Optimisation of functional mesoporous materials for low-abundance biomarkers quantification towards biodiagnostic applications. Using state-of-the-art nanotechnology, a novel approach will be developed to quantitatively analyse low abundance peptides and proteins. This will aid in the detection of a biomarker in osteoarthritis, a disease affecting 3.85 million Australians. This project has significance for the early diagnosis and improved treatment of this disease.
Diamane: A New Frontier in Materials Science. Single-layer diamond (‘diamane’) is a new frontier of material research although its preparation is still in infancy with many structures predicted possible but have not been made experimentally. Built on a new chemical route for 'graphite to diamane' transformation, this project will address a research gap towards synthesising new diamane(-like) nanostructures and developing an in-depth understanding of the chemically induced phase transformation an ....Diamane: A New Frontier in Materials Science. Single-layer diamond (‘diamane’) is a new frontier of material research although its preparation is still in infancy with many structures predicted possible but have not been made experimentally. Built on a new chemical route for 'graphite to diamane' transformation, this project will address a research gap towards synthesising new diamane(-like) nanostructures and developing an in-depth understanding of the chemically induced phase transformation and structure-property correlations, which will have far-reaching impact on scientific fields beyond carbon research. Preliminary data points to both feasibility and impact for discovering new materials and technologies, which will bring foreseeable scholarly, economic, and social benefits.Read moreRead less
Tailoring surface properties to maximise boundary slip for microfluidic applications. Overcoming the huge hydrodynamic resistance that slows down liquid flow in confined spaces is a technical and scientific challenge. The project will need to answer the question: what interfacial properties control liquid slip on solid surfaces? Surfaces will be designed to mimic real world examples that present strong drag reduction.
Multifunctional particles for biological applications. This project aims to engineer multifunctional particles, examine their biological interactions and create particles for cell targeting, cell internalisation, subcellular drug release and improved pharmacokinetics. Engineered particles are important for drug delivery in nanomedicine. Although various particle-based delivery systems have been developed, few have been commercialised, largely because of problems challenges associated with biolog ....Multifunctional particles for biological applications. This project aims to engineer multifunctional particles, examine their biological interactions and create particles for cell targeting, cell internalisation, subcellular drug release and improved pharmacokinetics. Engineered particles are important for drug delivery in nanomedicine. Although various particle-based delivery systems have been developed, few have been commercialised, largely because of problems challenges associated with biological barriers. This project will develop a platform for the assemble of particles with tailored properties which are expected to provide insights on particle-biological interactions for particle-based therapeutic delivery.Read moreRead less
Establishing nanoscale design principles for non-viral genome engineering. This project aims to develop a bio-nanotechnology platform for non-viral genome engineering using dendronised polymers. The project will advance both fundamental and practical knowledge at the forefront of nanotechnology and cell biology, whilst providing training to the research community. Outcomes from the project will also provide significant benefits, such as positioning Australia at the forefront of genome engineerin ....Establishing nanoscale design principles for non-viral genome engineering. This project aims to develop a bio-nanotechnology platform for non-viral genome engineering using dendronised polymers. The project will advance both fundamental and practical knowledge at the forefront of nanotechnology and cell biology, whilst providing training to the research community. Outcomes from the project will also provide significant benefits, such as positioning Australia at the forefront of genome engineering.Read moreRead less
Bespoke nanomaterials for understanding nano-bio interactions under flow. This project aims to develop innovative scalable synthesis techniques to produce polymeric nanomaterials with controlled properties and characterise interactions between nanomaterials and cells under flow conditions. This project expects to generate new knowledge in priority research areas of nanotechnology, polymer chemistry and immunology. The outcome of this project is an original scalable and environmentally friendly t ....Bespoke nanomaterials for understanding nano-bio interactions under flow. This project aims to develop innovative scalable synthesis techniques to produce polymeric nanomaterials with controlled properties and characterise interactions between nanomaterials and cells under flow conditions. This project expects to generate new knowledge in priority research areas of nanotechnology, polymer chemistry and immunology. The outcome of this project is an original scalable and environmentally friendly technology, new knowledge of cell-nanomaterial interactions and new design principles for nanoparticles with potential future applications in drug delivery, immunology and nanomedicine. This project should provide significant benefits to polymer, nanomaterial and pharmaceutical research and industry in Australia.Read moreRead less
Engineering Functional Antimicrobial Polypeptide Surfaces. Antimicrobial coatings are vital in preventing bacterial contamination but a versatile solution does not exist. Structurally nanoengineered antimicrobial peptide polymers (SNAPPs) were recently developed to fight multidrug-resistant bacteria. To expand their application into antimicrobial coatings across a range of surfaces, a simple and universal coating strategy is needed. By developing phenolic-functionalised SNAPPs, this project aims ....Engineering Functional Antimicrobial Polypeptide Surfaces. Antimicrobial coatings are vital in preventing bacterial contamination but a versatile solution does not exist. Structurally nanoengineered antimicrobial peptide polymers (SNAPPs) were recently developed to fight multidrug-resistant bacteria. To expand their application into antimicrobial coatings across a range of surfaces, a simple and universal coating strategy is needed. By developing phenolic-functionalised SNAPPs, this project aims to exploit the adhesive nature of metal–phenolic materials to rapidly coat diverse surfaces, including stainless steel and textiles. The expected outcome is the generation of antimicrobial polypeptide surfaces, which will have benefits in food safety, medical implant technology and advanced textiles.Read moreRead less
Designer nano-carriers for targeted hydrophobic anticancer drug delivery with enhanced bioavailability. This project will prepare novel nano-carriers for water insoluble anticancer drug delivery with enhanced bioavailability and targeted therapy. The techniques developed in this project will advance the intellectual leadership of Australia and improve therapeutic efficacy, reduce side effects, and promote good health.
Single molecule sensing on nanopillars: Reading complex molecular circuits. This project aims to develop an entirely new nanotechnology to visualise dynamic molecular circuits in real time, and within any biological sample as small as a single cell. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the field of cell biology and sensor technology, using innovative nanofabrication and nanoscopic fluid flows to advance understanding of the emerging field of single protein molecule interactions in c ....Single molecule sensing on nanopillars: Reading complex molecular circuits. This project aims to develop an entirely new nanotechnology to visualise dynamic molecular circuits in real time, and within any biological sample as small as a single cell. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the field of cell biology and sensor technology, using innovative nanofabrication and nanoscopic fluid flows to advance understanding of the emerging field of single protein molecule interactions in cellular pathways. Expected outcomes include a universal technology platform to detect single molecules in single cells, with potential to deliver valuable intellectual property of commercial interest and economic benefit through technological advancements.Read moreRead less
Novel solution processable carbon nanohybrids. Carbon nanomaterials have extraordinary electrical and mechanical properties but their processing into robust macroscopic structures is difficult. This project will develop innovative processing strategies to bring carbon nanohybrids a step closer to large scale applications, particularly in high-performance energy storage and conversion devices.