Biomolecular Innovations

On a mission to restore sight in patients blinded from severe corneal disease.

Bionic array Directed Gene Electrotransfer (BaDGE®) is a platform technology for targeted delivery of naked DNA. The first clinical application uses DNA encoding neurotrophins to drive regrowth of the auditory nerve.

Research in the fields of materials sciences, electronics, and transducers, especially work on two-dimensional semiconductors, ingestible sensors and liquid metals.

NanoArmour is a highly effective way to enhance the stability of fragile drugs without the need for cold storage. This technology can eliminate the need for cold-chain transportation and extend the shelf-life of protein/DNA drugs and vaccines, which will significantly enhance the bioavailability of drugs.

Recognising the futility of developing next generation antibiotics without developing strategies to undermine the resilience of bacterial biofilms. The end goal of the research is to develop a means of destabilising bacterial biofilms and enable improved efficacy of traditional antibiotics.

Breath analysis using Sorbent tubes and GC-MS/O technology to analyse Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) offers a non-intrusive alternative to traditional biopsies and blood tests.

There is an unmet medical need for early diagnosis and monitoring of diabetic neuropathy, particularly in remote locations that do not have access to specialty care. Using the eye to monitor tear neuropeptides may allow early diagnosis and prevent complications.

The Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics is the largest genomics facility at any Australian University. It is comprehensively equipped with the latest generation of next-generation sequencing technology, with single-cell genomics platforms and with high throughput microarray systems. It is funded by the Australian Government as infrastructure of national significance.

Using biomolecular engineering to manufacture proteins such as antibodies that may be useful in targeting cancer or building diagnostics for an early detection of inflammation. Once an antibody has been fully characterised and is taken for further development, the gene can be sequenced and humanised so that it does not cause allergic reactions in the body.

The 2017 global definition of dry eye disease—a common, yet poorly managed condition that is prevalent in up to 50% of Asian populations—highlights the importance of loss of tear film homeostasis and neurosensory abnormalities. This research program has developed and validated a suite of techniques and instruments which focus on these two key disease processes.

Smart paper test strips that can accurately detect insulin in saliva at the point-of-care, offering a replacement for the current ELISA test.

Development of a portable, simple and efficient solution (NanoBright) to perform single-molecule detection in 30 seconds, opening new opportunities for point-of-care diagnostics and the detection of pathogens in the field.

The Surveillance Evaluation and Research Program within Kirby Institute are world leaders in translational infectious disease research across the Asia-Pacific. With expertise in basic science, clinical and behavioural research, population-health, health economics and systems, modelling, biostatistics and epidemiology, this program conduct collaborative research to provide integrated health care solutions for all.

Efficient heat transfer is crucial for the thermal management of next-generation medical devices. It is equally important in thermal therapies such as hyperthermia and cryotherapy as well as in thermally responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery and diagnostics.