Taste of Research Scholarships

Project Title:	Assessment of membrane ageing in water industry

Name of Supervisor:	Pierre Le-Clech

Email of Supervisor:	p.le-clech@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering

Abstract:	Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) have been increasingly used to remove pollutants in the water and wastewater industry. Whether their configuration, most membrane filtration processes are subject to a repetitive cycle of chemical cleanings, shear and mechanical agitation to remove material retained on the membrane surface during operation. Notwithstanding their widespread applications, little is known on the changes occurring at the molecular and structural level when membranes are subject to the individual or combined effects of chemical attack and mechanical strain prior to failure. These changes (resulting potentially in membrane failure) can be due to a progressive build up of residual deposition, but loss of integrity (i.e. failure to separate critical components such as pathogens) is another cause driving membrane replacement. Chemical treatment such as acids, bases, and oxidising agents has been commonly used for these foulants, but assessment of long-term progressive degradation of performance has not been fully studied yet. This project focuses on the ageing effect of chemical agents (both oxidising and non-oxidising) commonly used in microporous membrane plants. By using a wide range of analytical techniques, the complete assessment of the membrane state will be carried out before and after ageing.

Research Environment:	The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology has a strong profile and recognition factor internationally as one of the largest membrane groups and as a world leader in a wide range of research areas. Much of the Centre’s reputation rests on our approach to wider generic problems from a fundamental engineering science approach incorporating skills from physical chemistry to high level computing, rather than solely from an application focus. The selected student will be working in close collaboration with a research associate (post-doc) and the project manager.

Novelty and Contribution:	Membrane integrity failure results in the economic costs of continual replacement and process down time, the environmental impact of large numbers of discarded membrane modules, and health concerns in regards to the integrity of membranes in water and wastewater treatments. This project will provide an improved understanding of how membranes tolerate chemical stress and will help manufacturers design membranes with longer useable life. The project will help Australia’s membrane manufactures to design more robust membranes for extended membrane life and help water treatment suppliers and operators manage the performance of new and existing membrane plants.

Expected Outcomes:	Experiments will use three commercially available symmetric hollow fibre membranes and two flat sheet membranes of different materials. Ageing tests will be carried out initially using three common cleaning chemicals and the membranes autopsied in terms of integrity. Temperature and concentration of the cleaning solutions will also be changed to accelerate the ageing process. The hydraulic and rejection performances of the aged membranes will be assessed and correlated with the degradation parameters. As a result, the student will be able to rank the membrane stability against accelerated chemical attacks and for consecutive cycles.

Reference Material Links:	If interested in project, please contact Pierre Le-Clech for more references.

Project Title:	Core-shell nanoparticles for drug delivery

Name of Supervisor:	Martina Stenzel

Email of Supervisor:	M.Stenzel@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	MEMS, Micro & Nano Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering

Abstract:	Core-shell nanoparticles composed from amphiphilic block copolymers are widely proposed for the delivery of drugs over an extended period of time. Their size (typically below 100 nm) in combination with their hydrophilic water soluble shell and their hydrophobic core makes them a perfect carrier for a range of anticancer drugs. Aim of this project is to develop a nanocarrier for albendazole- an anticancer drug. The student will be involved in hands on polymer synthesis (RAFT polymerization) to prepare block copolymers. The student will learn how nanoparticles are prepared and characterized (e.g. measuring the diameter of the sphere), but will also learn to use a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to visualize the nanoparticles prepared. Part of the work will also be the investigation of the loading of the drug and the drug release in vitro.

Research Environment:	The student will be part of a big reasearch group with several PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The main research theme of the research group is the development of nanoparticles for drug delivery. The student will therefore find a stimulating envrionment and a lot of support from co-workers

Novelty and Contribution:	So far, there is no drug carrier available for the drug albendazol. The studenty will take part in optimisation of the drug carrier. By changing the molecular weight of the underlying polymers, nanoparticles with different sizes and shapes can be created. Furthermore, the nature of the polymer determines the drug loading.

Expected Outcomes:	Aim of this work is to establish a correlation between the polymer structure and the properties of the drug carrier (size, loading and release)

Reference Material Links:

Project Title:	Enhancing Surface Segregation of Anti-fouling Additives for Membranes

Name of Supervisor:	Vicki Chen

Email of Supervisor:	v.chen@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Jaleh Mansouri

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	j.mansouri@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Manufacturing and Processing Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	A major challenge in membrane filtration for water treatment is fouling by proteins and other biomolecules in the feed stream that leads to the flux decline. Frequent physical and chemical cleaning imposes economic and environmental costs and eventually leads to replacement of the membrane modules due to stresses on the membranes. Thus membranes that are less prone to fouling are therefore in high demand. The use of amphiphilic additives is a highly desirable approach when the chemical structure and fabrication conditions lead to preferential migration and surface enrichment of low fouling additives without detrimental changes to the membrane structure. These compounds can reduce adsorption or encourage detachment of potential foulants on membrane surface by containing polymeric block copolymers with either hydrophilic or low surface energy segments such as pluronic (PEO-PPO-PEO) and polysiloxane surfactants. The objective of this project is to characterize and manipulate the phase behaviour for a given polymer/solvent/non-solvent /additive system during the membrane casting process to enhance surface enrichment of these additives. Membranes fabricated based on those conditions will be characterized by a range of techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, x-ray photon spectroscopy and protein fouling experiments.

Research Environment:	The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology is a world leading membrane research group with extensive facilities for membrane fabrication and characterization.

Novelty and Contribution:	The proposed project will explore the potential of enhancing surface aggregation of low cost polymer additives by manipulating the membrane fabrication process.

Expected Outcomes:	The potential outcomes of this project are low fouling membranes with reduced energy consumption and lower chemical discharge to the environment during their operating life. Enhanced membrane performance and lifetime using a cost effective fabrication process will be highly attractive to many industrial applications for membrane filtration.

Reference Material Links:	http://www.membrane.unsw.edu.au/

Project Title:	Experimental studies on autonomous control systems for plantwide processes

Name of Supervisor:	A/Prof Jie Bao

Email of Supervisor:	j.bao@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Intelligent & Autonomous Systems

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications

Abstract:	Modern process plants are becoming increasingly complex, e.g., bio-chemical processes, reaction networks and renewable energy networks. Many of these plants have more than a hundred nonlinear process units and thousands of control loops. The wide use of material recycles and heat integration (with recycle and bypass streams) profoundly alters plantwide process dynamics and further increases their complexity to an extent that cannot be effectively managed by existing process modelling and control techniques: the traditional decentralized control approach cannot guarantee the plantwide stability/performance, while the hierarchical multivariable control approach is becoming infeasible due to the unprecedented plant complexity. A new plantwide control approach is being developed by the Computer Process Control Group. The idea is to model the plantwide process as a network of process units connected via physical mass and energy flow and control the network of process unit via a network of autonomous controllers which communicate with each other. In this project, you will conduct experimental studies on this new control approach.

Research Environment:	In this project, you will be supervised by A/Prof. Jie Bao and Mr. Shichao Xu from the Computer Process Control Group, Chemicals Sciences and Engineering and conduct experimental research in the Process Control Lab.

Novelty and Contribution:	This taste of research project is part of an on-going project that aims to develop a new paradigm in plantwide process control: (1) This approach represents a new philosophy to deal with the complexity of process systems – breaking down the complex processes into interconnected simple sub-systems and shift the complexity from the plantwide process dynamics (as a single system) to the network topology; (2) The physics of process units and their interactions are explicitly incorporated in both the modelling and control approaches to enable feasible implementation of such control philosophy based on the concept of dissipative systems.

