Nanotechnology to create devices for rapid disease screening

University of Queensland (UQ) researchers are hoping to revolutionize the way cancer and diseases are detected. Professor Matt Trau, Director of UQ's Centre for Nanotechnology and Biomaterials, is heading up an international project that aims to investigate and test a set of unique, Australian-owned nanotechnologies that will accelerate advances in the early detection and diagnosis of many diseases. "By testing and developing these nanotechnology platforms we hope to produce tools to give people an early warning that they have a serious disease." Professor Trau said. "That early warning could mean the difference of getting medical intervention at a time when it is easy to administer and highly effective. He said apart from the potential medical benefits, by developing the technologies in Queensland this research provides a tremendous opportunity for commercial success. "This project addresses a critical gap in the process of early diagnosis, that is, the lack of effective tools for diagnosing disease at the molecular level," Professor Siddle said.

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UQ strengthens nano ties with Brazil

Australia's scientific ties with Brazil took a step closer recently with a conference aimed at building greater research links between the two countries. The Australia Brazil Bio Nano Technology (ABBINTech) Conference, held at The University of Queensland on March 27 and 28, brought together some of the best and brightest researchers from both countries to explore ways to share knowledge. Conference organiser Dr Joe de Costa said while there were already many important research links with Brazil, it made sense to nurture further collaboration. “Some of the topics covered included the latest advances in drug delivery, tissue engineering, composite materials and quantum computing chemistry,” he said. The ABBINTech is an initiative of the Brazilian Government's Ministry of Science and Technology in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre for Functional Nanomaterials.

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Nano Patches May Replace Syringes in Administering Therapeutics

People who fear needles may one day have no need to fear the doctor, with the help of a funding injection for The University of Queensland`s Professor Mark Kendall. Professor Kendall won a three year Queensland Government Smart State Senior Fellowship, gaining $300,000 to research how nanotechnology may replace syringes in administering therapeutics. His work could eventually replace needles with tiny `nano patches` on the skin. "There is an explosion of designer drugs requiring precise delivery to specific locations in the skin and we are producing new delivery methods that are practical and needle-free," Professor Kendall said. The grant boosts funding for Professor Kendall`s project by $540,000 over three years, as Queensland biotech firm Coridon intends to commit $240,000 in cash and kind as the industry co-sponsor.

Zyvex Continues to Exceed Sales Expectations

Nanotechnology company Zyvex which has worldwide sales representation including Australia has announced financial results for its fiscal 2006 first quarter. The Texas Company continues its business gains with total revenues for the quarter totalling $2,956,582 -- a 45 percent increase over the same period in 2005. "Our first quarter exceeded expectations," said Zyvex CFO Timothy M. Gilmore. "These financial results are a direct effect of our consistent execution to our strategic plan and our continued goal of delivering value to our customers." "We are totally committed to long-term product innovation and customer value," said Zyvex President Dr. Thomas A. Cellucci. "Our financial successes over the past five years are a reflection of our strong IP position and our customer's loyalty and passion for our products' value, quality, and performance." This month, Zyvex also introduced its L200 Nanomanipulator which can be used for cellular manipulation, biomaterials characterization, patch-clamping, micro-injection, and intraand extra cellular probing. The company also released the F100-TSP Nanomanipulator for TEM Sample Lift-out.

Industrial Research (New Zealand) Appoints New CEO

Crown-owned technology company, Industrial Research Limited (IRL), announced that it had appointed Shaun Coffey to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr Coffey comes to IRL from Australia’s CSIRO, where he has been since 1995, most recently as Foundation Chief of its second largest division, CSIRO Livestock Industries (CLI), a role he has held since its formation in May 2000. Although the Livestock Division is in the agribusiness sector, many of the biotechnology programs and initiatives that Shaun has overseen are in areas closely related to IRL’s activities. These include bioactives, bioprocessors and nanotechnology. As head of the Livestock Industries Division, Australia’s equivalent of AgResearch, Mr Coffey was responsible for managing over 500 staff and achieving revenues of approximately AUD$100 million. In the past six years he has re-positioned CLI to become the acknowledged leader in Australian animal research and innovation.

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