Multi-Colour Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence. This project plans to explore a new approach to chemical detection, in which molecules that emit different coloured light can be selectively switched on or switched off via the applied electrode potential. This would enable unprecedented numbers of simultaneous (multiplexed) detection events for time-critical analytical applications such as clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and biodefense assays. These assays could be performed on low ....Multi-Colour Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence. This project plans to explore a new approach to chemical detection, in which molecules that emit different coloured light can be selectively switched on or switched off via the applied electrode potential. This would enable unprecedented numbers of simultaneous (multiplexed) detection events for time-critical analytical applications such as clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and biodefense assays. These assays could be performed on low-cost microfluidic platforms operated by portable consumer devices such as mobile phones. Expected outcomes may provide new capabilities in rapid screening for disease biomarkers, environmental pollutants and bioterrorism agents, using simple, low-cost, portable instrumentation.Read moreRead less
Immobilised Lipid Chromatography for Membrane Protein Isolation and Analysis. Current techniques for membrane protein are inadequate for the emerging proteomic challenge, in which approximately 40% of proteins are predicted to be membrane associated. The aim of this proposal is to develop a new approach to purify membrane proteins using our recently-developed immobilised membrane chromatography materials. The present proposal will provide a new high-resolution separation technique that allows is ....Immobilised Lipid Chromatography for Membrane Protein Isolation and Analysis. Current techniques for membrane protein are inadequate for the emerging proteomic challenge, in which approximately 40% of proteins are predicted to be membrane associated. The aim of this proposal is to develop a new approach to purify membrane proteins using our recently-developed immobilised membrane chromatography materials. The present proposal will provide a new high-resolution separation technique that allows isolation and on-line mass analysis of complex mixtures of membrane proteins for subsequent proteomic analysis, high-throughput screening or structural studies and could form the basis for further development of new commercial tools for membrane protein analysis.Read moreRead less
Multiplexed bio-imaging mass spectrometry. This project aims to develop technology for simultaneous three-dimensional imaging of trace elements and molecules in biological tissues. This technology is an essential analytical and diagnostic advance to uncover latent mechanistic biology and will reveal subtle metabolic interactions between cells. The project will use laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and lanthanide-conjugated probes to map the zinc metabolic pathway in the ....Multiplexed bio-imaging mass spectrometry. This project aims to develop technology for simultaneous three-dimensional imaging of trace elements and molecules in biological tissues. This technology is an essential analytical and diagnostic advance to uncover latent mechanistic biology and will reveal subtle metabolic interactions between cells. The project will use laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and lanthanide-conjugated probes to map the zinc metabolic pathway in the ageing mouse brain. It is expected to result in a complete imaging solution for quantitative spatial determination of all important elements, co-factors, metabolites and other functional molecules to investigate metabolic pathways which current technologies find difficult or impossible to track. Ultimately this technology is expected to underpin investigations of diseases where trace metal and chemical species dysfunction is implicated.Read moreRead less
Enhancing Selectivity and Detection in Miniaturised Analytical Separation Systems. Miniaturisation-compatible stationary phases and detection techniques will be developed for microseparation techniques of capillary electrochromatography and chip-based separation systems, and their analytical applications will be investigated. Replaceable stationary phases (RSP) of chromatographic particles suspended in reversible gels will be created by delivering a liquid RSP to the column followed by in situ ....Enhancing Selectivity and Detection in Miniaturised Analytical Separation Systems. Miniaturisation-compatible stationary phases and detection techniques will be developed for microseparation techniques of capillary electrochromatography and chip-based separation systems, and their analytical applications will be investigated. Replaceable stationary phases (RSP) of chromatographic particles suspended in reversible gels will be created by delivering a liquid RSP to the column followed by in situ immobilisation. This approach offers flexibility in optimising a number of parameters of the column and of its use for sample pre-treatment and preconcentration. Pulsed potentiometric detection will be developed for the abovementioned microseparation techniques, combining the advantages of pulsed amperometric techniques with the more universally responding potentiometric detection.Read moreRead less
Simulation, Modelling, Prediction and Two-Dimensional Retention Database Development in Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC). Quality of life is enhanced by the application of chromatography to many aspects of living. It is an existing technology made more powerful when used as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), an advanced form of GC. This project will apply new interpretation strategies to GC×GC to improve precise chemical analysis in many areas inclu ....Simulation, Modelling, Prediction and Two-Dimensional Retention Database Development in Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC). Quality of life is enhanced by the application of chromatography to many aspects of living. It is an existing technology made more powerful when used as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), an advanced form of GC. This project will apply new interpretation strategies to GC×GC to improve precise chemical analysis in many areas including: measurement of 'good fats' in foods, sources of illicit drugs, allergens in perfumes, disease profiling through metabolite monitoring and the detection of performance enhancing drugs in sport. Based on this research, the science of chromatography will be advanced in Australia and throughout the world, using Australian technology and expertise.Read moreRead less
Ultra-high resolution hybrid comprehensive-multidimensional gas and supercritical fluid chromatography for explicit characterisation of petrochemicals. New chemical separation methods will be developed that provide significantly improved characterisation of compounds in a wide range of materials, focussed on petrochemical samples. The project will measure a range of impurities and compounds that have previously been difficult or impossible to quantify.
