LIPID AND LIPOPROTEIN ADSORPTION AT BIOMATERIALS AND BIO-DIAGNOSTICS INTERFACES. This project aims to investigate molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of undesired biological deposits on synthetic materials and thereby help establish the scientific basis for the rational design of materials with improved compatibility with biological fluids and the engineering of a new generation of biomedical implant devices and bio-diagnostic devices. It is well known that proteins accumulate on synt ....LIPID AND LIPOPROTEIN ADSORPTION AT BIOMATERIALS AND BIO-DIAGNOSTICS INTERFACES. This project aims to investigate molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of undesired biological deposits on synthetic materials and thereby help establish the scientific basis for the rational design of materials with improved compatibility with biological fluids and the engineering of a new generation of biomedical implant devices and bio-diagnostic devices. It is well known that proteins accumulate on synthetic solid surfaces. This project proposes to investigate whether lipids and lipoproteins also play key roles in the initiation of biological adsorption processes. Combined with the study of the interfacial forces responsible, this information will guide the design of preventative strategies.Read moreRead less
Engineering and Assembly of Bioinspired Nanostructured Materials. Scientific and technological advances at the frontiers of nano- and bio-technology are poised to revolutionise healthcare and medicine. This project will involve the design, synthesis and engineering of functional biopolymer building blocks. These 'smart' biopolymers will then be assembled into responsive, nanostructured materials for targeted drug delivery and biosensing applications. These materials are expected to ultimately ha ....Engineering and Assembly of Bioinspired Nanostructured Materials. Scientific and technological advances at the frontiers of nano- and bio-technology are poised to revolutionise healthcare and medicine. This project will involve the design, synthesis and engineering of functional biopolymer building blocks. These 'smart' biopolymers will then be assembled into responsive, nanostructured materials for targeted drug delivery and biosensing applications. These materials are expected to ultimately have health benefits for Australian citizens and contribute to the development of a robust Australian nanobiotechnology industry. The project will also provide excellent opportunities for the development of outstanding young scientists and will foster exciting, multidisciplinary collaborations.Read moreRead less
Nanoscale Coating and Biomodification of Colloids for Biological Applications. The research entails the preparation of novel biofunctional colloids of nanometer to micrometer dimensions and their utilisation in biological applications. Self-assembly processes will be exploited to achieve nanoscale biomodification of technologically important colloid particles, including latex beads and rare earth and semiconductor nanoparticles. The studies conducted will generate fundamental knowledge pertainin ....Nanoscale Coating and Biomodification of Colloids for Biological Applications. The research entails the preparation of novel biofunctional colloids of nanometer to micrometer dimensions and their utilisation in biological applications. Self-assembly processes will be exploited to achieve nanoscale biomodification of technologically important colloid particles, including latex beads and rare earth and semiconductor nanoparticles. The studies conducted will generate fundamental knowledge pertaining to the underlying factors that govern the formation of biofunctional colloid particles through self-assembly. This is essential for the development of tailored colloids that will meet the demands placed on nanomaterials synthesis and performance by nanotechnology. The colloids prepared will find new applications in medicine, biocatalysis and bioassays.Read moreRead less
Highly ordered and tunable extracellular DNA micro- and nanopatterns for investigating the attachment mechanisms of pseudomonas aeruginosa to surfaces. Preventing infectious bacteria from colonising artificial surfaces is a major scientific challenge. New engineered surfaces will be designed to better understand how the important pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa sticks to surfaces, facilitating new ways of reducing infections acquired from the surface of, for example, medical devices.
Smart hybrid nano-biomaterials that mimic the pharmaceutical food effect. Smart biomaterials will be developed which when taken orally will act in our gut to improve drug and vitamin uptake. The breakthrough science will drive new pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the future health of Australia, and economic benefits will result through increased exposure to the global market for delivering biomolecules.
Graded Biomaterial for Articular Cartilage Replacement. Osteoarthritis is a major health and economical burden on the Australian community which can be addressed in part by providing a viable option for effective clinical treatment. 34% of people over the age of 50 suffer from osteoarthritis, predominantly the knee. The development of a biomaterial to enable repair of articular cartilage through minor surgical procedures will release resources at point of care. Current biomaterial options are st ....Graded Biomaterial for Articular Cartilage Replacement. Osteoarthritis is a major health and economical burden on the Australian community which can be addressed in part by providing a viable option for effective clinical treatment. 34% of people over the age of 50 suffer from osteoarthritis, predominantly the knee. The development of a biomaterial to enable repair of articular cartilage through minor surgical procedures will release resources at point of care. Current biomaterial options are still in infancy and an Australian based product would benefit the Australian economy as well as Australia's international standing within the biomaterials community.Read moreRead less
DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL BIOMATERIAL FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING. Tissue engineering of bone is emerging as a viable therapy for treating large defects in load-bearing bone. We wish to develop methods for combining novel heparan sulphate molecules (known to deliver growth factors to cell surfaces and thereby cause changes in bone cell phenotype) with load-bearing, macro-porous, biodegradable mineral/polymer biomaterials. Through the study of release profiles, protein adsorption and cell responses ....DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL BIOMATERIAL FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING. Tissue engineering of bone is emerging as a viable therapy for treating large defects in load-bearing bone. We wish to develop methods for combining novel heparan sulphate molecules (known to deliver growth factors to cell surfaces and thereby cause changes in bone cell phenotype) with load-bearing, macro-porous, biodegradable mineral/polymer biomaterials. Through the study of release profiles, protein adsorption and cell responses to these derivatised biomaterials, a novel approach to bone replacement materials can be developed.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