Multimodal biomedical imaging probes: development of advanced polymer nanocomposite devices for oncology. Despite significant research being directed toward cancer treatment, 7.6 million people died world wide in 2007. Early detection and treatment is widely recognised as being effective in significantly reducing mortality rates. Biomedical imaging techniques are routinely used for detection and staging of many cancers. However, greater sensitivity is required so that these techniques can be app ....Multimodal biomedical imaging probes: development of advanced polymer nanocomposite devices for oncology. Despite significant research being directed toward cancer treatment, 7.6 million people died world wide in 2007. Early detection and treatment is widely recognised as being effective in significantly reducing mortality rates. Biomedical imaging techniques are routinely used for detection and staging of many cancers. However, greater sensitivity is required so that these techniques can be applied to very early detection of tumours. To overcome this short-coming the next generation of imaging probes will be developed, which will require fundamental investigations in polymer and nanomaterials science to maximise imaging sensitivity and extend probe functionality. Successful outcomes will lead to significant benefits to healthcare in Australia.Read moreRead less
Probing the function of protein molecular motors on nano-fabricated structures. The function of protein linear molecular motors, which are natural dynamic bio-nano-devices with a ubiquitous importance in multicellular organisms, will be 'probed' with purposefully designed nano-structures fabricated via photo- or Scanning Probe Microscopy Lithography, that is, flat polymeric surfaces with combinatorial combinations of physico-chemistries; and micro/nano-channels and nano-wells with critical dimen ....Probing the function of protein molecular motors on nano-fabricated structures. The function of protein linear molecular motors, which are natural dynamic bio-nano-devices with a ubiquitous importance in multicellular organisms, will be 'probed' with purposefully designed nano-structures fabricated via photo- or Scanning Probe Microscopy Lithography, that is, flat polymeric surfaces with combinatorial combinations of physico-chemistries; and micro/nano-channels and nano-wells with critical dimensions similar to the scale of the probed biomolecules. The project turns 'up-side down' the challenge of invasive nano-probing of biomolecules using it in an engineered manner. The fundamental understanding of linear molecular motors will impact on biomedical science and on the assessment of hybrid natural-artificial dynamic nano-devices.Read moreRead less
New Strategies for Monitoring DNA-Anticancer Drug Interactions. The highly successful cisplatin works by binding to DNA and partially unwinding or bending the DNA. As a consequence of the success if cisplatin, alternative anticancer drugs are being developed with reduced side effects for patients. One of the bottom necks in the development of alternative drugs is rapid screening of the efficacy on new leads. The proposed research will develop new technologies for monitoring DNA-drug binding, ....New Strategies for Monitoring DNA-Anticancer Drug Interactions. The highly successful cisplatin works by binding to DNA and partially unwinding or bending the DNA. As a consequence of the success if cisplatin, alternative anticancer drugs are being developed with reduced side effects for patients. One of the bottom necks in the development of alternative drugs is rapid screening of the efficacy on new leads. The proposed research will develop new technologies for monitoring DNA-drug binding, DNA damage and DNA repair using novel DNA biosensors. the novelty of the biosensor technology will be to use the modulation of charge transfer through DNA as a method for determining the structural changes that occur in DNA due to these events occurring.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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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100068
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,000.00
Summary
Bioinspired liposome-based smart sensors. This project aims to develop a liposome-based biosensor technology that mimics cell sensory systems. Selective detection of compounds is increasingly important for food, health and environmental monitoring. Biosensor development faces long-standing challenges such as response time, sensitivity, specificity, and multiplexing. On the other hand, cells can sense and discriminate multiple biomolecules in seconds with high sensitivity and specificity. This pr ....Bioinspired liposome-based smart sensors. This project aims to develop a liposome-based biosensor technology that mimics cell sensory systems. Selective detection of compounds is increasingly important for food, health and environmental monitoring. Biosensor development faces long-standing challenges such as response time, sensitivity, specificity, and multiplexing. On the other hand, cells can sense and discriminate multiple biomolecules in seconds with high sensitivity and specificity. This project aims to harness cells’ exquisite biological properties to improve current detection techniques. It will integrate liposome-based sensors with microfluidics to perform analytical tasks ranging from food safety to diagnostics.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH210100040
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC RESEARCH HUB FOR CONNECTED SENSORS FOR HEALTH. This Hub aims to develop, manufacture and deploy high-tech, cyber-secure, medically-certified IoT sensors to global health markets by integrating disparate Australian capabilities into a productive end-to-end value chain. This Hub expects to position Australia at the forefront of connected health by integrating sensor science with cyber-secure data analytics, regulatory approval and certified manufacturing capabilities. Expected outcomes of this ....ARC RESEARCH HUB FOR CONNECTED SENSORS FOR HEALTH. This Hub aims to develop, manufacture and deploy high-tech, cyber-secure, medically-certified IoT sensors to global health markets by integrating disparate Australian capabilities into a productive end-to-end value chain. This Hub expects to position Australia at the forefront of connected health by integrating sensor science with cyber-secure data analytics, regulatory approval and certified manufacturing capabilities. Expected outcomes of this Hub include advanced manufacturing capacity for connected sensors, strategic partnerships and commercialisation skills to translate sensors research to create economic benefits such as jobs and locally-made products for domestic and export markets, as well as improving the health of Australians.Read moreRead less
