Chip liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: a new hyphenated microfluidic instrument for metallomics. An alliance of two Australian universities and a world-leading scientific instrument company will develop innovative technology that will enable new reliable, sensitive and patient-specific medical tests, as well as being used to probe causes of significant diseases that appear to involve trace levels of metals in the body.
Development of mock circulatory system for complex haemodynamic modelling. This project aims to develop a unique mock experimental system to study blood flow dynamics in anatomically realistic coronary artery phantoms. The field of cardiology involves complex fluid dynamic problems, which require the expertise of the fluid dynamics engineer to understand the hemodynamics. Significant innovation in manufacturing and experimental measurement methodologies will be required to develop accurate model ....Development of mock circulatory system for complex haemodynamic modelling. This project aims to develop a unique mock experimental system to study blood flow dynamics in anatomically realistic coronary artery phantoms. The field of cardiology involves complex fluid dynamic problems, which require the expertise of the fluid dynamics engineer to understand the hemodynamics. Significant innovation in manufacturing and experimental measurement methodologies will be required to develop accurate models, which will be designed to allow the partner organisation to undertake further hemodynamic research.Read moreRead less
Diamond lasers for precision applications. Diamond lasers for precision applications. The project aims to create single mode lasers of ultrahigh spectral brightness. Single-mode lasers could improve many areas of science and technology, but existing technologies do not meet all performance requirements. This project will harness the intrinsic properties of diamond Raman lasers to increase the wavelength reach, power and stability of single mode lasers. The expected outcome is laser technology th ....Diamond lasers for precision applications. Diamond lasers for precision applications. The project aims to create single mode lasers of ultrahigh spectral brightness. Single-mode lasers could improve many areas of science and technology, but existing technologies do not meet all performance requirements. This project will harness the intrinsic properties of diamond Raman lasers to increase the wavelength reach, power and stability of single mode lasers. The expected outcome is laser technology that satisfies the needs of emerging markets, for example in gas sensing and atom cooling.Read moreRead less
A gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle biosensor for detecting microRNA. The project aims to develop a biosensor for detecting short sequences of RNA, called microRNA (miRNA) in blood. There are about 100 miRNA sequences that are involved in most biological processes. Changes in the levels of some miRNA sequences can serve as a biomarker for many diseases including cancers. The miRNA will be detected using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles modified with DNA sequences complementary to the miRNA of ....A gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle biosensor for detecting microRNA. The project aims to develop a biosensor for detecting short sequences of RNA, called microRNA (miRNA) in blood. There are about 100 miRNA sequences that are involved in most biological processes. Changes in the levels of some miRNA sequences can serve as a biomarker for many diseases including cancers. The miRNA will be detected using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles modified with DNA sequences complementary to the miRNA of interest to capture the miRNA. Application of a magnetic field allows the levels of miRNA to be detected electrochemically. The expected outcome is a commercialisable biosensor for miRNA both as a diagnostic early detection device and a prognostic device for a range of miRNA biomarkers.Read moreRead less
In vivo molecular imaging using engineered affinity reagents and fluorescent laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy. The goal of this project is to develop laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy as a tool for basic scientific discovery and rapid detection of disease biomarkers. The cutting-edge instrument and associated technologies will provide scientists with unprecedented access to dynamic biological processes as they occur in real-time. In addition, it will enable the development of virtual ....In vivo molecular imaging using engineered affinity reagents and fluorescent laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy. The goal of this project is to develop laser scanning confocal endomicroscopy as a tool for basic scientific discovery and rapid detection of disease biomarkers. The cutting-edge instrument and associated technologies will provide scientists with unprecedented access to dynamic biological processes as they occur in real-time. In addition, it will enable the development of virtual biopsies and instant diagnosis without the need for costly and time-consuming histopathological reports. Thus, it will not only drive transformative research but also transform health care delivery. It will also be a major boost to the Australian biotechnology industry with potential for enormous economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Development of a Novel and Quantitative Approach to Phase Imaging with Applications to Functional Nanomaterials. This project will improve and apply an innovative approach to obtaining phase information from electron microscopy images, currently being commercialised by IATIA Ltd. We will develop the approach so that it is fully quantitative, even at the nanoscale, and explore the effect of experimental parameters such as beam coherence, aberrations, specimen contamination and diffraction. We wil ....Development of a Novel and Quantitative Approach to Phase Imaging with Applications to Functional Nanomaterials. This project will improve and apply an innovative approach to obtaining phase information from electron microscopy images, currently being commercialised by IATIA Ltd. We will develop the approach so that it is fully quantitative, even at the nanoscale, and explore the effect of experimental parameters such as beam coherence, aberrations, specimen contamination and diffraction. We will apply the method to both physical and molecular nanomaterials, including a new class of self-organising molecules. Phase imaging can visualise the structures, polarities, charge and conductivity distributions in these materials and so assist in the development of new materials and devices.Read moreRead less
