A new molecular platform for catalytic synthesis of heterocycles. This project aims to address the lack of efficient methods to prepare cyclic molecules of biological relevance by utilising novel molecular platforms developed in our laboratories. This project expects to generate new cyclic molecules using these innovative molecular platforms by employing catalysts to reduce raw material and energy cost. The expected outcomes of this project include enhanced chemical technology to prepare cyclic ....A new molecular platform for catalytic synthesis of heterocycles. This project aims to address the lack of efficient methods to prepare cyclic molecules of biological relevance by utilising novel molecular platforms developed in our laboratories. This project expects to generate new cyclic molecules using these innovative molecular platforms by employing catalysts to reduce raw material and energy cost. The expected outcomes of this project include enhanced chemical technology to prepare cyclic molecules of pharmaceutical importance and the training of highly skilled PhD students. This should provide significant benefits, such as increased capacity for the development of new pharmaceuticals and advanced materials.Read moreRead less
Site-specific protein functionalisation at diselenides via photocatalysis . This project aims to develop a new photocatalytic reaction for the on demand functionalisation of proteins. The synthetic methodology will solve a major technological gap in the field by enabling efficient access to proteins with defined modifications at specific locations. Functionalised proteins generated in the project will underpin a detailed understanding of how specific modifications influence the structure and fun ....Site-specific protein functionalisation at diselenides via photocatalysis . This project aims to develop a new photocatalytic reaction for the on demand functionalisation of proteins. The synthetic methodology will solve a major technological gap in the field by enabling efficient access to proteins with defined modifications at specific locations. Functionalised proteins generated in the project will underpin a detailed understanding of how specific modifications influence the structure and function of several important proteins. The project will generate significant new knowledge in the fields of chemistry and biology and will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, nationally and internationally. The breakthrough technology also has the potential to benefit Australia’s biotechnology sector.Read moreRead less
Visualising molecular level detail in single cells and intact tissues. The goal of this project is to deliver a new toolkit for imaging cells at an unprecedented resolution and level of chemical detail. We will expand the capabilities of two existing, but complementary, methods: optical fluorescence microscopy with responsive probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Expected outcomes include improved techniques and benchmarks for visualising bacterial and mammalian cells; development of new molecu ....Visualising molecular level detail in single cells and intact tissues. The goal of this project is to deliver a new toolkit for imaging cells at an unprecedented resolution and level of chemical detail. We will expand the capabilities of two existing, but complementary, methods: optical fluorescence microscopy with responsive probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Expected outcomes include improved techniques and benchmarks for visualising bacterial and mammalian cells; development of new molecules for elucidating cellular chemistry; better utilisation of valuable synchrotron resources; and greater understanding of the strengths and limitations of current microscopy workflows. Results should benefit the biotechnology sector, and may lead to improved medical, diagnostic, and bioremediation capacity.Read moreRead less
Deciphering ion specificity in complex electrolytes . This project aims to understand how ions influence the behaviour and properties of complex electrolytes (solutions containing either multiple ions, solvent mixtures, high electrolyte concentrations or a variety of interfaces, solutes or polymers). Complex electrolytes are ubiquitous in colloidal and particle technologies and underpin industrial and natural processes. Our team will combine experiment, simulation and theory to deliver a univers ....Deciphering ion specificity in complex electrolytes . This project aims to understand how ions influence the behaviour and properties of complex electrolytes (solutions containing either multiple ions, solvent mixtures, high electrolyte concentrations or a variety of interfaces, solutes or polymers). Complex electrolytes are ubiquitous in colloidal and particle technologies and underpin industrial and natural processes. Our team will combine experiment, simulation and theory to deliver a universal framework for understanding and predicting specific ion effects in complex electrolytes. The project outcomes are expected to deliver new understanding for researchers, robust rules of thumb for technologists and a public resource for data-driven solutions in applications utilising salt solutions. Read moreRead less
Unravelling the dominant drivers of ion specificity. This project aims to understand what governs the sensitivity of many technological and biological processes to the precise nature of the salt present in solution. The term ‘ion-specific’ encompasses all the circumstances in which the influence of a salt in solution depends on the precise chemical nature of the salt, not just the electrical charge on the ions that form the salt. As such, ion-specific effects abound and have important consequenc ....Unravelling the dominant drivers of ion specificity. This project aims to understand what governs the sensitivity of many technological and biological processes to the precise nature of the salt present in solution. The term ‘ion-specific’ encompasses all the circumstances in which the influence of a salt in solution depends on the precise chemical nature of the salt, not just the electrical charge on the ions that form the salt. As such, ion-specific effects abound and have important consequences in most situations involving solutions, including cellular functions and battery technology. This project will enable us to understand and control the influence of specific ions, building on our recently described fundamental ion-specific series with colloid science experiments and quantum simulations. This project should overcome current challenges in predicting ion-specific effects leading to progress in a wide variety of applications of colloid and interface science, from sensor interfaces to self-assembly.