Expected Outcomes:	In this project, you will implement the control algorithms developed by the Group (in individual autonomous controllers) to control a laboratory scale highly interactive multi-unit process (using National Instruments Compact-Rio controllers and Armfield process units). The expected outcomes include the analysis of the effectiveness of the proposed networked control approach and its possible weakness. The effects of delay or loss of communications between controllers will be studied and compared with theoretical results.

Reference Material Links:	[1] Rojas O.J.; Bao J. and Lee P.L. (2008) On Dissipativity Passivity and Dynamic Operability of Nonlinear Processes. J. Process Control 18 (5): 515–526 [2] Xu S.C. and Bao J. (2008) Interaction Analysis for Decentralized Control Based on Dissipativity. Asia-Pac. J. Chem. Eng. 3(6): 656-666. [3] Rojas O.J.; Setiawan R.; Bao J. and Lee P.L. (2009) Dynamic operability analysis of nonlinear process networks based on dissipativity. AIChE J. 55(4): 963-982 [4] Xu S.C. and Bao J. (2009) Distributed Control of Plantwide Chemical Processes. J. Process Control (in press)

Project Title:	Exploring the Use of Magnetic Nano-Gold for Efficient Gene Delivery into Mammalian Cells

Name of Supervisor:	Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	May Lim

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	m.lim@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Health & Medical Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering

Abstract:	This project will explore the use of composite nanoparticles consisting of a 50 nm magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) core with 3 nm gold particles attached on the surface as gene therapy delivery agents. The key aspects of this work will broadly revolve around attaching DNA molecules onto the particles, delivering the particles containing DNA into cells, tracking the localization of particles and DNA inside the cell, and determining the rate of successful expression of the DNA in the target cells. The student will also utilize a range of analytical tools including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, optical/fluorescence microscope, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to characterize the nanoparticles and the cells.

Research Environment:	The student undertaking this project will be working within the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials in the School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, under the guidance of postdoctoral research staff. This project will require a level of effort of about 25 hours per week of laboratory work. For more details, please contact Professor Rose Amal (r.amal@unsw.edu.au) or Dr May Lim (m.lim@unsw.edu.au).

Novelty and Contribution:	Novel nanoscale particles have become the subject of significant interest in medical and biological research because their unique size and chemical properties make these nanoparticles suitable for the delivery of therapeutic agents. A major potential medical application for nanoparticles is the delivery of therapeutic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into mammalian cells in a process known as gene therapy Gene therapy is an emerging technology to treat genetically mutated disease such as cancer. Nanoparticles are ideal candidates to replace traditional viral delivery agents in gene therapy because they are cheaper to produce and have less potential side effects.

Expected Outcomes:	This exciting project will allow the student to gain experience in the emerging field of bionanotechnology as well as an understanding of the fundamentals of nanoparticle synthesis and gene therapy.

Reference Material Links:	a. Goon IY, Lai LMH, Lim M, Munroe P, Gooding JJ, Amal R. Fabrication and Dispersion of Gold-Shell-Protected Magnetite Nanoparticles: Systematic Control Using Polyethyleneimine. Chem. Mater 2009; 21(4): 673-81. b. Plank C, Schillinger U, Scherer F, Bergemann C, Remy JS, Krotz F, et al. The magnetofection method: using magnetic force to enhance gene delivery. Biol Chem 2003; 384(5): 737-47. c. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_delivery

Project Title:	Flexible and Transparent Graphene Film as Electrode for Semiconductor Solar Cells

Name of Supervisor:	Professor Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr. Yun Hau Ng

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	yh.ng@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Energy Systems, Renewable and Non-Renewable

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering

Abstract:	Indium tin oxide (ITO) has been widely used as an electrode material in light-emitting diodes and solar cells because of its high conductivity, good transmittance, and suitable work function. The use of ITO, however, appears to be increasingly problematic because of both the limited availability of the element indium on earth and the intrinsic chemical and electrical drawbacks of ITO. An alternative and attractive option would be the use of thin graphene-based films, since recent studies have shown that graphene sheets have remarkable electronic properties. When compared with commercially available flexible transparent conductors, graphene sheets have several advantages: (i) they have high environmental stability and flexibility. Graphene is generally inert to acids, bases, humidity, and high temperatures. (ii) Graphene has high transmittance in the visible region and the neutral color is an advantage in photovoltaic applications. (iii) Graphene films can be fabricated at low cost by solution coating and printing as opposed to ITO, for which vacuum sputtering is typically required.

Research Environment:	Student undertaking this project will be working at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, under the guidance of postdoctoral (Dr. Yun Hau NG) research staff. The project would allow student to gain a multitude of experience in nanocomposites synthesis (hydrothermal, chemical bath deposition and photodeposition), nanomaterials characterizations (AFM, SEM, XRD and BET) and photoelectrochemical measurements (sheet resistance, amperometry, coulometry and IPCE). For more details, please contact Professor Rose Amal (r.amal@unsw.edu.au) or Dr. Yun Hau Ng (yh.ng@unsw.edu.au).

Novelty and Contribution:	This project seeks to evaluate the use of flexible and transparent graphene film as a potential electrode in typical semiconductor (TiO2 and ZnO) solar cells. The main aim of the project is to establish a systematic study to investigate the controllability of electronic properties of graphene, such as sheet resistance, conductance, and current-voltage characteristic. The correlation of these properties with the performance of TiO2 and/ or ZnO solar cells would be examined.

Expected Outcomes:	An optimum light energy conversion efficiency achieved by using the prepared materials is expected to be the final outcome of this project. The results would be used for further comparison and improvement.

Reference Material Links:	1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphene and 2)http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/v3/n9/full/nnano.2008.210.html

Project Title:	Molecular evaluation of traditional and novel anti-scalants for desalination

Name of Supervisor:	Greg Leslie

Email of Supervisor:	g.leslie@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Anthony Granville

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	a.granville@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Seawater desalination has become a critical component of the water supplies of Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. All desalination plants use polyelectrolyte anti-scaling chemicals to control the precipitation of carbonate, sulphate and phosphate salts that would otherwise foul the membrane and increase the cost to produce drinking water. This project will study how the molecular structure of commonly used liner chain polyelectrolytes, such as polycarboxylates, polyacrylates, polyphosphonates, and novel highly branched three-dimensional dendrimeric polymers controls scale formation. The overall objective of the project is to assess the potential of reducing the quantity and cost of antiscalant treatment by replacing the polyelectrolytes with denrimers.

Research Environment:	Work will be performed at the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science. This centre has excellent links with the water industry and is engaged with some of the largest membrane projects in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. The student will work in a small team of two postdocs and will receive guidance on design and operation of desalination systems (Leslie) and techniques to produce and characterise polymers (Granville). The work will involve bench techniques on polymer formation and characterisation, microscopic observation of scale formation and operation of a small reverse osmosis pilot plant.

Novelty and Contribution:	The impact of molecular properties on antiscalant performance is not well understood. In this project the student will work with one common polyelectrolyte and one novel dendrimer and assess the effect of molecular weight, size and position of functional groups and degree of branching on the formation of scale.

Expected Outcomes:	The project forms an important part of an effort to understand and predict the performance of chemicals used in desalination plants. The student will gain valuable experience with bench techniques in polymer and membrane science as well as an understanding of how desalination plants operate and the relationship between the cost to produce water and the use of chemicals to control scaling. The project will appeal to chemical engineers and industrial chemists who will gain first-hand experience of working on a problem relevant to the day to day operation of the countries largest water utilities.

