Innovative Technology for At-Scene Forensic Analysis using Microfluidics and Chemiluminescence. The major outcome of this project will be innovative reagents and strategies optimised for the detection of priority analytes such as drugs, explosives and chemical warfare agents. These will utilise a new technology platform based upon laboratory on a chip/microfluidics to enable the development of analytical methodologies suitable for use at crime scenes.This programme of research falls within a Nat ....Innovative Technology for At-Scene Forensic Analysis using Microfluidics and Chemiluminescence. The major outcome of this project will be innovative reagents and strategies optimised for the detection of priority analytes such as drugs, explosives and chemical warfare agents. These will utilise a new technology platform based upon laboratory on a chip/microfluidics to enable the development of analytical methodologies suitable for use at crime scenes.This programme of research falls within a National Research Priority namely 'Protecting Australia from terrorism and crime'. Through our current forensic science research collaboration the outcomes will build significantly on Australia's existing strengths in rapid detection using new analytical technologies.Read moreRead less
Bioactive Polymers for Wound Healing Applications. VitroGroR is a growth factor complex which enhances cell growth and migration, and hence has great potential for treating wounds. Tissue Therapies, which holds the rights to commercialization of VitroGroR, is seeking to develop methods of delivering VitroGroR in its active form to the wound environment. Two solutions to this problem will be developed in this project; a bioactive bandage containing a novel combination of microspheres and a hydrog ....Bioactive Polymers for Wound Healing Applications. VitroGroR is a growth factor complex which enhances cell growth and migration, and hence has great potential for treating wounds. Tissue Therapies, which holds the rights to commercialization of VitroGroR, is seeking to develop methods of delivering VitroGroR in its active form to the wound environment. Two solutions to this problem will be developed in this project; a bioactive bandage containing a novel combination of microspheres and a hydrogel matrix, and secondly an in-situ polymerisable matrix for treatment of deep wounds. The growth factor complex will be protected from aggressive proteases through encapsulation within microspheres, and the use of MMP-inhibiting comonomers.Read moreRead less
Advanced micro analysis systems for environmental monitoring. Understanding of the behaviour of the nutrients controlling nuisance algae in water bodies is currently limited by the cost and logistics of collecting and analysing the large numbers of samples required.
This proposal describes the development and evaluation of portable multiparameter micro analysis systems that will be capable of high frequency measurements from a sampling vessel. This will enable environmental agencies to perfo ....Advanced micro analysis systems for environmental monitoring. Understanding of the behaviour of the nutrients controlling nuisance algae in water bodies is currently limited by the cost and logistics of collecting and analysing the large numbers of samples required.
This proposal describes the development and evaluation of portable multiparameter micro analysis systems that will be capable of high frequency measurements from a sampling vessel. This will enable environmental agencies to perform rapid on-site mapping of nutrients and other water quality parameters in large water bodies, intensive scale mapping of effluent mixing and dispersal zones, quick assessment of the impact of dredging and aquaculture, and compliance monitoring in effluent streams.
Read moreRead less
The Application of Polymer Inclusion Membranes for the Removal of Thiocyanate and Cyanide from Gold Ore Processing Wastewaters. The recovery of gold at Stawell Gold Mine can be improved by using cyanide and thiocyanate free water in the milling process. The aim of this research is the development of a novel separation technology for the removal of these two ions from mine wastewater to allow it to be recycled. Novel polymeric materials, known as polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), which have nev ....The Application of Polymer Inclusion Membranes for the Removal of Thiocyanate and Cyanide from Gold Ore Processing Wastewaters. The recovery of gold at Stawell Gold Mine can be improved by using cyanide and thiocyanate free water in the milling process. The aim of this research is the development of a novel separation technology for the removal of these two ions from mine wastewater to allow it to be recycled. Novel polymeric materials, known as polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), which have never been used before in industrial separation, will be at the centre of this technology. In addition to increasing gold recovery, this technology is expected to reduce substantially the reliance of the Australian goldmining industry on fresh water. This research will also promote PIM based separation as a viable industrial separation technology, applicable in other areas.Read moreRead less
Transdermal penetration of corticosteroids in the dog. Topical application of corticosteroids enhances drug concentration and effectiveness in the treatment of skin diseases. Most topical corticosteroid preparations have been developed for human use and are poorly efficacious or promote a high incidence of adverse effects in dogs. This project will characterize corticosteroid penetration through canine skin to permit the development of suitable topical formulations to more effectively control ....Transdermal penetration of corticosteroids in the dog. Topical application of corticosteroids enhances drug concentration and effectiveness in the treatment of skin diseases. Most topical corticosteroid preparations have been developed for human use and are poorly efficacious or promote a high incidence of adverse effects in dogs. This project will characterize corticosteroid penetration through canine skin to permit the development of suitable topical formulations to more effectively control skin diseases in the dog. Skin diseases are a significant problem in veterinary science and this project will not only provide an effective therapeutic option, but also reduce animal (and client) distress when suffering skin disease and/or adverse effects from traditional therapy.Read moreRead less
