Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Embracing Innovation: How Tech is Revolutionising Monitoring in Ireland’s Booming Real Estate Market

Tech innovations are making their mark on all industries and real estate is no exception. New technology developments are not only allowing prospective buyers to view properties without stepping foot in them but also making the management and monitoring of properties easier for real estate professionals. In this article, we’ll explore just a few of the ways technology is transforming the real estate industry, for buyers, agents and homeowners. 

Just one example is the rise in online rental platforms such as renthero.ie, which enable renters to view properties all over Ireland. Rather than having to show up to multiple inspections, they can search for apartments or houses that meet their criteria and connect with prospective landlords remotely. In addition, property owners can easily showcase their listings and gain access to valuable performance data. This shift towards digital rental platforms has not only streamlined the rental process for both tenants and landlords but has also brought greater transparency and convenience to the market. With the integration of advanced features such as virtual property tours, online payment systems, and tenant background checks, these platforms have become an integral part of the real estate industry in Ireland, transforming the way properties are rented and managed. 

Monitoring KPIs and metrics

Real estate management software has significantly enhanced the way company representatives view and handle data, with everything from properties for sale to average days on the market visible at the click of a button. A management dashboard gathers all of the key information in one convenient location, enabling reps to quickly view crucial data that can be used to make important decisions. 

By tracking recent sales information, real estate agents can make informed decisions about listing prices and how to best go about marketing similar properties. Agencies can also monitor their sales/rental income, the number of visits to their listings, and track previous enquiries and referrals. Prior to the creation of real estate management software, gathering this amount of data would have been a time-consuming affair and, in some cases, impossible. 

Virtual tours

Even before Covid-19 lockdowns, there was a rise in the use of virtual tours to showcase properties online. They enable prospective buyers and renters to view properties from the comfort of their office desk or couch and figure out if they want to make the effort to attend an in-person inspection. For those viewing properties from abroad who may not be able to attend an inspection, virtual tours provide a great alternative. 

Virtual tours are beneficial for agents too, as they can help to satisfy the curiosity of those who aren’t serious about buying a property and might otherwise turn up to inspections for a sticky beak. When a listing includes a virtual tour, the people who do turn up to inspections are more likely to be prospective buyers and worthy of the agent’s time. Virtual tours also give buyers an opportunity to get a “first look” at a property before putting together a list of questions to ask the agent during the in-person inspection. 

Mobile apps

On the surface, real estate mobile apps are all about convenience for buyers and renters, giving them easy access to the latest listings and sales information on their smartphones. Real estate apps showcase all available properties under one search result, with the option to filter results based on individual preferences. Rather than having to individually check the properties being listed by various agencies, customers can view them all via an easy-to-use interface. 

But aside from customer convenience, real estate mobile apps are also an effective means for real estate companies to understand their customers, based on previous activity. It gives them a rough idea of what the customer is looking for and enables the company to more effectively market similar properties. For example, mobile apps can send personalised notifications to users when properties are listed on their platform that they think the customer may be interested in.

Smart home technology

Another way that technological innovations are transforming the real estate industry is in the realm of smart home devices, which can do everything from increase energy efficiency to play your favourite music with a simple voice command. Smart home technology is basically the remote control of appliances and devices via an internet connection and using a smartphone or tablet. Through an app, users can control temperature, lighting and even home theatre systems, without having to go anywhere near them.

Smart home technology is all about making life more convenient, whether that means your phone “pinging” when the washing machine has finished its cycle or the internet-connected touchscreen on your fridge checking if there is milk at home. But it is also an effective means of monitoring your home security, most obviously via smart cameras. Smart locks can also be implemented to allow select people to access your home when you’re not there (such as house-sitters or cleaners), without the risk of leaving keys under the mat. 

An exciting future of innovation

Real estate technology is a broad term that encompasses many different types of innovations, from property management software to virtual reality experiences and apps that make life easier. What they all share in common is the purpose of making the managing and monitoring of properties easier and more effective. In a world where many people are increasingly looking to apps and online platforms to solve the challenges of day-to-day life, the future of real estate technology looks bright. 

