Bionics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering | Research Capability & Technology Portfolio

Research activities, primarily focused on Bionics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, that involve a wide range of biomedical engineering activities including biomechanics, orthopaedics, laser micro-manufacturing, bioinstrumentation, electronic chip design, wireless sensor networks, advanced microscopy, neurophysiology, electrophysiology, and in vitro and in vivo experimentation.

Competitive advantage

Design and development of novel neural interfacing materials for neural stimulation, and recording electrodes
Advanced electrode coatings that use cells and photo-active nanomaterials, embedded within conducting polymers and conducting hydrogels, to provide physiological stimulation of excitable tissues at the individual cell level
Electrode coatings tailored to improve electrical performance while reducing scarring and enabling enhanced device-tissue integration
Understanding neuro-compatibility; compatibility of new materials with nervous tissues
Development of 3D mixed cell cultures for evaluating neural responses to technology

Impact

Novel electrode coatings significantly improve the performance and lifetime of bionic devices
Enhanced ability to restore auditory and visual perception
Improved deep brain stimulators to treat or manage conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, anxiety and depression

Successful outcomes

Patent (9299476)

Capabilities and facilities

Materials fabrication, mechanical and electrical characterisation, primary cell culture, biomedical imaging, animal models
Dedicated facilities for bionic device fabrication and characterisation