Improving The Safety Of Implantable Medical Devices
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$775,924.00
Summary
Medical devices provide benefits but also have the potential to cause harm. Large amounts of data exist on medical devices after they have entered the market, but methods for analysing the data and rapidly detecting safety issues are lacking. The aim of the research is to improve the safety of implantable medical devices by using novel methods on existing data sources to develop an efficient and accurate post-market surveillance system.
Novel Silver Nanoparticle Coatings For The Prevention Of Infection Of Biomedical Implants And Devices
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,305.00
Summary
This project targets infections associated with implants and biomedical devices such as catheters, pacemaker leads, knee and hip implants, by the development and evaluation of coatings delivering antibacterial silver ions. The novel coating method is more uniform and reproducible and can be applied to a wide range of biomedical implants and devices. The novel coatings will be tested for antimicrobial effectiveness and safety using cell and tissue culture methods and animal clinical studies.
Titanium Implants With Dual Micro- And Nano-Scale Topography For Electrically Stimulated Osteogenic And Antibacterial Functions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
The long-term success of titanium implants in high-risk patients (especially diabetics) is compromised and the current project aims to address this by developing nano-engineered therapeutic titanium implants. With appropriate multi-scale roughness, enhanced bioactivity, local antibiotic release and electrical stimulation to further enhance these features, the project aims at patient outcomes, while allowing easy integration into the current implant market.
Fighting Blindness With A Minimally Invasive Retinal Stimulator
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,194.00
Summary
Retinal degenerative conditions are the leading cause of blindness in developed nations, with over 200 million people afflicted worldwide. Our group has pioneered a minimally-invasive therapeutic stimulator that can arrest retinal degeneration without blocking vision. We are now ready to perform the prerequisite translational studies to develop and test a human-grade device. The ultimate goal is to be the first to develop a commercial therapeutic stimulator that protects against vision loss.
Novel Biocompatible Nickel-free Shape Memory Alloy Scaffolds For Biomedical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,789.00
Summary
The current project is aimed at the development of a new class of novel biocompatible nickel-free shape memory alloy (SMA) scaffolds for metallic implant applications. The new scaffolds possess the ability to exert a mechanical force on the surrounding bones, and stimulate new bone tissue ingrowth, due to their shape memory effect, superelasticity and bone-mimicking porous structure. The outcomes from this project will provide innovative implant materials.
The Development Of Novel, Biofilm-resistant Biomaterials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$147,360.00
Summary
Almost all patients who are catheterised long term develop a bacterial infection. Most often, the infection is the result of colonisation of the catheter surface by bacteria. Bacterial colonisation of the surface of biomedical devices represents a significant health threat as such bacterial biofilms are extremely resistant to traditional antibiotic regimens. This project aims to develop novel materials that prevent bacterial colonisation on catheters and other biomedical related devices. Our tec ....Almost all patients who are catheterised long term develop a bacterial infection. Most often, the infection is the result of colonisation of the catheter surface by bacteria. Bacterial colonisation of the surface of biomedical devices represents a significant health threat as such bacterial biofilms are extremely resistant to traditional antibiotic regimens. This project aims to develop novel materials that prevent bacterial colonisation on catheters and other biomedical related devices. Our technology is based on compounds identified from a marine alga that prevent bacterial colonisation of its surface. Similarly, we have shown that these compounds, when coated onto test surfaces, prevent bacterial colonisation of a range of materials.Read moreRead less
A Study Of Various Bone Scaffolds In A Maxillary Sinus Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$61,711.00
Summary
This project investigates using animal derived and artificial bone in regions of the mouth that are deficient and not suitable for replacing missing teeth using dental implants. Traditional techniques of bone replacement require the use of a patient's own bone. These procedures are associated with post-operative morbidity and this bone is present in limited quantity. The use of these bone replacements may overcome these challenges and eliminate the need for using patient's bone.
Novel Methods For Debridement Of Dental Implant Surfaces Contaminated By A Dental Biofilm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,653.00
Summary
Dental implants are becoming more commonly used to replace missing teeth. This process occurs by the bone fusing to the implant. However over time, bone loss and inflammation around a dental implant can occur. This response can occur after some years and can lead to eventual loss of the implant. The major contributing factors are patient susceptibility and the formation of plaque on the surface of the implant. The aims of this PhD are to understand how plaque grows on the implant surface and how ....Dental implants are becoming more commonly used to replace missing teeth. This process occurs by the bone fusing to the implant. However over time, bone loss and inflammation around a dental implant can occur. This response can occur after some years and can lead to eventual loss of the implant. The major contributing factors are patient susceptibility and the formation of plaque on the surface of the implant. The aims of this PhD are to understand how plaque grows on the implant surface and how it can be removed.Read moreRead less