 

How Has The Office Workspace Changed In The Past 20 Years?

The office workspace has gone through its fair share of changes over the past two decades. Technological advances, new trends in workplace design, and shifts in employers’ and employees’ attitudes have all had a major influence on how work is performed. In this blog post, we’ll take a look back at some of the biggest developments that have affected what the modern workspace looks like today – from open-plan offices to flexible workspaces for remote staff. With an understanding of how the office environment has evolved over time, companies can better anticipate where their own workspaces might be headed next!

Hot desking trends

Hot desking trends have been on the rise in recent years, as employers look to make better use of their office space while also promoting collaboration and flexibility among employees. Through hot desking, each employee is assigned a desk that they can occupy for any given day or week. By doing this, companies are able to reduce their need for additional desks or furniture for overflow staff. This trend has been particularly popular among startups and smaller companies with fluctuating staffing levels. Also, when choosing hot desking solutions, it’s important to consider the culture of your organization and ensure that everyone is on board with this arrangement. It’s also important to provide adequate storage solutions for each employee, so they can keep their workspace organized and clutter-free.

A Look at Pre-Pandemic Office Trends 

In a world before COVID-19, office environments were already experiencing changes in trends. Open floor plans, remote work options, and flexible schedules were becoming more common. The rise of technology allowed for more efficient communication and collaboration, leading to increased productivity and creativity. However, with the pandemic, these trends have been accelerated and expanded. Working from home has become a necessity for millions of employees, and companies have had to adapt to provide adequate resources and support. As we continue to navigate this new normal, it’s interesting to reflect on how quickly and drastically office trends can change in response to external circumstances. 

How the Requirements of Working from Home Impacts Design 

Ever since remote work became a norm, the importance of designing homes that accommodate a work set-up has become even more essential. From setting up a comfortable and functional workspace to organizing office equipment, designing a home that can accommodate the demands of remote work has become a top priority. The impact is not just limited to physical layouts but also extends to aspects such as lighting, sound, and even color palettes. With a focus on ergonomics and maximizing productivity, designers are incorporating smart solutions and multi-functional furniture to help individuals create productive home office environments. As the trend of remote work continues to grow, it’s become increasingly important for modern design to keep this shift in mind when creating living spaces.

The Advantages of a Flexible Workspace 

Flexibility is key. And this includes your workspace. More and more companies are turning to open floor plans as a way to provide employees with a more flexible work environment. The advantages are clear: an open floor plan encourages collaboration and communication. It allows employees to work more closely with colleagues, which can lead to increased productivity and better problem-solving. Plus, the lack of walls and partitions creates a more light-filled and enjoyable work environment. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your company’s productivity and enhance employee satisfaction, consider ditching the cubicles and embracing a more flexible workspace with an open floor plan.

Incorporating decorative indoor fountains can further enhance the atmosphere, providing a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes focus and reduces stress. Additionally, flexible workspaces can support a variety of work styles, from quiet corners for deep concentration to collaborative zones for team brainstorming, ensuring that all employees have the ideal setting to thrive.

Creativity in the Workplace  

Creativity is a high priority for many workplaces, as innovation fuels growth and pushes boundaries. To promote creativity, several offices are adopting standing desks and breakout spaces. These improvements encourage employees to move around and approach tasks from different perspectives. Standing desks allow for more movement throughout the day, preventing physical fatigue and keeping the body engaged. Breakout spaces encourage collaboration and socialization, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and teamwork. These changes may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on an employee’s well-being and productivity. By investing in creative-focused environments, businesses can help their teams thrive and achieve success.

 

The modern office is constantly evolving in order to stay ahead of the curve. By considering trends from both pre-pandemic and post-pandemic eras, employers can gain valuable insight into how best to design their office space for maximum productivity, creativity, and collaboration. Through a combination of hot desking solutions, open floor plans, breakout spaces, and flexible schedules, companies can create an environment that encourages productivity and innovation. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends, employers are better equipped to design a workspace that promotes creativity and collaboration among their employees.

