Posted: September 24, 2008 |
New self-assembly technology for drug delivery nanoparticles |
(Nanowerk News) University of Queensland researcher Dr Shizhang Qiao is working on developing a new self-assembly technology to synthesise new nanoparticles for selective separation of biomolecules.
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Working at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Dr Qiao has been awarded an $80,000 UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award to study the unique properties of mesoporous core-shell structured silica nanoparticles and their magnetic properties.
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The UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards have been run for 10 years and are an initiative of UQ to recognise outstanding performance and leadership potential in early career researchers.
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“Harnessing these properties has significant implications in drug manufacture and drug delivery,” Dr Qiao said.
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“By using the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles separation of biomolecules will be more efficient and less costly thereby reducing the production cost of drugs.
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“We also hope to use these nanoparticles to improve the specificity of drug delivery.”
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According to Dr Qiao the technology is not restricted to these examples and that it will be useful in the chemical and food industries.
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“The key to the success of the project is understanding the structure of the nanoparticles and how they self-assemble.”
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Dr Qiao has an impressive track record of research achievement since the award of his PhD in late 2000. He joined UQ in 2001 and is currently a UQ Mid-Career Research Fellow.
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“The successful completion of this project will strengthen Australia's ability to participate at the forefront of new areas of research and further enhance our research profile.
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