Designing functional biomaterials with superior cellular interactions. This proposal aims to make a new class of biomaterials that direct important cellular functions such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. This will be achieved by developing materials that leverage a previously unexplored mechanism that was recently identified in my lab: the co-engagement of integrin and syndecan-4 cell receptors. We will use these biomaterials to 1) fabricate 3D printed tissue engineering scaffo ....Designing functional biomaterials with superior cellular interactions. This proposal aims to make a new class of biomaterials that direct important cellular functions such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. This will be achieved by developing materials that leverage a previously unexplored mechanism that was recently identified in my lab: the co-engagement of integrin and syndecan-4 cell receptors. We will use these biomaterials to 1) fabricate 3D printed tissue engineering scaffolds with a superior ability to promote the development of new tissue, and 2) create surfaces that will enable us to answer fundamental scientific questions regarding cell adhesion and cell/material interactions.Read moreRead less
Bone regulation - cell interactions to disease. Many bone disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease and chancer related bone diseases are directly related to disruption of communication pathways between bone cells leading to imbalances in bone remodeling. Although these disorders are common and cause considerable suffering, in most cases little is known about the mechanisms responsible for dysfunctional remodeling. Understanding the communication network between bone cells and their inter ....Bone regulation - cell interactions to disease. Many bone disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease and chancer related bone diseases are directly related to disruption of communication pathways between bone cells leading to imbalances in bone remodeling. Although these disorders are common and cause considerable suffering, in most cases little is known about the mechanisms responsible for dysfunctional remodeling. Understanding the communication network between bone cells and their interaction with drugs is essential in order to develop new therapies and to effectively design novel biological compatible bone implants. This research proposal closely aligns with national research priority two, i.e., promoting and maintaining good health (ageing well, ageing productively).Read moreRead less
Tissue distraction: A novel approach to enhance tissue growth for soft tissue engineering purposes. This project will provide new tissues for the expanding field of regenerative medicine to treat numerous tissue defects and
1.Benefit the health & economic well being of Australian society by rapidly supplying organs and tissues.
2.Benefit the academic community by a multidisciplinary approach, involving several academic Institutions in the fields of surgery, tissue engineering, physiology, morph ....Tissue distraction: A novel approach to enhance tissue growth for soft tissue engineering purposes. This project will provide new tissues for the expanding field of regenerative medicine to treat numerous tissue defects and
1.Benefit the health & economic well being of Australian society by rapidly supplying organs and tissues.
2.Benefit the academic community by a multidisciplinary approach, involving several academic Institutions in the fields of surgery, tissue engineering, physiology, morphology, polymer chemistry & biomolecular engineering that will produce basic scientific data with a practical application. Post-graduate students and staff will train & gain significant knowledge in this area.
3. Benefit industry through new product development and IP. This project advances a platform technology with multiple applications.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100302
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$461,300.00
Summary
A long-lasting interface for communicating with the brain. This project aims to address the most urgent challenges in developing the next generation of implantable devices for communicating with the brain. Using a new type of carbon-based electrode, along with light therapy, this project expects to build innovative technologies that can greatly enhance the functionality and longevity of these devices. Expected outcomes include a novel tool that can be implemented to obtain detailed insights into ....A long-lasting interface for communicating with the brain. This project aims to address the most urgent challenges in developing the next generation of implantable devices for communicating with the brain. Using a new type of carbon-based electrode, along with light therapy, this project expects to build innovative technologies that can greatly enhance the functionality and longevity of these devices. Expected outcomes include a novel tool that can be implemented to obtain detailed insights into neural circuits, advancing our understanding of neural function and pioneering feedback and closed-loop neuroscience. This project should provide significant benefits in neuroscience research and the neural interface industry, both of which have the ultimate goal to unlock the mysteries of the brain.Read moreRead less
Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for ....Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for their survival. This proposal tackles this urgent problem by applying advanced nanostructured materials with stem cells, to assist the body in the repair of the spinal cord following injury. Read moreRead less