Tech Review – Twinkly Festoon Outdoor RGB Lights Gen II

Earlier this year we checked out one of the coolest tech products outside the norm of phones headphones and earbuds to review which was the Twinkly squares multicolour edition. A nice addition to my house and now placed/ nicked by my daughter and resides in her room now and I guess its fine but I had other plans for this, anyway moving on we have another product from the brand which like other products they have are really cool and popular which is the Festoon Outdoor RGB lights.

OK so you might say what is so special here and there is cheaper out there which there is and I have seen them and was about to buy them but like other similar stuff the other half got for the back garden when we moved into and all of them since purchased from local homeware stores etc simply stopped working and this is the end result for everything for all these lights and fancy items including solar lights from these stores they are not built to last, You are about to say how are these and you only have them x amount of time, well the quality of the product is where we start with and compared to others out there it is clearly visible, a similar item for example is 25 euro, less lights thin wire crap housing and the list goes on.. Ohh and NO APP..

As in out last review there is an app for the product and this enables you to take control of the product, not just an out of box plug in or charge and there you are here is our boring white lights and some might flash.. The Festoon RGB lights are customisable and you are in control and you can also give your own input.

One slight bearbug was I could not connect both ends to make one continuous line but I am sure the could come up with a connector, so I had 20 lights each side which had to meet at a certain point for the power supply. However if you have an outdoor socket it works out better, you can use an extension lead from the house if you wish, these are safe to leave outside all year round even if used for seasonal use but they do give the back garden a nice ambiance now and this is something my partner likes along with the ten million ornaments etc in the garden..

Overall a really nice product that is easy to use and set up and not only being able to use outdoors you can use indoors too if you wish check the video below for more and what to expect.

Twinkly key features:

  • The revolutionary computer vision technology recognises how the lights are positioned on your display, allowing for precise animations.
  • You’re in control of every single one of the 20 LEDs; customize your own effects, and share your effects as animated GIF images. You can even draw your own designs using your finger on your smartphone; save them in the app and then play them!
  • The LEDs are equipped with the newest RGB diffused lens, and are specifically designed to intensify the light effects for unbeatable brightness.
  • WiFi connection dual mode: choose between Twinkly’s integrated WiFi network, or connect directly to your home WiFi network. When connected to your home Wi-Fi network, ask your vocal assistant to switch on and off your lights, or to change the colours, effects or brightness of your decoration.
  • Take the stress out of lighting decoration and use the Twinkly app’s decorating guide; follow the simple step by step instructions to position your lights with ease.
  • The Twinkly Grouping feature lets you connect 2 or more Twinkly light sets via the Twinkly app, to create bigger, better and brighter displays.
  • The brand new Generation II Twinkly controller is more powerful than ever. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity music sensor, an enhanced stability and the customisable, multi-effect carousel features, this is the smartest Twinkly controller ever.

BUY

Video review

 

 

 

Advantio acquired by Integrity360 to expand European footprint and provide complementary cyber services capability

As part of its Pan European expansion plan, Integrity360 has acquired leading European PCI QSA (Payment Card Industry Qualified Security Assessor) and cyber security services company Advantio. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition will enable Integrity360 to expand further into continental Europe and provides an additional cyber services practice focused on PCI compliance – complementing Integrity360’s existing service practices which include cyber risk and assurance, cyber security testing, incident response, infrastructure, end-point and SIEM professional services and a highly comprehensive range of cyber security managed services. Advantio will continue to operate from its existing wide-ranging European facilities but with the benefit of the full resources and capability of the existing Integrity360 business. In addition, Integrity360 has formed a strategic partnership with the Advantio founders to expand the footprint of ZeroRisk, an innovative SaaS platform providing compliance and cyber risk management profiling services for the payment industry.

