Main pic: Ciara with SciFest CEO, Sheila Porter.
A student from the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal town has clinched the coveted SciFest Life Sciences Award.
Ciara Cannon was confirmed the winner at the recent SciFest National Finals in Marino Conference Centre, beating competitors from all over Ireland.
Her project titled ‘Using Silicon Nanoparticles to Create a Self-Sustaining Antimicrobial Surface’ showcased remarkable innovation in the field. Ciara’s research involved coating four materials (brass, aluminum, acrylic, and PDMS) with silica nanoparticles, aiming to explore their antimicrobial properties against bacteria.
The materials, cut into 10 mm squares, were immersed in a silica nanoparticle-deionized water suspension for two days. Subsequently, the materials were placed on lawn plates of bacteria grown on standard nutrient agar plates, and the visible zone of inhibition around them was measured after a 48-hour incubation period.
Ciara Cannon with her award-winning project.
The results revealed that silica-coated brass was the only material effective against gram-negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Ciara’s deduction suggested that the silica nanoparticles on the brass surface exhibited significant growth inhibition by creating small holes in the bacterial cell membrane, allowing copper (and possibly zinc) ions access.
This process resulted in visible discoloration and cell lysis, showcasing the potential of nanoscience in creating antimicrobial surfaces. Nanoscience has practical applications in antimicrobial materials and surfaces with a focus on preventing the formation of biofilms on implanted medical devices. Notably, she opted for silica, a safe and biocompatible material that is both easier and cheaper to synthesize, in contrast to health risks associated with silver and gold nanoparticles.
The SciFest National Final was held in the Marino Conference Centre in Dublin in November. It was attended by student finalists presenting 33 qualifying projects from all over Ireland.
SciFest, supported by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, and EirGrid, is Ireland’s largest STEM fair open to second-level students on the island of Ireland. Since launching in 2006, more than 100,000 students have participated in the competition. This year marks the 18th year of SciFest. SciFest’s mission is to ensure every second-level student has an opportunity to develop critical STEM skillsets through participation in a STEM fair, irrespective of their ability, background or circumstance. SciFest also operates at local and regional level in schools and colleges throughout the entire school year culminating in the National Finals in November, and being free to enter, is highly inclusive and accessible.
For more information or to get involved, check out www.SciFest.ie
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