Nerve regeneration using light responsive hydrogels and stem cells. Diseases of the brain and mind are already the single largest burden of disease in the western world, being greater than cardiac or malignant disease. With Australia's ageing demographic, diseases of the brain and mind will continue to outstrip all other medical causes of loss of productive working life and quality of life. This proposal will confront this serious issue using nanostructured intelligent materials, moving towards ....Nerve regeneration using light responsive hydrogels and stem cells. Diseases of the brain and mind are already the single largest burden of disease in the western world, being greater than cardiac or malignant disease. With Australia's ageing demographic, diseases of the brain and mind will continue to outstrip all other medical causes of loss of productive working life and quality of life. This proposal will confront this serious issue using nanostructured intelligent materials, moving towards the realization of effective stem cell therapies.Read moreRead less
Special Research Initiatives - Grant ID: SR0354583
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$10,000.00
Summary
Biodevice fabrication through intelligent surface modification. Achieving the reliable control of the attachment of proteins and other macromolecules to surfaces needed for sophisticated biosensors and medical diagnostics requires expertise and infrastructure from a diverse range of disciplines from the physical, chemical and biological sciences and engineering. This network will bring together researchers from a multidisciplinary pool working on problems relevant to the creation of functional s ....Biodevice fabrication through intelligent surface modification. Achieving the reliable control of the attachment of proteins and other macromolecules to surfaces needed for sophisticated biosensors and medical diagnostics requires expertise and infrastructure from a diverse range of disciplines from the physical, chemical and biological sciences and engineering. This network will bring together researchers from a multidisciplinary pool working on problems relevant to the creation of functional surfaces for applications in biodevices. The program we envisage will break down the barriers imposed by disciplinary boundaries and technical terminology to bring together the skills and infrastructure required to make rapid advances in this field.Read moreRead less
Next Generation Fluorescent Tools for Measuring Autophagy Dynamics in Cells. This project aims to create new molecular tools for detecting a crucial cell survival process called autophagy. Specifically, this project will develop small molecule fluorescent probes that are specific to autophagy, for the first time, by interacting with the key autophagy marker proteins or cargos. This will allow researchers to visualise and quantify autophagy activity in living cells without disrupting the system, ....Next Generation Fluorescent Tools for Measuring Autophagy Dynamics in Cells. This project aims to create new molecular tools for detecting a crucial cell survival process called autophagy. Specifically, this project will develop small molecule fluorescent probes that are specific to autophagy, for the first time, by interacting with the key autophagy marker proteins or cargos. This will allow researchers to visualise and quantify autophagy activity in living cells without disrupting the system, which is not currently possible. This project represents a major technical and knowledge advance that will improve our understanding of autophagy in fundamental biology and ultimately contribute to the development of new intervention strategies for diseases like neurodegeneration and cancers.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989471
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Facility for innovation in structural biomaterials engineering. Biomaterials are used in a diverse range of environments that impact on the way that all Australians live. The Facility for Innovation in Structural Biomaterials Engineering will greatly assist researchers to undertake cross-disciplinary projects aimed at improving human health eg. smart materials that assist stem cell therapies for treating deafness and spinal cord injuries, as well the way we live eg. more durable building materia ....Facility for innovation in structural biomaterials engineering. Biomaterials are used in a diverse range of environments that impact on the way that all Australians live. The Facility for Innovation in Structural Biomaterials Engineering will greatly assist researchers to undertake cross-disciplinary projects aimed at improving human health eg. smart materials that assist stem cell therapies for treating deafness and spinal cord injuries, as well the way we live eg. more durable building materials for a sustainable national infrastructure. The facility will help Australia remain at the forefront of these high priority areas and see both individuals and industry benefit from advanced biomaterial products.Read moreRead less
Microstructural-Functional Effect of Silver Diammine Fluoride on Apatites. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding at the nanostructural level of the factors that contribute to the enhanced mineralisation and mechanical properties of dentine and enamel following the treatment with silver diammine fluoride (SDF). A variety of advanced nanomechanical, tomographic and microscopic techniques will be used to characterise sound, carious and SDF treated tissue. The new biomechanical ev ....Microstructural-Functional Effect of Silver Diammine Fluoride on Apatites. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding at the nanostructural level of the factors that contribute to the enhanced mineralisation and mechanical properties of dentine and enamel following the treatment with silver diammine fluoride (SDF). A variety of advanced nanomechanical, tomographic and microscopic techniques will be used to characterise sound, carious and SDF treated tissue. The new biomechanical evidence on the underlying mechanisms, alternative protocols, delivery systems enable to optimise the treatment. The scientific insights into arresting/repairing damage processes will provide critical data for developing minimal intervention protocols for pediatric and geriatric populations.Read moreRead less