Mitochondrially targeted anti-cancer drugs modulate the mitochondrial genome. Successful cancer management requires novel therapeutical approaches. This project will test the effect of a new class of compounds that target mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells, where they suppress expression of mitochondrial genes. By this mechanism, cancers that are resistant to apoptosis induction can be inhibited.
Engineered Hydroxamic Acids for Zirconium-89 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Prostate Cancer. Positron emission tomography (PET) using a zirconium-89-ligand complex bound to a prostate-specific membrane antigen is used to detect and monitor prostate cancer. The hydroxamic acid-based ligand bound to zirconium has a high affinity towards iron, which can cause metal exchange in vivo and loss of radiotracer. The project will prepare new ligands with a higher specificity towards zirconi ....Engineered Hydroxamic Acids for Zirconium-89 Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Prostate Cancer. Positron emission tomography (PET) using a zirconium-89-ligand complex bound to a prostate-specific membrane antigen is used to detect and monitor prostate cancer. The hydroxamic acid-based ligand bound to zirconium has a high affinity towards iron, which can cause metal exchange in vivo and loss of radiotracer. The project will prepare new ligands with a higher specificity towards zirconium over iron, and measure immuno-PET imaging activity. A second series of macrocyclic zirconium-specific ligands will be prepared to establish the relationship between variable water-lipid solubility and pharmacokinetic properties. The results will increase the capability of immuno-PET for prostate cancer detection and improve survival outcomes.Read moreRead less
Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This proje ....Degradation of atomically dispersed M-N-C carbon catalysts in acidic media. This project aims to provide a clear understanding of the degradation mechanisms of transition metal (M) and nitrogen (N) co-doped carbon (M-N-C) catalysts in acidic media by utilising new model catalysts, standardised degradation tests, comprehensive catalyst characterisation, and machine learning tools to interrogate mechanistic hypotheses and link degradation mechanisms to specific catalyst characteristics. This project expects to generate new knowledge on rationally designing robust hydrogen fuel cell catalysts. This will provide significant benefits, such as new knowledge on catalyst degradation, new catalysts for energy conversion applications, and collaborations with the industry to accelerate Australia’s shift to renewable energy.Read moreRead less
Hot carrier cooling mechanisms in nano structures. This project aims to systematically investigate possible mechanisms of hot carrier cooling in nano structures and to identify the most dominant mechanisms. These are important for efficient hot carrier solar cells and thermoelectrics. This project will develop new physics to understand hot carrier dynamics in nano structures. This project is expected to result in photovoltaic systems with a lower balance of system and levelised cost of electrici ....Hot carrier cooling mechanisms in nano structures. This project aims to systematically investigate possible mechanisms of hot carrier cooling in nano structures and to identify the most dominant mechanisms. These are important for efficient hot carrier solar cells and thermoelectrics. This project will develop new physics to understand hot carrier dynamics in nano structures. This project is expected to result in photovoltaic systems with a lower balance of system and levelised cost of electricity compared to conventional technologies. This should boost solar industry, create green jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Read moreRead less
Atomic-scale structural characterisation of quantum-dot nanostructures for novel photovoltaic applications. This project aims to design, fabricate and characterise innovative quantum-dot solar cells in order to overcome the atomic-scale defects that limit current approaches. The scientific and engineering understanding acquired through this project will enable the rapidly growing global solar-cell industry to produce higher-efficiency III-V solar cells.
Structure and function of a new class of multi-zinc finger (MZF) transcriptional regulators. An understanding of how genes are switched on and off during the development and lifetime of an organism is central to developing the ability to fight many diseases in a rational way. This project will advance our knowledge in this area at a fundamental molecular level by examining the mechanisms through which a specific set of proteins controls gene expression.
Enabling technology unlocking full potential of high bandgap chalcopyrite . This project is aimed at solving the fundamental challenges of high bandgap chalcopyrite light-harvesting material to unlock its full potential as the top cell for photovoltaic tandem cell and the photocathode for photoelectrochemical applications. This will be realised by dynamic optimisation of its performance in photovoltaic solar cell device through understanding of its defects origins, enabling defects controlling t ....Enabling technology unlocking full potential of high bandgap chalcopyrite . This project is aimed at solving the fundamental challenges of high bandgap chalcopyrite light-harvesting material to unlock its full potential as the top cell for photovoltaic tandem cell and the photocathode for photoelectrochemical applications. This will be realised by dynamic optimisation of its performance in photovoltaic solar cell device through understanding of its defects origins, enabling defects controlling technologies, and microscopic carrier loss mechanism analysis via systematic macro-to-micro characterisations combined with 3D device simulation. The project completion will reinforce the next-generation tandem cell and photoelectrochemical technologies with the efficient, stable, RoHS-compliant and thin chalcopyrite devices.Read moreRead less
Novel platinum(IV) complexes that are targeted to and trapped by tumours and tumour cells. Platinum complexes continue to be a mainstay in the treatment of solid tumours and their combination with molecularly targeted agents selected for the type of tumour and the mutations identified is expected to lead to continued growth in their use. However, their toxicity remains a major impediment to their use and effectiveness and therefore, this project aims to develop less toxic analogues that are as l ....Novel platinum(IV) complexes that are targeted to and trapped by tumours and tumour cells. Platinum complexes continue to be a mainstay in the treatment of solid tumours and their combination with molecularly targeted agents selected for the type of tumour and the mutations identified is expected to lead to continued growth in their use. However, their toxicity remains a major impediment to their use and effectiveness and therefore, this project aims to develop less toxic analogues that are as least as effective as current drugs. This project will combine recent developments in stabilisation and cellular trapping of platinum(IV) pro-drugs with a range of strategies designed to limit activation of these pro-drugs to the tumour environment.Read moreRead less
Unified platform for real time QA in radiation therapy in brachytherapy based on high resolution silicon detectors (Magic Plate). This project will design and manufacture new devices for measuring the amount of radiation given to the patient during radiotherapy. This will improve the accuracy and safety of cancer treatment as well as greatly reducing the time needed to perform essential safety checks.
Platinum-Carborane Complexes as New Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. The development of new drugs and treatments for cancer is highly important to human health and the well-being of the community. This research has the potential to lead to new anticancer pharmaceuticals that will expand the clinical efficacy of current drugs and generate significant export income through future IP development and possible commercialization. The innovative nature of this research will also contribute t ....Platinum-Carborane Complexes as New Agents for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. The development of new drugs and treatments for cancer is highly important to human health and the well-being of the community. This research has the potential to lead to new anticancer pharmaceuticals that will expand the clinical efficacy of current drugs and generate significant export income through future IP development and possible commercialization. The innovative nature of this research will also contribute to Australia's science knowledge base, a key element in its future economic prosperity, and it will provide excellent training of young researchers for employment in the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology.Read moreRead less