fibers or particles to increase catalytic activity, alter physical properties of the material, adjust the refractive index and optical properties, or create superparamagnetic materials.

24 Oct 2018