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Gas phase studies of reactive organic radicals: a novel approach using mass spectrometry. Radical reactions play a crucial role in a range of important chemistries, ranging from the formation of photochemical smog to the accumulation of pathogens in the ageing body. Despite their importance, the reactions of many radicals are poorly understood because of current experimental limitations. In this project we propose to develop two new and broadly applicable techniques for probing radical chemistry ....Gas phase studies of reactive organic radicals: a novel approach using mass spectrometry. Radical reactions play a crucial role in a range of important chemistries, ranging from the formation of photochemical smog to the accumulation of pathogens in the ageing body. Despite their importance, the reactions of many radicals are poorly understood because of current experimental limitations. In this project we propose to develop two new and broadly applicable techniques for probing radical chemistry in the gas phase via novel applications of mass spectrometry. Combined with quantum chemical calculations and state-of-the-art thermodynamic measurements these methods will provide a comprehensive understanding of the reactivity of key organic radicals.Read moreRead less
Hydrogen Bonding, Hydrogen Transfer, Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis: A Computational Quantum Chemistry Investigation. This proposal aims to carry out state-of-the-art chemistry research using computer modelling rather than traditional laboratory methods. The computer calculations are directed towards designing catalysts that will provide more efficient ways to convert environmentally harmful carbon dioxide to a valuable chemical fuel methanol, and to convert toxic polychlorinated hydrocarbon ....Hydrogen Bonding, Hydrogen Transfer, Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis: A Computational Quantum Chemistry Investigation. This proposal aims to carry out state-of-the-art chemistry research using computer modelling rather than traditional laboratory methods. The computer calculations are directed towards designing catalysts that will provide more efficient ways to convert environmentally harmful carbon dioxide to a valuable chemical fuel methanol, and to convert toxic polychlorinated hydrocarbon wastes to benign products. The increased understanding of free radicals that will stem from this research may ultimately help in dealing with problems associated with heart disease, some forms of cancer and vitamin B12 deficiency. New generations of chemists will be trained at the highest level in this burgeoning field of computational chemistry.Read moreRead less
Response of Proteins to External Non-Ionising Radiation: an Experimental and Computer Modelling Investigation. The expanding use of digital technologies such as mobile phones has led to major health concerns about the effects of non-ionising pulsed radiation exposure which has been shown to produce instantaneous temperature rises undetectable by normal thermometry. The health implications of exposure are not understandable without establishing molecular mechanisms by which pulsed microwaves can ....Response of Proteins to External Non-Ionising Radiation: an Experimental and Computer Modelling Investigation. The expanding use of digital technologies such as mobile phones has led to major health concerns about the effects of non-ionising pulsed radiation exposure which has been shown to produce instantaneous temperature rises undetectable by normal thermometry. The health implications of exposure are not understandable without establishing molecular mechanisms by which pulsed microwaves can cause biological effects. We aim to establish methods for studying the molecular mechanisms of protein structural and energetic changes occurring due to non-ionising radiation. The results will help our industry partner to design specific drugs as well as formulate a scientifically based standard for microwave utilisation.Read moreRead less
Numerical Modelling and Experimental Studies to Design and Engineer Nanoparticulate Systems for Bioapplications. Project outcomes will enhance Australia's reputation for scientific innovation in the field of bio-nanotechnology. The project will expand the knowledge base in this area and increase Australia's international profile in research on nanomaterials for bio-related applications. The project partners UNSW and Australian company (Minomic), integrating their skills, expertise and facilities ....Numerical Modelling and Experimental Studies to Design and Engineer Nanoparticulate Systems for Bioapplications. Project outcomes will enhance Australia's reputation for scientific innovation in the field of bio-nanotechnology. The project will expand the knowledge base in this area and increase Australia's international profile in research on nanomaterials for bio-related applications. The project partners UNSW and Australian company (Minomic), integrating their skills, expertise and facilities to address current limitations in understanding the stability of magnetic nanoparticles in biological fluids. The Australian partners will play a leading role in commercializing new applications for functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The project will provide an excellent multidisciplinary research environment and training for early career researchers.Read moreRead less
Cross-linked Tyrosine Residues in Peptides and Proteins. Many peptides and proteins have recently been found to contain unusual structural modifications, commonly in the form of cross-linked tyrosine residues. The aims of this project are to design and synthesise examples of these cross-linked tyrosine structures, thereby enabling the preparation of models of the modified proteins. Outcomes of this research will include an increased understanding of the relationship between the three-dimensional ....Cross-linked Tyrosine Residues in Peptides and Proteins. Many peptides and proteins have recently been found to contain unusual structural modifications, commonly in the form of cross-linked tyrosine residues. The aims of this project are to design and synthesise examples of these cross-linked tyrosine structures, thereby enabling the preparation of models of the modified proteins. Outcomes of this research will include an increased understanding of the relationship between the three-dimensional structure and biological activity of peptides/proteins, the generation of lead compounds for new anti-bacterial and anti-fungal pharmaceuticals, and the preparation of biological 'markers' of the processes involved in neurodegenerative diseases and aging.Read moreRead less
