|
|
| Project 1: Application of biomimicry to develop a biodegradable anti-fouling coating |
|
Supervisors: Dr. L.J.R. Foster (Bio/polymer Research Group)
|
|
Dr. L. Yee (Centre for Marine Biofouling & Bioinnovation)
|
|
We have applied the principles of biomimicry to bioengineer an environmentally firiendly plastic coating that prevents fouling by microorganisms but can be rapidly disposed off when no longer required or needs renewal. Furthermore, this biomaterial can be developed from renewable resources. We are now entering a stage of field trials and are looking for an enthusiastic Honours candidate with an interest in environmental issues and the marine environment to join our team. – The candidate will prepare samples through bioprocessing and monitor the environmental degradation and biofouling of these plastic agents. This research project will result in a peer-reviewed publication.
|
|
Concept: Renewable coatings for the prevention of marine fouling
|
|
Key areas: Biomaterials, Biofouling, Biomimicry, Environment
|
|
|
Project 2: BioPEGylation in the production of novel natural-synthetic hybrid biomaterials for tissue engineering.
|
| Supervisor: Dr. L.J.R. Foster (Bio/polymer Research Group) |
|
Objective:
|
|
‘Develop and apply bioPEGylation procedures in the design of novel biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate based polymer materials for applications in tissue engineering’
|
|
Background:
|
|
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a diverse family of microbially produced biopolymers with enormous potential as environmentally friendly bioplastics and as biomaterials for medical applications.1 The strategic addition of various member of poly(ethylene glycol), (PEG), to the bioprocessing system for the production of PHAs offers the potential of molecular weight and composition control as well as possible chain termination with PEG units; i.e. bioPEGylation.2
|
|
The study of PHA bioPEGylation is still in its infancy. However, preliminary investigations show that these natural-synthetic hybrids are biocompatible and possess properties different from their non-bioPEGylated counterparts.2-4 Thus, the process can be applied, not only to control the molecular and physiochemical properties of PHAs, but to develop new biomaterials. Recent studies by Foster and coworkers have demonstrated that these new biomaterials stimulate stem cell division and differentiation.5
|
| Project Outline: |
|
The project aims to investigate the parameters affecting bioPEGylation of PHAs. These include PEG molecular weight, structure (e.g. linear or star PEG), concentration and timing of their addition to bioprocessing systems for the production of PHAs. This information combined with characterisation of bioPEGylated PHAs produced will be used in the biosynthesis of new PHA-PEG hybrids with specific design criteria for applications in tissueengineering. These PHA-PEG hybrid copolymers will consequently be assessed as biomaterials, including macrophage attachment and stem cell cycling.
|
|
Project Outcomes:
|
|
The research outcomes will provide a better understanding of the process of bioPEGylation and its use in the design of PHAs and their bioPEGylated hybrids for medical and surgical applications. The research is particularly appropriate given the recent commercialisation of some PHAs as sutures and ongoing commercial research for their application in a range of biomedical applications.6 In this regard, PHA-PEG hybrids represent a new field of novel biomaterials while the addition of PEG to PHA processing systems permits a degree of control for PHA physiochemical properties. - The Bio/polymers Research Group at the University of New South Wales is the ideal institution to conduct this research given their global standing in this field and track record of commercialisation of research.
|
|
|
References:
|
- Byron, O.; Gilbert, R.J.C. 2000. Curr. Opinion. Biotech. 11:72
|
- Foster, LJR. 2007 ‘Biosynthesis, Properties and Potential of Natural-Synthetic Hybrids of Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Polyethylene Glycols.’ Appl. Micro. Biotech. (in press: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00253-007-0976-y).
|
- Foster, LJR; Sanguanchaipaiwong, V; Gabelish, C. & Hook, J. 2005 ‘A Natural-Synthetic Hybrid Copolymer of Polyhydroxyoctanoate-Diethylene Glycol: Biosynthesis and Properties.’ Polymer 46(17):6587-6594.
|
- Sanguanchaipaiwong, V; Gabelish, CL; Hook, J; Scholz, C. & Foster LJR. 2004 ‘Biosynthesis of Natural-Synthetic Hybrid Copolymers: Polyhydroxyoctanoate-Diethylene Glycol.’ Biomacromolecules 5(2):643-649.
|
- Foster , LJR (personal communication, 28th August 2007).
|
- Rebello, H. ‘FDA clears first of its kind suture made using DNA technology.’ FDA News, P07-18, 12/02/2007.
|
