Pharmacology Of Potential Anti-Tumour Agents: Iron Chelators Of The BpT Class
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,455.00
Summary
Pharmacology of Potential Anti-Tumour Agents: Iron Chelators of the BpT Class Cancer cells have a high iron requirement for DNA synthesis and many clinical trials showed Fe chelators are effective anti-cancer drugs. Their potential to act as anti-tumour agents has been confirmed by the entrance of Triapine into widespread NCI clinical trials. In this NHMRC Renewal, we will perform pharmacological and preclinical studies to promote the development of BpT chelators as novel anti-tumour agents.
Micro- and nano-particulate delivery systems for chemical and biological weapons: physical characterisation and risk assessment. Inert solid powder has been used as a carrier for chemical and biologically-active agents to increase their effectiveness in a range of applications such as chemical weapons, pesticides and insecticides. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of the physical characteristics of particulate delivery systems on their ability to deliver potentially toxic s ....Micro- and nano-particulate delivery systems for chemical and biological weapons: physical characterisation and risk assessment. Inert solid powder has been used as a carrier for chemical and biologically-active agents to increase their effectiveness in a range of applications such as chemical weapons, pesticides and insecticides. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of the physical characteristics of particulate delivery systems on their ability to deliver potentially toxic substances to exposed skin and through protective clothing. This data will provide the first step in the design and development of effective protective clothing/products and safety protocols to safeguard the health of Australians involved in the defence of Australia.Read moreRead less
Light-responsive nanomaterials as nanomedicines: new approaches to treating macular degeneration, cancer and other critical unmet therapeutic needs. Nanotechnology is enabling new medicines for the treatment of important diseases such as cancer and macular degeneration. This project will investigate novel nanomaterials for the development of new highly effective medicines that can be controlled after administration, leading to reduced side effects and increased convenience for patients.
Investigating the functional interaction between vasopressin and angiotensin receptors. Kidney disease resulting from diabetes is a major health issue for Australians, and indigenous Australians in particular. This project aims to enable improved therapies to be developed, as well as better inform doctors regarding the use of potential combinations of existing pharmaceuticals to treat this condition.
Genetic selection of artificial polyketides. This project aims to harness the potential of synthetic biology to build cells that can make valuable new derivatives of polyketides. Polyketides are natural products that have proven to be highly effective for use in industry, medicine and agriculture. The technologies developed in this project will provide resources to discover new chemicals, accessible to almost any scientific laboratory. Expected outcomes include the opportunity to put the future ....Genetic selection of artificial polyketides. This project aims to harness the potential of synthetic biology to build cells that can make valuable new derivatives of polyketides. Polyketides are natural products that have proven to be highly effective for use in industry, medicine and agriculture. The technologies developed in this project will provide resources to discover new chemicals, accessible to almost any scientific laboratory. Expected outcomes include the opportunity to put the future of natural product discovery and optimisation in the hands of the wider scientific community, which will provide significant benefits, such as providing new tools for Australian industries.Read moreRead less
Fundamentals and applications of continuous-flow microprocessing systems based on supercritical fluids and gas expanded liquids. Microchemical systems have considerable potential in the area of chemical discovery and development. Practical application of these systems requires fundamental understanding and strategies for conversion to appropriate scale. The aim of this project is to overcome such challenges in the development of microstructured continuous-flow technology.
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
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
Characterisation Of Eurl, A Novel Gene Implicated In The Etiology Of Abnormal Brain Development And Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$597,541.00
Summary
Intellectual disability affects around one per cent of Australians, and can arise from genetic abnormalities during fetal life, such as through abnormal regulation of gene expression. We have identified a novel gene, known as eurl, which controls brain assembly as well as the ability of neurons to form functional connections within the brain. We will investigate how this novel gene controls brain development, and characterise eurl as a potential therapeutic target for learning and memory.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100164
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,000.00
Summary
A facility for ex-vivo molecular imaging. The facility will allow a consortium of Australian researchers to create an integrated facility for imaging biological receptors in tissue, bringing together laboratory, radiochemistry and imaging expertise. Digital data at each site will be able to be viewed and analysed remotely.