Atomic scale precision engineering of cell-material interfaces. This project aims to determine the molecular structure of the interface between novel peptide self-assemblies and cell membranes through x-ray diffraction and molecular simulation. The project will generate knowledge to enable atomic scale engineering of peptide nanomaterials, and exploitation of these materials to modulate cell responses. Expected outcomes include designed peptide nanostructures with specific chemical and physical ....Atomic scale precision engineering of cell-material interfaces. This project aims to determine the molecular structure of the interface between novel peptide self-assemblies and cell membranes through x-ray diffraction and molecular simulation. The project will generate knowledge to enable atomic scale engineering of peptide nanomaterials, and exploitation of these materials to modulate cell responses. Expected outcomes include designed peptide nanostructures with specific chemical and physical cues to promote sustainable growth of desired cells, whilst inhibiting undesirable responses. These outcomes should provide benefits in terms of a practical toolkit for tailoring structure and function of peptide nanostructures and open up a new era in molecular design of smart biomaterials. This easily scalable, new materials platform will contribute to emerging high-value manufacturing industries in Australia.Read moreRead less
Degradable hollow microspheres for liver cancer treatment. The expected outcome of this multidisciplinary approach is a controlled drug delivery system for the treatment of liver cancer. We aim to increase the understanding of drug release using polymeric microspheres and the influence of the polymer properties on the release kinetics resulting in the tailored drug release for liver cancer treatment. An indepth knowledge in drug delivery can lead to optimised release kinetics leding to an increa ....Degradable hollow microspheres for liver cancer treatment. The expected outcome of this multidisciplinary approach is a controlled drug delivery system for the treatment of liver cancer. We aim to increase the understanding of drug release using polymeric microspheres and the influence of the polymer properties on the release kinetics resulting in the tailored drug release for liver cancer treatment. An indepth knowledge in drug delivery can lead to optimised release kinetics leding to an increased patient convenience and life prolonging treatments.Read moreRead less
Core-shell nanoparticle from polymers with pendant cyclodextrins. A better drug delivery system will be developed for the treatment of cancer with albendazole. These nanoparticles enhance the circulation time in the body, but also facilitate the delivery of the drug to the site of the tumour, which will increase the efficacy of the treatment. The nanoparticles are obtained by processing polymers with pendant cyclodextrin groups, which are a type of complex sugars. Aim of this work is the explora ....Core-shell nanoparticle from polymers with pendant cyclodextrins. A better drug delivery system will be developed for the treatment of cancer with albendazole. These nanoparticles enhance the circulation time in the body, but also facilitate the delivery of the drug to the site of the tumour, which will increase the efficacy of the treatment. The nanoparticles are obtained by processing polymers with pendant cyclodextrin groups, which are a type of complex sugars. Aim of this work is the exploration of synthetic routes to generate nanoparticles. Tailoring the underpinning polymer structure of these nanoparticles will allow the optimisation of the release of albendazole from the drug carrier, thus improving cancer treatment.Read moreRead less
Platinum drugs containing core-shell nanoparticles. Many drugs such as cancer drugs contain metal ions. While the therapeutic benefits of metal containing drugs are highly promising, their administration is often accompanied by substantial side effects. Encapsulation of these drugs into nano-sized core-shell particles will prolong the circulation of the drug and therefore reduce the amount of repeated administrations. In addition, the shape and nature of the particle will enable the targeted del ....Platinum drugs containing core-shell nanoparticles. Many drugs such as cancer drugs contain metal ions. While the therapeutic benefits of metal containing drugs are highly promising, their administration is often accompanied by substantial side effects. Encapsulation of these drugs into nano-sized core-shell particles will prolong the circulation of the drug and therefore reduce the amount of repeated administrations. In addition, the shape and nature of the particle will enable the targeted delivery of these drug loaded nanocarriers to the tumor while healthy tissue remains unaffected. Read moreRead less
Order from chaos: Rational design of biointerfacing plasma polymer coatings. The project goal is to facilitate a new generation of bio-interface platforms to be designed using plasma processing. Functionalised plasma polymer surfaces used for bio-interfaces result from random processes in the plasma phase and at the surface. While rules-of-thumb exist for tailoring simple functionalised plasma polymers, detailed knowledge linking plasma processes to surface chemistry is lacking. Using a homologo ....Order from chaos: Rational design of biointerfacing plasma polymer coatings. The project goal is to facilitate a new generation of bio-interface platforms to be designed using plasma processing. Functionalised plasma polymer surfaces used for bio-interfaces result from random processes in the plasma phase and at the surface. While rules-of-thumb exist for tailoring simple functionalised plasma polymers, detailed knowledge linking plasma processes to surface chemistry is lacking. Using a homologous series of precursors, the project aims to unravel physical and chemical plasma processes to enable retention of complex surface functional groups which are critical for subsequent surface processing. This is designed to be achieved by linking plasma physics and chemistry via plasma phase mass spectrometry and surface analysis.Read moreRead less
Learning from nature: creating synthetic viruses using self-assembled structures with branched or dendritic glycopolymers on their surfaces. Viruses are nature's clever nanoparticles. Viruses use glycoproteins to find and invade their host cells. This project will aim to mimic nature by generating nanoparticles that carry synthetic glycopolymers on the surface to create better drug delivery carriers.
This project aims to develop a novel class of drugs with the potential to overcome the stability problems previously associated with protein-based drugs. We will develop novel molecules for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This project has the potential to lead to major economic and social benefits to Australia via royalty returns from drug sales and reduced costs for health care for patients with these diseases.
Bioengineering Endovascular Prostheses With Proactive Biocompatibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,950.00
Summary
Metallic cardiovascular implants, such as stents, used in the treatment of heart disease are not compatible with blood. They cause inflammation at the site of implantation and increase the risk of blood clots forming. We have developed a unique method of binding bioactive protein layers to the surface of metal alloys, and shown a significant improvement in their compatibility. Stents coated using our technology stand to dramatically improve the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Development Of Endovascular Stents With Proactive Biocompatibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,470.00
Summary
Metallic cardiovascular implants, such as stents, used in the treatment of heart disease are not compatible with blood. They cause inflammation at the site of implantation and increase the risk of blood clots forming. We have developed a unique method of binding bioactive protein layers to the surface of metal alloys, and shown a significant improvement in their compatibility. Stents coated using our technology stand to dramatically improve the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Bioengineering Synthetic Elastin Conduits For Arterial Revascularisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$624,776.00
Summary
An arterial substitute with both physical and biological properties that mimic those of the human vasculature has long been the holy grail of vascular tissue engineering. We propose synthetic elastin can form the basis of a durable, clinically effective small diameter vascular graft and fill a significant unmet need for a biocompatible vascular substitute.