Using Nanotechnology To Improve The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Iron Chelators
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,769.00
Summary
Iron loading disorders (such as thalassaemia) represent an important class of human disease. As part of the treatment for these diseases, the iron needs to be removed and this is often done using iron-binding drugs known as iron chelators. Current chelators are not ideal due to side effects or onerous delivery methods. The goal of this project is to use nanotechnology to develop more effective ways of delivering chelators to improve their effectiveness and reduce toxicity.
The Use Of Gene-Silencing Nanodrugs To Inhibit Lung Cancer Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,950.00
Summary
Lung cancer accounts for the most cancer deaths worldwide. This research proposal will use state-of-the-art nanomedicines designed to penetrate lung tumours and suppress a gene which drives cancer growth and resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Our results could underpin new approaches that revolutionise more effective and less toxic treatments for a highly lethal malignancy.
Development of dense gas technology platforms for the formulation of oral vaccines. This project will aim to develop a technology platform that enables the formulation of vaccines that can be delivered orally and this research has the potential to radically change existing vaccination regimens. The availability of needle-free vaccination also has potential for considerable societal and economic impact in developing countries.
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.
Magnetically controlled drug release from tissue scaffolds for the treatment of acute burns. Severe skin burns are frequently associated with functionally disabling scarring and the risk of death. New magnetically activated wound seals for the treatment of acute burns will be developed that reduce the need for frequent painful dressing changes and hence facilitate rapid healing with a significantly reduced chance of scarring.
Nanoparticles to combat cellular dysfunction. This project aims to design, synthesise and characterise nanoparticles that can mediate the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species. The project expects to develop nanoparticles with tailored chemical functionality to modulate the concentration of reactive oxygen species and develop a platform technology for addressing conditions where reactive species are overproduced. The project will research how nanoparticles’ physicochemical properties affect ....Nanoparticles to combat cellular dysfunction. This project aims to design, synthesise and characterise nanoparticles that can mediate the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species. The project expects to develop nanoparticles with tailored chemical functionality to modulate the concentration of reactive oxygen species and develop a platform technology for addressing conditions where reactive species are overproduced. The project will research how nanoparticles’ physicochemical properties affect their activity, and how they affect cellular function, tissue morphology and particle transport in a biological milieu. The project is expected to benefit the advanced manufacturing, veterinary and medical sectors and could lead to new chemotherapeutics.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100488
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Cellular dynamics of nanoengineered particles. Nanotechnology has the capacity to drive a new wave of biological innovation through engineering materials at the nanoscale. This project will advance understanding of how nanoengineered materials interact with biological systems to enable the development of nanomaterials for future translational research.
Magnetofection In An Oscillating Magnetic Field. The success of genetic engineering is largely dependent on the ability of transfection agents to deliver genes. Low transfection efficiency is now widely recognised as a critical bottleneck to successful gene delivery. The recent emphasis on the development of nanoscale delivery agents has led to new physics and chemistry-based techniques, which take advantage of charge interactions and energetic processes. This multidisciplinary project aims to a ....Magnetofection In An Oscillating Magnetic Field. The success of genetic engineering is largely dependent on the ability of transfection agents to deliver genes. Low transfection efficiency is now widely recognised as a critical bottleneck to successful gene delivery. The recent emphasis on the development of nanoscale delivery agents has led to new physics and chemistry-based techniques, which take advantage of charge interactions and energetic processes. This multidisciplinary project aims to address this highly significant problem by developing a novel methodology to manipulate nanoparticles under the influence of an oscillating magnetic field to achieve high transfection efficiencies in a highly relevant model of epigenetic reprogramming.Read moreRead less
Skin penetration of nanoparticles promoted by particle design, formulation and application method. This project seeks to better define the determinants of nanoparticle skin penetration and subsequent disposition in the body. The data would be used to guide minimal skin penetration of 'undesirable' nanoparticles and the properties required of 'safe' nanoparticles to enable effective human skin delivery in cosmetic and dermatological products.
Evaluating viscum album in tumour eradication strategies. Extracts from the plant parasite mistletoe are, internationally, the most widely used complementary cancer treatments. Providing clear evidence-based research, this project will focus on enhancing mistletoe anti-cancer treatment through the development of novel liposome-based tumour therapies.