Illicit drug profiling in forensic intelligence. Illicit drug profiling in forensic intelligence. This project aims to develop an optimised methodology that uses illicit drug profiling for operational intelligence. The fight against the illicit drug trade suffers from a relatively ineffective use of forensic science, predominantly applied as a reactive tool for court purposes after the commission of a crime, and a general under-utilisation of available information by Australian forensic drug lab ....Illicit drug profiling in forensic intelligence. Illicit drug profiling in forensic intelligence. This project aims to develop an optimised methodology that uses illicit drug profiling for operational intelligence. The fight against the illicit drug trade suffers from a relatively ineffective use of forensic science, predominantly applied as a reactive tool for court purposes after the commission of a crime, and a general under-utilisation of available information by Australian forensic drug laboratories whose scientific results contribute minimally to active operations. This project’s methodology, which uses forensic science proactively for intelligence rather than reactively for courts, is expected to make the fight against organised crime more effective and support the three pillars of the Australian National Drug Strategy (supply, demand and harm reduction).Read moreRead less
Universal immunogenic reagents for the detection of latent fingermarks. This project will deliver the first antibody reagents for the routine detection of natural fingermarks. This will assist law enforcement agencies to provide a safer society through improved crime clearance, as they will be able to enhance and detect fingermarks that otherwise remain undetected with current techniques (e.g. fingermarks on human skin).
Next-generation latent fingermark detection using functional nanomaterials. Next-generation latent fingermark detection using functional nanomaterials. This project aims to develop a nanotechnology-based fingermark detection technique applicable in standard police laboratories and crime scenes. Current methods only detect half the fingermarks on an object, so many criminals are not identified. This project will use silicon oxide nanoparticles with a luminescent dye to target fingermark secretion ....Next-generation latent fingermark detection using functional nanomaterials. Next-generation latent fingermark detection using functional nanomaterials. This project aims to develop a nanotechnology-based fingermark detection technique applicable in standard police laboratories and crime scenes. Current methods only detect half the fingermarks on an object, so many criminals are not identified. This project will use silicon oxide nanoparticles with a luminescent dye to target fingermark secretion components and address interference from substrate chemistries and background luminescence. Moving away from traditional detection methods is expected to improve law enforcement outcomes, as fingermarks that current technologies cannot detect will be visualised for the first time.Read moreRead less
Designer Surfactants for Creation of Emulsion Properties. We propose new approaches to the design of surfactants for stabilising water in oil emulsions. New block copolymer surfactants may be "tailored" for head group structure and a pre-chosen hydrophilic/lipophilic balance at the oil-water interface using the Australian developed RAFT polymer synthesis method and polymeric inorganic species. The proposers have an extensive background in these areas.
X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, de ....Designer Surfactants for Creation of Emulsion Properties. We propose new approaches to the design of surfactants for stabilising water in oil emulsions. New block copolymer surfactants may be "tailored" for head group structure and a pre-chosen hydrophilic/lipophilic balance at the oil-water interface using the Australian developed RAFT polymer synthesis method and polymeric inorganic species. The proposers have an extensive background in these areas.
X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, developed by us, allow the interfacial structure of the surfactant to be found and the intellectual "loop" closed in the design process. Preliminary screening will be done using the surface balance and bulk emulsion synthesis.Read moreRead less
High Internal Phase Emulsions - Structure and Rheology Control. Our first SPIRT Grant with ORICA Australia Ltd has successfully identified nanostructures in high internal phase emulsions which confer useful stability and robustness on these industrially important systems. The aim now is to ramify those discoveries both scientifically and technologically in the design of emulsion structure using our, now established, techniques. In particular, the objective is to control both nanoscale and mes ....High Internal Phase Emulsions - Structure and Rheology Control. Our first SPIRT Grant with ORICA Australia Ltd has successfully identified nanostructures in high internal phase emulsions which confer useful stability and robustness on these industrially important systems. The aim now is to ramify those discoveries both scientifically and technologically in the design of emulsion structure using our, now established, techniques. In particular, the objective is to control both nanoscale and mesoscale structure in emulsion formulation, as well as the rheology and stability of emulsion preparations. To do this we plan to use mixed surfactant systems and to study intersurfactant synergic effects on the structure and fluidity of the interfacial material. We believe that the proposed work is unique and that the outcomes will be scientifically novel and also valuable for Australian industry.Read moreRead less
Milk protein denaturation and stabilisation at surfaces. The Australian Dairy Industry, valued at $2.8 billion in 2003-4, is ranked third among rural industries in Australia. Australia exports over 50% of its annual milk production, contributing to 13% of world trade. Exports of dairy products are valued at $2.4 billion. In order for Australia to maintain this position, Australia needs to keep up with its major competitors by ensuring quality and consistency of dairy products is maintained, and ....Milk protein denaturation and stabilisation at surfaces. The Australian Dairy Industry, valued at $2.8 billion in 2003-4, is ranked third among rural industries in Australia. Australia exports over 50% of its annual milk production, contributing to 13% of world trade. Exports of dairy products are valued at $2.4 billion. In order for Australia to maintain this position, Australia needs to keep up with its major competitors by ensuring quality and consistency of dairy products is maintained, and by developing new applications and innovative products. The proposal expects to recruit an exceptional young Australian graduate - a former Rhodes Scholar from Oxford University.Read moreRead less