In-situ Scanning Probe Microscopy of biological redox processes: nanoscale structure and morphology. The science behind this project underpins the development of nanobiotechnology. Immediate applications foreseen, are the development of biosensors and diagnostic devices based on our intimate knowledge of the nature of the protein attachment to a surface. Use of synthetic membranes to create biomimetic surfaces will impact significantly on our understanding of the role and contribution membranes ....In-situ Scanning Probe Microscopy of biological redox processes: nanoscale structure and morphology. The science behind this project underpins the development of nanobiotechnology. Immediate applications foreseen, are the development of biosensors and diagnostic devices based on our intimate knowledge of the nature of the protein attachment to a surface. Use of synthetic membranes to create biomimetic surfaces will impact significantly on our understanding of the role and contribution membranes have on protein structure, function hence disease.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0237527
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,000.00
Summary
Bioscope IV : Advanced Scanned Probe Microscopy. The Atomic Force Microscope presents a unique view of the microscopic and molecular world, for it is sensitive to force alone. This instrument can accurately map force over a surface at the molecular scale; picoNewtons at nanometre resolution. The host of intermolecular forces which cause phenomena such as self-assembly, colloid stability, cell interactions and friction are only directly measurable with this technique. In this field of force meas ....Bioscope IV : Advanced Scanned Probe Microscopy. The Atomic Force Microscope presents a unique view of the microscopic and molecular world, for it is sensitive to force alone. This instrument can accurately map force over a surface at the molecular scale; picoNewtons at nanometre resolution. The host of intermolecular forces which cause phenomena such as self-assembly, colloid stability, cell interactions and friction are only directly measurable with this technique. In this field of force measurement Australian researchers are leaders. The proposed instrument expands the capabilities of this effort, and develops exciting new directions including the direct manipulation of molecules through a novel feedback and control (haptic) interface.Read moreRead less
Static and Dynamic Forces in Colloidal and Fluid Systems. Novel research based around the Atomic Force Microscope are pursued to make ultra-sensitive measurement of forces between emulsion droplets and probe the mechanical properties of long molecules such as DNA. These studies generate basic knowledge that provides insight about emulsion stability that are of importance from the food and pharmaceutical industries to manufacturing drilling mud for oil wells. The results also provide qualitativ ....Static and Dynamic Forces in Colloidal and Fluid Systems. Novel research based around the Atomic Force Microscope are pursued to make ultra-sensitive measurement of forces between emulsion droplets and probe the mechanical properties of long molecules such as DNA. These studies generate basic knowledge that provides insight about emulsion stability that are of importance from the food and pharmaceutical industries to manufacturing drilling mud for oil wells. The results also provide qualitative and predictive information about the mechanisms that determine the interaction involving large bio-molecules such as DNA and proteins. The instrumentation created along the way has the potential to be developed into special purpose ultra-sensitive devices and sensors.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775612
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,000.00
Summary
Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation Facility. Nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize a wide variety of fields, from medicine to agriculture, communications and electronics. However, the small length scales involved present significant challenges with regard to characterising the nanomaterials produced. The Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation facility will provide state-of-the-art equipment for examining the properties of nanomaterials. The equipment will be pivotal in assisting the de ....Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation Facility. Nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize a wide variety of fields, from medicine to agriculture, communications and electronics. However, the small length scales involved present significant challenges with regard to characterising the nanomaterials produced. The Nanomaterials Optical Characterisation facility will provide state-of-the-art equipment for examining the properties of nanomaterials. The equipment will be pivotal in assisting the development of next-generation medicines, implants, optical devices and surface coatings, further strengthening Australia's formidable reputation in these areas.Read moreRead less
Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between m ....Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between mercury vapour and gold surfaces at the nano-level. Our principal aim is to develop mercury sensor technology suited to alumina refineries. This innovative technology will be a significant breakthrough in the control of mercury emissions and have many other applications.
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Macromolecular Self-Assembly of Amyloid Fibrils. The misfolding of proteins is a key issue in public health. Common diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are associated with protein misfolding, and have a major impact on society. The use of proteins as therapeutic drugs is now common ( e.g. as vaccines, for immune disorders) but they can be rendered ineffective or harmful by protein misfolding. Through this project, we will enhance the fundamental understandin ....Macromolecular Self-Assembly of Amyloid Fibrils. The misfolding of proteins is a key issue in public health. Common diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are associated with protein misfolding, and have a major impact on society. The use of proteins as therapeutic drugs is now common ( e.g. as vaccines, for immune disorders) but they can be rendered ineffective or harmful by protein misfolding. Through this project, we will enhance the fundamental understanding of the processes of protein assembly in solution, at solid surfaces, and under shear.
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