| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| “Harnessing these properties has significant implications in drug manufacture and drug delivery,” Dr Qiao said. |
| “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. |
| “We also hope to use these nanoparticles to improve the specificity of drug delivery.” |
| According to Dr Qiao the technology is not restricted to these examples and that it will be useful in the chemical and food industries. |
| “The key to the success of the project is understanding the structure of the nanoparticles and how they self-assemble.” |
| 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. |
| “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. |
| Source: University of Queensland |
