Novel Synthesis and Bio-applications of Functional Macroporous Ordered Siliceous Foams. This project will lead to advances in materials science and nanotechnology, providing high efficiency separation and purification for viruses or plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which are important in modern gene engineering for the treatment of genetic and acquired diseases. Application benefits also include developing a new protocol in the detection of trace amount proteins, which will afford a signific ....Novel Synthesis and Bio-applications of Functional Macroporous Ordered Siliceous Foams. This project will lead to advances in materials science and nanotechnology, providing high efficiency separation and purification for viruses or plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which are important in modern gene engineering for the treatment of genetic and acquired diseases. Application benefits also include developing a new protocol in the detection of trace amount proteins, which will afford a significant improvement in diverse fields such as health care. Through this project, novel macroporous materials will be fabricated using an economically and environmentally sustainable approach. These new materials will have unique structures and properties compared to conventional macroporous materials, advancing Australia's intellectual position in this discipline.Read moreRead less
Next generation titanium alloys for additive manufacturing. The rise of 3D printing creates unique opportunities for Australian manufacturers to participate in high value global supply chains. However, the lack of development in high quality printable materials is stopping manufacturers from accessing the full potential of 3D printing. This project aims to develop a design strategy for the next generation of titanium metals designed for 3D printing. This project expects to improve functionality ....Next generation titanium alloys for additive manufacturing. The rise of 3D printing creates unique opportunities for Australian manufacturers to participate in high value global supply chains. However, the lack of development in high quality printable materials is stopping manufacturers from accessing the full potential of 3D printing. This project aims to develop a design strategy for the next generation of titanium metals designed for 3D printing. This project expects to improve functionality of 3D printed metals with qualities that go beyond the most demanding industry acceptance criteria. This project should provide significant benefits by creating new capabilities and improving the productivity of Australian manufacturers while lowering the cost of products for consumers.Read moreRead less
Solar-driven thermochemical dissociation of carbon dioxide and water to produce carbon-neutral fuels. The biggest challenge to humanity of the century is to develop enabling clean energy resources to encounter rapidly diminished fossil fuel and accelerated global warming conditions. This project will offer a solution by developing a unique solar-driven thermochemical system capable of cleaving carbon dioxide and water to produce artificial syngas.
Automated structural analysis of proteins by nuclear magnetic resonance (ASAP-NMR): a leap forward in structural studies of proteins using NMR spectroscopy. Proteins form the machinery that makes life possible, and this research will revolutionise study of their three-dimensional structure by making the process faster and cheaper. This approach will be applied to study proteins isolated from animal venoms in order to identify and develop novel pharmaceuticals and bio-insecticides.
Elucidation of structure-function relationships in biological systems utilising advanced electron spin resonance. The human growth hormone receptor and mammalian P450 enzymes are implicated in numerous human disorders and the key to treatment is the rational design and delivery of drugs. This project will require a comprehensive understanding of the biological structure-function relationship which we will acquire using high-resolution electron spin resonance spectroscopy.
Structural insights of virus-glycan interactions. Influenza virus, rotavirus and Dengue virus infect the body by adhering to certain types of sugars on the human cell surface. This project will develop a detailed structural understanding of how viruses interact with those sugar molecules for the development of novel drugs and vaccines to combat influenza and rotaviral infections.
Enabling diamond nanoelectronics with metal oxide induced surface doping. This project aims to use diamond for radio frequency power electronics. This builds on the investigator’s success in controlling diamond surface conductivity using transition metal oxides. Diamond is highly desirable for building high-power, high-frequency electronic devices, particularly for use in electrical power control/conversion and telecommunication. The lack of effective and stable doping methods has impeded the re ....Enabling diamond nanoelectronics with metal oxide induced surface doping. This project aims to use diamond for radio frequency power electronics. This builds on the investigator’s success in controlling diamond surface conductivity using transition metal oxides. Diamond is highly desirable for building high-power, high-frequency electronic devices, particularly for use in electrical power control/conversion and telecommunication. The lack of effective and stable doping methods has impeded the realisation of this prospect. This project expects the high performance and technically viable device technologies will enable diamond electronic devices for applications in telecommunications, radars and the next-generation electricity grid.Read moreRead less
Erosion processes in soils across scales. This project aims to develop a monitoring tool for predicting the evolution of internal erosion in dams based on innovative electromagnetic observation methods. Internal erosion is an insidious process occurring in the obscurity of the soil’s pore system until its consequences become visible and threaten the stability of the dams. These water retaining structures are vital for the future water and energy supply for our society and their failure can be ca ....Erosion processes in soils across scales. This project aims to develop a monitoring tool for predicting the evolution of internal erosion in dams based on innovative electromagnetic observation methods. Internal erosion is an insidious process occurring in the obscurity of the soil’s pore system until its consequences become visible and threaten the stability of the dams. These water retaining structures are vital for the future water and energy supply for our society and their failure can be catastrophic. By establishing an improved understanding of internal erosion as a sequence of processes on various scales, from the onset of erosion until the failure of the structure, this project will place Australia at the forefront of dam safety assessment.Read moreRead less
Single-molecule optofluidics: streamlining high-throughput engineering and analysis of proteins and protein assemblies. This project aims at creating novel technologies for high-throughput engineering and analysis of proteins with single-molecule sensitivity. The platform will considerably accelerate the generation of protein-based diagnostics, new vaccines and therapeutics; it will foster collaborations with industry putting Australia at the forefront of protein research.
Surface modification of semiconducting organic charge transfer complexes with metal nanoparticles to create a new class of multifunctional materials. This project aims to deliver a facile and cheap method to produce a class of nanostructured composite materials to be used in applications which will have environmental and social benefits such as photocatalyst development for water purification, biosensing and the creation of antibacterial fabrics to prevent the spread of infection.