Numerical Modelling and Experimental Studies to Design and Engineer Nanoparticulate Systems for Bioapplications. Project outcomes will enhance Australia's reputation for scientific innovation in the field of bio-nanotechnology. The project will expand the knowledge base in this area and increase Australia's international profile in research on nanomaterials for bio-related applications. The project partners UNSW and Australian company (Minomic), integrating their skills, expertise and facilities ....Numerical Modelling and Experimental Studies to Design and Engineer Nanoparticulate Systems for Bioapplications. Project outcomes will enhance Australia's reputation for scientific innovation in the field of bio-nanotechnology. The project will expand the knowledge base in this area and increase Australia's international profile in research on nanomaterials for bio-related applications. The project partners UNSW and Australian company (Minomic), integrating their skills, expertise and facilities to address current limitations in understanding the stability of magnetic nanoparticles in biological fluids. The Australian partners will play a leading role in commercializing new applications for functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The project will provide an excellent multidisciplinary research environment and training for early career researchers.Read moreRead less
Quantification of airborne engineered nanoparticles: developing a scientific framework to inform their regulation and control. Despite the presence of airborne engineered nanoparticles in many commercial/research facilities, there are no established methods for their detection/characterisation. This work aims to develop a foundation for the quantitative assessment of airborne engineered nanoparticles, which is critical for controlling exposure and minimising health risks.
Scalable nanomechanical information processing. This project aims to build the first scalable computer architecture based on nanoscale motion on a silicon chip. Such nanomechanical computers could extend computing performance in space and earth-orbit applications, and in other environments where intense radiation causes digital electronics to fail. The project intends to utilise recent advances in nanomechanics and nanofabrication to demonstrate all key nanomechanical circuit elements, including ....Scalable nanomechanical information processing. This project aims to build the first scalable computer architecture based on nanoscale motion on a silicon chip. Such nanomechanical computers could extend computing performance in space and earth-orbit applications, and in other environments where intense radiation causes digital electronics to fail. The project intends to utilise recent advances in nanomechanics and nanofabrication to demonstrate all key nanomechanical circuit elements, including transistors, logic gates, memories and analogue-to-digital converters and to deliver a roadmap for commercialisation of the technology in Australia. The expected outcome of this project is the development of the underpinning nanotechnologies, predicted to have wide uses in sensing, health and communications,and which could improve heat management and energy efficiency in future computers. This new approach to computing has potential for near-term commercial impact in the aerospace industry, building on Australian know-how.Read moreRead less
A new nano-sensor technology for the detection and identification of residual vapours of explosives, drugs and chemicals in the air. Fighting terrorism and crime is one of the most important and difficult tasks that requires substantial human and technological resources. This project will help to address this enormous problem by developing a new optical sensor technology for the detection and identification of traces of chemicals, explosives, drugs and biological agents. It will develop a labora ....A new nano-sensor technology for the detection and identification of residual vapours of explosives, drugs and chemicals in the air. Fighting terrorism and crime is one of the most important and difficult tasks that requires substantial human and technological resources. This project will help to address this enormous problem by developing a new optical sensor technology for the detection and identification of traces of chemicals, explosives, drugs and biological agents. It will develop a laboratory prototype of this sensor that is expected to have superior sensitivity and operational capabilities. Thus it will noticeably contribute to practical law enforcement, air quality and environmental monitoring, counter-terrorism, air safety, border security and customs service. It will also lead to further development of nano-optics and nanotechnology in Australia. Read moreRead less
Next generation hybrid nanomaterials: bispecific antibody-targeted polymers. This project aims to develop and optimise a novel platform technology that will assist in the development of hybrid materials consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules, which form the basis of many commercial diagnostic devices. A novel antibody, MIL38, will provide the test bed for the technology, which will aim to deliver a platform that is stable under physiological conditions and that enables facile conjugation o ....Next generation hybrid nanomaterials: bispecific antibody-targeted polymers. This project aims to develop and optimise a novel platform technology that will assist in the development of hybrid materials consisting of nanomaterials and biomolecules, which form the basis of many commercial diagnostic devices. A novel antibody, MIL38, will provide the test bed for the technology, which will aim to deliver a platform that is stable under physiological conditions and that enables facile conjugation of nanomaterials with antibodies. This project has the potential to rapidly improve the ligation process between synthetic nanomaterials and biologics, leading to more efficient synthesis of targeted diagnostics. This would provide a significant commercial advantage for any nanomaterials developed for the field, and specifically for this project, expedite translation of MIL38.Read moreRead less
Development of dense gas technology platforms for the formulation of oral vaccines. This project will aim to develop a technology platform that enables the formulation of vaccines that can be delivered orally and this research has the potential to radically change existing vaccination regimens. The availability of needle-free vaccination also has potential for considerable societal and economic impact in developing countries.