Advantio was founded in 2009, employs approximately 115 employees and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and operates from facilities in Italy, Spain, UK, Lithuania, and Ukraine serving more than 250 customers across Europe, the USA and Asia. For the last three years, Advantio has achieved growth rates of circa 25% pa, and during the next 12 months expects revenues of circa €10m. The combination of Advantio with Integrity360 brings group revenues to approximately €115m in 2023, from circa €85m in 2022, and expands group resources to approximately 450 employees. Advantio’s cyber services capabilities include PCI compliance, cyber security testing, cyber risk and assurance and MDR services (Managed Detection and Response) and are both expansive and complementary to those of Integrity360.

Advantio’s existing SOC (Security Operations Centre) operation in Naples will be combined with Integrity360’s other three SOCs in Dublin, Sofia, and Stockholm – now operating with over 100 dedicated engineers, consultants and cyber experts in delivering a wide-ranging set of managed services for customers including EDR, XDR and MDR (Endpoint Detection and Response, Extended Detection and Response, and Managed Detection and Response). Integrity360’s innovative range of services were recently recognised for a third time in a Gartner market guide, namely as a Representative Vendor in the Gartner market guide for Managed Detection and Response services.

Advantio has a leading position in PCI compliance and operates as one of the leading Qualified Security Assessor organisations in Europe and across the world. Its position is reflected by its standing as being the No 1 most chosen QSA organisation by Visa service provider organisations across Europe, and No 4 most chosen by Mastercard service provider organisations. Advantio has also been a proud member of the PCI GEAR (Global Executive Assessor Roundtable) since 2018, helping to refine and define PCI standards for the benefit of the industry. Advantio’s PCI expertise adds to Integrity360’s existing regulatory and cyber framework services capability including ISO27001, Cyber Essentials, cyber security strategy, and third-party risk management.

Ian Brown, Executive Chairman at Integrity360, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Advantio team to Integrity360. The enhanced group will now significantly expand our existing activities and cyber services throughout continental Europe, and further develop Advantio’s considerable expertise in PCI compliance. The combination of the two businesses provides a powerhouse of technical cyber and security payments expertise for the group’s customer base, including preparing for the impending arrival of the new PCI DSS 4.0 standard which requires comprehensive threat detection and incident response services. The two companies are highly complementary, with common strengths in cyber assurance, cyber security testing and managed detection and response and share the same customer service ethos. We look forward to delivering our expanded and extensive range of services for the benefit of our combined customers over the coming weeks and months.”

Marco Borza, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Advantio, commented: “I am delighted that Advantio is joining Integrity360 and continuing the growth journey that we started some 14 years ago. Thanks to the support of our customers and employees Advantio has become a leading QSA and provider of cyber services across Europe and other overseas markets. Advantio is excited to continue that journey but also with Integrity360’s support, allowing us to expand our services and market coverage.  Our skills combined with those of Integrity360 will provide an extension of our portfolio of professional, support and managed services. This is great news for employees, customers, and partners.  I am also delighted that we are forming a strategic partnership with the wider Integrity360 group to expand ZeroRisk’s merchant management platform, currently enabling merchants and merchant service providers to measure risk and manage compliance. I look forward to working closely with Ian and the wider Integrity360 team over the coming years”.

John Lewis Fashion Rental Debuts Zyler Virtual Try-On

Anthropics Technology, makers of AI-powered Zyler Virtual Try-On, has announced a partnership with John Lewis, one of the UK’s leading department stores, and rental specialist HURR, to introduce virtual try-on technology to their fashion rental website.

The John Lewis Fashion Rental website, which lets customers rent dresses for a selected amount of time, now enables customers to see how the dress looks on them online before they rent with the “Try it On” feature. Customers upload a headshot and sizing information to try the outfit on virtually, from the comfort of their own home.

John Lewis Rental has always been committed to providing a personalized and convenient experience for their customers. The addition of virtual try-on technology is the next step in that commitment. This technology will help John Lewis Rental customers find the perfect dress for their occasion.

