Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla: Resolving the fundamental radiofrequency field-tissue interaction problem at ultra-high field. Ultra-high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems offer the potential for faster, more accurate diagnostic imaging. However, current applications are limited by the fundamental challenge of strong interactions between the electromagnetic field and human tissues, which result in poor image quality and/or compromised patient safety. Using a novel, s ....Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla: Resolving the fundamental radiofrequency field-tissue interaction problem at ultra-high field. Ultra-high-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems offer the potential for faster, more accurate diagnostic imaging. However, current applications are limited by the fundamental challenge of strong interactions between the electromagnetic field and human tissues, which result in poor image quality and/or compromised patient safety. Using a novel, subject-specific imaging approach, this research will design and develop an ultra-high-field radiofrequency technology capable of offering high-performance imaging without jeopardising patient safety. This research will lay the groundwork for the translation of ultra-high field MRI research into clinical practice, generating new capabilities for diagnostic technologies.Read moreRead less
Developing a simple method for characterising the mechanical properties of nanowhiskers. This project aims to accurately measure mechanical properties of nanostructures, addressing a challenging issue in the ongoing development of nanotechnology. The success of this project will provide important advances in the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of nanowhiskers and assist in the further development of nanomaterials.
Developing innovative methodologies to understand nano-adhesion/friction. The project seeks to improve the measurement of nanoscale adhesion and friction. The understanding of adhesion and friction between a nanowhisker and a substrate is crucial for developing next-generation nanodevices. However, the current methods for measuring nanoscale adhesion and friction are inaccurate and can produce contradictory results, due to the extreme challenges in mastering sophisticated measuring techniques an ....Developing innovative methodologies to understand nano-adhesion/friction. The project seeks to improve the measurement of nanoscale adhesion and friction. The understanding of adhesion and friction between a nanowhisker and a substrate is crucial for developing next-generation nanodevices. However, the current methods for measuring nanoscale adhesion and friction are inaccurate and can produce contradictory results, due to the extreme challenges in mastering sophisticated measuring techniques and the lack of understanding of their underlying mechanisms. This project aims to develop innovative ‘push-peel’ and ‘push-slide’ methods to accurately measure those properties and to further understand their fundamental origins. Successful outcomes from this study would not only solve a long-standing problem in the application of nanowhiskers, but also generate new nanosurface science.Read moreRead less
Acoustic trapping for life science applications. Force fields can be established to move suspended cells into predefined locations using high frequency vibration; randomly dispersed cells can be brought together into clusters. This project aims to develop such technologies and will have applications in drug discovery and cell to cell interaction studies and has the future potential to promote the health of Australians.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100600
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
A microfluidic platform for optimised detection of protein complexes. This project aims to develop an integrated lab-on-a-chip platform interfacing droplet-based microfluidics with conventional mass spectrometry. The platform detects suitable protein complexes using a fraction of the samples used in conventional tools. The system creates droplets on demand, injects and mixes a controlled volume of reagents into a single droplet using an array of embedded electrodes. This technology will screen d ....A microfluidic platform for optimised detection of protein complexes. This project aims to develop an integrated lab-on-a-chip platform interfacing droplet-based microfluidics with conventional mass spectrometry. The platform detects suitable protein complexes using a fraction of the samples used in conventional tools. The system creates droplets on demand, injects and mixes a controlled volume of reagents into a single droplet using an array of embedded electrodes. This technology will screen drug-like samples. This technology is expected to replace traditional time-consuming drug screening techniques, and reduce time and cost of drug discovery. Its commercialisation would complement the existing tools in the pharmaceutical industry.Read moreRead less
Spatial sound control for testing multi-channel audio devices. Spatial sound control for testing multi-channel audio devices. This project aims to test Alternative Listening Devices/Personal Sound Amplification Devices (PSAPs), multi-input audio devices fast replacing hearing aids due to their affordability and easy accessibility. With more consumers choosing PSAPs, proper testing is needed to assess the devices’ safety and benefit in real-life acoustic situations. This project will test PSAPs i ....Spatial sound control for testing multi-channel audio devices. Spatial sound control for testing multi-channel audio devices. This project aims to test Alternative Listening Devices/Personal Sound Amplification Devices (PSAPs), multi-input audio devices fast replacing hearing aids due to their affordability and easy accessibility. With more consumers choosing PSAPs, proper testing is needed to assess the devices’ safety and benefit in real-life acoustic situations. This project will test PSAPs in laboratory setups that use spatial audio processing techniques to mimic realistic acoustic environments, and develop theoretical frameworks to overcome existing limitations to accurate spatial sound reproduction. This research is expected to provide innovative solutions to safeguard Australia's future hearing health.Read moreRead less
Dielectric contrast imaging for 7 Tesla magnetic resonance applications. This project aims to develop novel radio-frequency (RF) technology, ensuring that the benefits of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available for a broader range of applications. This project will develop a new contrast mechanism directly related to the RF properties of individual tissue types, circumventing a limitation of intensity based imaging. This technology will enhance Australia’s global impact the dev ....Dielectric contrast imaging for 7 Tesla magnetic resonance applications. This project aims to develop novel radio-frequency (RF) technology, ensuring that the benefits of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are available for a broader range of applications. This project will develop a new contrast mechanism directly related to the RF properties of individual tissue types, circumventing a limitation of intensity based imaging. This technology will enhance Australia’s global impact the development of imaging technology for healthcare, biomedical research and advanced diagnostics.Read moreRead less
Photoacoustic cellular manipulation: building from the bottom up. In this project we propose an approach for creating complex 3D prints. Whereas current approaches are limited to defining the external geometry, this technology will permit the organization of the internal structure as well, with the potential to do so at the scale of individual cells. Achieving this has important applications in bioprinting human tissues and additive manufacturing. This is based on the manipulation of particles a ....Photoacoustic cellular manipulation: building from the bottom up. In this project we propose an approach for creating complex 3D prints. Whereas current approaches are limited to defining the external geometry, this technology will permit the organization of the internal structure as well, with the potential to do so at the scale of individual cells. Achieving this has important applications in bioprinting human tissues and additive manufacturing. This is based on the manipulation of particles and cells using holographic acoustic fields controlled by patterned light. This is compared to current acoustic patterning approaches are mostly limited to static simple geometric arrangements and lack the flexibility to produce arbitrary, rapidly changing fields that enable the fabrication of complex structures. Read moreRead less
Understanding surface acoustic wave atomisation for pulmonary delivery of drug aerosols in personalised medicine. Delivering drugs via the lung is hampered by development costs and inadequate technology. This project will provide an understanding of atomisation in our unique respire system, enabling not only the delivery of new vaccines and drugs but also the rapid and cost effective development of new disease treatments personalised to the patient.
New generation microfluidic devices using light responsive hydrogels. This project aims to develop a new way of fabricating microfluidic devices using light-degradable hydrogels as its core element. This approach would allow researchers to rapidly construct and modify microfluidic devices within their own laboratories, without the need for specialised clean rooms or expensive equipment. The versatility of the microfluidic device is designed to be demonstrated by the manufacture of mature T cells ....New generation microfluidic devices using light responsive hydrogels. This project aims to develop a new way of fabricating microfluidic devices using light-degradable hydrogels as its core element. This approach would allow researchers to rapidly construct and modify microfluidic devices within their own laboratories, without the need for specialised clean rooms or expensive equipment. The versatility of the microfluidic device is designed to be demonstrated by the manufacture of mature T cells, which continues to be a major challenge in stem cell science and which could have fundamental biological and commercial significance.Read moreRead less