Nanoporous siloxane membranes for ultrasound mediated ophthalmic drug delivery. This project will develop tailored polymers for use in a novel non-invasive ocular drug delivery device which treats vision threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The outcomes of this project will enable an entirely new ocular drug delivery technology, thereby delivering significant benefit to ophthalmic healthcare.
Novel fuel-cell structures based on electroactive polymers. This project will tackle some of the challenges currently hindering progression of our society into a post-petroleum era via materials developments that will lead to in-expensive, more efficient fuel cell technologies. Specifically, a new class of organic catalysts and novel ion conducting membranes will be integrated into functional fuel-cells.
New materials for manipulating intracellular communication. This project aims to identify new techniques for incorporating cell-signalling triggers into macromolecules, therefore enabling the development of next-generation stimuli-responsive nanoparticles that can emit signalling molecules on demand. Harnessing nanomaterials to stimulate specific sub-cellular processes is a neglected area in nanotechnology research. These nanoparticles could potentially be used to deliver signalling molecules fo ....New materials for manipulating intracellular communication. This project aims to identify new techniques for incorporating cell-signalling triggers into macromolecules, therefore enabling the development of next-generation stimuli-responsive nanoparticles that can emit signalling molecules on demand. Harnessing nanomaterials to stimulate specific sub-cellular processes is a neglected area in nanotechnology research. These nanoparticles could potentially be used to deliver signalling molecules for agricultural, pharmaceutical and veterinary applications. The project is expected to develop a new suite of materials that could ultimately be used to improve the yield of important commercial crops, or revitalise the use of medicines limited by their poor side effect profile.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC210100023
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,943,949.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites. There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. This Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundance of the requisite natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. The aim is to deliver leading edge research with a holistic focus on technical, social, policy and end of life so ....ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites. There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. This Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundance of the requisite natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. The aim is to deliver leading edge research with a holistic focus on technical, social, policy and end of life solutions, training a cohort of industry ready research specialists to underpin Australia’s transition to a globally significant bioplastics and biocomposites industry, while at the same time laying the foundations for accelerated growth in this space.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170101249
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Polymers with controllable networks. This project aims to understand the mechanism and molecular level factors controlling the network flexibility, reversibility and rapid curing of cross-linked polymer structures. A highly formable, rapidly curing polymer network could improve manufacture of composites where a fibre material is embedded in a polymer matrix. The key challenges for these materials are achieving high rates of production (one part per minute) and end of life recyclability. Expected ....Polymers with controllable networks. This project aims to understand the mechanism and molecular level factors controlling the network flexibility, reversibility and rapid curing of cross-linked polymer structures. A highly formable, rapidly curing polymer network could improve manufacture of composites where a fibre material is embedded in a polymer matrix. The key challenges for these materials are achieving high rates of production (one part per minute) and end of life recyclability. Expected outcomes are polymer materials with tailorable properties and the uptake of lightweight composite materials into mass transport systems.Read moreRead less
Developing next generation click chemistry. This project aims to develop next generation click chemistry as an enabling synthetic technology for creating functional molecules. Click-philosophy, that 'all searches must be restricted to molecules that are easy to make', is a key requirement for rapid discovery of useful functional materials, medicines and molecular tools. Click linkers make this possible, and the project will develop a new range of asymmetric 3D-Connectors based upon readily avail ....Developing next generation click chemistry. This project aims to develop next generation click chemistry as an enabling synthetic technology for creating functional molecules. Click-philosophy, that 'all searches must be restricted to molecules that are easy to make', is a key requirement for rapid discovery of useful functional materials, medicines and molecular tools. Click linkers make this possible, and the project will develop a new range of asymmetric 3D-Connectors based upon readily available, yet unexplored main group gasses, and will demonstrate their usefulness in several applications including the synthesis of new polymers. The project will also develop the first general asymmetric Click reaction, which will have significant impact in biological applications and materials science. This project will result in the development of new synthetic chemistry technology that will have a global impact, which will add value to the knowledge economy of Australia and contribute skills and training to the next generation of Australian scientists.Read moreRead less
Next Generation Polymeric Scaffolds For Dual Agent Delivery. This project aims to provide a novel suite of degradable polymeric scaffolds for releasing multiple active agents with tailored release profiles by utilising both polymer and small molecule synthesis techniques. The project expects to generate new copolymers and polymer networks that exploit molecular architecture to regulate the release profile of the active agents incorporated. The expected outcome is the establishment of design crit ....Next Generation Polymeric Scaffolds For Dual Agent Delivery. This project aims to provide a novel suite of degradable polymeric scaffolds for releasing multiple active agents with tailored release profiles by utilising both polymer and small molecule synthesis techniques. The project expects to generate new copolymers and polymer networks that exploit molecular architecture to regulate the release profile of the active agents incorporated. The expected outcome is the establishment of design criteria for tailoring the release of active agent from the polymer scaffold. This should provide significant benefits by developing a new technology platform that could be readily adapted to applications in agriculture, pharmaceutical science and veterinary medicine where controlled release is required.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100203
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
Accessing the third dimension in scanning electron microscopy for rapid, high resolution tomography of large samples. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of materials is essential for modern research. This facility will allow rapid three-dimensional imaging of materials within a scanning electron microscope, including sustainable polymers, tissues from plants and nanocomposites. This will enable high-quality research in science, engineering and medicine.
Microstructure effect on energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibres. This project aims to provide new knowledge about how to manipulate the energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibrous mats by changing the fibre structure, components and mat configuration. Expected outcomes of the project are new fibrous materials capable of efficiently converting small mechanical forces and sounds into electricity. These high performance energy harvesting fibres will be useful for developing new power ....Microstructure effect on energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibres. This project aims to provide new knowledge about how to manipulate the energy harvesting ability of electrospun fibrous mats by changing the fibre structure, components and mat configuration. Expected outcomes of the project are new fibrous materials capable of efficiently converting small mechanical forces and sounds into electricity. These high performance energy harvesting fibres will be useful for developing new power supplies, self-powered electronics, self-sustainable sensor networks and electronic textiles.Read moreRead less
A Novel Approach to Polymer/Nanosheet Composites and Their Fundamentals. Multifunctional Polymer/nanosheet composites have not yet been widely scaled up in polymer processing and composite industries mainly due to cost and inhaling hazard. This project proposes a novel methodology which embeds nanosheet preparation within polymer melt to both remove the inhaling hazard and lower the cost; the key is to develop two groups of nanosheet intercalation compounds which can expand at the polymer proces ....A Novel Approach to Polymer/Nanosheet Composites and Their Fundamentals. Multifunctional Polymer/nanosheet composites have not yet been widely scaled up in polymer processing and composite industries mainly due to cost and inhaling hazard. This project proposes a novel methodology which embeds nanosheet preparation within polymer melt to both remove the inhaling hazard and lower the cost; the key is to develop two groups of nanosheet intercalation compounds which can expand at the polymer processing temperature, to exfoliate and disperse nanosheets in polymers. It is expected to generate new knowledge of the structure-property relationships and fracture mechanisms of these composites, for industry to scale up this technology and to develop new product.Read moreRead less