New Types of Biomimetic Nanostructured Adhesives. Adhesives are one of the main ways in which we join materials, and have many advantages over other methods of joining. In this work we will make a new class of adhesive using nanotechnology that attempts to copy the very fine-haired feet of animals such as geckos who can stick to almost any surface, under most conditions. We will make these adhesives over large surface areas, and thus they will have commercial possibilities in a range of high tec ....New Types of Biomimetic Nanostructured Adhesives. Adhesives are one of the main ways in which we join materials, and have many advantages over other methods of joining. In this work we will make a new class of adhesive using nanotechnology that attempts to copy the very fine-haired feet of animals such as geckos who can stick to almost any surface, under most conditions. We will make these adhesives over large surface areas, and thus they will have commercial possibilities in a range of high technology industries, as well as in harsh environments. Because we will be able to manipulate the structure and observe property changes, it should also give us a greater insight into the adhesion mechanisms used by many small animals and bugs.Read moreRead less
Single molecule actuators. The study of actuation processes in single molecules will lead to the development of improved advanced materials for Australian industry and, ultimately, to the more futuristic and exciting nanotechnologies. The research will improve our understanding of how polymer artificial muscles function, so that these materials can be further developed to meet the demand from industry. Applications include biomedical devices, robotic applicators and various machine parts. In ....Single molecule actuators. The study of actuation processes in single molecules will lead to the development of improved advanced materials for Australian industry and, ultimately, to the more futuristic and exciting nanotechnologies. The research will improve our understanding of how polymer artificial muscles function, so that these materials can be further developed to meet the demand from industry. Applications include biomedical devices, robotic applicators and various machine parts. In addition, the research will also contribute to one of the greatest promises of nanotechnology: the development of molecular machines. We will demonstrate the mechanical forces and movements possible from single molecules so that the design of useful nano-machines can begin.Read moreRead less
Drug Delivery Devices : Hydrogels manufactured utilising Dense Gas Technologies. Many drugs are rapidly eliminated from the human body, and would benefit from being released over a long period of time. In this study, formulations to deliver drugs will be developed, using hydrogels: highly cross-linked, water saturated polymers. The polymers to be investigated are based on ingredients suitable for ingestion. Hydrogels are in common use as external therapeutic devices, such as contact lenses or wo ....Drug Delivery Devices : Hydrogels manufactured utilising Dense Gas Technologies. Many drugs are rapidly eliminated from the human body, and would benefit from being released over a long period of time. In this study, formulations to deliver drugs will be developed, using hydrogels: highly cross-linked, water saturated polymers. The polymers to be investigated are based on ingredients suitable for ingestion. Hydrogels are in common use as external therapeutic devices, such as contact lenses or wound dressings. However, hydrogels are not commonly in use as ingested drug delivery devices due to problems with the existing technologies, such as toxicity of ingredients. These problems will be addressed in this study.Read moreRead less
Carbon Dioxide: Solvent, Carrier and Reagent, for novel polymer networks with controlled nano-architectures. The proposed environmentally friendly technology has broad applications for improving properties of various polymeric matrices used for biomedical applications. The process developed would value-add for manufacturing biomedical polymeric devices in Australia with licensing of existing fabrication methods as a best option. Moreover, the leading-edge polymer technology developed would mini ....Carbon Dioxide: Solvent, Carrier and Reagent, for novel polymer networks with controlled nano-architectures. The proposed environmentally friendly technology has broad applications for improving properties of various polymeric matrices used for biomedical applications. The process developed would value-add for manufacturing biomedical polymeric devices in Australia with licensing of existing fabrication methods as a best option. Moreover, the leading-edge polymer technology developed would minimise the organic solvent consumption and will attract business from international polymer and biotechnology companies for production of implant and drug delivery devices. The development of world-class research provides Australia with recognition as a world leader in the field and broadens the knowledge based of Australian scientist and engineers.Read moreRead less