Polymer nanoparticles and their assembled supracolloidal monolithic structures for applications in separation science. This project will generate new polymeric materials that will improve the analysis of complex samples. This will be applied in a wide range of areas of national importance including: pharmaceutical analysis and drug discovery; environmental, clinical and forensic analysis; and energy generation and foods.
Enhancing Selectivity and Detection in Miniaturised Analytical Separation Systems. Miniaturisation-compatible stationary phases and detection techniques will be developed for microseparation techniques of capillary electrochromatography and chip-based separation systems, and their analytical applications will be investigated. Replaceable stationary phases (RSP) of chromatographic particles suspended in reversible gels will be created by delivering a liquid RSP to the column followed by in situ ....Enhancing Selectivity and Detection in Miniaturised Analytical Separation Systems. Miniaturisation-compatible stationary phases and detection techniques will be developed for microseparation techniques of capillary electrochromatography and chip-based separation systems, and their analytical applications will be investigated. Replaceable stationary phases (RSP) of chromatographic particles suspended in reversible gels will be created by delivering a liquid RSP to the column followed by in situ immobilisation. This approach offers flexibility in optimising a number of parameters of the column and of its use for sample pre-treatment and preconcentration. Pulsed potentiometric detection will be developed for the abovementioned microseparation techniques, combining the advantages of pulsed amperometric techniques with the more universally responding potentiometric detection.Read moreRead less
Self-assembled nanolayers of functionalised latexes as selective and adaptable nano-stationary phases in separation science. A new approach is proposed for the design and synthesis of functionalised ion-exchange stationary phases for analytical nano-separation methods. Desired charged functional groups are first affixed chemically onto nanometre sized latex particles and these particles are then self-assembled mechanically as monoloayer coatings onto a suitable supporting template such as fused ....Self-assembled nanolayers of functionalised latexes as selective and adaptable nano-stationary phases in separation science. A new approach is proposed for the design and synthesis of functionalised ion-exchange stationary phases for analytical nano-separation methods. Desired charged functional groups are first affixed chemically onto nanometre sized latex particles and these particles are then self-assembled mechanically as monoloayer coatings onto a suitable supporting template such as fused silica, monolithic silica or polymer beds, microfibres or microtubes, and channels in microchips. The resultant coated surface then acts as a highly efficient ion-exchange stationary phase which will be used in a wide range of separation technologies including ion chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography and solid-phase microextraction.Read moreRead less
Resolving dissolved organic matter: new multi-dimensional separation approaches. To fully understand and model global carbon cycles the source, nature and fate of oceanic dissolved organic carbon is an essential element. This project will develop, model and apply new orthogonol and complementary separation science based technologies to further the comprehensive characterisation and understanding of these complex systems.
Carbonaceous adsorbents for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. This project aims to develop a new generation of mechanically and thermally stable carbon-nanocarbon composite adsorbents for ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of adsorbents will be constructed according to advanced core-shell design with non-porous carbon central core and porous shell formed by highly ordered uniform nanocarbon particles. The unique properties of carbon-nanocarbon composite adsor ....Carbonaceous adsorbents for ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. This project aims to develop a new generation of mechanically and thermally stable carbon-nanocarbon composite adsorbents for ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of adsorbents will be constructed according to advanced core-shell design with non-porous carbon central core and porous shell formed by highly ordered uniform nanocarbon particles. The unique properties of carbon-nanocarbon composite adsorbents will put liquid chromatography to qualitatively new levels of the separation performance that may open new possibilities for medicine and biodiagnostics. The resulting technology also has a strong potential to be used in other priority areas such as preparation of electrodes and supercapacitors for energy storage devices.Read moreRead less
Integrated microfluidic device for the direct analysis of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids. Due to the way in which multiple processes are integrated in a micro Total Analysis System (µTAS), they offer substantial advantages over current technology, in terms of speed, cost of analysis, portability and operator simplicity and safety. This has considerable potential benefit for Australia, specifically for the remote and rural analysis of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids such a ....Integrated microfluidic device for the direct analysis of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids. Due to the way in which multiple processes are integrated in a micro Total Analysis System (µTAS), they offer substantial advantages over current technology, in terms of speed, cost of analysis, portability and operator simplicity and safety. This has considerable potential benefit for Australia, specifically for the remote and rural analysis of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids such as blood, serum, urine and saliva. These devices will have application for point-of-care testing in therapeutic drug monitoring, which will improve medical treatment and the patient's quality of life, as well as for on-site analysis in forensics for the rapid determination of illicit drugs and performance enhancing substances in our elite athletes.