An integrated system for high-efficiency hydrogen assisted electricity generation from solar energy. Energy security and climate change have intensified the search for renewable energy technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of our economies. This project will lead to a technology platform, enabling hydrogen production and electricity generation by a clean way, which is high potential in solar-abundance Australia. Its success will definitely benefit Australia both economically and env ....An integrated system for high-efficiency hydrogen assisted electricity generation from solar energy. Energy security and climate change have intensified the search for renewable energy technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint of our economies. This project will lead to a technology platform, enabling hydrogen production and electricity generation by a clean way, which is high potential in solar-abundance Australia. Its success will definitely benefit Australia both economically and environmentally. It will speed up the utilisation of solar energy and help Australia reduce greenhouse emissions. It would also lead to advanced technologies that can be commercialised and exported overseas, thus positioning Australia at the forefront of renewable energy development.Read moreRead less
NANO-SCALE CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION FOR FUEL CELLS. The project aims to develop nano-scale catalyst materials for micro-channel fuel processing systems. Micro-channel reactors have the benefits over conventional technology of being more compact and potential for much lower costs. This will assist in the development of hydrogen generation systems for fuel cells, as well as other chemical processing applications such as gas-to-liquids technology. The technology has the potential t ....NANO-SCALE CATALYST SYSTEMS FOR HYDROGEN GENERATION FOR FUEL CELLS. The project aims to develop nano-scale catalyst materials for micro-channel fuel processing systems. Micro-channel reactors have the benefits over conventional technology of being more compact and potential for much lower costs. This will assist in the development of hydrogen generation systems for fuel cells, as well as other chemical processing applications such as gas-to-liquids technology. The technology has the potential to generate significant IP in an evolving multi-billion dollar fuel cell industry. Support from Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd. and the Gas Technology Institute will ensure that the work has an international as well as national perspective, and a route to exploitation.Read moreRead less
A portable sensor for explosives. The National Research priority, safeguarding Australia, recognises that there is a real threat of terrorism and the need to protect Australians at home and abroad. Although there is often talk of dirty bombs, and biological and nuclear terrorism, the most easily sourced weapon of the terrorist is still the conventional explosive. The ability to detect trace amounts of explosives is therefore required. This means that there is a real need for a portable detection ....A portable sensor for explosives. The National Research priority, safeguarding Australia, recognises that there is a real threat of terrorism and the need to protect Australians at home and abroad. Although there is often talk of dirty bombs, and biological and nuclear terrorism, the most easily sourced weapon of the terrorist is still the conventional explosive. The ability to detect trace amounts of explosives is therefore required. This means that there is a real need for a portable detection system with the ability to reliably sense a specific explosive selectively at low concentrations. This project concerns the development of a new handheld sensor that has the potential to increase the nation's security.Read moreRead less
Kinetics of phytochemical adsorption and desorption in clay nanoparticles. Biologically active phytochemicals are of increasing importance in many areas of human endeavour. There is a growing interest in the agricultural uses of such compounds. A major limiting factor has been the control of the release rate and the general susceptibility to UV breakdown. This project aims to develop a platform technology for the controlled release and for improved UV protection of these chemicals. Through the s ....Kinetics of phytochemical adsorption and desorption in clay nanoparticles. Biologically active phytochemicals are of increasing importance in many areas of human endeavour. There is a growing interest in the agricultural uses of such compounds. A major limiting factor has been the control of the release rate and the general susceptibility to UV breakdown. This project aims to develop a platform technology for the controlled release and for improved UV protection of these chemicals. Through the studies on the adsorption and desorption kinetics of select phytochemicals, we aim to develop a nanoparticle clay based carrier system and a predictive model for control of the desorption characteristics. Such a platform technology will enable wide range of applications of phytochemical products in pesticides, plant stress alleviating and growth enhancing areas.Read moreRead less