 

You can see Zyler technology working on the platform https://johnlewisfashionrental.com/women/new_arrivals/

Find out more about Zyler Virtual Try-On: www.zyler.com

Bumble Inc. Introduces ‘Bumble For Friends’ Friendship-Finding App

Bumble Inc, the parent company of Bumble, Badoo, Fruitz and Official, announced the launch of Bumble For Friends, a standalone app for finding friends. The app creates a new way for people to grow their friendship circles by discovering meaningful, kind, and fun connections in their local area that is separate from the Bumble dating app.

The new app follows the successful BFF mode that’s been available within the Bumble app since 2016, which features three modes for: romantic relationships (Date), platonic friendships (BFF), and business connections (Bizz).

Bumble For Friends is expected to be especially popular among Gen Z, as new research from the app reveals that over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds in Ireland believe that platonic relationships are more important than romantic relationships. However, a quarter are stuck in outdated friendships (25%) and a third are not satisfied with the ones they currently have.

The research found that while over half (57%) of 18-24 year olds in Ireland want to make new friends, almost a third (30%) feel prevented to do so due to finding it difficult to approach people in person and a fear of being judged.

“Friendship has always been a critical part of Bumble’s goal to living a healthy and happy life. With feelings of loneliness and isolation at an all-time high, now more than ever is a time to prioritise self-love and friendships for our well being. Having a dedicated Bumble For Friends app that’s separate from the dating experience makes friendship-finding easier for people looking to make meaningful platonic connections in their area,” said Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble’s founder and CEO.

“People are more open to making friends online than ever before. In fact, in a recent Bumble For Friends survey, over a third of Gen-Z respondents in the UK shared that making new friends online lessened their loneliness,” Herd said. “No matter your life stage – whether it’s moving off to college, looking for a travel partner or becoming a new mum – Bumble For Friends creates a fun way to connect with people while helping solve the extremely important issue of loneliness.” 

How Bumble For Friends Works

  • It starts with creating a profile that reflects the member’s personality and interests through uploading photos and showcasing hobbies that illustrate where the person is in their life and what kind of friends they’re looking to meet.
  • Bumble For Friends models a similar experience as Bumble Date where members see profiles for potential friends based on common interests, swipe right on profiles they would like to connect with and are notified when a match is made.
  • Anyone currently using BFF mode with the Bumble app who wishes to migrate their profile and connections into the Bumble For Friends app will be able to skip the set-up and easily do so upon downloading and logging into the new app as an existing member.
  • Once a BFF profile is moved over to the Bumble For Friends app, BFF mode is no longer available in the Bumble app. The Date and Bizz functionality remains.

A new, easier way to plan group meetups exclusively available in the Bumble For Friends app

  • Starting to roll out today within the new Bumble For Friends app, it’s easy to get a group together to make a plan to meet IRL.
  • Any member can create a plan for a group meetup with at least two of their connections from the conversations tab.
  • A member selects a planned activity from a list of suggestions or creates their own.
  • Once a member selects a plan theme or creates a title for the group chat, they can invite at least two of their matches.
  • Their matches receive an invite in their chat that is titled the name of the planned activity, which can be edited.
  • Anyone who accepts the invite can join the group chat and start discussing any of the meetup details.

Bumble For Friends is free to use and is available on the App Store and Google Play in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States with more regions to come.

Check out connectingus which is a new Irish social media site

Tech Review – OMOTON SODI Bagel Robot BM330 Continuity Camera Mount

This little gadget can be used in more ways than one and is affordable and ideal for those who have an iPhone and macbook and can be used as webcam holder being your iPhone or just even for similar third party conferencing apps, it can also be used as a simple phone stand to to give you space and more flexibility whilst on the go or at home and in the office, the build quality is excellent and made with high grade materials and not only can it be with apple products you can use on any laptop in fact as you will see in the video review below.

Being portable is a key factor for me and anyone who travels between rooms or offices and like me who goes to hotels on a regular basis as this will easily fit in a pocket or tech bag making life nice a simple, you can also hook up your iPhone charger if required which tucks away nicely behind the holder itself.

