Q-Sand (TM): Whispering Gallery Mode Detection System For Ultrasensitive And Label Free Testing In Biotechnology.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$127,750.00
Summary
Quantum Dots, a type of nanocrystal, have been shown to emit light at a very precise wavelength. Quantum dots of approximately 5 nm in diameter have been conjugated to a silica microsphere and then coated with free silica, thus encasing the Quantum Dots in a small chamber surrounding the microsphere. This structure is analogous to a light globe under a lampshade. Just as one can change the nature of the lamplight by changing the lampshade, one can change the Quantum Dot emitted light by changing ....Quantum Dots, a type of nanocrystal, have been shown to emit light at a very precise wavelength. Quantum dots of approximately 5 nm in diameter have been conjugated to a silica microsphere and then coated with free silica, thus encasing the Quantum Dots in a small chamber surrounding the microsphere. This structure is analogous to a light globe under a lampshade. Just as one can change the nature of the lamplight by changing the lampshade, one can change the Quantum Dot emitted light by changing the surface of the microsphere. Since the scale is so small (each microsphere is about the size of a single bacterial cell), the amount and nature of the material needed to bind to the surface to effect a detectable change is also very small, on the order of just of few tens or hundreds of molecules. This project seeks to exploit this principle to create a new class of ultra sensitive detector which can be used in many sorts of applications such as medical diagnostics and biosensing.Read moreRead less
Immune Modifying Particles - A Novel Therapeutic Strategy To Treat West Nile Virus Encephalitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,926.00
Summary
The outcome of viral infection of the brain is determined by the attraction of white blood cells, especially monocytes into the brain. Monocytes have a paradoxical role during brain inflammation. On one hand they are essential defenders against viral infection. On the other they may cause lethal brain damage. This project aims to define the mechanism(s) through which a novel therapeutic strategy, known as immune modifying particles, can modulate monocytes migration and function during brain infe ....The outcome of viral infection of the brain is determined by the attraction of white blood cells, especially monocytes into the brain. Monocytes have a paradoxical role during brain inflammation. On one hand they are essential defenders against viral infection. On the other they may cause lethal brain damage. This project aims to define the mechanism(s) through which a novel therapeutic strategy, known as immune modifying particles, can modulate monocytes migration and function during brain infection.Read moreRead less