Kickstarters

2024 Projects

Nanoscale Genome-editing Technology

Chief Investigator: Associate Professor Markus Muellner and Associate Professor Brian Jones

This group have developed a proof-of-concept nanotechnology platform that greatly improves the efficiency of precision genome editing in plants. With the Kickstarter they aim to expand the range of applications for the technology and develop a streamlined nanocomplex delivery mechanism. These improvements are aimed at ensuring broad uptake of the technology.

Brain plasticity on-a-chip

Chief Investigator: Dr Ann Na Cho

This project aims to create a 'brain circuit' on-chip system using human stem cells and 3D biofabrication technology. By modelling the real human neuronal communication between different brain regions, this project will enable discovery of biomedical research and ultimately achieve commercialisation by itself and facilitating precision medicine.

Er:SiC integrated photonics

Chief Investigator: Dr Elizabeth Marcellina

This Kickstarter aims to combine the quantum properties of single erbium atoms with recent fabrication advances in on-chip photonic circuits in silicon carbide. This team of engineers and physicists aim to build prototype devices for novel optical technologies including lasers, modulators and components for quantum computers.

Engineering Cellular Longevity

Chief Investigator: Dr Giselle Yeo

Stem cells hold great promise for many diseases, but their effectiveness is hampered by cell ageing. This team are developing nanotechnologies to deliver a protective protein into cells and biomaterials, to maintain cell longevity and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Emerging Nanotechnologies’ Customers

Chief Investigator: Dr Jarryd Daymond

The rapid pace of development in the field of nanotechnology presents a unique challenge: identifying and understanding the customers who are most likely to adopt these new technologies. Early adopters play a crucial role in the diffusion of innovation, but due to the constantly evolving nature of emerging nanotechnologies, it is difficult to predict who these customers will be and what their specific needs are. This research project aims to address this challenge by investigating the relationship between emerging nanotechnologies and their early adopting customers.

Nano-patterned blood vessels

Chief Investigator: Dr Michael Morris

The aim of this Kickstarter is to build blood vessels in a dish that can be used to transplant into patients who need artery bypass surgery. To do this, the team are using a plasma-treated, biodegradable plastic to which they ‘trap’ the various cell types in the correct places.

Epidermal hydrogel electrodes

Chief Investigator: Dr Shuying Wu

Skin electrodes are essential for continuously recording biopotentials like electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), which are important for diagnosing and treating diseases related to the heart, brain, and muscles, such as dementia, sleep disorders, and heart conditions. Currently, rigid electrodes with electrolyte gel are predominantly used, but they have problems with unstable and weak connections to the skin and signal degradation. Soft polymeric electrodes have shown great promise because they fit better on the skin. However, there are still challenges in achieving good on-skin adhesion and long-term stability. This project aims to develop soft, self-adhesive, conductive polymeric materials-based electrodes to overcome these challenges and improve continuous biopotential monitoring systems.

Nano-heterogeneity for thermoelectricity

Chief Investigator: Dr Sima Aminorroaya Yamini

This project aims to correlate the chemistry of microstructural components with the electronic properties of high-entropy alloys, a new generation of thermoelectric materials. The findings will set the foundation for the design of new materials with high conversion efficiency of waste heat to electricity.

Forecasting Nano-3D Biointegration

Chief Investigator: Dr Natalie Holmes

This project aims to enable more accurate predictions of medical implant biointegration timelines for bone tissue repair, by building a world-first protocol based on quantitative nanoscale 3D tomography.