Next generation closed-loop brain-machine interfaces . Our partners Carbon Cybernetics have developed high-density neural recording and stimulation arrays that employ fine carbon fibres as the electrode material. The aim of the project is to exploit the properties of these materials to develop miniature implantable devices that are able to achieve long-term, closed-loop, high-resolution recording and stimulation within the brain. We aim to demonstrate an advanced algorithm for control of neural ....Next generation closed-loop brain-machine interfaces . Our partners Carbon Cybernetics have developed high-density neural recording and stimulation arrays that employ fine carbon fibres as the electrode material. The aim of the project is to exploit the properties of these materials to develop miniature implantable devices that are able to achieve long-term, closed-loop, high-resolution recording and stimulation within the brain. We aim to demonstrate an advanced algorithm for control of neural function. Devices that interface directly with the brain are increasingly important in neuroscience to understand how the brain processes information and creates memories and self awareness and are critically important to the development of technologies that interface electronics with the human body. Read moreRead less
Understanding platinum dissolution in biomedical stimulating electrodes. Platinum is the main material used in electrodes for neurostimulators like the cochlear implant. Platinum electrodes can experience dissolution during implantation, which can impact on their function. The mechanisms governing this dissolution process are complex and still not fully understood. This research aims to understand the chemical, electrical and biological factors that impact on platinum dissolution in electrodes. ....Understanding platinum dissolution in biomedical stimulating electrodes. Platinum is the main material used in electrodes for neurostimulators like the cochlear implant. Platinum electrodes can experience dissolution during implantation, which can impact on their function. The mechanisms governing this dissolution process are complex and still not fully understood. This research aims to understand the chemical, electrical and biological factors that impact on platinum dissolution in electrodes. It will also develop new 3D models to simulate conditions in the human body for more rapid testing of electrodes. The new knowledge generated will improve the accuracy of predictions of platinum dissolution, develop new approaches for minimising dissolution, and contribute to reducing need for animal experimentation.Read moreRead less
Nanoengineered hybrid coatings that control inflammation to artificial bone. This project aims to develop novel biocompatible surfaces using nanotechnology approaches to understand how cells attach to and grow on artificial bone materials. This research is significant because it combines novel nanofabrication and surface modification strategies for unprecedented control and manipulation of inflammatory cell behaviour relevant to orthopaedic implants. The project will overcome current limitations ....Nanoengineered hybrid coatings that control inflammation to artificial bone. This project aims to develop novel biocompatible surfaces using nanotechnology approaches to understand how cells attach to and grow on artificial bone materials. This research is significant because it combines novel nanofabrication and surface modification strategies for unprecedented control and manipulation of inflammatory cell behaviour relevant to orthopaedic implants. The project will overcome current limitations of uncontrollable inflammatory reactions to surfaces. The multifunctional surfaces are expected to give the biomaterials field new tools to control and maintain bone cell functionality, in vitro. Potential long-term benefits include applications as coatings in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical implants.Read moreRead less
Multiplexed surface signals to inhibit mixed bacterial biofilm formation. This project aims to investigate a novel class of multifunctional surfaces that can be used to coat biomaterials with antimicrobial properties. This combines advanced polymer synthesis with a new colloidal particle self-assembly technique to modify surfaces. Expected project outcomes are generation of new knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in complex microbial communities, which may facilitate futur ....Multiplexed surface signals to inhibit mixed bacterial biofilm formation. This project aims to investigate a novel class of multifunctional surfaces that can be used to coat biomaterials with antimicrobial properties. This combines advanced polymer synthesis with a new colloidal particle self-assembly technique to modify surfaces. Expected project outcomes are generation of new knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation in complex microbial communities, which may facilitate future research exploring the development of biomaterials that resist attachment of infectious microbes, which is desperately needed in many biomedical application areas. This can assist entrepreneurs and researchers in the medical technologies sector, allowing them to explore how to reduce infection rates on medical devices.Read moreRead less
Identifying how cortical bone microstructure deteriorates with age. This project aims to define the disruptions responsible for the gradual weakening of the skeleton in ageing by integrating a range of high-resolution imaging, biomechanical, and computational methods. The expected significance of this project includes a full definition and comparison of the cellular and subcellular organisation of bone from young and elderly individuals. Expected outcomes of this international project include th ....Identifying how cortical bone microstructure deteriorates with age. This project aims to define the disruptions responsible for the gradual weakening of the skeleton in ageing by integrating a range of high-resolution imaging, biomechanical, and computational methods. The expected significance of this project includes a full definition and comparison of the cellular and subcellular organisation of bone from young and elderly individuals. Expected outcomes of this international project include the establishment of a new multidisciplinary research team, and the development of a new data-driven theoretical framework for understanding the nature and the causes of age-related bone fragility. Potential long-term benefits include new ways to treat age-related osteoporosis.Read moreRead less
Modelling human brain development with stem cells and biomaterials. With limited resources to directly study and advance our understanding of human neural development, this
proposal will establish models of 4 key stages. Employing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, biomaterials will be fabricated to provide structural and chemical support for human stem cells during: (i) neural induction, (ii) specification into neuronal progenitor subpopulations, (iii) neuronal maturation and integration ....Modelling human brain development with stem cells and biomaterials. With limited resources to directly study and advance our understanding of human neural development, this
proposal will establish models of 4 key stages. Employing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, biomaterials will be fabricated to provide structural and chemical support for human stem cells during: (i) neural induction, (ii) specification into neuronal progenitor subpopulations, (iii) neuronal maturation and integration into complex neural networks as well as, (iv) the organisation of neurons into larger 3-dimensional brain structures, namely folding of the human cortex. Further, biomaterials developed here have commercialisation potential, targeted at standardizing the culturing of human stem cells to defined neural populations.
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