Areas of Research

Core Projects

1. Nano-fabrication
   Lead Researchers: C. L. Raston, Iyer Swaminatha and Mohamed Makha

   Synthesis of nano-particles and nano-hybrids using spinning disc processing technology

   SDP new technology can also be used to prepare mono-dispersed nano-particles in a controlled way as a continuous flow process. No other technique has the same capability, and no other technique has the ability to incorporate green chemistry metrics into the technology. This is important for downstream nanotechnology applications and products getting into the marketplace. SDP technology allows more efficient processes, minimising energy usage and simplifies scale up requirements – indeed the research reactor can be the production reactor. The project will focus on the synthesis and characterization of nano-particles of metals and inorganic materials for application as supermagnetic material and in medical contrasting technology. Projects on other nano-particles include: (i) Light harvesting nano-particles. (ii) Generation of polymer (natural & synthetic) particles of uniform size distribution. (iii) Nano-particles of fullerenes. (iv) Food colouring technology.

2. Nano-medicine
   Lead Researcher: Tim St Pierre

   Superparamagnetic nano-particles in magnetic resonance, contrast enhancement, tissue repair, detoxification of biological fluids, and drug delivery. Drug delivery combining biophotonics for precise target therapy and early detection of diseases. Tissue fabrication and artificial bio-compatible material. Laser activated bioadhesives combined with surgical photonic procedures and drug delivery.

3. Nano-toxicology, environmental impact
   Lead Researchers: Lee Yong Lim and Mohamed Makka

   Testing nano-particles in other research programs for effects on healthy cells in culture as an initial screen protocol for toxicity. Developing new screens for specific nano-particles. Life cycle assessment of nano-particles. Environmental monitoring of nano-particles. Sustainability metrics.  Environmental and atmospheric chemistry, environmental monitoring and analysis, Tropospheric chemistry explicit reaction mechanism development, including the development of ultrafine aerosol particles. Computer modeling of tropospheric chemistry and atmospheric chamber experiments.  Air pollution and human health impacts.

4. Nano-forensics
   Lead Researcher: John Watling

   New technology for tagging pearls for the WA pearling industry, encoding of indigenous and other artworks, plastics, banknotes, paints and ceramics, and aspects of nano-toxicology.

5. Nano-characterisation and smart materials
   Lead Researchers: Brendan Griffin and Martin Saunders.

   Nano-catalysis for the fine chemical industry. Nano-materials for light harvesting devices and fuel cell technology. Nano-catalysts for templating new nano-structures. Food and cosmetic formulations for increasing the bioavailability of the products. Anti-fouling nano-particles for the pearling industry. Theoretical determining/predicting the properties of nano-particles.

6. New generation SDP technology
   Lead Researcher: Hui Tong Chua

   Incorporating high temperature flash-heating and high pressure, UV and microwave capabilities.