A Multi-Optrode Array for Closed-Loop Bionics. We will design, implement and characterise a disruptive multi-channel optrode array (MOA) to record and stimulate excitable living tissue. The MOA will be a combination of individual optical electrodes (optrodes) that either comprise a new class of liquid crystals, used to passively sense extracellular biopotentials, or microphotovoltaic cells that will be used for electrical stimulation of excitable tissue. By employing light for communication with ....A Multi-Optrode Array for Closed-Loop Bionics. We will design, implement and characterise a disruptive multi-channel optrode array (MOA) to record and stimulate excitable living tissue. The MOA will be a combination of individual optical electrodes (optrodes) that either comprise a new class of liquid crystals, used to passively sense extracellular biopotentials, or microphotovoltaic cells that will be used for electrical stimulation of excitable tissue. By employing light for communication with optrodes, this new approach alleviates many of the wiring, packaging and encapsulation issues associated with existing devices. Computational modelling and in vitro testing in cardiac tissue and retinal neurons will demonstrate the utility of the MOA to sense and control electrical activity.Read moreRead less
Design of an optrode for next generation brain-machine interfaces. The project plans to use a new class of liquid crystals – deformed helix ferroelectric (DHF) liquid crystal – to sense extracellular biopotentials. In response to an applied electrical field, it has been shown that DHF crystals can modulate a polarised light source with extraordinary sensitivity and linear response down to the microvolt range. Using this technology, the project plans to initially design and test a single optrode ....Design of an optrode for next generation brain-machine interfaces. The project plans to use a new class of liquid crystals – deformed helix ferroelectric (DHF) liquid crystal – to sense extracellular biopotentials. In response to an applied electrical field, it has been shown that DHF crystals can modulate a polarised light source with extraordinary sensitivity and linear response down to the microvolt range. Using this technology, the project plans to initially design and test a single optrode device on the bench, before in vitro testing and characterisation using two-photon microscopy. The final design would be a higher density sensor array using a fibre optic source and multiple optical couplers. This may support the development of new ways to implant sensing and diagnostic devices in the body.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100241
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,000.00
Summary
Seeing deeply inside the body with the world's smallest microscope. This project aims to develop the world's smallest in vivo microscope that can image the interior of living organisms at a subcellular resolution in a minimally invasive way. The project will shrink an entire microscope to the size of an optical fibre – as thin as a single strand of hair – and image deep regions of the central nervous system. This is expected to improve diagnostic tools and the knowledge of degenerative brain dis ....Seeing deeply inside the body with the world's smallest microscope. This project aims to develop the world's smallest in vivo microscope that can image the interior of living organisms at a subcellular resolution in a minimally invasive way. The project will shrink an entire microscope to the size of an optical fibre – as thin as a single strand of hair – and image deep regions of the central nervous system. This is expected to improve diagnostic tools and the knowledge of degenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This project aims to completely transform the landscape of biomedical research and industry, with expected discoveries revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of brain conditions.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180100009
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,058.00
Summary
Spatial, spectral and temporal imaging through multimode optical fibre. This project aims to develop technologies for imaging through a multimode fibre that controls and measures each property of light; amplitude, phase, polarisation, wavelength and space as it propagates through an optical fibre. This will be pursued through the development of three prototype systems, where each system targets a particular property of light. The outcomes would ultimately enable multimode fibres to act as ultrac ....Spatial, spectral and temporal imaging through multimode optical fibre. This project aims to develop technologies for imaging through a multimode fibre that controls and measures each property of light; amplitude, phase, polarisation, wavelength and space as it propagates through an optical fibre. This will be pursued through the development of three prototype systems, where each system targets a particular property of light. The outcomes would ultimately enable multimode fibres to act as ultracompact, general-purpose optical conduits into the body through which a wide array of biomedical techniques can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion not currently possible. This project will provide significant benefit to the study of fundamental phenomena in optical fibres.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100843
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Regulating gene delivery with light. This project seeks to deliver the capacity to remotely deliver molecules into specific cells without the need for invasive or viral procedures. Individual genetic predisposition to disease forms a key part of personalised medicine that requires the accurate delivery of drugs or genes. This project aims to develop a new multimodality microscopy that can investigate and optimise light delivery of macromolecules into living cells at high specificity and across a ....Regulating gene delivery with light. This project seeks to deliver the capacity to remotely deliver molecules into specific cells without the need for invasive or viral procedures. Individual genetic predisposition to disease forms a key part of personalised medicine that requires the accurate delivery of drugs or genes. This project aims to develop a new multimodality microscopy that can investigate and optimise light delivery of macromolecules into living cells at high specificity and across a multitude of cells. The expected outcome of this project is a new form of in vivo molecular delivery system using light.Read moreRead less
Three dimensional (3D) optical coherence tomography in cancer. This project will establish for the first time how well 3D optical coherence tomography, a form of medical imaging, can image cancer. Based on this, a version built into a needle will be developed which will enable extension much deeper into tissues than previously possible to image cancer and to guide related surgical procedures.