Reference Material Links:	Additional information on desalination, scale formation and polymer chemistry can be obtained from Greg Leslie (g.leslie@unsw.edu.au) or Tony Granville (a.granville@unsw.edu.au)

Project Title:	Nitroxide-mediated polymerization in miniemulsion based on in situ surfactant formation

Name of Supervisor:	Per B. Zetterlund

Email of Supervisor:	p.zetterlund@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	MEMS, Micro & Nano Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP; e.g. nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP)) enables synthesis of polymer of precise microstructure and complex architectures. Aqueous-based dispersed polymerization is the industrial method of choice for implementation of CLRP and synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles with various applications. The most suitable dispersed system for CLRP is an aqueous miniemulsion. A miniemulsion is a thermodynamically unstable but kinetically stable emulsion with droplet/particle diameters of 50 - 1000 nm. However, traditional methods of miniemulsion preparation (e.g. ultrasonification) are much too energy-intensive for industrial application, and give broad particle size distributions and poor control over particle size. This project will focus on the development of a novel method of miniemulsion NMP based on in situ formation of surfactant at the oil-water interface. Compared to the conventional approach of simply adding the surfactant prior to miniemulsification, this method results in dramatically lower interfacial tensions because of the high surfactant concentration at the interface. It is therefore possible to obtain a miniemulsion by simply stirring the oil-water mixture (no ultrasonication). The student will obtain hands-on experience in carrying out miniemulsion NMP, polymer characterization by gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) as well as particle size measurements by dynamic light scattering (DLS).

Research Environment:	The student will work in the well-equipped CAMD laboratory alongside a large number of postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, the vast majority of whom are also involved in research related to controlled/living radical polymerization. This will be an ideal and stimulating environment to experience what research is all about.

Novelty and Contribution:	Novelty: Currently, no simple one-pot technique exists for implementation of NMP in a dispersed system. The present project has the potential to result in development of a method for NMP in dispersed systems of both academic and practical importance. Contribution: The work carried out by the student is expected to make a significant contribution towards the development of novel techniques for carrying out NMP in dispersed systems, which is valuable for synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles comprising well-designed polymer. It is expected that the experimental work by the student will be included in an article for publication in a high impact international journal.

Expected Outcomes:	It is expected that the data generated by the student will form a significant contribution towards a publication in a high impact international journal.

Reference Material Links:	Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization in Dispersed Systems, P. B. Zetterlund, Y. Kagawa, M. Okubo, Chem. Rev. 2008, 108, 3747-3794.

Project Title:	Novel sensors based on polymer coated magnetic materials

Name of Supervisor:	Dr. Anthony Granville

Email of Supervisor:	a.granville@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	MEMS, Micro & Nano Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Magnetoelastic materials are iron-based alloys that vibrate when subjected to a magnetic field, and these vibrations induce a magnetic field dependent on the dimensions and mass of/on the material. Thus, by coating these alloys with polymers that selectively bind to proteins, enzymes, and chemicals, these materials can be utilised as cheap, effective sensors without the need for electrical leads – making them ideal for biological applications. The student will be involved in the surface modification of these materials using a wide range of polymerisation techniques (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer polymerisation and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisation) as well as “click” chemistry techniques. The student will also be involved in the testing of these materials, using our Helmholtz coil electromagnet reader, for binding and release studies to determine the sensitivity of the produced sensors – critical of biological studies.

Research Environment:	The student will be an integral in a growing research group in the CAMD research centre. The group comprises Ph.D., postdoctoral, and visiting practicum students all with expertise in polymer chemistry. With the support of the entire research centre, and access to newly renovated labs as well as cutting-edge equipment, the student will be exposed to a stimulating and enjoyable research environment.

Novelty and Contribution:	This is a new and expanding research area, with an opportunity to contribute both research-wise as well as creatively to the scientific field. Initial studies have been with glucose-binding, however this work will begin to expand further into the realm of binding to other proteins through the use of glycopolymers on the surface.

Expected Outcomes:	The aim of this work is to determine the maximum binding to the sensor as related to polymer brush molecular weight and grafting density on the sensor surface. Theoretically, the higher the molecular weight of the polymer is, the more functional groups present on the surface, thus resulting in more binding sites. Depending on the grafting density, some of these sites may be inaccessible, which this work will determine.

Reference Material Links:	Several papers from our research group are in the process of being submitted/published, however, interested students should contact Dr. Granville to obtain reference materials in this area.

Project Title:	Online operation monitoring for IsaMills

Name of Supervisor:	A/Prof. Jie Bao

Email of Supervisor:	j.bao@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr. Runyu Yang

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	r.yang@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Manufacturing and Processing Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	The IsaMill is a high speed stirred mill developed by Mount Isa Mines in Australia for fine and ultra fine grinding. Effective operation of such processes requires continuous online monitoring of the key operating conditions, such as the steel ball-steel ball collision energy, steel ball-disc impact energy inside the mill. Direct monitoring of the above processes is not feasible due to the hostile environment inside the mill. The online measurement technique implemented in this project infers unmeasurable process variables from available measurements based on mathematical models, and thus can play a significant role in online monitoring. A model for estimating the steel ball-steel ball and steel ball-disc impact energy from steel ball-wall collision measurements are being developed using the Discrete Element Models and multivariate analysis, by the Process Control Group, in collaboration with Lab for Simulation and Modelling of Particulate Systems, Materials Science & Engineering. You will join the above research groups to conduct experimental research work to validate these models using a laboratory scale IsaMill with accelerometers installed on the external wall of the drum. Experiments will be conducted with different operating conditions. The sensor outputs will be recorded and analysed online to calculate the collision energies. This work will provide useful information that helps improving the above online measurement techniques for IsaMill processes.

Research Environment:	In this project, you will be supervised by A/Prof. Jie Bao from the Process Control Group, Chemicals Sciences and Engineering, and Dr. Runyu Yang from the Lab for Simulation and Modelling of Particulate Systems, School of Materials Sciences and Engineering.

Novelty and Contribution:	This taste of research project is part of an on-going project that aims to develop a new approach to online measurement for particulate systems (such as milling processes), based on Discrete Element Models. It assists choosing external measurement (used to infer the internal variables that cannot be directly measured) and provides the fundamental relationship between the estimated variables and the external measurement. It also minimizes the experimental work required to develop such sensor models.

Expected Outcomes:	The expected outcomes include (1) development of an experiment demonstration unit; (2) the experimental results which will help validate the measurement models developed by the supervisors. The results are also useful in identifying the areas that require further improvement.

Reference Material Links:	[1] McElroy L.; Bao J.; Yang R.Y. and Yu A.B. (2009) Soft-sensors for prediction of impact energy in horizontal rotating drum. Powder Technology (in press) [2] McElroy L.; Bao J.; Yang R.Y. and Yu A.B. (2009) A Soft-Sensor Approach to Flow Regime Detection for Milling Processes. Powder Technology 188(3): 234-241. [3] Yang R.Y.; Yu A.B.; McElroy L. and Bao J. (2008) Numerical simulation of particle dynamics in different flow regimes in a rotating drum. Powder Technology 188:170–177. [4] McElroy L., Bao J., Yang R.Y. and Yu A.B. (2007) Development of Soft Sensors for Flow Pattern Detection Guided by Discrete Element Models. Proc. CHEMECA 2007, Melbourne (ISBN 0 858 25844 7): 485-493.

