How electric fields can facilitate reversible protein binding to surfaces. The aim of this project is to develop the first biosensors that prevent nonspecific protein adsorption and allow reversible protein binding. The project expects to achieve this using a combination of novel surface chemistry and pulsed electric fields that dynamically change a sensing interface. The impact of electric fields on the binding of proteins to this interface will be followed using a novel single molecule fluores ....How electric fields can facilitate reversible protein binding to surfaces. The aim of this project is to develop the first biosensors that prevent nonspecific protein adsorption and allow reversible protein binding. The project expects to achieve this using a combination of novel surface chemistry and pulsed electric fields that dynamically change a sensing interface. The impact of electric fields on the binding of proteins to this interface will be followed using a novel single molecule fluorescence microscope previously developed that can locate the position of proteins with 2 nanometer resolution. The expected outcomes of this project is a class of biosensor that can continuously monitor protein biomarkers for wearable sensors that provide information on a user’s wellness and nutrition.Read moreRead less
Imaging metal homeostasis in the ageing brain. This fellowship aims to deliver new tools to visualise how changes to blood vessels during ageing effect the amount and distribution of metal ions in brain cells in animal models. This will be a significant advance as current methods cannot image these parameters. Metal ions are essential for brain function, but the effects of ageing on metal ions within brain cells is largely unknown. The results are expected to associate brain-blood vessel permeab ....Imaging metal homeostasis in the ageing brain. This fellowship aims to deliver new tools to visualise how changes to blood vessels during ageing effect the amount and distribution of metal ions in brain cells in animal models. This will be a significant advance as current methods cannot image these parameters. Metal ions are essential for brain function, but the effects of ageing on metal ions within brain cells is largely unknown. The results are expected to associate brain-blood vessel permeability with changes to metal ion content during ageing. The methods developed, and the fundamental new knowledge they reveal will benefit national and international neuroscientists seeking to elucidate the fundamental neurobiology of metal ions with respect to maintaining healthy brain function.Read moreRead less