Bionic Research at ACES

The ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) is located at the Innovation Campus in Wollongong, NSW. The Centre brings together eminent scientists to develop the nano-science and nano-technology related to the movement of electric charge within and between materials. Our Bionics program aims to improve heath and well being through research into advanced biomaterials. These advanced biomaterials comprise a degradable polymer coupled with an electrically conducting polymer. Central to this research is the use of electrical stimulation to initiate cellular responses.

Nerve and Muscle Regeneration

Our nerve and muscle regeneration projects aim to exploit the biocompatible electrically conducting materials developed in ACES to facilitate the proliferation and differentiation of muscle and nerves (peripheral and spinal). We are developing conducting polymers suitable for cell culture as well as the optimal electrical stimulation that allows favourable cellular responses.

Our researchers have developed a “composite structure” which integrates degradable polymers with electroactive polymers suitable for cellular studies. Our approach is to successfully grow mature cells in-vitro from primary sources with the hope of transplanting these mature cells into a host. We hope these mature cells will encourage the host cells to proliferate and grow to either bridge the gap in damaged nerves or replace lost or damaged muscle.

Using this structure, our researchers have been able to demonstrate an improved migration of aligned neurons under the influence of electrical stimulation. The use of the structure has also resulted in the successful growth of aligned mature myotubes in-vitro. These exciting outcomes have recently been published in several publications (Advanced Materials 2009, 21, 1-5; Advanced Functional Materials 2009, 19, 1-9; Biomaterials 2009, 30, 5292-5304).

Drug Delivery

Central to the nerve and muscle program is the delivery of drugs and/or growth factors to facilitate the regeneration of cells. A comprehensive research program is being undertaken as part of the Bionics program to also integrate these biofactors into either a degradable polymer and/or a conducting polymer so that they can be delivered directly to the cultured cells to assist in the regeneration process.

These degradable materials incorporating a conducting component are also being implemented into the neurological drug delivery program. This program aims to develop materials suitable for the delivery of neurological drugs in-vivo for the treatment of such illnesses as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

Nanobionics 2010

In June 2010 ACES will host the second Asia Pacific Symposium on Nanobionics. This exciting event brings together materials scientist, engineers and clinicians to explore the rapidly developing field of nanobionics. Please visit our website (http://www.electromaterials.edu.au) for more information

New Opportunities in 2011

In April 2011 a new $50million dollar extension to the current ACES facility (Australian Institute of Innovative Materials – AIIM) will be completed. This addition is a Federal Government funded initiative designed to advance the research of ACES beyond the materials science laboratory to create a more effective bridge to the commercial world. The new facility will provide the facilities required to take multifunctional materials from fundamental research to proof of concept, using novel fabrication methods.

Funded by the Australian Government, the facility will be located on the state-of-the-art University of Wollongong Innovation Campus with multi-million dollar investment focusing on nano-science and nano-technologies. For more information follow the web link http://www.electromaterials.edu.au/resources/AIIMP&D.html

For more information please contact Professor Gordon Wallace (Director) via email (gwallace@uow.edu.au)