This can be placed at multiple angles and better than a fixed one on your pc or laptop and they usually brutal anyway and this allows you to use your iPhone instead giving a better quality experience, it is simple to use gadget and check the video below for more.

CONTINUITY CAMERA INTEGRATION – Connect, capture, create.

The BM 330 Stand is the ultimate continuity camera mount, compatible with a wide range of PCs and laptops. Seamlessly connect your device and enjoy uninterrupted, high-resolution capture. An instant upgrade for your computer camera.

PERFECT VIDEO PERSPECTIVE – Your angle, your vision.

Unlock your ideal video angle, including Desk View, with versatile, multi-angle capabilities. Whether you’re recording, streaming, or presenting, this stand ensures that you find the most suitable perspective, allowing you to film like never before.

EFFORTLESS CHARGING – Power up and stay focused.

Simply place your MagSafe charging head onto the magnetic disc for convenient and efficient charging, ensuring your device stays powered up without any interruptions.

VERSATILE MOUNTING – Redefining tech compatibility.

The BM 330 Stand offers exceptional compatibility not only with iPhone 12 and above but also with the vast majority of monitors under 55 inches. Its remarkable flexibility even supports curved, irregularly shaped, or non-vertical screens, allowing you to effortlessly connect and expand your display.

 

  • Three Functions in One Stand. Gear up and protect your tech investment!
  • Optimize Your Computer. Effortlessly attach and mount your iPhone on your iMac or other desktop computer.
  • Get More From Your Tech. Use as a detachable continuity camera mount on your MacBook.
  • Solid Phone Stand. A sleek phone stand to keep your desk organized and easy on the eye.

BUY 

Video Review

One in five people in Ireland never carry any cash

One in five people in Ireland never carry any cash and of those that do, almost one-third (30pc) carry €20 or less. This is according to a new survey[1] by Royal London Ireland, one of the leading life insurance and pensions companies in Ireland.  Furthermore, men are more likely than women to never carry cash (24pc of men versus 16pc of women). Of those who do carry cash however, men tend to carry higher amounts on them than women.

The Royal London Ireland survey, which examined the use of cash by people in Ireland, found that the top five reasons people needed cash regularly was to pay for small daily grocery items such as milk and bread (58pc), to pay service providers who prefer cash (38pc), to buy lunch or take-away coffee or tea (34pc), to give tips (32pc), and to donate to charity (27pc).

Other highlights from the survey include:

  • Almost one in five people (19pc) carry more than €100 regularly.
  • People in Leinster appear to be the least likely to carry cash. One in four people in Dublin (25pc), and almost a third of people in the rest of Leinster (28pc) say they never carry cash. By contrast, only one in ten (10pc) of those living in Ulster and Connacht never carry cash.
  • 50pc of people aged 18-24 said they never carry cash, while just 10pc of people aged 55 or older said the same.

Commenting on the survey findings, Barry McCutcheon, Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland said:

 

“We’ve seen an increase in cashless payments in Ireland in recent years[2], so the numbers of people who carry very little cash, or any at all, is unsurprising. Despite the increasingly digital nature of Irish banking and payment systems in recent years, we can see from the survey findings that cash still plays an important role in Ireland’s society and economy, with many people relying on it when going about their day-to-day routines. This balances with a European Central Bank survey in 2022 which showed that the majority (54pc) of Irish consumers’ in-store transactions were in cash[3].

 Our survey gives weight to the assertion that the younger you are, the less likely you are to carry cash. Findings from the survey revealed that half (50pc) of those aged between 18 and 24 say they never carry cash compared to only one in ten (10pc) people aged 55 or over”.

The Need for Cash

Mr McCutcheon observed,

“It’s clear that there is a need for cash, with 80pc of people surveyed carrying some amount daily. The survey sheds some light on just why people carry cash and we found that the top three reasons were: to pay for small daily grocery items such as milk or bread (58pc), to pay service providers who prefer cash (38pc), and to buy take-away lunch, coffee or teas (34pc). It would appear that pocket money in the form of cash hasn’t gone out of fashion either – more than a quarter of people (27pc) between the ages of 35 and 54, the age cohort likely to have children, carry cash for this reason”.