Project Title:	Osmotic dehydration of plant-based materials

Name of Supervisor:	Professor Weibiao Zhou

Email of Supervisor:	wb.zhou@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Manufacturing and Processing Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Osmotic dehydration is an attractive drying technique due to its unique capability of well maintaining the cell structure of plant-based materials, in comparison to other drying techniques. It offers unique advantages in producing high quality dried products from fruits and vegetables. However, the issue of large solute uptake by the food during the process presents a major hurdle for its wide applications. To alleviate such a problem, a better understanding is necessary on how different solutes, or combination of them, impact on the mass transfer mechanisms of water and solutes. This project aims to investigate the relationship between the apparent diffusivity of water and solutes and the molecular weight and structure of solutes. Several types of salts and sugars and their combinations will be used in the experiment. Modelling will be attempted on the process data generated through the experiment.

Research Environment:	You will work with a final year student whose Hons thesis is on a related topic.

Novelty and Contribution:	The project is to provide fundamental knowledge to an important food processing technique, that could hold the key for increasing its efficiency and applications.

Expected Outcomes:	Qualitative data on apparent diffusivity of water and solutes for several types of salts, sugars and their combinations. Models for their relationship might also be generated.

Reference Material Links:	1. Khin, M.M., Zhou, W. and Perera, C. O. (2006). A study of the mass transfer in osmotic dehydration of coated potato cubes. Journal of Food Engineering, 77(1):84-95. 2. Khin, M.M., Zhou, W. and Perera, C.O. (2007). Impact of process conditions and coatings on the dehydration efficiency and cellular structure of apple tissue during osmotic dehydration, Journal of Food Engineering, 79(3):817-827. 3. Khin, M.M., Zhou, W., and Yeo, S.Y. (2007). Mass transfer in the osmotic dehydration of coated apple cubes by using maltodextrin as the coating material and their textural properties, Journal of Food Engineering, 81(3), 514-522.

Project Title:	Photocatalysts for an integrated photocatlytic/filtration reactor array

Name of Supervisor:	Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Jason Scott

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	jason.scott@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Materials

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are markedly higher in indoor environments than outdoors. Indoor VOCs derive from furnishings, cleaning products, paint, carpet etc and can produce nausea and discomfort to people when exposed to this environment for extended periods of time. Aircraft cabins present a unique indoor system possessing a high person density, low humidity conditions and an array of VOCs specific to the environment. Current means of VOC removal are by diluting recycled cabin air with outside air which can introduce other VOCs and ozone. Photocatalysis represents a means of removing the VOCs from indoor air as opposed to dilution. In aircraft cabins, during recycling the air is passed through a filter to remove particles. This provides an opportunity to modify the filtration system to incorporate photocatalysis by coating the filter with a photoactive material and illuminating. A potential drawback is the anticipated short residence times of VOCs in the integrated system which may lead to incomplete oxidation of the organics, generating undesirable intermediates. This project will seek to develop photocatalytic materials which need only a short residence time (i.e. are highly active) to effectively oxidize VOCs.

Research Environment:	Research will be performed in the laboratories of the Particles and Catalysis Research Group. Experimental facilities will be readily available and techniques established. Additional characterisation can be performed in the UNSW Analytical Centre. The group itself comprises a bunch of friendly postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.

Novelty and Contribution:	Neat titanium dioxide has been previously tested in integrated photocatalytic/filtration systems but has been reported to suffer from incomplete oxidation of the organic. The novelty lies in applying high-performing photocatalytic materials to this type of reactor which will address this problem. This project has already generated industrial interest (Boeing Phantom Works).

Expected Outcomes:	1. A photocatalyst demonstrating improved performance for VOC (ethanol) photodegradation. 2. Successful application of this photocatalyst in the integrated reactor unit.

Reference Material Links:

Project Title:	Responsive Gold Nanoparticles For Use In Nanomedicine

Name of Supervisor:	Professor Tom Davis

Email of Supervisor:	t.davis@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Michael Whittaker

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	mikey.whittaker@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Health & Medical Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering

Abstract:	The project will involve the modification of gold nanoparticle surfaces with polymers. the polymers serve a number of functions including stabilization in serum (biofluids), targeting to specific tissues and the delivery of therapeutic molecules such as siRNA. This is part of an on-going and successful project, with previous taste-of-research particpants getting authorship on significant publications.

Research Environment:	The Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD) is one of the foremest research Centres at UNSW. There is abundant high quality equipment and a strongly supportive research community.

Novelty and Contribution:	The student will be part of a small team, fuctionalizing the surfaces of gold nanoparticles with chemical groups (or peptides) that are known to help the cell-uptake of the nanoparticles.

Expected Outcomes:	As mentioned last year the taste-of-reseacrh student helped produce work that showed how to create non-biofouling gold nanoparticles that proved to be thermo-responsive. In this case we expect the creation of novel bioactive gold nanoparticles.

Reference Material Links:	This is best received from the supervisors if you are interested (our papers are currnelty in press)

Project Title:	Separation of CO2 from pre-combustion syngas using hollow fiber membranes

Name of Supervisor:	Vicki Chen

Email of Supervisor:	v.chen@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Hongyu Li

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	hy.li@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Manufacturing and Processing Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Coal power stations are the major power generator in the world and also major sources for greenhouse gas emission. Pre-combustion capture of CO2 will be an essential feature of future coal power station. As part of an 'integrated gasification combined cycle' (IGCC) with CO2 capture, coal gasification involves combining coal with oxygen or air, but not combusting it. The process results in a synthetic gas, also known as ‘syngas’ containing CO, CO2, and H2. This gas stream is then reacted with water to convert the residual CO to CO2 and H2, allowing the carbon dioxide to be captured and sent to storage. This project aims to investigate the potential application of in-house fabricated Matrimid hollow fiber membranes in syngas separation, particular in separation of CO2 from N2 after the removal of H2 from the syngas stream. The parameters that may influence the membrane performance include the composition of the gas stream, the concentrations of CO2 and N2 as well as content of impurities; the operation conditions such as pressure, temperature and membrane separation properties, such as permeance and selectivity. CO2 induced plasticization and sorption may also affect the long term separation performance of the membrane.

Research Environment:	The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology is working in conjunction with the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies to develop new and better membranes for carbon capture. The Centre is a world leading membrane research group with extensive capabilities in membrane characterization and fabrication.

Novelty and Contribution:	This research is focussed on investigating those factors that influence the CO2 separation factor and the productivity with high performance hollow fiber membranes developed in the Centre.

Expected Outcomes:	This research would provide information for further development of membranes and requirement for pretreatment in the design of new generation of IGCC plants used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reference Material Links:	For more information about this project, please contact Vicki Chen or Hongyu Li. For more information about membranes in general: www.membrane.unsw.edu.au/ For more information about greenhouse gas capture and storage: www.co2crc.com.au/

Project Title:	Toxicity Assessment of Nanoparticles in Human Cell Lines In Vitro

Name of Supervisor:	Professor Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr May Lim

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	m.lim@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Health & Medical Technologies

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	The toxicology of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is an emerging concern due to the wide spread use of TiO2, such as in self-cleaning coatings, air sanitizers, cosmetic and sunscreens, and in dye sensitized solar cells. There is a potential for the nano-sized particles to be more hazardous than the bulk material, due to their larger surface area to mass ratio, and hence higher specific chemical reactivity and biological impacts. The extremely small size of these particles also allows the particles to be easily transported across cell membrane, and evasion from capture by the human body’s immune system. In this project, one of the major exposure routes of nanomaterials in human, inhalation will be investigated using in vitro model. The aim of the project is to study the relationship between the crystal phase and surface chemistry of TiO2 nanoparticles with the toxicity to human lung cell lines.

