Highly efficient X-ray storage phosphor for medical and scientific imaging. X-rays are invaluable in medical diagnostics. For example, they are widely used in breast screening programs. However,they can cause cancer even at low doses. Consequently there is a global effort to reduce the X-ray dose by exploring more efficient imaging technologies. The present proposal seeks to exploit our recent discovery of a highly efficient storage phosphor that has the potential to facilitate substantial X-r ....Highly efficient X-ray storage phosphor for medical and scientific imaging. X-rays are invaluable in medical diagnostics. For example, they are widely used in breast screening programs. However,they can cause cancer even at low doses. Consequently there is a global effort to reduce the X-ray dose by exploring more efficient imaging technologies. The present proposal seeks to exploit our recent discovery of a highly efficient storage phosphor that has the potential to facilitate substantial X-ray dose reduction; this is of greatest significance to the general population. Also, the phosphor facilitates higher resolution images, a feature that is highly important in scientific imaging. This project may lead to substantial revenue streams for the nation because it taps into a global multibillion dollar industry.Read moreRead less
Synthesis of nanowires and application as nanosensors for chemical and biological detections. This project is expected to bring significant scientific, economic and social benefits. We will develop a number of techniques for the controlled growth of nanowires and making functional nanoscale systems such as nanosensors. The nanosensors will have important applications in chemistry and biology. Some chemical species can be detected by nanosensors on molecular scale. The nanosensors could be used f ....Synthesis of nanowires and application as nanosensors for chemical and biological detections. This project is expected to bring significant scientific, economic and social benefits. We will develop a number of techniques for the controlled growth of nanowires and making functional nanoscale systems such as nanosensors. The nanosensors will have important applications in chemistry and biology. Some chemical species can be detected by nanosensors on molecular scale. The nanosensors could be used for early diagnostics of cancer disease, detection of viruses, and genomic DNA screening. The nanosensors could also provide a molecular tool for probing living cells without destroying them, through which we can track life within cells in real time.Read moreRead less
Multimodal biomedical imaging probes: development of advanced polymer nanocomposite devices for oncology. Despite significant research being directed toward cancer treatment, 7.6 million people died world wide in 2007. Early detection and treatment is widely recognised as being effective in significantly reducing mortality rates. Biomedical imaging techniques are routinely used for detection and staging of many cancers. However, greater sensitivity is required so that these techniques can be app ....Multimodal biomedical imaging probes: development of advanced polymer nanocomposite devices for oncology. Despite significant research being directed toward cancer treatment, 7.6 million people died world wide in 2007. Early detection and treatment is widely recognised as being effective in significantly reducing mortality rates. Biomedical imaging techniques are routinely used for detection and staging of many cancers. However, greater sensitivity is required so that these techniques can be applied to very early detection of tumours. To overcome this short-coming the next generation of imaging probes will be developed, which will require fundamental investigations in polymer and nanomaterials science to maximise imaging sensitivity and extend probe functionality. Successful outcomes will lead to significant benefits to healthcare in Australia.Read moreRead less
Nanoscale Coating and Biomodification of Colloids for Biological Applications. The research entails the preparation of novel biofunctional colloids of nanometer to micrometer dimensions and their utilisation in biological applications. Self-assembly processes will be exploited to achieve nanoscale biomodification of technologically important colloid particles, including latex beads and rare earth and semiconductor nanoparticles. The studies conducted will generate fundamental knowledge pertainin ....Nanoscale Coating and Biomodification of Colloids for Biological Applications. The research entails the preparation of novel biofunctional colloids of nanometer to micrometer dimensions and their utilisation in biological applications. Self-assembly processes will be exploited to achieve nanoscale biomodification of technologically important colloid particles, including latex beads and rare earth and semiconductor nanoparticles. The studies conducted will generate fundamental knowledge pertaining to the underlying factors that govern the formation of biofunctional colloid particles through self-assembly. This is essential for the development of tailored colloids that will meet the demands placed on nanomaterials synthesis and performance by nanotechnology. The colloids prepared will find new applications in medicine, biocatalysis and bioassays.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560680
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$901,862.00
Summary
Vibrational Spectroscopy Microprobe/FESEM/AFM Imaging of Cells, Tissues and Materials. State-of-the-art vibrational mapping and imaging equipment (integrated with a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM)) will provide enabling technologies for cutting-edge research in disease diagnosis, identification of pathogens, mapping of the entry and distribution of pharmaceutics into cells, and materials research. An InVia Renishaw Raman spectrometer (sub ....Vibrational Spectroscopy Microprobe/FESEM/AFM Imaging of Cells, Tissues and Materials. State-of-the-art vibrational mapping and imaging equipment (integrated with a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM)) will provide enabling technologies for cutting-edge research in disease diagnosis, identification of pathogens, mapping of the entry and distribution of pharmaceutics into cells, and materials research. An InVia Renishaw Raman spectrometer (sub-micron spatial positioning and micron spatial resolution) will be interfaced to an FEI Quanta FESEM for combined Raman (spectroscopic), EDS and SEM (morphological) imaging/mapping at the sub-cellular level. Complementary new-generation Raman and IR spectrometer upgrades will provide an integrated world-class equipment platform.Read moreRead less
