Bioinorganic chemistry between immune cell and pathogen. This project aims to investigate the bioinorganic chemistry that occurs when immune system cells encounter pathogens and they try to kill one another, or in the case of a pathogen, to also modify the genetics of the mammalian cell to enable its intracellular survival. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi accumulate chromium (Cr) in their membranes and it was recently discovered that Cr is likely to be an important virulence factor. Similarly, H ....Bioinorganic chemistry between immune cell and pathogen. This project aims to investigate the bioinorganic chemistry that occurs when immune system cells encounter pathogens and they try to kill one another, or in the case of a pathogen, to also modify the genetics of the mammalian cell to enable its intracellular survival. Pathogenic bacteria and fungi accumulate chromium (Cr) in their membranes and it was recently discovered that Cr is likely to be an important virulence factor. Similarly, Hyperaccummulation of Nickel (Ni) is also involved in virulence. The project will investigate the roles of Cr and Ni in virulence using advanced spectroscopic imaging and biochemical techniques. These insights will provide new knowledge on the innate immune system and may lead to more efficacious treatments for serious infections.Read moreRead less
Illuminating hidden processes in emissive lanthanoid complexes. This project aims to understand the antenna effect used to sensitise lanthanoid luminescence. Despite their use in modern high-tech applications, from optical fibre amplifiers (telecommunications) to luminescent probes and sensors (biological imaging), understanding is largely based on speculation or generalised 'rules-of-thumb', severely limiting progress in the field. This project will research these processes, using chemical synt ....Illuminating hidden processes in emissive lanthanoid complexes. This project aims to understand the antenna effect used to sensitise lanthanoid luminescence. Despite their use in modern high-tech applications, from optical fibre amplifiers (telecommunications) to luminescent probes and sensors (biological imaging), understanding is largely based on speculation or generalised 'rules-of-thumb', severely limiting progress in the field. This project will research these processes, using chemical synthesis, theory and spectroscopic techniques. This is expected to lead to new emissive lanthanoid-based compounds using 'a priori' approaches, with better performance than current gold standards and references. Intellectual property created will lead to new commercial products, and to creation of new Australian based spin-off/start-up companies.Read moreRead less