Research Environment:	The student who undertaking this project will be working in laboratories at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, and the School of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, under the guidance of postdoctoral and postgraduate research staff.

Novelty and Contribution:	This project will suit a student interested in exploring and contributing to the area of nanoscience and biotechnology, particularly the design and development of nanoparticles that are harmless to humans and the environment whilst retaining the beneficial characteristics of the particles.

Expected Outcomes:	Expected outcomes of this research will be a deeper understanding on the effect of the particle crystalinity and modify the particle surface chemistry to alter its toxicity to humans and the environment. It will lead to the design and development of TiO2 nanoparticles that are harmless to humans and the environment whilst retaining the beneficial characteristics of the particles.

Reference Material Links:	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotoxicology

Project Title:	Tungsten trioxide particles with fine-tuned morphologies for pollution abatement

Name of Supervisor:	Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Jason Scott

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	jason.scott@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Materials

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:

Abstract:	Advances in particle fabrication techniques now allow for tight control of particle morphology beyond traditional spherical-based shapes. Particle shapes, such as 1-dimensional rods or cuboids can be readily prepared using hydrothermal synthesis. Hydrothermal synthesis involves growing metal oxide particles at mild temperatures and pressures in an autoclave. Hydrothermal synthesis can also be used to fabricate particles with an increased proportion of active sites for a desired application. This will ultimately produce the next generation of more active catalytic and photocatalytic materials, ones which can be tuned to a specific reaction or application. In this project hydrothermal synthesis will be used to prepare tungsten trioxide (WO3) particles with controlled morphologies for application as a photocatalyst for indoor air quality control. WO3 exhibits the great advantage of being photoactivated by sunlight (as opposed to UV-light alone), a sustainable and clean energy resource. However, the electronic structure of WO3 is such that the rate at which it photodegrades organics is slow compared with UV-activated photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide. If particle structure can be tuned so as to possess a greater percentage of active crystal faces then this will go some way towards overcoming this inherent difficulty.

Research Environment:	Research will be performed in the laboratories of the Particles and Catalysis Research Group. Experimental facilities will be readily available and techniques established. Additional characterisation can be performed in the UNSW Analytical Centre. The group itself comprises a bunch of friendly postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.

Novelty and Contribution:	Developing a simple particle structure that is fine-tuned for a specific application represents the next generation of photocatalytic and catalytic materials. Very few publications are available on the role of particle morphology in photocatalytic performance in general, with none considering WO3.

Expected Outcomes:	1. Fabrication of WO3 particles possessing an architecture tuned for the gas-phase photodegradation organics. 2. Greater understanding of the role the synthesis process plays in developing these structures

Reference Material Links:

Project Title:	Use of Zinc (II) Species to Control Bacterial Nitrification in Chloraminated Water Supplies

Name of Supervisor:	Professor Rose Amal

Email of Supervisor:	r.amal@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Sanly Liu

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	z3015913@student.unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	The growth of nitrifying bacteria has been identified as a potential problem in chloraminated water supplies. These bacteria derive energy by the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite or of nitrite to nitrate. Bacterial nitrification can lead to rapid decays of chloramines in the distribution system, which may increase the public health risk as a result of inadequate treatment of microbiologically contaminated water. In addition, nitrification can lead to an increased in nitrate and nitrite, which may exceed the limit set in the Australian Drinking Water Guideline. The primary goal of this study is to investigate the use of various zinc species to inhibit bacterial nitrification. Zinc is often added to water supplies in conjunction with phosphorus corrosion inhibitors, and its potential role in the growth of nitrifying bacteria is therefore of high interest. Inhibition will be investigated using nitrite and nitrate generation rate measurements.

Research Environment:	Student undertaking this project will be working at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, under the guidance of postdoctoral research staff (Dr Sanly Liu and Dr. May Lim). The project would allow student to gain a multitude of experience in flow injection analysis and water treatment microbiology (bacteria culture and isolation technique). For more details, please contact Professor Rose Amal at r.amal@unsw.edu.au.

Novelty and Contribution:	The development of zinc based disinfectants is envisaged to lead to improved efficiency of nitrification control. This approach may present some advantages over the current industrial practice of dosing with copper, which has been shown to be inadequate in the control of nitrification.

Expected Outcomes:	Student involved in this project can expect to gain a multitude of experience in water research and development, and exposure to Australian water industries in Western Australia and South Australia.

Reference Material Links:	a. Cunliffe, D. A. (1991) Bacterial nitrification in chloraminated water supplies. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Nov. 1991, p. 3399-3402. b. Zhang, Y., Love, N., Edwards, M. (2009) Nitrification in drinking water systems. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 39:3, 153-208.

Project Title:	Visualization studies of submerged hollow fibre filtration with periodical backwash

Name of Supervisor:	Vicki Chen

Email of Supervisor:	v.chen@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Yun Ye

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	yun.ye@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Civil & Environmental Engineering

Abstract:	Submerged hollow fibre system has been widely used for the treatment of surface water and wastewater (MBR system). The filtration coupled with the periodical backwash is widely applied to control the membrane fouling. The backwash process can be effective at removing the trapped particles/ foulant layers from the membrane surface. However, backwashing consumes energy as well as reducing productivity of the membrane, and the full understanding of the mechanism of backwash on the fouling control is still limited. Using a microscopy technique, the Direct Observation (DO) methods enabled the visualisation and quantification of the particle deposition during filtration and the particle removal during backwash. These techniques provide a better understanding of the mechanism of backwash on fouling control and a more efficient backwash process. In this project, an optimized backwash process, which was comprised of proper air scouring coupled with backwashing, will be investigated. The model solution, the mixture of bentonite and alginate solution, will be used in this study to simulate wasterwater. The detailed characterisations of foulant cakes will be investigated to understand the fouling deposition and removal mechanisms via both direct observation techniques and pressure profiles.

Research Environment:	The UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science and Technology has wide ranging projects in water and wastewater treatment. The techniques used in this study have resulted in a number of recent publications.

Novelty and Contribution:	These studies will provide new insights into the fouling and removal mechanisms that occur during membrane filtration under conditions that simulate industrial operation of membranes used in many water treatment applications.

Expected Outcomes:	The outcome of this study will allow optimization of membrane operating modes to reduce energy consumption and improve productivity of submerged hollow fiber filtration units.

Reference Material Links:	Some project descriptions and videos of the fouling studies in our Centre are available at http://www.membrane.unsw.edu.au/

Projects offered by other Engineering Schools that may be of interest are:

Project Title:	Engineering biosynthetic cell-based systems for treatment of diabetes

Name of Supervisor:	Penny Martens

Email of Supervisor:	p.martens@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Laura Poole-Warren

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	l.poolewarren@unsw.edu.au

School:	Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Materials

School Research Area:	Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	The treatment and repair of various human tissues is a complex and important issue that is currently being researched. The encapsulation of islet cells for the treatment of diabetes is the model system the research team is working on, however it is envisioned that the technology can be spread across a variety of tissues. The engineering of a biosynthetic system to treat these diseases has many different critical elements/issues that need to be solved. Key design inputs include the type of extracellular matrix required for cell survival, the oxygen, nutrient and insulin diffusivity of the biosynthetic matrices and the fabrication approaches. Each of these areas needs significant research activity to solve.

Research Environment:	This work is part of an international and multi-disciplinary team and is funded by an ARC Discovery Grant. The Student will work in the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering with the rest of the team that are working on this project. The team assembled in biomedical engineering has academics, post-docs and research students.