Integration of DNA switches into wearables for smart chemical monitoring. This project addresses the scientific challenge of real-time monitoring of dynamic biological changes in the secretions found in sweat. By creating a wearable wireless device to monitor chemicals which interests Nutromics, using a novel electronic skin technology platform, the work aims to generate new knowledge of physiological changes in sweat secretions. Lying at the interface of analytical chemistry, functional materia ....Integration of DNA switches into wearables for smart chemical monitoring. This project addresses the scientific challenge of real-time monitoring of dynamic biological changes in the secretions found in sweat. By creating a wearable wireless device to monitor chemicals which interests Nutromics, using a novel electronic skin technology platform, the work aims to generate new knowledge of physiological changes in sweat secretions. Lying at the interface of analytical chemistry, functional materials and biomedical engineering, the project will contribute to the training of young researchers in these emerging technologies which interest Nutromics Pty Ltd. The project will improve Australia's standing in technology around wearable devices, improving our global competitive edge with economic and scientific impact.Read moreRead less
Quantitative Atom Probe Tomography for Nanostructural Analysis of Materials. The ultimate in microscopy would involve the ability to image and chemically identify every atom or molecule in a specimen. This project involves the development of reconstruction and analysis methodologies for more accurately determining relative atomic positions in atom probe tomography. We will develop a comprehensive, platform-independent approach to enable quantitative atom probe tomography for the Australian resea ....Quantitative Atom Probe Tomography for Nanostructural Analysis of Materials. The ultimate in microscopy would involve the ability to image and chemically identify every atom or molecule in a specimen. This project involves the development of reconstruction and analysis methodologies for more accurately determining relative atomic positions in atom probe tomography. We will develop a comprehensive, platform-independent approach to enable quantitative atom probe tomography for the Australian research community. This development will be used to address current questions on the influence of the chemistry, crystallography, type and dispersion of sub-critical atomic clusters and supra-critical nanoscale precipitates on the strengthening mechanisms in light alloys used for structural applications in transport.Read moreRead less
Development of a light detection system for enhanced scanning electron microscopy imaging of fully hydrated biological specimens at room temperature. This project aims to develop instrumentation and techniques to image fully hydrated cellS for prolonged periods at room temperature in an environmental scanning electron microscope. Multiple fluorescent nano-particle labels will be used to image complex cellular structure and dynamics at ultra high spatial resolution. This innovative bio-imaging te ....Development of a light detection system for enhanced scanning electron microscopy imaging of fully hydrated biological specimens at room temperature. This project aims to develop instrumentation and techniques to image fully hydrated cellS for prolonged periods at room temperature in an environmental scanning electron microscope. Multiple fluorescent nano-particle labels will be used to image complex cellular structure and dynamics at ultra high spatial resolution. This innovative bio-imaging technique will be facilitated by the construction of a high speed light collection system that can efficiently operate at the pressures required to stablise water within the cell. Applications for this new bio-imaging technique will also be explored.Read moreRead less
Pulsed oscillating mass analyser. Mass spectrometers are ubiquitous components in chemical analysis, but are often large and expensive. We have developed a new method for mass analysis, which is smaller and cheaper than existing technology. However, the analyser needs further research to determine whether it has the performance specifications to match the other technologies. The objective of this research is to characterise, explore and extend the prototype and to develop the appropriate math ....Pulsed oscillating mass analyser. Mass spectrometers are ubiquitous components in chemical analysis, but are often large and expensive. We have developed a new method for mass analysis, which is smaller and cheaper than existing technology. However, the analyser needs further research to determine whether it has the performance specifications to match the other technologies. The objective of this research is to characterise, explore and extend the prototype and to develop the appropriate mathematical algorithm for mass analysis. Success in this project may lead to a new mass analyser that can be incorporated into analytical instruments, many of which are manufactured in Australia.Read moreRead less