Synthetic molecular transporters. This work involves the synthesis of artificial motors that transport cargo down linear tracks in a manner that is reminiscent of the function of biological motor proteins such as kinesin and myosin. Attachment of these molecular machines to solid surfaces will also be explored.
Controlling chemistry with light-powered molecular machines. This project aims to develop easily prepared synthetic molecules capable of performing complex tasks, such as controlled molecular motion or signal amplification, using visible light both as a fuel and a reporting mechanism. The challenge of using non-destructive visible light to control molecular motion is one of the most fundamental in science. The development of small molecular 'swimmers' would represent a landmark advance in the fi ....Controlling chemistry with light-powered molecular machines. This project aims to develop easily prepared synthetic molecules capable of performing complex tasks, such as controlled molecular motion or signal amplification, using visible light both as a fuel and a reporting mechanism. The challenge of using non-destructive visible light to control molecular motion is one of the most fundamental in science. The development of small molecular 'swimmers' would represent a landmark advance in the field. An expected outcome of the project is the control and monitoring of synthetic small molecule motion and function using visible light. These fundamental studies should benefit society by reducing energy consumption and waste during processes from production to disposal.Read moreRead less
Design and synthesis of operating molecular machines and solution and solid-state devices. This project involves the construction of machines and other devices engineered at the molecular level, which therefore offer a greater degree of miniaturisation and sophistication than their macro-engineered counterparts. The work is expected to provide fundamental advances in nanotechnology and underpin new industries based on advanced materials.
Enzyme-inspired polymer nanomaterials. This project aims to develop new chemical methods and polymers inspired by nature. Enzymes are nature’s catalysts: they recognise a substrate and bind with it to provide the optimal environment for a reaction. However, they are easily degraded, limiting their industrial use. This project aims to develop new, highly stable polymer designs that can perform similar functions. This will be achieved by using polymer and supramolecular chemistry to control the re ....Enzyme-inspired polymer nanomaterials. This project aims to develop new chemical methods and polymers inspired by nature. Enzymes are nature’s catalysts: they recognise a substrate and bind with it to provide the optimal environment for a reaction. However, they are easily degraded, limiting their industrial use. This project aims to develop new, highly stable polymer designs that can perform similar functions. This will be achieved by using polymer and supramolecular chemistry to control the reaction environment, in combination with computational techniques to explore observed reactivity and guide nanoenvironment design. Expected outcomes include new polymers and materials capable of controlling a range of reactions and expanding the scope of bioinspired polymer design.Read moreRead less
New synthetic receptors for selective recognition and sensing of biologically important anions. Anions play roles in almost every biochemical process, so the ability to selectively detect specific anions has numerous applications. This project will design and synthesise molecules capable of detecting target anions under physiological conditions. This will provide innovative small molecule receptors for use in biomedicine.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100088
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
nano infrared and sub micron Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Nano infrared and sub micron raman spectroscopy and imaging: Near-field Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging systems will be coupled to near-field scanning optical microscopes to provide IR spectroscopy and molecular images at less than 20 nanometre lateral resolution. This is unprecedented resolution for infrared fingerprinting and molecular imaging. For two months a year the spectroscopy system will be coupled to the IR beamline at ....nano infrared and sub micron Raman spectroscopy and imaging. Nano infrared and sub micron raman spectroscopy and imaging: Near-field Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and imaging systems will be coupled to near-field scanning optical microscopes to provide IR spectroscopy and molecular images at less than 20 nanometre lateral resolution. This is unprecedented resolution for infrared fingerprinting and molecular imaging. For two months a year the spectroscopy system will be coupled to the IR beamline at the Australian synchrotron, to provide full IR spectral coverage available to all Australian and New Zealand scientists. A confocal raman spectrometer will be upgraded to the ultraviolet to provide spectra at less than 150 nanometre resolution. These systems will provide a unique Australian resource for nanoscientists, biomedical researchers and materials scientists requiring molecular information on the nanoscale.Read moreRead less
Designing dendrimer-based lymphatic drug vectors as improved treatments for metastatic cancer. This project builds on areas of research strength in Australia (nanotechnology and biotechnology/biomaterials) and will add considerably to the expanding Australian expertise-base in dendrimer technology (in which it is a world leader). The project will advance the fundamental science base that underpins dendrimer design and has the potential to deliver substantial benefits in improved drug delivery an ....Designing dendrimer-based lymphatic drug vectors as improved treatments for metastatic cancer. This project builds on areas of research strength in Australia (nanotechnology and biotechnology/biomaterials) and will add considerably to the expanding Australian expertise-base in dendrimer technology (in which it is a world leader). The project will advance the fundamental science base that underpins dendrimer design and has the potential to deliver substantial benefits in improved drug delivery and therefore health outcomes for Australia. The interdisciplinary nature of this project will also result in a unique training program for the researchers involved. Such experience is in great demand in Australia where the developing biotechnology and nanotechnology industry is critically short of scientists with skills in drug delivery.Read moreRead less
Controlling the spatial distribution of targeting ligands on dendrimer surfaces as a means of dictating cellular recognition and fate. This project seeks to develop next generation targeted drug delivery systems that 'home' to specific target cells, including cancers. Targeted delivery systems have the potential to revolutionise therapy by providing bespoke drug distribution patterns that are tailored to specific diseases and result in enhanced activity and reduced toxicity.
Light driven supramolecular reactors. A major problem facing synthetic chemistry is how to control chemical reactivity using benign techniques. The aim of this project is to form supramolecular capsules that can bind guest molecules and use visible light to drive chemical reactions inside these cages. This project aims to develop the first examples of molecular cages that are able to catalyse photoredox processes. These enantiopure, self-assembled cages will be based on ruthenium(II) complexes w ....Light driven supramolecular reactors. A major problem facing synthetic chemistry is how to control chemical reactivity using benign techniques. The aim of this project is to form supramolecular capsules that can bind guest molecules and use visible light to drive chemical reactions inside these cages. This project aims to develop the first examples of molecular cages that are able to catalyse photoredox processes. These enantiopure, self-assembled cages will be based on ruthenium(II) complexes with established photophysical properties. The expected outcomes will include the first proof-of-principle examples of controlled photoredox reactions, opening the door for the development of enantioselective molecular photoreactors.Read moreRead less