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Micro-electrofluidic platforms for monitoring 3D human biological models. The ability to study living cells and human biological models (cell cultures) delivers greater understanding of basic biological function and response to applied (bio)chemical stimuli. Creating the physical environments to sustain biological models, and mimic natural conditions and fluidic pathways, is immensely challenging, yet essential to deliver meaningful observational data. This project will deliver this capability t ....Micro-electrofluidic platforms for monitoring 3D human biological models. The ability to study living cells and human biological models (cell cultures) delivers greater understanding of basic biological function and response to applied (bio)chemical stimuli. Creating the physical environments to sustain biological models, and mimic natural conditions and fluidic pathways, is immensely challenging, yet essential to deliver meaningful observational data. This project will deliver this capability through the convergence of expertise and innovation in analytical chemistry, materials science and cellular biology, ultilising the latest technology and understanding of 3D micro/electrofluidics, to enable the study and stimulation of advanced biological models, sustained within precisely controlled 3D micro-environments.Read moreRead less
Towards Microfluidic-Based Advanced Remote Analysis. The research under this project will establish and systematically develop Advanced Remote Analysis as a new inter-disciplinary area and establish a leadership role for Australia. By addressing pressing needs such as monitoring the environment, remote medical diagnostics, advancing Australian science and technology, or monitoring for traces of explosives, this project falls directly into all four of the National Research Priorities with applica ....Towards Microfluidic-Based Advanced Remote Analysis. The research under this project will establish and systematically develop Advanced Remote Analysis as a new inter-disciplinary area and establish a leadership role for Australia. By addressing pressing needs such as monitoring the environment, remote medical diagnostics, advancing Australian science and technology, or monitoring for traces of explosives, this project falls directly into all four of the National Research Priorities with applications addressing corresponding Priority Goals. Other areas benefiting from the outcomes of this project will be remote monitoring of agricultural production including living species, and a number of other industries such as biotechnology, mineral processing, power generation etc.Read moreRead less
Polymer Inclusion Membranes for Electrokinetic Sampling and Separation. This proposal aims to understand the chemical and physical properties governing the transport of ions into and within advanced extracting polymeric materials, known as polymer inclusion membranes, under the influence of an applied voltage. These membranes are dry-to-touch and represent a new and potentially powerful analytical platform for environmental, medical and industry sample preparation. By understanding the transport ....Polymer Inclusion Membranes for Electrokinetic Sampling and Separation. This proposal aims to understand the chemical and physical properties governing the transport of ions into and within advanced extracting polymeric materials, known as polymer inclusion membranes, under the influence of an applied voltage. These membranes are dry-to-touch and represent a new and potentially powerful analytical platform for environmental, medical and industry sample preparation. By understanding the transport mechanism, new membranes will be developed, capable of purifying and concentrating diverse targets chemicals from liquid and solid samples. These processes can take place during sample transportation to a centralised laboratory thus simplifying and streamlining analysis upon arrival to decrease drastically its costs.Read moreRead less
3D printed microchemical devices and systems. This project aims to address the barriers faced by 3D printing in chemistry. 3D printing can create bespoke 3D structures within a fraction of time and cost compared to traditional fabrication. However, its scope in chemistry has been limited by the poor chemical robustness, biotoxicity and low resolution of the 3D printed components. Hence, this project will develop novel gold coating techniques and explore high-resolution 3D printing to overcome th ....3D printed microchemical devices and systems. This project aims to address the barriers faced by 3D printing in chemistry. 3D printing can create bespoke 3D structures within a fraction of time and cost compared to traditional fabrication. However, its scope in chemistry has been limited by the poor chemical robustness, biotoxicity and low resolution of the 3D printed components. Hence, this project will develop novel gold coating techniques and explore high-resolution 3D printing to overcome these challenges. The project should generate commercially significant products (analytical platforms), technology (gold coating) and patents. The developed systems and technologies will address Australian research challenges in advanced manufacturing and enable on-site environmental monitoring.Read moreRead less