A novel platform-technology for long-term subcutaneous neurophysiology. This project aims to develop a novel miniature device for subcutaneous and tetherless brain sensing. It addresses the lack of a device solution for brain-sensing that combines ultra-long-term reliable sensing capability and small dimensions for minimally-invasive procedures. We achieve this through our novel electrode architecture that significantly enhances the quality and reliability of recorded brain signals. We introduce ....A novel platform-technology for long-term subcutaneous neurophysiology. This project aims to develop a novel miniature device for subcutaneous and tetherless brain sensing. It addresses the lack of a device solution for brain-sensing that combines ultra-long-term reliable sensing capability and small dimensions for minimally-invasive procedures. We achieve this through our novel electrode architecture that significantly enhances the quality and reliability of recorded brain signals. We introduce a platform technology designed for subscalp anatomy with future use in various brain-machine interfacing applications relying on reliable, long-term and easy-to-implant systems. This project's device manufacturing, training, and intellectual property are expected to strengthen Australia's position in bioelectronics.Read moreRead less
Photoacoustic cellular manipulation: building from the bottom up. In this project we propose an approach for creating complex 3D prints. Whereas current approaches are limited to defining the external geometry, this technology will permit the organization of the internal structure as well, with the potential to do so at the scale of individual cells. Achieving this has important applications in bioprinting human tissues and additive manufacturing. This is based on the manipulation of particles a ....Photoacoustic cellular manipulation: building from the bottom up. In this project we propose an approach for creating complex 3D prints. Whereas current approaches are limited to defining the external geometry, this technology will permit the organization of the internal structure as well, with the potential to do so at the scale of individual cells. Achieving this has important applications in bioprinting human tissues and additive manufacturing. This is based on the manipulation of particles and cells using holographic acoustic fields controlled by patterned light. This is compared to current acoustic patterning approaches are mostly limited to static simple geometric arrangements and lack the flexibility to produce arbitrary, rapidly changing fields that enable the fabrication of complex structures. Read moreRead less
Mid-Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IM230100002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,056,049.00
Summary
Artificial intelligence empowered multi-modal biomedical imaging. This Industry Fellowship aims to transform biomedical imaging using artificial intelligence with world-leading industry partners. The project expects to make a major advance in multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography image reconstruction for robust, accurate and efficient imaging. This project timely addresses industry needs with novel solutions and will establish a technology roadmap to inform and ....Artificial intelligence empowered multi-modal biomedical imaging. This Industry Fellowship aims to transform biomedical imaging using artificial intelligence with world-leading industry partners. The project expects to make a major advance in multi-modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography image reconstruction for robust, accurate and efficient imaging. This project timely addresses industry needs with novel solutions and will establish a technology roadmap to inform and de-risk future research and development in image reconstruction. The project outcomes should provide benefits to Australians with cost-effective imaging and benefits to Australia's biomedical industry with well-aligned intellectual properties and training of future scientists with industry knowledge.Read moreRead less
A novel precision-engineered microfluidic chip for wear particle research. This project aims to develop 1- novel protocols to generate clinically-relevant wear particles from spinal implants in-vitro and 2- a technological framework for the fabrication of a novel microfluidic 3D spinal implant-on-a-chip with tailored mechanical, material and biological properties. This will provide a cost-effective tool, currently unavailable, that allows investigation into the impact of wear particles on health ....A novel precision-engineered microfluidic chip for wear particle research. This project aims to develop 1- novel protocols to generate clinically-relevant wear particles from spinal implants in-vitro and 2- a technological framework for the fabrication of a novel microfluidic 3D spinal implant-on-a-chip with tailored mechanical, material and biological properties. This will provide a cost-effective tool, currently unavailable, that allows investigation into the impact of wear particles on healthy spinal disc cells. We expect our technological framework to become an invaluable tool for biomedical engineers, biologists, and bio-engineers to work together and generate clinically relevant in-vitro data that supports optimisation for spinal implant design, fabrication, and safety. Read moreRead less
Replicating the cartilage micromechanical environment. Through a novel, image-guided mechanical evaluation of cell- and tissue-level remodelling, this project aims to unlock new insights into the complex mechanical microenvironment of cartilage and directly influence new strategies in tissue engineering. The research will reveal contributions of cells and extracellular matrix components to mechanical integrity over time. It will build a world-first strain map of the cartilage microenvironment an ....Replicating the cartilage micromechanical environment. Through a novel, image-guided mechanical evaluation of cell- and tissue-level remodelling, this project aims to unlock new insights into the complex mechanical microenvironment of cartilage and directly influence new strategies in tissue engineering. The research will reveal contributions of cells and extracellular matrix components to mechanical integrity over time. It will build a world-first strain map of the cartilage microenvironment and quantification of dynamic structural remodelling that occurs, providing key targets to improve tissue engineering strategies. The project will also drive innovation in micromechanical testing technology, deliver functional solutions in mechanobiology and advance materials for biological integration.Read moreRead less
