Rational design of array-based nanozyme sensors. The project aims to obtain a deep understanding of molecular interactions at the nano-bio interface, and use this knowledge to develop a robust sensor technology for the rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in complex samples. The project proposes to employ an innovative approach that mimics the senses of smell and taste, where an array of aptamers are expected to work in synergy to precisely identify a target, providing an edge over current sen ....Rational design of array-based nanozyme sensors. The project aims to obtain a deep understanding of molecular interactions at the nano-bio interface, and use this knowledge to develop a robust sensor technology for the rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in complex samples. The project proposes to employ an innovative approach that mimics the senses of smell and taste, where an array of aptamers are expected to work in synergy to precisely identify a target, providing an edge over current sensing technologies. Expected outcomes include a ready-to-go analytical tool for the detection of food contaminants. This should provide significant economic, health, and social benefits through supporting Australian food and health sectors, and the potential commercialisation of sensor technologies.Read moreRead less
Precise, Cytosolic Dendrimer Delivery Systems. This project aims to use precisely targeted dendrimer technology to improve the delivery of poorly permeable molecules to their subcellular sites of action. Our cutting edge approach combines innovative phage screening techniques and advanced dendrimer synthesis. The outcomes of this proposal will be: 1) a targeting system that is manufacturable at scale and reasonable cost, 2) a dendrimer delivery system that is rapidly internalised into specifc ta ....Precise, Cytosolic Dendrimer Delivery Systems. This project aims to use precisely targeted dendrimer technology to improve the delivery of poorly permeable molecules to their subcellular sites of action. Our cutting edge approach combines innovative phage screening techniques and advanced dendrimer synthesis. The outcomes of this proposal will be: 1) a targeting system that is manufacturable at scale and reasonable cost, 2) a dendrimer delivery system that is rapidly internalised into specifc target cells and 3) bio-responsive dendrimers that promote delivery of their cargo into the cytosol. This work will strengthen a highly successful collaboration between the Australian biotech company Starpharma and Monash University, to design the next generation of nanomaterials delivery systems.Read moreRead less
Development of next-generation nanoengineered advanced materials for targeted applications. This proposal seeks to develop and use a novel next-generation nanoscale fabrication technique to assemble technologically advanced materials not accessible via current fabrication strategies. The resulting materials are expected to find application in water purification, pharmaceutical development and drug delivery.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100088
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
nano infrared and sub micron Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Nano infrared and sub micron raman spectroscopy and imaging: Near-field Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging systems will be coupled to near-field scanning optical microscopes to provide IR spectroscopy and molecular images at less than 20 nanometre lateral resolution. This is unprecedented resolution for infrared fingerprinting and molecular imaging. For two months a year the spectroscopy system will be coupled to the IR beamline at ....nano infrared and sub micron Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Nano infrared and sub micron raman spectroscopy and imaging: Near-field Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging systems will be coupled to near-field scanning optical microscopes to provide IR spectroscopy and molecular images at less than 20 nanometre lateral resolution. This is unprecedented resolution for infrared fingerprinting and molecular imaging. For two months a year the spectroscopy system will be coupled to the IR beamline at the Australian synchrotron, to provide full IR spectral coverage available to all Australian and New Zealand scientists. A confocal raman spectrometer will be upgraded to the ultraviolet to provide spectra at less than 150 nanometre resolution. These systems will provide a unique Australian resource for nanoscientists, biomedical researchers and materials scientists requiring molecular information on the nanoscale.Read moreRead less
Establishing Design Principles Of Polymers For Intracellular Delivery . Engineered polymers have played a central role in the field of bionanotechnology by enabling targeted nanoscale cell interactions. Progress in the field of intracellular delivery is currently affected by a major bottleneck due to the absence of effective polymers that is applicable across the range of bimolecular cargoes. In essence depending on the type of cargo: DNA, RNA or protien, the polymer needs programmability. The l ....Establishing Design Principles Of Polymers For Intracellular Delivery . Engineered polymers have played a central role in the field of bionanotechnology by enabling targeted nanoscale cell interactions. Progress in the field of intracellular delivery is currently affected by a major bottleneck due to the absence of effective polymers that is applicable across the range of bimolecular cargoes. In essence depending on the type of cargo: DNA, RNA or protien, the polymer needs programmability. The limited tunability of traditional polymers agents makes them unsuitable for this particular application. The multidisciplinary project addresses this significant problem by engineering novel sequences of defined polymer based nanoscale agents to achieve efficient delivery in cells.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101542