Novelty and Contribution:	This work has the unique aspect of combining biological and synthetic polymers into a co-polymer hydrogel system.

Expected Outcomes:	It is anticipated that the student will produce biosynthetic co-hydrogels, and that substantial characterisation of these hydrogels will occur. Depending on the quality of the results, it is anticipated that a research journal paper could also be generated.

Reference Material Links:	Nilasaroya A, Poole-Warren LA, Whitelock JM, Jo Martens P. (2008) Structural and functional characterisation of poly(vinyl alcohol) and heparin hydrogels. Biomaterials. 35:4658-64.

Project Title:	Fabrication and Characterisation of Silk/PVA copolymer gels

Name of Supervisor:	Penny Martens

Email of Supervisor:	p.martens@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Laura Poole-Warren

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	l.poolewarren@unsw.edu.au

School:	Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Materials

School Research Area:	Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based synthetic gels have many advantageous properties for use in soft-tissue engineering applications. In addition, much research has been undertaken in this lab to gain a basic understanding of the structure and function of PVA gels. However, they do have a limitation – cells don’t like to grow in them. Therefore, this research will involve the incorporation of a series of silk proteins into the base PVA gel. Silk has been shown to encourage cell attachment and proliferation, which would add the needed biological function to our hydrogels. There are many new and exciting aspects to this research, of which the student will have the ability to choose the exact area that interests them the most. This research can include chemical synthesis, hydrogel formulation, mechanical and physical characterisation of the gels, biochemical characterisation of the silks, and cell interaction studies.

Research Environment:	This work is part of an international and multi-disciplinary team and is funded by the Australian Indian Strategic Research Priorities grant. The student will work in the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering labs in conjunction with other undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Novelty and Contribution:	This work has the unique aspect of combining biological and synthetic polymers into a co-polymer hydrogel system. In addition, this work focuses on using a wild-type silkworm that is only found in India. Comparisons will be made between this unique silk and the more commonly used domesticated silk.

Expected Outcomes:	It is anticipated that the student will produce silk/PVA co-hydrogels, and that substantial characterisation of these hydrogels will occur. Depending on the quality of the results, it is anticipated that a research journal paper could also be generated.

Reference Material Links:	Nilasaroya A, Poole-Warren LA, Whitelock JM, Jo Martens P. (2008) Structural and functional characterisation of poly(vinyl alcohol) and heparin hydrogels. Biomaterials. 35:4658-64. “Silk fibroin protein from mulberry and non-mulberry silkworms: cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and kinetics of L929 murine fibroblast adhesion.” C. Acharya, S. K. Ghosh, S. C. Kundu. J Mater Sci: Mater Med (2008) 19: 2827–2836 “Non-bioengineered silk gland fibroin protein: characterization and evaluation of matrices for potential tissue engineering applications.” B. B. Mandal, S. C. Kundu. Biotechnol Bioeng (2008) 100(6): 1237-50

Project Title:	Lab-on-a-chip system for analysis of stem cell division trees

Name of Supervisor:	Dr Robert Nordon

Email of Supervisor:	r.nordon@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Gary Rosengarten

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

School:	Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	MEMS, Micro & Nano Technologies

School Research Area:	Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Computer Science & Engineering Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Abstract:	Techniques for cell culture are labour-intensive and expensive limiting the number of cell cultures that can be maintained and analysed in parallel. We are developing lab-on-a-chip devices for miniaturisation and automation of cell culture and analysis. The microfluidic device will consist of hundreds of indepenent culture experiments that can be analysed in real time using an automated fluorscence microscope incubator. Software will be developed to control scanning of microchambers and tracking of individual cell trajectories and divisions.

Research Environment:	Our lab has one PhD, one Masters by research student, and 4 undergraduate thesis students working on various aspects of this project (Micro Manufacture, Electronics hardware, Image analysis and cell biology). We are also collaborating with Professor Richard Harvey, a leading stem cell scientist at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (Australian Stem Cell Centre). They wish to understand cardiac stem cell lineage development using live cell division tree analysis.

Novelty and Contribution:	This project offers the opportunity to make a unique contribution to stem cell research by development of a device for high throughput analysis of stem cell division trees

Expected Outcomes:	Working prototype device and publication

Reference Material Links:	Rafael Gomez-Sjoberg Anne A. Leyrat, Dana M. Pirone, Christopher S. Chen, and Stephen R. Quake Versatile, Fully Automated, Microfluidic Cell Culture System Anal. Chem. 2007, 79, 8557-8563

Project Title:	Wound Healing Modulation using Nano-Silver

Name of Supervisor:	Dr Megan Lord

Email of Supervisor:	m.lord@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Wey Yang Teoh, Dr Cindy Gunawan, Prof Rose Amal

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	wy.teoh@unsw.edu.au c.gunawan@unsw.edu.au

School:	Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Health & Medical Technologies

School Research Area:	Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering

Abstract:	Nano-silver has a potent antimicrobial effect against bacteria, viruses and fungi and is widely used for wound dressings and sterilisation of surgical materials. The use of reversible photo-switchable nano-silver is a new concept to tune the biological properties of the nano-silver using an optical wavelength-selective technique. This project will investigate the use of photo-switchable nano-silver for use in wound dressings through an investigation of the toxicity these nanoparticles with mammalian cells, including fibroblasts and keratinocytes, and possible molecular mechanisms of action.

Research Environment:	The TOR candidate will interact with a team of researchers at the undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral level within the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering as well as the School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering.

Novelty and Contribution:	This project proposes a new concept in anti-microbial materials through the use of tunable nano-silver which will also advance our fundamental understanding of the interactions of nanoparticles with cells and proteins.

Expected Outcomes:	The project will advance our understanding of the interactions between biological systems and nanoparticles. The candidate will gain valuable experience in sterile cell culture, cell-based assays and biochemical analyses.

Reference Material Links:	Gunawan C, Teoh WY, Marquis CP, Lifia J, Amal R. Reversible Antimicrobial Photoswitching in Nanosilver. 2009 Small 5(3): 341-4.

Project Title:	Software for Advanced Patent Analysis

Name of Supervisor:	Vladimir Tosic

Email of Supervisor:	vtosic@cse.unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Mark Staples

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Mark.Staples@nicta.com.au

School:	School of Computer Science and Engineering

For CSE and EET Projects:	NICTA Project

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Management

School Research Area:	Miscellaneous

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Chemical Sciences and Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Mining Engineering Petroleum Engineering Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering Surveying & Spatial Information Systems Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	To protect its intellectual property, it is often necessary for a company to patent its inventions. Patents are legally enforceable rights for exclusive commercial exploitation of inventions. Before patenting, patent search and analysis can uncover important facts relevant for strategic decisions about company’s intellectual property and research and development activities in general. Various software tools support patent search and analysis, from relatively simple free tools and Web sites to more powerful commercial products (e.g., for determining and visualizing various dependencies). In this research project, students will help develop novel software for advanced patent analysis, based on a new patent analysis methodology. The methodology is currently supported by software that manages patent information in Excel and uses macros for processing and visualization of patent analyses. The first aspect of this project is to support querying and analysis of patent information stored in a relational database. The second aspect of the project is to implement additional advanced patent analysis procedures. The third aspect of this project involves search and analysis of a number of real patents, determining their characteristics, and storing and managing this information using the developed software tool, to evaluate the tool’s correctness and usefulness.

Research Environment:	The students will work closely with researchers at NICTA (http://www.nicta.com.au) in a friendly mixed-gender and multicultural environment comprised of senior researchers and postgraduate students.

