There is an urgent need for engineered tissue repair and replacement components for cartilage implantation in damaged joints due to a shortage of donor tissue. This project will generate smart composite biomaterials with enhanced mechanical strength and physical properties that are desirable for cartilage repair. The fabricated scaffolds will mimic the microstructure of native cartilage and are next-generation biomaterials designed to facilitate cartilage regeneration.
A Novel Strategy For The Treatment Of Chronic Skeletal Joint Defects
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Skeletal joint injuries often heal poorly with current treatment approaches and lead to the onset of osteoarthritis. This project will produce a synthetic graft with unique properties to mimic the complex structure of joint tissues, and high bioactivity to induce optimal healing of the joint. This graft will constitute a viable alternative for the treatment of skeletal joint defects, resulting in significant healthcare benefits and improved long-term outcomes.
Smart Hybrid Material For Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Tissue engineering is a promising approach to repair damaged/degenerated cartilage caused by various diseases or injuries. Because of its limited capacity for self repair cartilage becomes a constriant to normal everyday life once degenerated. This project aims to develop composite polymers for cartilage repair. The potential of this newly developed material for cartilage tissue engineering will be investigated through the material and biological characterisation techniques.
Microperimetry is a clinical tool for measuring central visual function whilst the retina is continuously monitored and retinal testing locus adjusted for eye movements. Regulatory authorities are now considering outcomes of microperimetry as a valid clinical trials endpoint in certain retinal conditions because visual acuity does not always reflect disease progression. This project will validate various types of microperimeters and determine how they should be used to monitor macular diseases.
Molecular Interrogation Of Common Blinding Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,946.00
Summary
Common causes of blindness, such as macular degeneration, myopia, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma will be interrogated using a range of emerging molecular techniques. Large population-based cohorts will be studied to dissect complex gene-environment interactions. Data from case-control cohorts will be interrogated using new epigenetic techniques and Next Generation Sequencing will be used to identify rare disease-causing mutations.
Multiple sclerosis is a particularly devastating disease that affects people early in their lives. This chronic disabling condition is characterized by inflammation and loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds axons. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that certain cell signals may prevent the cells that produce myelin from death in multiple sclerosis. This study will seek to determine how and which signals prevent cell death and whether this may be a potential therapeutic interve ....Multiple sclerosis is a particularly devastating disease that affects people early in their lives. This chronic disabling condition is characterized by inflammation and loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds axons. There is preliminary evidence suggesting that certain cell signals may prevent the cells that produce myelin from death in multiple sclerosis. This study will seek to determine how and which signals prevent cell death and whether this may be a potential therapeutic intervention.Read moreRead less