Thermo-electro-chemo-mechanical properties of biological systems. The proposal is aimed at developing a new theoretical framework for piezoelectric biological materials and structures, through theoretical analysis, computation and numerical simulations, as well as experimental investigations, to produce high-reliability, high-performance hydrogel components and smart soft tissue structures. It is envisaged that successful outcomes of this program will give the Australian biological industry a te ....Thermo-electro-chemo-mechanical properties of biological systems. The proposal is aimed at developing a new theoretical framework for piezoelectric biological materials and structures, through theoretical analysis, computation and numerical simulations, as well as experimental investigations, to produce high-reliability, high-performance hydrogel components and smart soft tissue structures. It is envisaged that successful outcomes of this program will give the Australian biological industry a technology edge over their competitors and provide easy-to-use guidelines for the design of smart biological systems.Read moreRead less
Structures and properties of tissue engineering matrices for cartilage and bone: Imaging, visualising and modelling tissue/scaffold constructs in 3D. Tissue engineering of bone and cartilage has the potential to lower costs and improve outcomes. The first stage requires the design of porous 3D scaffolds. To date they have been found less than ideal for clinical applications. Our ability to design and optimise scaffolds has been ad hoc, as local structure and properties have not been measurable ....Structures and properties of tissue engineering matrices for cartilage and bone: Imaging, visualising and modelling tissue/scaffold constructs in 3D. Tissue engineering of bone and cartilage has the potential to lower costs and improve outcomes. The first stage requires the design of porous 3D scaffolds. To date they have been found less than ideal for clinical applications. Our ability to design and optimise scaffolds has been ad hoc, as local structure and properties have not been measurable during tissue growth and repair. In this proposal, an interdisciplinary group from three universities will utilise microCT imaging, visualisation and numerical modelling to determine these structures and properties. This will provide an invaluable understanding for the further development of tissue engineering scaffolds.Read moreRead less
A multiplex microscope platform to define molecular events in fluid systems. This project aims to develop a novel microscopy platform that will enable the visualisation and quantification of molecular events occurring under fluid shear stress. The project will generate new knowledge in platelet biology that will allow characterisation and prediction of key molecular and morphological changes occurring across a blood thrombus under flowing conditions as found in the blood vessels. These new tools ....A multiplex microscope platform to define molecular events in fluid systems. This project aims to develop a novel microscopy platform that will enable the visualisation and quantification of molecular events occurring under fluid shear stress. The project will generate new knowledge in platelet biology that will allow characterisation and prediction of key molecular and morphological changes occurring across a blood thrombus under flowing conditions as found in the blood vessels. These new tools and the imaging platform will have applications for researchers wishing to visualise small and rapid molecular events in four dimensions (length, width, height and across time) under fluid shear stress, which is applicable across a range of industries. The project expects to deliver the next generation of intravital microscopes that can visualise and quantify events in a challenging flow environment.Read moreRead less
Integrin Activation by Fluid Flow Disturbance: Mechanobiology Approaches. Understanding how cells can sense and respond to mechanical environment such as dynamic blood flow represents a fundamental question in the emerging field of mechanobiology. This project develops new biomechanical engineering approaches to determine the critical interrelationships among fluid flow disturbance, platelet clotting and the mechano-sensitive signal transduction mechanisms of integrin receptor – the most importa ....Integrin Activation by Fluid Flow Disturbance: Mechanobiology Approaches. Understanding how cells can sense and respond to mechanical environment such as dynamic blood flow represents a fundamental question in the emerging field of mechanobiology. This project develops new biomechanical engineering approaches to determine the critical interrelationships among fluid flow disturbance, platelet clotting and the mechano-sensitive signal transduction mechanisms of integrin receptor – the most important mechano-sensor implicated in cell adhesion, migration, growth and survival. Specifically, it integrates nationally unique cutting-edge techniques including single-molecule force probe, microparticle image velocimetry, microfluidics and molecular dynamics simulation, super resolution and 3D volumetric imaging modalities.Read moreRead less
5D Imaging Flow Cytometry for in vivo Quantification of Biological Fluids. Rapid and accurate quantification of live biological fluid properties at sub-cellular and molecular levels forms the bedrock of biofluidic sciences. Majority of the biofluidic devices rely on quantifying biological fluids after its removal from the body in an in vitro Flow Cytometer (FC). FC faces many caveats i.e. biological degradation and small volume etc. In this project, we shall engineer the first in vivo 5D imaging ....5D Imaging Flow Cytometry for in vivo Quantification of Biological Fluids. Rapid and accurate quantification of live biological fluid properties at sub-cellular and molecular levels forms the bedrock of biofluidic sciences. Majority of the biofluidic devices rely on quantifying biological fluids after its removal from the body in an in vitro Flow Cytometer (FC). FC faces many caveats i.e. biological degradation and small volume etc. In this project, we shall engineer the first in vivo 5D imaging flow cytometer (5D IFC) capable of continuous assessment of potentially entire blood volume in a living mice without removing fluid out of the body. The project represents a major advancement beyond any existing flow cytometer and overcome the engineering limits of state-of-art laser scanning imaging devices.Read moreRead less
Dual-ion electrochemical systems. The project aims to develop dual-ion electrochemical systems. In contrast to conventional single-ion rechargeable cells, the charge storage process in the cathodes of these devices is facilitated by a second, negative ion. Dual-ion systems represent robust alternatives to current lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion capacitors, addressing their sustainability and energy density limitations. The project’s outcomes are in the form of new sustainable energy storag ....Dual-ion electrochemical systems. The project aims to develop dual-ion electrochemical systems. In contrast to conventional single-ion rechargeable cells, the charge storage process in the cathodes of these devices is facilitated by a second, negative ion. Dual-ion systems represent robust alternatives to current lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion capacitors, addressing their sustainability and energy density limitations. The project’s outcomes are in the form of new sustainable energy storage technologies with attrative energy and power densities for a wide range of applications. This should provide a significant benefit to society, the economy and the environment in enabling an easier transition to clean energy and ensuring energy security in Australia.Read moreRead less
X-ray imaging and magnetic resonance approach for enhanced oil recovery. This project aims to develop an efficient multi-scale modelling capability to quantify the effect of two-phase fluid flow within porous material by modelling rock wettability heterogeneity and alteration on two-phase flow performance for heterogeneous rock. Super-resolution methods combined with a deep learning approach will be used to determine a digital representation of reservoir rock, achieving an unprecedented combinat ....X-ray imaging and magnetic resonance approach for enhanced oil recovery. This project aims to develop an efficient multi-scale modelling capability to quantify the effect of two-phase fluid flow within porous material by modelling rock wettability heterogeneity and alteration on two-phase flow performance for heterogeneous rock. Super-resolution methods combined with a deep learning approach will be used to determine a digital representation of reservoir rock, achieving an unprecedented combination of resolution necessary to resolve small-scale fluid connectivity and field of view required to capture heterogeneity. The project expects to develop a workflow to populate a high-resolution model with wettability parameters by combining micro-CT imaging with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. This improved understanding should provide significant benefits by enhancing our capability to optimise enhanced oil and gas recovery programs.Read moreRead less