Pump Prime Projects

Round 3

After review by the UK Metamaterials Network’s (UKMMN) independent assessment panel the following projects have been invited to full submission. There are in addition a further four projects which are not listed here as yet. The UKMMN was highly impressed by the range and quality of submissions to the third round of the Pump Prime Fund.

Ruoxiao Xie (University of Liverpool) and Rui Chen (University of Liverpool)

Auxetic deformation, where a material expands laterally when stretched, is observed in many human tissues (e.g., skin, lungs, heart), however, is difficult to replicate in conventional biomaterials. To produce wound dressings capable of accommodating such deformation, biomaterials can be engineered into auxetic metamaterials, which offer significant advantages in conforming to irregular tissue surfaces and providing stable mechanical support to wounds as surrounding tissues deform. Nonetheless, scalable manufacturing of auxetic metamaterials into wound dressing products remains challenging.

This project aims to develop a roll-to-roll, multi-material 3D printing (R2R-MM3D) platform for the scalable fabrication of multifunctional mechanical metamaterials. The platform will integrate sequential multi-material printing, in-line washing, curing, and prints collection processes, enabling continuous and automated production of multifunctional auxetic wound dressings. The resulting auxetic hydrogel dressings will combine superior conformability, exudate absorption, and antimicrobial protection to promote faster and more comfortable healing of chronic wounds.

Our R2R-MM3D platform will strengthen the UK’s manufacturing capability by streamlining the pathway from digital design to ready-to-use mechanical metamaterial products, unlocking the translational potential of mechanical metamaterials for healthcare applications and contributing to the UK’s priority areas in Future Healthcare.

Mitch Kenney (University of Nottingham) and Paul McGraw (University of Nottingham)

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a progressive eye disease, affecting ~196 million people globally, causing structural damage to the macula. ARMD manifests as either “dry” (via protein deposits (drusen)), or “wet” (abnormal blood vessel growth). Both forms result in severely reduced visual acuity and sensitivity, with key symptoms including blurred central vision, image distortion, and difficulty in low-light environments. These symptoms significantly impair quality of life by limiting essential activities like reading and object recognition, and for the vast majority of patients no effective treatment exists.

To augment residual vision, we propose a novel corrective metasurface (CMS), aligning with visible wavelengths of retinal cone cells (S, M & L), designed to amplify contrast at object borders, through simultaneous use of Orbital Angular Momentum, phase-control and off-axis refraction techniques controllable through polarisation.

This approach is inspired by prior research demonstrating that edge-enhancement improves object recognition [1]; however, existing implementations rely on digital filtering/hardware. Our goal is to transcend these limitations by creating a simple, wearable device that directly enhances performance in visual tasks. These devices will be produced using cost- and time-effective NanoImprint Lithography (NIL), resulting in soft, flexible devices with the possibility of being retrofitted to existing patients’ prescription glasses.

Leila Yousefi (University of Sussex) and Philip Howes (University of Sussex)

The wave nature of light imposes a resolution limit—known as the diffraction limit or Rayleigh criterion—on conventional imaging systems, typically around half the wavelength of light. This fundamental barrier poses a significant challenge across various research fields, including biology and chemistry, where high-resolution imaging is crucial for a deeper understanding of the subjects under investigation. Moreover, super-resolution imaging serves as the cornerstone of nano-lithography within nano-fabrication technology.

Our project aims to overcome this limit by leveraging semiconductor nanoparticles (quantum dots) that act as low-loss, double-negative optical metamaterials. The diffraction limit arises due to evanescent waves, which decay before reaching the image plane. Amplifying these waves can enable imaging beyond this limit. Previous literature has demonstrated that optical metamaterials with a negative refractive index can amplify evanescent waves. However, the creation of low-loss negative index optical metamaterials, which necessitate magnetic properties at high optical frequencies, remains an unresolved challenge. Our approach involves utilizing core-shell quantum dots to engineer low-loss negative index metamaterials at optical frequencies, aiming for high-resolution imaging that transcends the diffraction limit. These quantum dots also hold promise for applications in invisibility cloaks, high-efficiency solar cells, and ultra-fast optical computing system.

Maziar Nekovee (University of Sussex) and Prof. Andrea Ferrari (University of Cambridge)

Led by Prof. Maziar Nekovee (U. Sussex) and co-led by Prof. Andrea Ferrari (U. Cambridge), our team combines expertise in metasurface design and graphene device fabrication. The research seeks to develop a graphene-based holographic metasurface device as a proof of concept for nanoscale magnetic field beamforming and beam-steering. This device uses a 2D matrix of graphene split-ring resonators whose current profiles can be dynamically controlled to focus and steer near-field magnetic wavefronts.
The project integrates early-stage industrial engagement with Graphenea S.A.—a global leader in graphene materials—who will provide advisory input on material selection, fabrication compatibility, and scalability. Their involvement strengthens translation pathways and responds to previous UKMMN panel feedback regarding industrial relevance.

Our work combines theoretical modelling, advanced full-wave simulations, nanofabrication in Cambridge, and experimental validation. The device will be assessed specifically for applications in biomedicine, including targeted drug delivery and biosensing. This proof-of-concept project will establish a foundation for future large-scale funding and industrial co-development.