Targeted process development for drug delivery. Matrix assisted ball milling and continuous flow process intensification on rotating surfaces in the form of spinning discs and rotating tubes, and combinations of these, allow the fabrication of nanoparticles for the pharmaceutical industry, with the ability to fine tune the properties of the particles to improve their uptake profiles, while minimising side effects. The research will be conducted through the Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication w ....Targeted process development for drug delivery. Matrix assisted ball milling and continuous flow process intensification on rotating surfaces in the form of spinning discs and rotating tubes, and combinations of these, allow the fabrication of nanoparticles for the pharmaceutical industry, with the ability to fine tune the properties of the particles to improve their uptake profiles, while minimising side effects. The research will be conducted through the Centre for Strategic Nano-Fabrication with its science based attention to quality by design for product development at the inception of the science. This, coupled with the involvement of iCeutica which has a strong commercially focused R and D profile, provides a more innovative research culture, and excellent research training. Read moreRead less
Utilisation of dense gas technology for the development of controlled release active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) delivery systems. The aim of this project is to develop an orally administered drug formulation for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases of the colon. Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating condition and the cost to society is similar to that of asthma. As such, the project has the potential to have a major impact on society.
Development of the methods to tailor photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. This project aims at the development of the methods to tailor the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. Methods to both enhance and reduce the photocatalytic activity for specific applications will be investigated, and the physical and chemical mechanism of photocatalysis-control will be studied. The method developed will be applied for a commercial scale production of ZnO nanoparticles. The effects of ....Development of the methods to tailor photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. This project aims at the development of the methods to tailor the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles. Methods to both enhance and reduce the photocatalytic activity for specific applications will be investigated, and the physical and chemical mechanism of photocatalysis-control will be studied. The method developed will be applied for a commercial scale production of ZnO nanoparticles. The effects of (a) impurity doping inside of the particles, (b) particle coating, (c) size and morphologies of the particles, and (d) ion-adsorption of the particle surface, to the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles will be investigated. The methods developed will be applied for a commercial scale production of ZnO nanoparticles by ANT.Read moreRead less
Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between m ....Nano-scale modification of gold surfaces for sensing mercury from gaseous effluents of alumina refineries. The Australian alumina industry contributes more than $5.4 billion export income annually. It is also a major driver of the rural economy with all but one of Australia's seven alumina refineries located in rural areas. In response to the industry's attempts to reduce the environmental impact of its processes, this project will conduct basic strategic research into the interaction between mercury vapour and gold surfaces at the nano-level. Our principal aim is to develop mercury sensor technology suited to alumina refineries. This innovative technology will be a significant breakthrough in the control of mercury emissions and have many other applications.
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Wearable thermoelectric textiles for portable microelectronics. Wearable thermoelectrics enable the power generation from the temperature difference between human body and ambient temperature by using thermoelectric effect. This project aims to design eco-friendly wearable thermoelectric textiles to realize high-efficiency solid-state power generation and meet individual needs with human comfort and health. The target is to achieve a power density in the as-designed thermoelectric textiles by th ....Wearable thermoelectric textiles for portable microelectronics. Wearable thermoelectrics enable the power generation from the temperature difference between human body and ambient temperature by using thermoelectric effect. This project aims to design eco-friendly wearable thermoelectric textiles to realize high-efficiency solid-state power generation and meet individual needs with human comfort and health. The target is to achieve a power density in the as-designed thermoelectric textiles by the optimization of materials and device design. The outcome will open up a new platform for the green and sustainable charge for portable microelectronics, which will lead to an innovative technology for energy management, which will place Australia at the forefront of wearable electronics and textile industry.Read moreRead less
Processing Pearl Nacre for Bio-Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has exciting potential to solve major health challenges of the 21st century. The proposed research focuses on developing health care products, derived from a renewable waste stream resource from the pearling industry, en route to establishing products to benefit the rural community, and beyond. The processed pearl nacre provides the possibility of alleviating problems associated with neurotrauma following injury, and for skin regenera ....Processing Pearl Nacre for Bio-Nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has exciting potential to solve major health challenges of the 21st century. The proposed research focuses on developing health care products, derived from a renewable waste stream resource from the pearling industry, en route to establishing products to benefit the rural community, and beyond. The processed pearl nacre provides the possibility of alleviating problems associated with neurotrauma following injury, and for skin regeneration following burns. The recently established powerful multidisciplinary research team in partnership with Pearl Technology combines expertise in chemical processing, nanotechnology, biochemistry, neuroscience and tissue engineering, also providing a basis for quality research training.Read moreRead less
Application of microfluidics in engineering functional noble metal nano-materials. High value added nano-materials based on precious metals from gold refining will be developed using continuous flow microfluidic platforms in parallel, in partnership with the Perth Mint (WA Mint). The scalable products will be assessed for application in devices and sensor technology, and as a catalysis for the fine chemical industry.
Highly Efficient Solar Window Technology Enabled by Quantum Dots. The transition to zero-greenhouse gas emitting buildings is hindered by the lack of efficient energy generating building components with good aesthetics. This project will develop integrated solar windows that can effectively convert the facades of urban buildings into energy generation sites, enabled by our nanomaterials having outstanding light emission efficiencies of over 90%, accompanied by our advanced light guiding strategi ....Highly Efficient Solar Window Technology Enabled by Quantum Dots. The transition to zero-greenhouse gas emitting buildings is hindered by the lack of efficient energy generating building components with good aesthetics. This project will develop integrated solar windows that can effectively convert the facades of urban buildings into energy generation sites, enabled by our nanomaterials having outstanding light emission efficiencies of over 90%, accompanied by our advanced light guiding strategies and innovative PV cell integration. This next generation technology can reduce the electricity cost and increase renewable energy adoption, placing Australia in a competitive position in the billion-dollar building integrated photovoltaic market whilst also contributing to decarbonising electricity generation.Read moreRead less