A pandemic shutdown, a curious researcher and a sunny backyard have helped Australian scientists find a new way to make a tiny but important particle.
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Queensland University of Technology researchers have synthesised polymer microspheres, which are about 1000th of a millimetre, using sunlight.
Microspheres are used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and paints, and also enable the display of the familiar stripes on COVID-19 rapid antigen and pregnancy tests.
Chemicals, heat and light are usually needed to create microspheres, but a series of chance happenings led to the discovery that sunlight can do the job.
Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik, who's been working on chemical photosynthesis for a decade, says the discovery is "serendipity".
"Often, when you're doing a lot of relevant things, you then discover something significant," he said in a statement.
"You've got to give science the room to evolve."
"There's probably 10 years of understanding of photochemical reactions that have gotten us to this point."
The discovery began when QUT researcher Florian Feist decided to look at an unimportant byproduct of a light-induced chemical synthesis under a microscope.
Dr Feist was surprised to see microspheres had been created without the use of heat, chemicals or LED light.
The research team realised they could potentially be created anywhere using the same simple set-up.
They got their chance during a COVID-19 lockdown when everyone was told to work home rather than the labs.
Dr Laura Delafresnaye set up the experiment on an outdoor table in her Brisbane backyard under "Australian sunshine" for four hours.
She returned to find microspheres had again been synthesised without chemicals or heat.
"On top of employing mild conditions at ambient temperature, we do not need any additives, surfactants or unwanted chemicals which will eventually be present as contaminants in the final material," Dr Delafresnaye said.
Prof Barner-Kowollik, who's extensive photochemistry work the researchers relied on, said their discovery could pave the way for a much more sustainable method of producing polymer microspheres.
"Often regarded as harmful, our sun is a powerful and free resource. Australia is one of the sunniest countries in the world," Prof Barner-Kowollik said.
"The enticing prospect of producing a key material class by clever use of a natural and unlimited resource can critically contribute to an advanced sustainable economy."
The research is reported in the academic journal Nature Communications.
Australian Associated Press