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,154.00
Summary
Impact of humoral immunity on nanoparticle–biological interactions. This project aims to improve the biological applications of nanomaterials by understanding their fundamental interactions with proteins and cells in relevant biological environments. This will create new knowledge on how humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity affects nanomaterials using cutting-edge immunoassays, bio–nano characterisation techniques, and bioinformatics. Expected outcomes of the project include an understanding of ....Impact of humoral immunity on nanoparticle–biological interactions. This project aims to improve the biological applications of nanomaterials by understanding their fundamental interactions with proteins and cells in relevant biological environments. This will create new knowledge on how humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity affects nanomaterials using cutting-edge immunoassays, bio–nano characterisation techniques, and bioinformatics. Expected outcomes of the project include an understanding of how specific antibodies modulate the protein coatings on nanomaterials, which will shed light on how immune cells interact with nanomaterials. This will lead to design principles for nanomaterial properties to improve their effectiveness in delivering drugs and gene therapies.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120101569
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
A novel graphene-based optical sensing platform. Graphene has extraordinary electronic and optical properties as well as large specific surface area which afford great potential for sensor applications. This project will develop an innovative sensing platform to bring graphene related materials and devices a step closer to practical applications, particularly in biochemical sensors.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100163
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$639,369.00
Summary
Nano-bioscience imaging facility. This project aims to investigate the interactions between nano-engineered materials and biological systems through the use of cutting-edge imaging technologies. The project will consist of an ImageStreamX Imaging Flow Cytometer and a Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscope. Together these will allow high throughput and label-free imaging of cell-nanomaterial interactions, which will underpin research by leading researchers as well as promoting collabora ....Nano-bioscience imaging facility. This project aims to investigate the interactions between nano-engineered materials and biological systems through the use of cutting-edge imaging technologies. The project will consist of an ImageStreamX Imaging Flow Cytometer and a Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Microscope. Together these will allow high throughput and label-free imaging of cell-nanomaterial interactions, which will underpin research by leading researchers as well as promoting collaborations between researchers in the physical and life sciences. This will provide significant benefits, such as the development of new materials for potential applications in nano-bioscience.Read moreRead less
Multifunctional particles for biological applications. This project aims to engineer multifunctional particles, examine their biological interactions and create particles for cell targeting, cell internalisation, subcellular drug release and improved pharmacokinetics. Engineered particles are important for drug delivery in nanomedicine. Although various particle-based delivery systems have been developed, few have been commercialised, largely because of problems challenges associated with biolog ....Multifunctional particles for biological applications. This project aims to engineer multifunctional particles, examine their biological interactions and create particles for cell targeting, cell internalisation, subcellular drug release and improved pharmacokinetics. Engineered particles are important for drug delivery in nanomedicine. Although various particle-based delivery systems have been developed, few have been commercialised, largely because of problems challenges associated with biological barriers. This project will develop a platform for the assemble of particles with tailored properties which are expected to provide insights on particle-biological interactions for particle-based therapeutic delivery.Read moreRead less
Deciphering lipid-RNA nanocarrier structure upon RNA complexation. This project aims to decipher the nanostructure evolution, at a millisecond timescale, of lipid self-assembly upon coupling with RNAs and track the nanocarrier structural changes induced by biologically relevant acidic environments. This project will generate new knowledge of the interplay between the self-assembled lipid-RNA nanostructures and cellular objects for successful payload release. The expected outcome of this project ....Deciphering lipid-RNA nanocarrier structure upon RNA complexation. This project aims to decipher the nanostructure evolution, at a millisecond timescale, of lipid self-assembly upon coupling with RNAs and track the nanocarrier structural changes induced by biologically relevant acidic environments. This project will generate new knowledge of the interplay between the self-assembled lipid-RNA nanostructures and cellular objects for successful payload release. The expected outcome of this project is identification of the fundamental mechanisms of lipid-RNA molecular self-assembly and intracellular nucleic acid delivery. This should provide significant advances in the field of lipid nanoparticle engineering for the delivery of RNA therapeutics. Read moreRead less