Non-invasive diagnosis using micropatches that sample biomarkers from skin. We are developing a technology called the micropatch that is laid onto the surface of the skin. When the patch is pulled away, it retains proteins found in the subsurface skin layers. We believe that by analysing these proteins we will be able to diagnose diseases like cancer earlier and therefore have a better chance of treating them successfully. The process is painless, and doctors already use it to give drugs and vac ....Non-invasive diagnosis using micropatches that sample biomarkers from skin. We are developing a technology called the micropatch that is laid onto the surface of the skin. When the patch is pulled away, it retains proteins found in the subsurface skin layers. We believe that by analysing these proteins we will be able to diagnose diseases like cancer earlier and therefore have a better chance of treating them successfully. The process is painless, and doctors already use it to give drugs and vaccines. In the future we hope that our technology will be simple enough for routine diagnosis, even in the Outback where doctors are hundreds of kilometres awayRead moreRead less
Understanding Electron Transfer through Surface Bound Rigid Molecular Constructs: From Fundamental Studies to New Sensing and Photovoltaic Applications. Electron transfer is not only a vital process in biological systems but is the cornerstone of the new generation of nanoscale devices such as molecular electronics, photovoltaic devices and biosensors. For most applications electron transfer occurs close to a surface but the influence of the surface is not well understood. This project aims ....Understanding Electron Transfer through Surface Bound Rigid Molecular Constructs: From Fundamental Studies to New Sensing and Photovoltaic Applications. Electron transfer is not only a vital process in biological systems but is the cornerstone of the new generation of nanoscale devices such as molecular electronics, photovoltaic devices and biosensors. For most applications electron transfer occurs close to a surface but the influence of the surface is not well understood. This project aims to increase our understanding of the role of surfaces on the electron transfer behaviour using a novel range of rigid 'molecular wires'. The knowledge gained will be exploited in the development of novel biosensors for environmental and health monitoring and new highly efficient solar cells for energy conversion.Read moreRead less
In-line SPE-CE for the direct determination of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids based on porous polymer monoliths. A new approach is proposed for the development of novel micro- and nano-scale solid-phase adsorbent materials. These materials are based on porous polymer monoliths formed in situ within a capillary acting as a mould. The allows the material to be readily placed in a defined position, in a process similar to photo-patterning, and alleviates many of the problems usually as ....In-line SPE-CE for the direct determination of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids based on porous polymer monoliths. A new approach is proposed for the development of novel micro- and nano-scale solid-phase adsorbent materials. These materials are based on porous polymer monoliths formed in situ within a capillary acting as a mould. The allows the material to be readily placed in a defined position, in a process similar to photo-patterning, and alleviates many of the problems usually associated with fabrication and miniaturisation. A simple photo-grafting process, initiated by UV light can be used for the selective chemical modification of these materials. These tailored monoliths can then be used for the in-line coupling of biological sample handling and capillary electrophoresis (CE) for the determination of drugs and related metabolites in biological fluids, thus avoiding time-consuming and costly off-line sample pre-treatment. This will lead to the development of new methods for the rapid determination of drugs, metabolites and other small molecules in clinical samples.Read moreRead less
Bioanalytical Microchips Based on Integrated, Application Tailored Monolithic Modules. Microfluidic devices offer substantial advantages over current technology, in terms of speed, cost of analysis, portability, operator simplicity and safety. Integrating multiple analytical processes within a simple and reliable portable device will lead to application in a range of areas, from pharmacology to therapeutic drug monitoring, proteomic and metabolomic screening for disease diagnosis and drug develo ....Bioanalytical Microchips Based on Integrated, Application Tailored Monolithic Modules. Microfluidic devices offer substantial advantages over current technology, in terms of speed, cost of analysis, portability, operator simplicity and safety. Integrating multiple analytical processes within a simple and reliable portable device will lead to application in a range of areas, from pharmacology to therapeutic drug monitoring, proteomic and metabolomic screening for disease diagnosis and drug development, and also for performing clinical diagnostics in a rural area. This will significantly impact on the quality of life of the Nation as a whole, not only due to expedient diagnosis and treatment which has obvious health benefits, but also in the considerable financial benefits that result from early and efficient treatment. Read moreRead less
Three Dimensional Anti-biofouling Conducting Polymer Hydrogel Electrodes for Biosensor and Biofuel cell Applications. Exploitation of advances in nanotechnology, electrochemical technology, biosensor, biofuel cell and material science are important to Australia's prosperity from a societal industrial perspective. Currently, research in this field is being actively conducted around the world due to their huge potential for commercial applications. Therefore, through the development of new princi ....Three Dimensional Anti-biofouling Conducting Polymer Hydrogel Electrodes for Biosensor and Biofuel cell Applications. Exploitation of advances in nanotechnology, electrochemical technology, biosensor, biofuel cell and material science are important to Australia's prosperity from a societal industrial perspective. Currently, research in this field is being actively conducted around the world due to their huge potential for commercial applications. Therefore, through the development of new principles and concepts, and the synthesis of newly designed materials, this project will bring significant benefits in improving the efficiency of these devices and to promote Australian leadership in the field of medical devices and alternative energy generation.Read moreRead less