Nanoarchitectured multifunctional porous superparamagnetic nanoparticles. This project aims to develop a method for the direct detection of biomarkers based on a new class of highly porous superparamagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity. The particles will be used as dispersible capture agents for isolating specific targets in biological samples, and electrocatalytic nanozymes for naked-eye evaluation and electrochemical detection. The project is expected to develop simple, low-cos ....Nanoarchitectured multifunctional porous superparamagnetic nanoparticles. This project aims to develop a method for the direct detection of biomarkers based on a new class of highly porous superparamagnetic nanoparticles with peroxidase-like activity. The particles will be used as dispersible capture agents for isolating specific targets in biological samples, and electrocatalytic nanozymes for naked-eye evaluation and electrochemical detection. The project is expected to develop simple, low-cost, portable devices for the analysis of exosomes and exosomal miRNA in biological samples. The future development of this technology into diagnostic devices will improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier disease diagnosis and improved monitoring of treatment.Read moreRead less
Cell Membrane Coated Photonic Crystal to study Receptor-Ligand Interactions. The current gold-standard assays for examining receptor-ligand interactions require expensive and costly fluorescent or radioactive labels or proteomics processes. This project aims to develop Artificial Photonic Cells by directly coating photonic crystals with cell membranes. The Artificial Photonic Cells retain the protein receptors in their native cell membrane environment and allow for label-free monitoring of the r ....Cell Membrane Coated Photonic Crystal to study Receptor-Ligand Interactions. The current gold-standard assays for examining receptor-ligand interactions require expensive and costly fluorescent or radioactive labels or proteomics processes. This project aims to develop Artificial Photonic Cells by directly coating photonic crystals with cell membranes. The Artificial Photonic Cells retain the protein receptors in their native cell membrane environment and allow for label-free monitoring of the receptor-ligand interactions using inexpensive miniature spectrometers - radically transforming these assays. This would generate fundamental and applied knowledge of materials sciences, photonic, and biointerfaces for label-free, ultra-sensitive, and selective assays to enable future drug and diagnostics target discovery. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989068
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,120.00
Summary
Equipment for Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy: surface analysis with excellent surface sensitivity. One of the major research strengths of Australia is surface science as it is important for both fundamental and industry related research. In many cases it is crucial to investigate the outermost layer of a material or mineral. Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy is an ideal technique as it is sensitive exclusively to the outermost layer of a broad range of samples. The information g ....Equipment for Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy: surface analysis with excellent surface sensitivity. One of the major research strengths of Australia is surface science as it is important for both fundamental and industry related research. In many cases it is crucial to investigate the outermost layer of a material or mineral. Metastable Induced Electron Spectroscopy is an ideal technique as it is sensitive exclusively to the outermost layer of a broad range of samples. The information gained is not accessible by any other method. The proposed equipment will be the first of this type in Australia and will complement existing surface science facilities. The project will enhance Australia's position in surface science internationally and a large number of projects will benefit from access to the equipment.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100839
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,162.00
Summary
Nanoarchitectured platform technology for molecular profiling of exosomes. The aim of this project is to develop a set of cutting-edge nanotechnologies and a nanofabrication strategy to create a highly sensitive platform technology for exosome and exosomal miRNA analysis. This project aims to generate new knowledge in mesoporus nanomaterials and transudcer as well as exosome chemistry by developing nanostructure-based platform technology (device) for automated and rapid analysis. This project's ....Nanoarchitectured platform technology for molecular profiling of exosomes. The aim of this project is to develop a set of cutting-edge nanotechnologies and a nanofabrication strategy to create a highly sensitive platform technology for exosome and exosomal miRNA analysis. This project aims to generate new knowledge in mesoporus nanomaterials and transudcer as well as exosome chemistry by developing nanostructure-based platform technology (device) for automated and rapid analysis. This project's findings are expected to provide Australia with cutting-edge expertise for developing a next-generation platform technology for analysing exosomes and other relevant biomolecules, with the potential to deliver valuable intellectual property of commercial interest and economic benefit through technological advancements.Read moreRead less