Aline Miller

Miller was awarded a small grant from the University of Manchester to develop the synthesis of peptide-based hydrogels. The synthetic peptide hydrogels were so successful that she set up the spin-out company PeptiGelDesign, a group which worked to commercialise hydrogel technologies. Since 2008 PeptiGelDesign have raised over £6 million in funding. Recognising the reach and potential of PeptiGelDesign, the company relaunched as Manchester BIOGEL in 2018, continuing to offer peptide-based hydrogels amongst other biomaterials. The hydrogels can be used to improve the quality of drug toxicity testing, DNA sensing and regenerative medicine.

Miller joined the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in 2002. She was made a full Professor in 2014. She currently works in CEAS - Academic & Research Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Science at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. She investigates the behaviour of molecules at different interfaces, including the air-liquid and liquid-liquid interface. Surfactants and polymers can be used to promote or inhibit the crystallisation of small molecules, for example the use of hydroxyl based polymers in the crystallisation of ice cream. To mimic how fish use macromolecules to stop their blood freezing, Miller combines antifreeze proteins with ice crystals. In 2004 Miller established the University of Manchester Polymers & Peptides Research Group. Here she works on the characterisation of polymer, biopolymer and peptides, using neutron and x-ray scattering. The in-depth characterisation of these materials allows Miller to tailor them for specific applications.

Miller studied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde and graduated in 1997. She was an undergraduate exchange student at Franklin & Marshall College. Miller joined Durham University as a post graduate student, earning a PhD in 2000 under the supervision of Randal Richards. Miller worked on graft copolymers, which included polynorbornene and polyethylene oxide, and studied their organisation at air-water interfaces. After completing her doctorate, Miller moved to New Hall, Cambridge, where she was appointed a Junior Research Fellow and worked with Athene Donald on cellulose. She was inspired to have a career in research during this fellowship.

Aline Fiona Miller (born 1975) is a Professor of Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Manchester. She specialises in the characterisation of polymer, biopolymer and peptides, using neutron and x-ray scattering, as well as the development of functionalised nanostructures for regenerative medicine and toxicology testing.