Novelty and Contribution:	The main novelty is the support for a unique and new patent analysis methodology. Since some aspects of the new patent procedures have not been implemented previously in other systems, non-trivial research questions (e.g., how to categorize patents in terms of relevance for company’s business strategy) will have to be considered. These patent analysis procedures will enable better decision making about a company’s patent portfolio. Another contribution is the testing process, which will result in conclusions about real patents from one market area (e.g., implant systems, business-driven IT systems management, or another area of mutual interest).

Expected Outcomes:	- Architecture of a software system that stores patent information, processes this information (e.g., to determine various dependencies), and visualizes results. - Detailed design of modules of this software architecture. - Design of database for storing patent information. - Original patent analysis procedures, which query and process the stored patent information. - Implementation of the above-mentioned designs. - Design and implementation of a simple (possibly Web) interface into the system. - Population of the database with patent information for a number of real patents from the same scientific area. - Experiments evaluating correctness and usefulness of the implemented software.

Reference Material Links:	- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent - http://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/patents/what_index.shtml - http://www.google.com/patents - http://www.patentlawlinks.com/patsearc.htm - http://www.infovis.net/printMag.php?lang=2&num=167 - D. Hunt, L. Nguyen, M. Rodgers (Eds.) “Patent Searching: Tools & Techniques”, Wiley, 2007 - J.L. Davis, S.S. Harrison “Edison in the Boardroom: How Leading Companies Realize Value from Their Intellectual Assets”, Wiley, 2001 - Course COMP9311 “Database Systems” (http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~cs9311) - http://www.edumax.com/database-basics-chapter-2-the-er-model-and-database-design.html - http://www.w3schools.com/SQl/default.asp - Course COMP9321 “Web Applications Engineering” (http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~cs9321) - For further information, email Dr. Vladimir Tosic (‘vtosic’ at the CSE e-mail system) with Subject line “UNSW Summer Scholars”.

Project Title:	Bactericidal Properties of Nanoparticulate Silver

Name of Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Adele Jones

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	adele.jones@student.unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	While silver has long been known to exhibit bactericidal ability, it has only been in recent years that there has been recognition of the bactericidal properties of elemental silver (Ago) (Ratte, 1999). The bactericidal activity is enhanced if nanosized particles of silver are used (Morones et al., 2005) with many recent studies showing that nanoparticulate silver embedded in or on solid substrates exhibits disinfecting ability (Chen et al., 2007; Chang et al., 2007). While the potential uses for Ago in disinfection and detoxification of waters appears exciting, too little information on either the reaction mechanism or on the optimal conditions of use is available to render this a viable technology at present. Recent reports suggest that the toxic action is related to transport of nanoparticulate silver to the interior of particles (Choi and Hu, 2008) while other studies show that the toxic action is related to external generation of reactive oxygen species (Chang et al., 2008).

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of the water and wastewater treatment area.

Novelty and Contribution:	Potential exists for breakthroughs in understanding the disinfecting ability of nanoparticulate silver and, on the basis of this knowledge, developing optimized treatment technology based around this element.

Expected Outcomes:	The successful candidate will produce new experimental data related to the characteristics including disinfecting properties of nanoparticulate silver. Results will also be obtained of the interplay between the composition of silver-containing solutions and the generation of reactive oxygen species. It is expected that a publication in an international journal will result from this work.

Reference Material Links:	Chang, Q., Yan, L., Chen, M., He, H. and Qu, J. (2007). Bactericidal Mechanism of Ag/Al2O3 against Escherichia coli. Langmuir 23, 11197-11199. Chen, M., Yan, L., He, H., Chang, Q., Yu, Y. And Qu, J. (2007). Catalytic sterilization of Escherichia coli K12 on Ag/Al2O3 surface. J. Inorg. Biochem. 101, 817-823. Choi, O. And Hu, Z. (2008). Size dependent and reactive oxygen species related nanosilver toxicity to nitrifying bacteria. Environ. Sci. Technol. (in press). Ratte, H.T. (1999). Bioaccumulation and toxicity of silver compounds: A review. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 18, 89-108.

Project Title:	Environmentally relevant algal cultures: the case of Microcystis

Name of Supervisor:	Michael Short

Email of Supervisor:	m.short@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Rita Henderson

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	r.henderson@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Research incorporating algal cultures most commonly involves the manipulation of single species ‘monocultures’ grown under highly controlled laboratory conditions, in ideal culture media and in the absence of natural competitors. As a result, the practical application and environmental relevance of findings from such research is a common problem for applied phycologists and one that is often brought into question during the peer review process. Species of the cyanobacterial genus Microcystis, for example, mainly occur as single cells under laboratory conditions; however, in the natural environment, Microcystis most commonly grows in colonial aggregates. Consequently, the practical validity of experimental manipulations using single cell Microcystis cultures comes into question when attempting to translate experimental findings to real life outcomes. The aim of this project is to characterise the physical and chemical properties of a model algal species (Microcystis aeruginosa) under laboratory culture conditions and then compare these characteristics with those of the same species obtained from the natural environment. Outcomes from this research will seek to verify the environmental relevance of laboratory cultures in terms of their cellular properties when compared to environmental samples, and then assess the likely implications of such differences for their removal during conventional water treatment processes.

Research Environment:	This project links in with curriculum topics including water and wastewater treatment and engineering. In particular the student would gain knowledge in coagulation/flocculation and subsequent separation processes, such as sedimentation and flotation, and additionally learn about the types of colloidal and particulate material that such processes are designed to treat. The student will gain experience in working in a laboratory environment with other scientists and engineers engaged in water-related research.

Novelty and Contribution:	There is a great deal of research on-going globally on optimization of algal treatment protocols. Many of these experiments are undertaken using laboratory “monocultures” due to the unpredictability of environmental algal blooms and furthermore their locality may hinder collection within a timeframe that is appropriate for subsequent laboratory experiments. This research will lend insight to the on-going debate as to whether laboratory algal cultures are suitable for use in treatment experiments.

Expected Outcomes:	Project outcomes will include a paper on the suitability of laboratory cultures for use in water treatment processes. It is anticipated that this work will aid the direction of future research, particularly with respect to manipulating algal growth conditions to produce cultures of similar physical and chemical attributes to those found in the environment.

Reference Material Links:	R. K. Henderson, S. A. Parsons and B. Jefferson (2008). The impact of algal properties and pre-oxidation on solid-liquid separation of algae. Water Research, 42 (8-9), 1827-1845. R. K. Henderson, A. Baker, S. A. Parsons, B. Jefferson (2008). Characterisation of algogenic organic matter extracted from cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms. Water Research, 42(13), 3435-3445.

Project Title:	Factors Controlling Growth and Toxicity of Harmful Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Supplies

Name of Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Professor Brett Neilan

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	b.neilan@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Microcystis and Anabaena species have been identified as the major algae of concern in the Sydney water supply system with blooms of these organisms frequently occurring in sections of Lakes Burragorang, Wingecaribee, Yarrunga and Nepean. While it appears that Microcystis and Anabaena can grow on a variety of forms of nutrients, there has been little progress in correlating the specific water chemistry of the reservoirs to growth, toxicity or succession of these organisms in the reservoirs used to supply Sydney’s drinking water. The objectives of this project are i) to determine the key nutrient (N, P and Fe), light and temperature requirements of Microcystis and Anabaena species (including the impact of nutrient form and transformation dynamics on uptake kinetics) that typically occur in Lake Burragorang and other selected Sydney water supply reservoirs and to gain insight into the mode of nutrient acquisition by the organisms, ii) to assess the impact of nutrient availability and growth conditions on production of toxins by these Microcystis and Anabaena species, and iii) to relate the nutrient requirements, growth characteristics and exudate production of the Microcystis and Anabaena species to biogeochemical and physical conditions in Lake Burragorang and other Sydney water supply reservoirs.