Microfluidic Separation Science: Innovative Technology for Characterising Complex Chemical Systems. At present there is a need for fast and detailed chemical analysis of complex samples, such as those important to biomedical diagnostics and forensic science. Innovative technology will be developed here in order to reduce analysis time whilst maintaining the integrity of the chemical information contained within the sample. This step change in separation science will directly aid biomedical diagn ....Microfluidic Separation Science: Innovative Technology for Characterising Complex Chemical Systems. At present there is a need for fast and detailed chemical analysis of complex samples, such as those important to biomedical diagnostics and forensic science. Innovative technology will be developed here in order to reduce analysis time whilst maintaining the integrity of the chemical information contained within the sample. This step change in separation science will directly aid biomedical diagnostics, forensic sample determination and industrial process monitoring through decreased analysis time with an increase in the chemical information gained. By performing chemical separations on a microfluidic scale a reduction in both the cost of analysis and impact of solvent waste on the environment will be achieved.Read moreRead less
Integrated Multidimensional Gas Chromatography - Spectroscopic Detection Methodology for Chemical Marker Discovery. Chemical species are pervasive in our modern society and are found in personal care products, foods, additives, petroleum products, illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and pollutants. Each sample must be analysed to determine its accurate composition, and as a safeguard. This requires chemical methods of analysis. Classical chemical methods may fail when samples become too complex, or t ....Integrated Multidimensional Gas Chromatography - Spectroscopic Detection Methodology for Chemical Marker Discovery. Chemical species are pervasive in our modern society and are found in personal care products, foods, additives, petroleum products, illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals and pollutants. Each sample must be analysed to determine its accurate composition, and as a safeguard. This requires chemical methods of analysis. Classical chemical methods may fail when samples become too complex, or they may lead to imprecise identification. This Frontier Technologies proposal has broad national and international relevance through development of new methods for authentication of chemical identity and the subsequent superior ability to characterise numerous sample compositions.Read moreRead less
New Materials for Energy Capture and Conversion: Ionic Liquid-derived Conducting Polymers. Inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) have applications in a wide range of electrochemical devices including actuators, for artificial muscles, and photovoltaic cells for harnessing solar energy. Use of an ionic liquid as the electrolyte within these devices greatly increases the stability and cyclability of the ICP. Our preliminary work shows that an ionic liquid solvent in the synthesis of ICPs results i ....New Materials for Energy Capture and Conversion: Ionic Liquid-derived Conducting Polymers. Inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) have applications in a wide range of electrochemical devices including actuators, for artificial muscles, and photovoltaic cells for harnessing solar energy. Use of an ionic liquid as the electrolyte within these devices greatly increases the stability and cyclability of the ICP. Our preliminary work shows that an ionic liquid solvent in the synthesis of ICPs results in materials with dramatically different morphologies and improved electronic properties. Ionic liquids will be used to prepare ICPs with enhanced electrical and mechanical properties and prototype photovoltaic and actuator devices will be developed based on these new materials.Read moreRead less
Selectivity enhancement in separation science using responsive materials. Increasing public demand for quality products from the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and food industries requires access to innovative methods of chemical analysis. This project will establish a new class of separation materials of enhanced selectivity and resolving power for the fast, sensitive and reliable analysis of these products.