Creating a non-invasive window into the mind. This project aims to create better tools to study the human mind. This project expects to generate new knowledge that can be used to non-invasively image neuronal activity. Expected outcomes include the development of unique new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) instruments to study neuronal activity in both highly controlled laboratory conditions and in humans, with the spatial and temporal resolution needed to study the neuronal circuitry that drive ....Creating a non-invasive window into the mind. This project aims to create better tools to study the human mind. This project expects to generate new knowledge that can be used to non-invasively image neuronal activity. Expected outcomes include the development of unique new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) instruments to study neuronal activity in both highly controlled laboratory conditions and in humans, with the spatial and temporal resolution needed to study the neuronal circuitry that drives low and high-level brain functions, i.e., creating a window into the mind. In the future, outcomes from this study could improve our understanding of mental disorders, advance computer brain interface technology, and inspire the next paradigm shift in artificial intelligence.Read moreRead less
A Biologically Responsive and Anatomically Authentic Human Nasal Model. As respiratory conditions caused by pollutants and viruses become more prevalent, human nasal models to study infection/protection mechanisms and nasal drug/vaccine delivery are increasingly important. This project aims to develop a world-first human nasal model to mimic both anatomical and biological aspects of the nasal cavity and predict the distribution and deposition of fine particles and the resultant biological respon ....A Biologically Responsive and Anatomically Authentic Human Nasal Model. As respiratory conditions caused by pollutants and viruses become more prevalent, human nasal models to study infection/protection mechanisms and nasal drug/vaccine delivery are increasingly important. This project aims to develop a world-first human nasal model to mimic both anatomical and biological aspects of the nasal cavity and predict the distribution and deposition of fine particles and the resultant biological response from the nasal mucosa. The aim is to overcome a key fabrication challenge - to 3D print an anatomically accurate nasal construct with a porous wall on which to grow and mature functional nasal tissue that lines a nasal cavity wall. The benefit would be enabling faster development of more targeted drugs and vaccines.Read moreRead less
Ultra-sensitive 3D molecular assays using total body PET and deep learning. Recent advances in biomedical engineering have led to the development of Total Body Positron Emission Tomography (TB-PET), the most sensitive imaging device to date. Despite these impressive engineering advances, computational methods lag far behind and model-based approaches cannot deal with the complexity or volume of data these systems produce. We will develop new computational methods based on deep learning and stati ....Ultra-sensitive 3D molecular assays using total body PET and deep learning. Recent advances in biomedical engineering have led to the development of Total Body Positron Emission Tomography (TB-PET), the most sensitive imaging device to date. Despite these impressive engineering advances, computational methods lag far behind and model-based approaches cannot deal with the complexity or volume of data these systems produce. We will develop new computational methods based on deep learning and statistical methods that fully exploit the richness and complexity of the data generated by TB-PET, enabling 3D quantitative assays of molecular processes throughout the entire human body with unparalleled sensitivity. The technology we create will open up new capability for the study of complex physiological systems.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100236
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,583.00
Summary
Designing and fabricating artificial blood cells for global shortages. This project aims to create the first biophysically accurate artificial blood cells through fabrication of novel synthetic particles that mimic the complex layers of red blood cells. Using innovative methods from engineering and biology, this project expects to advance biofabrication techniques for biosynthetic microparticles. Expected outcomes from this project include the development of a portable, cost-effective platform t ....Designing and fabricating artificial blood cells for global shortages. This project aims to create the first biophysically accurate artificial blood cells through fabrication of novel synthetic particles that mimic the complex layers of red blood cells. Using innovative methods from engineering and biology, this project expects to advance biofabrication techniques for biosynthetic microparticles. Expected outcomes from this project include the development of a portable, cost-effective platform technology to immediately advance foundational understanding of cell membrane dynamics, interactions, and integrity. We anticipate that the new bioengineered blood product will provide significant future benefits for blood storage and transfusion, including potentially alleviating global blood shortages.Read moreRead less
Next generation closed-loop brain-machine interfaces . Our partners Carbon Cybernetics have developed high-density neural recording and stimulation arrays that employ fine carbon fibres as the electrode material. The aim of the project is to exploit the properties of these materials to develop miniature implantable devices that are able to achieve long-term, closed-loop, high-resolution recording and stimulation within the brain. We aim to demonstrate an advanced algorithm for control of neural ....Next generation closed-loop brain-machine interfaces . Our partners Carbon Cybernetics have developed high-density neural recording and stimulation arrays that employ fine carbon fibres as the electrode material. The aim of the project is to exploit the properties of these materials to develop miniature implantable devices that are able to achieve long-term, closed-loop, high-resolution recording and stimulation within the brain. We aim to demonstrate an advanced algorithm for control of neural function. Devices that interface directly with the brain are increasingly important in neuroscience to understand how the brain processes information and creates memories and self awareness and are critically important to the development of technologies that interface electronics with the human body. Read moreRead less