Evaluating The Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant And Wound-healing Properties Of Australian Native Stingless Bee Cerumen From Trigona Carbonaria, And The Effects Of Bee Foraging Behaviours On Cerumen Bioactivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
I have a keen interest in evaluating the potential of natural products to promote wound-healing in humans. Cerumen, a resinous material produced by Australian native stingless bees, is easily obtained; however, the medicinal properties of this natural product have not been widely investigated. Therefore, the proposed PhD project aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and wound-healing properties of Australian native stingless bee cerumen.
Effect Of Cross-linking Cytokines To Natural And Synthetic Matrices On Post-implantation Fibrosis In Animal Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$77,154.00
Summary
My research will focus on the development and in vivo testing of cytokine cross-linked surgical implant materials in selected mouse and rat models. We hypothesise that Follistatin bound to heparin sulphate cross-linked natural and synthetic matrix implants will suppress the formation of Extra cellular matrix around the implant during wound healing in a mouse surgical model.
Identification Of Early Predictors Of Non-healing Venous Leg Ulcers And Development Of A Risk Assessment Tool
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$43,271.00
Summary
Venous leg ulcers make up about 70% of all chronic leg ulcers and are often debilitating. This project aims to examine the relationships between physiological and psychosocial variables in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers in relation to healing at 24 weeks thereby guiding the development of a risk assessment tool that will then be tested. Identification of risk factors for non-healing at 24 weeks would offer an opportunity for clinicians to be able to determine realistic outcomes.
Application Of Adult Stem Cells To Bioengineered Corneal Epithelium And Endothelium Autografts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Damage to the cornea causes vision loss. Transplants can restore sight but carry risk of rejection and therefore require anti-rejection therapy, which has side effects. Bioengineered corneal components could replace transplants. Our goals are: 1) Growth of corneal endothelium and epithelium from adult stem cells to reduce the amount of tissue so the patient's own cells could be used. 2) Develop scaffolds that are suitable for implantation or other methods to deliver cells.
The Role Of Flightless In The Formation Of Scar Formation And Potential As A Target For A Novel Therapy To Reduce Scarring
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,664.00
Summary
Scarring causes significant morbidity and suffering. It can lead to pain, disfigurement and impaired physical function, which require costly ongoing care. Flightless (Flii) is a novel protein, which acts as a negative regulator of wound healing. Flii neutralising antibody treatment has been shown to improve wound healing. However, the role of Flii in scarring has yet to be investigated. This project will investigate the role of Flii in scarring and its potential as a therapeutic target.