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of the beneficial vs toxic forms of selenium in the diet. This project aims to examine how dietary selenium is converted into essential proteins and beneficial compounds that mitigate against a broad range of human diseases; or alternatively, into toxic molecules. Cutting-edge methodologies should resolve significant unknowns in selenium metabolism, to provide definitive dietary guidelines and to explore how selenium can treat and protect against disease. Expected outcomes from ....Characterisation of the beneficial vs toxic forms of selenium in the diet. This project aims to examine how dietary selenium is converted into essential proteins and beneficial compounds that mitigate against a broad range of human diseases; or alternatively, into toxic molecules. Cutting-edge methodologies should resolve significant unknowns in selenium metabolism, to provide definitive dietary guidelines and to explore how selenium can treat and protect against disease. Expected outcomes from this national and international collaboration include expert training for young biochemical researchers and refinements to novel analytical techniques. Results should benefit the food and agricultural sectors to provide tailored products locally and for export, as well as enhanced health opportunities for all Australians.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100054
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,341,398.00
Summary
Dedicated High-throughput 3D-Electron Diffractometer. This proposal aims to install the first dedicated high-throughput 3D-electron diffractometer in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the first in the world. It will be able to rapidly solve the atomic-scale structures of molecules and materials for which this is now extremely difficult and time-consuming – or impossible – due to the inability to grow large enough crystals for traditional X-ray diffraction. It will thus provide a significant ad ....Dedicated High-throughput 3D-Electron Diffractometer. This proposal aims to install the first dedicated high-throughput 3D-electron diffractometer in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the first in the world. It will be able to rapidly solve the atomic-scale structures of molecules and materials for which this is now extremely difficult and time-consuming – or impossible – due to the inability to grow large enough crystals for traditional X-ray diffraction. It will thus provide a significant advantage for chemists, physicists, biologists, geologists, and engineers who rely on detailed structural knowledge to rationally optimise the properties of their compounds, from pharmaceutical activity to carbon capture to superconductivity, to the substantial benefit of multiple national priority areas.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL210100050
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,263,000.00
Summary
Interfacial design and engineering for high-performance batteries. This Fellowship aims to design the next generation of batteries - for use in portable devices, electric vehicles and smart grids - that will overcome the energy density, cycle life, and safety issues, and will contribute to a more sustainable future. This comprehensive and ground-breaking research program combines experiment and theory of electrode/electrolyte interfacial behaviour with materials engineering, to develop a toolkit ....Interfacial design and engineering for high-performance batteries. This Fellowship aims to design the next generation of batteries - for use in portable devices, electric vehicles and smart grids - that will overcome the energy density, cycle life, and safety issues, and will contribute to a more sustainable future. This comprehensive and ground-breaking research program combines experiment and theory of electrode/electrolyte interfacial behaviour with materials engineering, to develop a toolkit of new battery design principles. The program expects to deliver high energy-density batteries with outstanding safety profiles and extended cycle lives. These outcomes would revolutionise battery technologies and position Australia as a global leader in the critical transition to a decarbonised economy.
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Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC210100056
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,975,864.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis . The Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis will deliver workforce trained in the development of transformative technologies that will rapidly expand the Australian pharmaceutical, diagnostic and defence sector. The university-industry partnership will increase Australia’s manufacturing capability by fast tracking screening, by integrating 3D printing, advanced sensing, big data analytics, machine learning an ....ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis . The Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis will deliver workforce trained in the development of transformative technologies that will rapidly expand the Australian pharmaceutical, diagnostic and defence sector. The university-industry partnership will increase Australia’s manufacturing capability by fast tracking screening, by integrating 3D printing, advanced sensing, big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence for the delivery of optimal solutions in diagnosis, treatment and wellbeing. The centre will deliver training in Industry 4.0 skills which will boost early-stage scale-up and accelerate the sector’s supply chain, which is pivotal for the Australian industries to maintain a competitive edge. Read moreRead less
A novel drug class for the effective treatment of Giardia infections. Companion animals play a pivotal role in the lifestyle of the average Australian family. The 9 million cats and dogs, residing in >65% of our households, have provided significant health and well-being benefits to owners, especially during COVID. Ensuring pet health is a primary obligation of pet ownership. Giardia infections (Giardia duodenalis, with 94% of infections in dogs identified as Assemblage A) is the most prevalent ....A novel drug class for the effective treatment of Giardia infections. Companion animals play a pivotal role in the lifestyle of the average Australian family. The 9 million cats and dogs, residing in >65% of our households, have provided significant health and well-being benefits to owners, especially during COVID. Ensuring pet health is a primary obligation of pet ownership. Giardia infections (Giardia duodenalis, with 94% of infections in dogs identified as Assemblage A) is the most prevalent enteric parasite identified globally in dogs. Infection rates can be as high as 75% in puppies. Current treatments are failing due to poor efficacy, resistance and poor adherence to treatment schedules. We have identified a novel, extremely rapid acting series of compounds capable of single shot eradication of Giardia.Read moreRead less