In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth. The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the poly ....In situ Raman spectroscopic studies of iron and calcium biomaterials in marine chiton teeth. The future of biomaterial science in Australia depends upon the discovery and refinement of new materials. This project characterizes the biomaterials in the feeding apparatus of Australian marine chitons (Mollusca: Polyplacophora). Like many biological structures, chiton teeth are sophisticated composite materials that have been refined by evolution over millions of years. Initially composed of the polysaccharide chitin, these extremely hard teeth are mineralized with calcium and iron compounds and used to excavate the rocks on which they live, as they graze for food. Understanding the mechanism of biomineralization is vital for devising synthetic routes to composite materials for industrial purposes.Read moreRead less
Novel manufacturing methods for tissue engineering scaffolds. Novel methods of manufacturing biodegradable polymer scaffolds around which new tissue can be grown within the human body will be developed. Surfactant - polymer assemblies will be used to produce highly porous scaffolds of tunable pore size and connectivity, shape and strength. The results will create a new avenue for systematic investigations into the effects of scaffold structure on tissue growth. This research will lead to the dev ....Novel manufacturing methods for tissue engineering scaffolds. Novel methods of manufacturing biodegradable polymer scaffolds around which new tissue can be grown within the human body will be developed. Surfactant - polymer assemblies will be used to produce highly porous scaffolds of tunable pore size and connectivity, shape and strength. The results will create a new avenue for systematic investigations into the effects of scaffold structure on tissue growth. This research will lead to the development of reliable, well-controlled manufacturing techniques for tissue engineering scaffolds, revolutionising current scaffold manufacturing practices. It will enhance existing collaborations between the University of Melbourne and the Bernard O'Brien Institute of Microsurgery.Read moreRead less
Synthesis of functionalised, biosorbable biopolymers with novel architecture for soft tissue engineering. This project will provide a timely and unique opportunity to develop biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric scaffold materials for use in soft tissue engineering. The project forms an essential part of the strategy set in the University of Melbourne to develop a system for cell transplantation and organ recreation. The success of the project will provide a significant contribution to the ....Synthesis of functionalised, biosorbable biopolymers with novel architecture for soft tissue engineering. This project will provide a timely and unique opportunity to develop biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric scaffold materials for use in soft tissue engineering. The project forms an essential part of the strategy set in the University of Melbourne to develop a system for cell transplantation and organ recreation. The success of the project will provide a significant contribution to the solution of organ shortage in organ transplantation both in Australia and the world. Through the technology developed in this project, a significant contribution in biomaterial science and manufacture in Australia will be achieved.Read moreRead less