Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101191
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Formation of the osteocyte network in bone matrix. The formation of new bone, which occurs throughout life for bone renewal and acutely after fractures, entraps a network of cells that can detect micro-damage and direct repair mechanisms. Mathematical and computational methods will be used to understand how this network can lead to a self-detecting and self-repairing biomaterial.
Novel biomimetic vascular biomaterials using extracellular matrix molecules. There is currently a pressing, unmet need for biodegradable, functional biomaterials that support endothelial cell interactions and vascular regeneration. Lack of sufficient vascular regeneration is the biggest obstacle in translating advances in biomaterials development to clinical, diagnostic and research applications. This project aims to address this need by developing novel biomaterial platforms that mimic the extr ....Novel biomimetic vascular biomaterials using extracellular matrix molecules. There is currently a pressing, unmet need for biodegradable, functional biomaterials that support endothelial cell interactions and vascular regeneration. Lack of sufficient vascular regeneration is the biggest obstacle in translating advances in biomaterials development to clinical, diagnostic and research applications. This project aims to address this need by developing novel biomaterial platforms that mimic the extracellular matrix of the vascular niche. We plan to utilise unique extracellular matrix domains and bioprinting techniques to control and guide endothelial cell functions. We could thus contribute to the knowledge base in vascular biology and bioengineering, forming the basis for vascular materials of the future.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE210100001
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$875,000.00
Summary
A 3-photon imaging system for deep live imaging. This project aims to establish Australia’s first 3-photon microscope system with adaptive optics for deep intravital imaging. This advanced imaging system will enable researchers to investigate the biology of cells and tissue structures in a wide range of organs and engineered tissues, to a degree not possible with existing technology. This project will capitalise on advanced laser, microscope and adaptive optics technologies with the expected out ....A 3-photon imaging system for deep live imaging. This project aims to establish Australia’s first 3-photon microscope system with adaptive optics for deep intravital imaging. This advanced imaging system will enable researchers to investigate the biology of cells and tissue structures in a wide range of organs and engineered tissues, to a degree not possible with existing technology. This project will capitalise on advanced laser, microscope and adaptive optics technologies with the expected outcomes to include the generation of new knowledge of major biological systems, including the immune system and the nervous system. This will provide significant benefits to fundamental interdisciplinary research into immunology, infectious disease, neuroscience, mechanobiology and engineering.Read moreRead less
Nanoengineering of Biomaterial Surfaces to Tailor Innate Immune Responses. The overarching aim of this project is to provide a mechanistic understanding of how surface nanotopography affects inflammatory responses. Recently, we showed that surface nanotopography induced conformational changes in adsorbed proteins can activate or deactivate immune cells. These exciting findings are important because they show that it may be possible to engineer the nanotopography of a biomedical device surface in ....Nanoengineering of Biomaterial Surfaces to Tailor Innate Immune Responses. The overarching aim of this project is to provide a mechanistic understanding of how surface nanotopography affects inflammatory responses. Recently, we showed that surface nanotopography induced conformational changes in adsorbed proteins can activate or deactivate immune cells. These exciting findings are important because they show that it may be possible to engineer the nanotopography of a biomedical device surface in a manner which leads to a desired and predictable level of inflammation. The outcomes of the project will create new fundamental knowledge that in the future can instruct the development of the next generation of biomaterials capable of controlling and directing the body’s inflammatory responses.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE200100163
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
Live Cell Super Resolution Imaging Facility. The recent convergence of nanoscience and biology heralds a new era for the development of new biotechnologies. Advances in this field are critically dependent on being able to explore and understand the interactions of nanomaterials with cells in their live, dynamic state. This proposal aims to establish a Live Cell Super Resolution Imaging Facility, which will enable dynamic nanomaterial–cell interactions to be interrogated. This facility will under ....Live Cell Super Resolution Imaging Facility. The recent convergence of nanoscience and biology heralds a new era for the development of new biotechnologies. Advances in this field are critically dependent on being able to explore and understand the interactions of nanomaterials with cells in their live, dynamic state. This proposal aims to establish a Live Cell Super Resolution Imaging Facility, which will enable dynamic nanomaterial–cell interactions to be interrogated. This facility will underpin leading research programs at The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Bionics Institute, promoting synergies across the physical and biological sciences for generating new knowledge and advancing bio-nanoscience and technology.Read moreRead less
Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Platelet storage is limited to five to seven days before there is a reduction in viable platelets. This results in a continual mismatch between supply and demand resulting in patients in remotes areas or those that have rare phenotypes missing out on platelets. It also results in the wastage of platelets because they expire before they can be used clinically. This project aims to extend the platelet shelf life beyond seven days by de ....Biomimetic blood bag materials for prolonged platelet storage. Platelet storage is limited to five to seven days before there is a reduction in viable platelets. This results in a continual mismatch between supply and demand resulting in patients in remotes areas or those that have rare phenotypes missing out on platelets. It also results in the wastage of platelets because they expire before they can be used clinically. This project aims to extend the platelet shelf life beyond seven days by developing biomimetic blood bag materials that reflect the natural molecular structures of blood vessels through the use of novel synthetic and biological materials. With the realisation of longer platelet storage times, this project aims to have significant impacts on the health and economic benefits of Australians.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100220
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Fluorescence and internal reflection system to develop lab-on-chip devices. Fluorescence and internal reflection system to develop lab-on-chip devices:
The aim of this project is to develop and establish a state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging facility. It aims to establish a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope combined with high speed epifluorescence imaging workstation that will be tailored to specifically investigate the fundamentals of blood cell, and vascular cell function. T ....Fluorescence and internal reflection system to develop lab-on-chip devices. Fluorescence and internal reflection system to develop lab-on-chip devices:
The aim of this project is to develop and establish a state-of-the-art fluorescence imaging facility. It aims to establish a total internal reflection fluorescence microscope combined with high speed epifluorescence imaging workstation that will be tailored to specifically investigate the fundamentals of blood cell, and vascular cell function. The project forms part of a broad bioengineering research program aimed at developing novel lab-on-chip technologies for basic cell biology and haematology. Outcomes from these projects may have significant impact in fundamental research in both bioengineering and biology disciplines.Read moreRead less
Bioprogramming the behaviour of nanoparticles in live cells by nanoscopy . The project aims to develop safer materials that are sustainably sourced from sweet corn, and investigate using advanced imaging technologies, how these materials are processed in biological systems, including human and plant cells. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the optimal design of materials that can be used safely and effectively in biological applications in medicine and in agriculture. Expected ou ....Bioprogramming the behaviour of nanoparticles in live cells by nanoscopy . The project aims to develop safer materials that are sustainably sourced from sweet corn, and investigate using advanced imaging technologies, how these materials are processed in biological systems, including human and plant cells. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the optimal design of materials that can be used safely and effectively in biological applications in medicine and in agriculture. Expected outcomes of this multidisciplinary project include a library of highly biocompatible nanomaterials and expanded knowledge on imaging technologies and structure-function relationship of nanomaterials in biological cells. This should provide significant benefits, such as improved crop yields and safer transfection agents.Read moreRead less
Investigating a novel, physical adjuvant for improving immune responses of vaccines. This project will explore a new way to significantly improve vaccine immune responses: with practical devices that apply pressure on the skin - for the body to create its own, localised adjuvant. This is novel - completely different to today's adjuvants, which are chemicals put into our bodies.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130101458
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Investigation and development of biological anti-adhesive coatings. Lubricin is a biological anti-adhesive protein that is found in mammalian joints. This project will investigate the properties and action of Lubricin and develop novel anti-adhesive coating technologies to eliminate problems associated with non-specific binding of biomolecules in microfluidic and biosensor applications.