Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102503
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Circulating tumor cell isolation and detection: an integrated microfluidic capture device based on alternating current (AC) electrohydrodynamics. The detection of circulating tumor cells in clinical samples plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and management. This project aims to develop microfluidic technology by incorporating AC electric field-induced vortices with three-dimensional microstructured electrodes that will advance our ability to analyse rare cells and proteins in clinical sam ....Circulating tumor cell isolation and detection: an integrated microfluidic capture device based on alternating current (AC) electrohydrodynamics. The detection of circulating tumor cells in clinical samples plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and management. This project aims to develop microfluidic technology by incorporating AC electric field-induced vortices with three-dimensional microstructured electrodes that will advance our ability to analyse rare cells and proteins in clinical samples.Read moreRead less
Tuneable “Nano-Shearing”: An Innovative Mechanism for the Accurate and Specific Capture of Cells and Molecules. Recent investigations have discovered a tuneable electro-hydrodynamic force which drives lateral fluid motion within a few nanometers of an electrode surface. Because the magnitude of this fluid shear force can be tuned externally (for example, via the application of an AC electric field), it provides a new capability to physically displace weakly (non-specifically) bound cellular and ....Tuneable “Nano-Shearing”: An Innovative Mechanism for the Accurate and Specific Capture of Cells and Molecules. Recent investigations have discovered a tuneable electro-hydrodynamic force which drives lateral fluid motion within a few nanometers of an electrode surface. Because the magnitude of this fluid shear force can be tuned externally (for example, via the application of an AC electric field), it provides a new capability to physically displace weakly (non-specifically) bound cellular and molecular analytes. By performing research to further understand and develop this tuneable effect, this project aims to build and test a new platform technology to enable highly efficient capture and specific detection of low concentration pathogenic molecules and circulating tumour cells (CTCs).Read moreRead less
Proteotyping for the rapid identification of pandemic influenza. Future influenza pandemics will develop more rapidly providing a relatively short window with which to survey and assess the nature of the virus and administer effective treatments. Application of a new proteotyping approach will allow strains of pandemic potential to be characterised more directly and rapidly than current surveillance methods.
Novel technologies for motion-compensated simultaneous Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. The aim of this work is to develop motion tracking and motion correction techniques for an emerging hybrid imaging technology, MR-PET. The MR-PET scanner simultaneously acquires structural MR images and functional PET images. The work will provide clearer images without the effects of motion blur for both research and clinical applications.
RNA-based analysis for prediction of islet death in diabetes. Death of insulin-producing cells is a common feature in diabetes. Presently, a blood glucose test remains the only blunt instrument to diagnose diabetes. The RNA-based analysis for prediction of islet death in diabetes (RAPID) study links with eight clinical trials to test this newly developed non-invasive assay for predicting diabetes. Early diagnosis will help to reduce diabetic complications in later life.
Bioinks for the 3D printing of cells made from off-the-shelf components. This project aims to develop a simple method for creating complex, multiple-cell-type three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures for in-vitro cell based assays. Using 3D printing technology, this project will develop a versatile polymer system, made from entirely commercially available components, that gels upon printing and has functionality to assist cells in adhering, growing and migrating. The 3D printing of multiple cell typ ....Bioinks for the 3D printing of cells made from off-the-shelf components. This project aims to develop a simple method for creating complex, multiple-cell-type three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures for in-vitro cell based assays. Using 3D printing technology, this project will develop a versatile polymer system, made from entirely commercially available components, that gels upon printing and has functionality to assist cells in adhering, growing and migrating. The 3D printing of multiple cell types will provide biological scientists with more realistic in-vitro cell assays to those found in-vivo. Applications of the research are in cell biology, studying diseases and developing new drugs.Read moreRead less
Automatic cartilage segmentation in magnetic resonance imaging. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 1.4 million Australians. This research aims at engineering new tools for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems to enable automated analyses of the cartilage and bones in joint images. The goals of the work are to assist with improved diagnosis and treatment planning for both chronic disease, such as OA, and acute injuries, such as cartilage and ligament ....Automatic cartilage segmentation in magnetic resonance imaging. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 1.4 million Australians. This research aims at engineering new tools for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems to enable automated analyses of the cartilage and bones in joint images. The goals of the work are to assist with improved diagnosis and treatment planning for both chronic disease, such as OA, and acute injuries, such as cartilage and ligament tears in sporting injuries and other traumas.
The software developed will be provided on the project’s partner (Siemens) platform and will therefore be available worldwide and have a consequently large impact on the field.
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Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in orthopaedics. The research in this proposal aims at developing new imaging systems that enable joints to be imaged while they are moving. This is an Australian first technology and will change the way in which diagnosis of joint diseases is done. The applications of this new technique include the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment in Osteoarthritis and related chronic joint diseases. Also, acute injuries to knees, hips, shoulders and other joints will be ....Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in orthopaedics. The research in this proposal aims at developing new imaging systems that enable joints to be imaged while they are moving. This is an Australian first technology and will change the way in which diagnosis of joint diseases is done. The applications of this new technique include the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment in Osteoarthritis and related chronic joint diseases. Also, acute injuries to knees, hips, shoulders and other joints will be able to be better diagnosed and hence improve treatment planning as a result.Read moreRead less
A new technique for the assessment of burns. This international, interdisciplinary collaborative project should change the way skin burns are assessed with a broad impact on biotechnology, healthcare and non destructive testing. This project will build on Australia's position as a leader in terahertz technology with significant potential for commercialisation.
Sino-Australian neurogenetics initiative. This project will undertake large population studies to identify genes that are associated with motor neuron disease, schizophrenia and intracranial haemorrhage. The project will determine genetic markers, aid development of diagnostic tools and identify new therapeutic targets for these common heritable neurological diseases.