Phytoextraction approaches for mitigating heavy metal release from unlined and loosely capped rural landfills. Australian rural landfills are used for storing hazardous wastes which contain toxic metals. Impermeable clay caps are often utilized to encapsulate these wastes and prevent release of pollutants into the environment. The integrity of these caps is crucial and requires constant care. The project aims to develop novel approaches which will improve substantially the long-term environmenta ....Phytoextraction approaches for mitigating heavy metal release from unlined and loosely capped rural landfills. Australian rural landfills are used for storing hazardous wastes which contain toxic metals. Impermeable clay caps are often utilized to encapsulate these wastes and prevent release of pollutants into the environment. The integrity of these caps is crucial and requires constant care. The project aims to develop novel approaches which will improve substantially the long-term environmental safety of rural landfills and deliver additional economic benefits. These approaches involve the use of high-value tree crops and plants capable of extracting toxic metals. Utilization of these plants will create a valuable resource on an otherwise derelict area and this will be of considerable local/regional benefit and national significance.Read moreRead less
Mercury emissions from direct iron smelting technology. The proposed research will enhance the environmental performance of the first Australian direct ironmaking industry. This industry will maintain the commitment to environmental responsibility offering cleaner technologies and production. The project will enhance the social acceptability of this metallurgical operation within the regional and global communities. Optimisation of emission reduction technologies will ensure improved environment ....Mercury emissions from direct iron smelting technology. The proposed research will enhance the environmental performance of the first Australian direct ironmaking industry. This industry will maintain the commitment to environmental responsibility offering cleaner technologies and production. The project will enhance the social acceptability of this metallurgical operation within the regional and global communities. Optimisation of emission reduction technologies will ensure improved environmental standards and awareness of the industry's commitment to improved environmental performance among the local communities. The proposed work will also ensure Australia remains at the forefront of energy and ore utilisation technology, ensuring sustainable resource and environmental management control.Read moreRead less
An autonomous microfluidic analyser for the determination of total phosphorus and nitrogen in aquatic systems. Development of automated monitoring systems capable of extended and remote operation will enable assessment of the effectiveness of water treatment and the impact of nutrient releases on the aquatic environment. Both are important in preserving the quality of existing water resources, and assessing the quality of recycled water, in line with the National Research Priority Environmentall ....An autonomous microfluidic analyser for the determination of total phosphorus and nitrogen in aquatic systems. Development of automated monitoring systems capable of extended and remote operation will enable assessment of the effectiveness of water treatment and the impact of nutrient releases on the aquatic environment. Both are important in preserving the quality of existing water resources, and assessing the quality of recycled water, in line with the National Research Priority Environmentally sustainable Australia, and the Priority Goal, Water - a critical resource. Commercialization of the microfluidic flow analysis system for total N and P will enhance the international competitiveness of Ecotech Pty Ltd and Australia as an exporter of scientific instruments.Read moreRead less
Interactions of Insulin-like Growth Factors and their Binding Proteins with Vitronectin: a structural basis for antagonist design and development. Tissue Therapies Ltd has shown that a patented combination of three biosynthetic molecules, VitroGroR, can promote tissue repair effectively. This project will use biophysical and biochemical techniques to investigate precisely how these molecules interact, and hence provide a rational basis for future developments and improvements of this exciting n ....Interactions of Insulin-like Growth Factors and their Binding Proteins with Vitronectin: a structural basis for antagonist design and development. Tissue Therapies Ltd has shown that a patented combination of three biosynthetic molecules, VitroGroR, can promote tissue repair effectively. This project will use biophysical and biochemical techniques to investigate precisely how these molecules interact, and hence provide a rational basis for future developments and improvements of this exciting new therapeutic strategy.
Conversely, this information would also facilitate the development of antagonists to VitroGroR complexes would provide novel opportunities to treat diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis that involve excessive production of its component molecules.Read moreRead less
Relationship between melanosome distribution and skin colour. This work seeks to examine how the colour of our skin is related to the distribution of melanosomes. This work may allow us to better understand how to develop novel therapies that may alter skin colour and provide protection from the sun (frontier technologies) but may also, in the longer term, lead to healthier approaches to skin management - especially for ageing skin.