The Chemistry and Biochemistry of Chromium: Cancer and Nutrition. Of all of the human carcinogens, chromium(VI) has the highest level of occupational exposure, and is of increasing concern as an environmental carcinogen, as highlighted by the film Erin Brockovitch. Similarly, chromium(III) nutritional supplement consumption by humans and animals is rising rapidly, despite mounting concerns about their cancer risks. However, the complexity of Cr biochemistry is such that it is still poorly unde ....The Chemistry and Biochemistry of Chromium: Cancer and Nutrition. Of all of the human carcinogens, chromium(VI) has the highest level of occupational exposure, and is of increasing concern as an environmental carcinogen, as highlighted by the film Erin Brockovitch. Similarly, chromium(III) nutritional supplement consumption by humans and animals is rising rapidly, despite mounting concerns about their cancer risks. However, the complexity of Cr biochemistry is such that it is still poorly understood. This project aims at providing new insights into Cr biochemistry that are of relevance in evaluating risk factors for occupational and environmental exposure and for producing safer Cr dietary supplements.Read moreRead less
Radiolabelled MMP binding agents for the identification, quantification, and targeting of MMPs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders and tumours. Cancer and diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) represent two of the major health challenges facing Australia because of the aging population. In order to address these challenges we need to develop methods for identifying tumours and CNS diseases using non-invasive technologies and at an early stage so that treatments can be applied when t ....Radiolabelled MMP binding agents for the identification, quantification, and targeting of MMPs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders and tumours. Cancer and diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) represent two of the major health challenges facing Australia because of the aging population. In order to address these challenges we need to develop methods for identifying tumours and CNS diseases using non-invasive technologies and at an early stage so that treatments can be applied when they are most likely to work. In this project, we are developing new radiolabelled compounds that will enable the imaging of tumours, tumour metastases and CNS diseases states.Read moreRead less
New Imaging Agents for Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors. Recent advances in medical imaging technology such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) have radically improved the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases. The aim of this project is to discover novel radio-ligands that selectively bind to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These ligands will have great potential for the imaging, diagnosis and study of neurodegenerat ....New Imaging Agents for Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors. Recent advances in medical imaging technology such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) have radically improved the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases. The aim of this project is to discover novel radio-ligands that selectively bind to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These ligands will have great potential for the imaging, diagnosis and study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Read moreRead less
Synthetic derivatives of capsaicin and gingerols as analgesics acting at the vanilloid receptor. This project aims to prepare alpha-hydroxyketones and gingerol derivatives acting at vanilloid (VR1) receptor with potential analgesic activity. These compounds will be tested for their ability to activate the VR1 receptor, desensitize the receptor and release neuropeptides associated with pain pathways. The development of these novel compounds will contribute towards understanding the mechanisms of ....Synthetic derivatives of capsaicin and gingerols as analgesics acting at the vanilloid receptor. This project aims to prepare alpha-hydroxyketones and gingerol derivatives acting at vanilloid (VR1) receptor with potential analgesic activity. These compounds will be tested for their ability to activate the VR1 receptor, desensitize the receptor and release neuropeptides associated with pain pathways. The development of these novel compounds will contribute towards understanding the mechanisms of VR1 receptor activation and provide information on how the VR1 receptor is regulated. We will determine and compare neurotoxicity of these compounds to capsaicin which is known to possess neurotoxic activity. The outcome of this project may result in effective agents for better pain management.
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Synthesis and Applications of Antifreeze Proteins and Glycoproteins. Many cells are damaged when they are chilled below body temperatures thus limiting shelf-life for applications. For example, storage of human blood platelets is limited to 5 days at 22 degrees. This research will produce molecules that can be used in the fields of agriculture (in vitro fertilization techniques, development of improved blood lines), aquaculture and human reproductive technologies, where ice crystal growth and fr ....Synthesis and Applications of Antifreeze Proteins and Glycoproteins. Many cells are damaged when they are chilled below body temperatures thus limiting shelf-life for applications. For example, storage of human blood platelets is limited to 5 days at 22 degrees. This research will produce molecules that can be used in the fields of agriculture (in vitro fertilization techniques, development of improved blood lines), aquaculture and human reproductive technologies, where ice crystal growth and freezing are damaging. This outcome will be achieved by the synthesis of molecules that mimic natural products that allow fish to survive in the icy Arctic and Arctic Oceans and study how they are able to protect cells and tissues from damage in these extreme environments.Read moreRead less