Enhancing Selectivity and Detection in Miniaturised Analytical Separation Systems. Miniaturisation-compatible stationary phases and detection techniques will be developed for microseparation techniques of capillary electrochromatography and chip-based separation systems, and their analytical applications will be investigated. Replaceable stationary phases (RSP) of chromatographic particles suspended in reversible gels will be created by delivering a liquid RSP to the column followed by in situ ....Enhancing Selectivity and Detection in Miniaturised Analytical Separation Systems. Miniaturisation-compatible stationary phases and detection techniques will be developed for microseparation techniques of capillary electrochromatography and chip-based separation systems, and their analytical applications will be investigated. Replaceable stationary phases (RSP) of chromatographic particles suspended in reversible gels will be created by delivering a liquid RSP to the column followed by in situ immobilisation. This approach offers flexibility in optimising a number of parameters of the column and of its use for sample pre-treatment and preconcentration. Pulsed potentiometric detection will be developed for the abovementioned microseparation techniques, combining the advantages of pulsed amperometric techniques with the more universally responding potentiometric detection.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
Optical Spectroscopy of Extraterrestrial Molecules. Space is not empty. In the vast regions between stars is a complex soup of molecules. Some of these molecules get incorporated into meteorites and find their way to Earth where they can be identified. Analysis has yielded amino acids; the building blocks of life, but these molecules do not match what we know about the interstellar regions. Interstellar molecules are identified by their spectra, but many features in these spectra are unknown. ....Optical Spectroscopy of Extraterrestrial Molecules. Space is not empty. In the vast regions between stars is a complex soup of molecules. Some of these molecules get incorporated into meteorites and find their way to Earth where they can be identified. Analysis has yielded amino acids; the building blocks of life, but these molecules do not match what we know about the interstellar regions. Interstellar molecules are identified by their spectra, but many features in these spectra are unknown. Could they be caused by the missing molecules? In this project we combine the skills of three spectroscopists, each expert in different areas, in an attempt to make these molecules in the laboratory, measure their spectra and thereby identify these unknown molecules that are in space.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
Towards Microfluidic-Based Advanced Remote Analysis. The research under this project will establish and systematically develop Advanced Remote Analysis as a new inter-disciplinary area and establish a leadership role for Australia. By addressing pressing needs such as monitoring the environment, remote medical diagnostics, advancing Australian science and technology, or monitoring for traces of explosives, this project falls directly into all four of the National Research Priorities with applica ....Towards Microfluidic-Based Advanced Remote Analysis. The research under this project will establish and systematically develop Advanced Remote Analysis as a new inter-disciplinary area and establish a leadership role for Australia. By addressing pressing needs such as monitoring the environment, remote medical diagnostics, advancing Australian science and technology, or monitoring for traces of explosives, this project falls directly into all four of the National Research Priorities with applications addressing corresponding Priority Goals. Other areas benefiting from the outcomes of this project will be remote monitoring of agricultural production including living species, and a number of other industries such as biotechnology, mineral processing, power generation etc.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
Advanced nanoparticle stabilisation and functionalisation: small particles with huge potential. Australia is strongly investing in nanotechnology and through the governments priority goals 'Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries' it has been recognised as an important area for investment. This proposal will help develop an internationally recognised nano-industry. It is envisaged that the particles made during this work will have direct implications for the pub ....Advanced nanoparticle stabilisation and functionalisation: small particles with huge potential. Australia is strongly investing in nanotechnology and through the governments priority goals 'Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries' it has been recognised as an important area for investment. This proposal will help develop an internationally recognised nano-industry. It is envisaged that the particles made during this work will have direct implications for the public - creating a new class of medical diagnostic particles with better resolution and specificity. These particles have the potential to diagnose patients more precisely and at an earlier stage than is currently available. Additionally, these particles could be designed to load drugs and hence could be used to treat diseases such as cancer.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
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
Beyond Microarrays: Nano-Scaled Devices for High Throughput Biomolecular Sensing. Current developments in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology hold many promises in terms of revolutionising our industrial base, transforming biology, medical science and practice. This project strives to achieve some of these aims by, for the first time, building and testing nano-scaled devices with the capability to 'read' massive amounts of biological information. With the recent completion of the Human Genome proje ....Beyond Microarrays: Nano-Scaled Devices for High Throughput Biomolecular Sensing. Current developments in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology hold many promises in terms of revolutionising our industrial base, transforming biology, medical science and practice. This project strives to achieve some of these aims by, for the first time, building and testing nano-scaled devices with the capability to 'read' massive amounts of biological information. With the recent completion of the Human Genome project, major opportunities exist to provide spectacular advances in human health care (eg, via personalised medicine) provided that appropriate high-throughput biological reading devices can be developed. In developing such devices, this project also aims to substantially catalyse the Australian Nanotechnology/Biotechnology industry.Read moreRead less