Mr McCutcheon concluded:

“In the Department of Finance’s published Retail Banking Review[4], a recommendation was made for legislation to be introduced to safeguard the reasonable access to cash. It is clear from our research that for many, there are times when only cash will do.

Whether you are someone who prefers using cash or not, tracking and managing your finances is important when it comes planning your financial future.  If you are looking for advice about financial planning, a Financial Broker can help you assess your current situation and put a personalised plan in place that meets your individual needs and circumstances.”

[1] Of 1,000 Irish adults nationwide carried out by IReach

[2] As per the latest Payment Monitors Report from the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland, which was published on 29/6/2023, and release in relation to same.

[3] As per ECB study on the Payment Attitudes of Consumers in the Euro Area, published in December 2022.

[4] See Retail Banking Review, published November 2022..

Pioneering study signals new era of environment-friendly programmable bioelectronics

Researchers have created a unique microscopic toolkit of ‘green’ tuneable electrical components, paving the way for a new generation of bioelectronic devices and sensors.

The University of Bristol-led study, published today in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), demonstrates how to make conductive, biodegradable wires from designed proteins. These could be compatible with conventional electronic components made from copper or iron, as well as the biological machinery responsible for generating energy in all living organisms.

The miniscule wires are the size of transistors on silicon chips or one thousandth of the breadth of the finest human hair. They are made completely of natural amino acids and heme molecules, found in proteins such as hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in red blood cells. Harmless bacteria were used for their manufacture, eliminating the need for potentially complex and environmentally damaging procedures commonly used in the production of synthetic molecules.

Lead author Ross Anderson, Professor of Biological Chemistry at the University of Bristol, said: “While our designs take inspiration from the protein-based electronic circuits necessary for all life on Earth, they are free from much of the complexity and instability that can prevent the exploitation of their natural equivalents on our own terms.

“We can also build these minute electronic components to order, specifying their properties in a way that is not possible with natural proteins.”

Leading experts in biomolecular engineering and simulation worked together to produce this unique new method of designing tailor-made proteins with tuneable electronic properties.

The multidisciplinary team used advanced computational tools to design simple building blocks that could be combined into longer, wire-like protein chains for conducting electrons. They were able to visualise the structures of these wires using protein X-ray crystallography and electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM), techniques which allow structures to be viewed in the finest detail. Pushing the technical boundaries of cryo-EM, images of the smallest individual protein ever studied were obtained with this technique.

Ultimately, these nanoscale designer wires have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications, including biosensors for the diagnosis of diseases and detection of environmental pollutants.

It is also hoped this invention will form the foundation of new electrical circuits for creating tailor-made catalysts for green industrial biotechnology and artificial photosynthetic proteins for capturing solar energy.

Image shows structural analysis of the protein-based wire, comparing the model of the designed protein (shown in red) with the experimentally determined structure (in grey). Credit: Ross Anderson

The breakthrough was possible thanks to a £4.9 million grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC), the UK’s largest bioscience funder, which resulted in a five-year project entitled ‘The Circuits of Life’ involving the Universities of Bristol, Portsmouth, East Anglia, and University College London (UCL).

The team harnessed their expertise in protein design, electron transfer, biomolecular simulation, structural biology and spectroscopy, gaining insight into how electrons flow through natural biological molecules, a fundamental process which underpins cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Further advances are expected as the project, which began last year, progresses, presenting significant opportunities to help meet the transition to net zero and more sustainable industrial processes.

Co-author Adrian Mulholland, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, said: “These proteins show how protein design is increasingly delivering practically useful tools. They offer exciting possibilities as components for engineering biology and also are great systems for investigating the fundamental mechanisms of biological electron transfer.”

Paper

‘An expandable, modular de novo protein platform for precision redox engineering’ by George H. Hutchins, Claire E.M. Noble, Adrian Bunzel et al is published in PNAS