Health care is another application area in which functional nanomaterials show great promise. Research efforts in this program have mainly focused on nanomaterials for orthopaedic applications such as artificial bone implants. In the extension phase of the Centre we have seen research efforts in this area expanded to include materials for drug and gene delivery, bactericidal coatings and materials for bioseparation and biosensing.

This program currently runs the following projects:

Biofunctionalisation of magnetic nanoparticles using novel heterotelechelic polymers
(Amal, Li, Teoh, Boyer, Bulmus, Davis, Gooding, Selomulya, Woodward, St. Pierre)
The work investigates the functionalisation of magnetic nanoparticles via the silanisation routes as well as designing novel heterotelechelic polymers layers with multifunctional ends

Development of nanomaterials for advanced antimicrobial applications
(Amal, Gunawan, Teoh, Lifia, Marquis)
This project aims to create smart nanomaterials with controlled and extra-ordinary antimicrobial activities through facile manipulation of the physical and chemical properties.

Nanoparticles as novel therapeutic agents
(Amal, Gunawan, Lord, Teoh)
The work investigates the use of advanced nanoparticles as in vivo anti-oxidants with targeting functionalities. This encompasses the solid-state design of biocompatible nanoparticles, biofunctionalisation as well as understanding its bioresponse.

Preparation and functionalisation of magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications
(Amal, Lim, Gooding, Goon)
This project revolves around the preparation of gold coated magnetite nanoparticles with the ability to capture and detect relevant biomedical and environmental analytes.

Preparation and stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles
(Amal, Lim, Bulmus, Wiogo)
This project aims to obtain magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles that are stable against aggregation in biological fluid by modifying the surface of the particles. The roles of the surface modifier were also studied.

Preparation of iron oxide nanoparticles for gene delivery application
(Amal, Lim, Marquis, Arsianti)
This project combines the use of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, polyethylenimine, and DNA as a gene delivery agent (vector). The effect of vector component assembly to characteristic of vector, cellular uptake, and transfection efficiency were studied.

Novel nanocomposite materials for artificial bone implants
(Grondahl, Trau, Martin, Jack, Rai)
The aim of this project is to process hydroxyapatite based biocompatible and biodegradable nanostructured porous composite scaffolds for load-bearing biomedical applications.

 

Nanoclay as an efficient non-viral delivery system
(Xu, Lu)
The current research in the Centre involves a number of explorative projects, including (1) siRNA delivery to neutrons via this nanoclay, (2) cardiovascular drug delivery to control the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, (3) modification of this nanoclay to sustain the supply of vaccine etc.