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of natural aquatic systems.

Novelty and Contribution:	The studies planned for this ToR scholarship will result in new insights into both factors controlling growth of these organisms and factors controlling toxicity. These insights should lead to improved understanding of management strategies appropriate to controlling occurrence of blooms of these potentially harmful organisms.

Expected Outcomes:	Significant advances in our understanding of factors controlling growth and, potentially, toxicity of the selected harmful algae are expected to accrue from this work. The successful candidate will be exposed to a number of Australian water agencies concerned with the problem of occurrence of harmful algal blooms in drinking water supplies.

Reference Material Links:	Lyck, S., Gjølme, N., and Utkilen, H. (1996) Iron starvation increases toxicity of Microcystis aeruginosa CYA 228/1 (Chroococcales, Cyanophyceae). Phycologia 35, 120-124. Nagai, T., Imai, A., Matsushige, K. and Fukushima, T. (2006). Effect of iron complexation with dissolved organic matter on the growth of cyanobacteria in a eutrophic lake. Aquat. Micro. Ecol. 44, 231-239. Nalewajko, C. and Murphy, T.P. (2001). Effects of temperature, and availability of iron and phosphorus on the abundance of Anabaena and Microcystis in Lake Biwa, Japan: an experimental approach. Limnology 2, 45-48.

Project Title:	Iron and Copper Transformations in Natural Aquatic Systems

Name of Supervisor:	Dr Ninh Pham

Email of Supervisor:	anninh.pham@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Both iron and copper are critical elements in nature because of their importance as trace nutrients but, if present in excess, may cause damage to living cells. In this project, we will investigate key knowledge gaps relating to redox transformations of iron and copper in natural aquatic systems.

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of natural aquatic systems.

Novelty and Contribution:	An advanced understanding of the interplay between iron and copper redox chemistry in natural waters and the production of reactive oxygen species where both Fe and Cu are present in excess.

Expected Outcomes:	Experimental data and kinetic model of the production of reactive oxygen species over a range of conditions will be produced from which the toxicity of the waters can be assessed. It is also expected that a publication in an international journal will result from this work.

Reference Material Links:	Pham, A.N. and Waite, T.D. (2008). Oxygenation of Fe(II) in the presence of citrate in aqueous solutions at pH 6.0 – 8.0 and 25 oC: Interpretation from an Fe(II)/Citrate speciation perspective. J. Phys. Chem A 112(4), 643-651. Pham, A.N. and Waite, T.D. (2008). Modelling the Kinetics of Fe(II) Oxidation in the Presence of Citrate and Salicylate in Aqueous Solutions at pH 6.0–8.0 and 25 oC. J Phys Chem A 112(24), 5395 - 5405.

Project Title:	Uranium Transport in Subsurface Environments

Name of Supervisor:	Dr Richard Collins

Email of Supervisor:	richard.collins@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Professor David Waite

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Resources Engineering

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Mining Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	Uranium is an important element in Australia in view of our large mineral reserves however mining can create hazards resulting from its potential mobilization in subsurface environments. In this project, the ToR scholar will investigate factors influencing the mobility of this element in groundwaters. Attention will also be given to approaches to reducing the mobility of uranium in subsurface environments with particular attention given to the use of reactive barriers.

Research Environment:	The successful candidate will work within a stimulating team environment involving the supervisors, research staff and other research students. Regular interaction with other team members will both assist in skill development and in broadening understanding of natural aquatic systems and subsurface environments. Interaction between the School of Mining Engineering and the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering is expected to occur through this project.

Novelty and Contribution:	New insights into the interplay between uranium species and iron oxides and clays will result from this work with tools such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy (utilizing synchrotron radiation) expected to be utilized in elucidating factors influencing U(VI) mobility.

Expected Outcomes:	Outcomes for the successful candidate include insight into the current challenges faced by Australia in designing a national waste repository for low- to intermediate-level radioactive waste and appropriately managing legacy radioactive waste/mining sites. Results from the ToR project will produce new experimental data that will be relevant for both cases and will be published in an international journal.

Reference Material Links:	1) Burns PC and R Finch (Ed’s) (1999) Uranium: mineralogy, geochemistry and the environment. Mineralogical Society of America., Washington DC, USA, p. 679. 2) Environmental Science Division (1985) Technical Report of the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (http://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/bitstream/10238/811/1/AAEC-DR-19.pdf). 3) Jang J-H, BA Dempsey and WD Burgos (2008) Reduction of U(VI) by Fe(II) in the presence of Hydrous Ferric Oxide and Hematite: Effects of solid transformation, surface coverage, and humic acid . Water Research 42:2269-2277. 4) Jones AM, RN Collins, J Rose and TD Waite (2009) The effect of silica and natural organic matter on the Fe(II)-catalysed transformation and reactivity of Fe(III) minerals. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 73:4409-4422.

Project Title:	Electro-active gels for display application

Name of Supervisor:	A/Prof François Ladouceur

Email of Supervisor:	f.ladouceur@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications

For CSE and EET Projects:	School Project

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Materials

School Research Area:	Photonics

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering

Abstract:	The display industry has yet to settle on a specific technology to produce the next generation of flexible (conformal) displays. Much research is now being done on developing was has been referred to a e-ink, or electronic ink. A class of material know as hygrogels exhibit very sharp phase transition between its liquid and gel states. In the process, the optical properties of the materials change abruptly through the supra-molecular rearrangement of the gel monomers. This could then form the basis for a black and white pixel. This research project would look at the characterisation of the phase transition and in particular at the effect of the electric field on so-called electro-active hydrogels.

Research Environment:	The candidate will work within a friendly team consisting of senior researchers, engineers, and postgraduate research students in collaboration with Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

Novelty and Contribution:	Positive outcomes to this project could realistically contribute to the creation of new e-paper technologies as this field is still evolving rapidly.

Expected Outcomes:	Experimental characterisation of new classes of hydrogels and in particular a better understanding of the dynamics of their phase transition.

Reference Material Links:

Project Title:	Modelling of phase transition in electro-active hygrogels

Name of Supervisor:	A/Prof François Ladouceur

Email of Supervisor:	f.ladouceur@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

School:	School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications

For CSE and EET Projects:	School Project

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Advanced Materials

School Research Area:	Photonics

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Chemical Sciences and Engineering Computer Science & Engineering Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering

Abstract:	A class of material known as hygrogels exhibits a very sharp phase transition between its liquid and gel states. In the process, the optical properties of the materials change abruptly through the supra-molecular rearrangement of the gel monomers. One of the many applications of such class of materials would be the development of electronic ink, or e-ink, for the next generation of flexible (conformal) display. The project consist in the development of a thermodynamic theoretical framework together with simulation software to study the dynamics of the phase transition. Of particular importance would be the speak of gelation and the its sensitivity around the phase-transition point in terms of temperature and other external influences.

Research Environment:	The candidate will work within a friendly team consisting of senior researchers, engineers, and postgraduate research students in collaboration with Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

Novelty and Contribution:	Development of theoretical framework and simulation software for the study of phase transition in electro-active hydrogels.

Expected Outcomes:	Positive outcomes to this project could realistically contribute to the creation of new e-paper technologies as this field is still evolving rapidly.

Reference Material Links:

Project Title:	Study of the fluid mechanics of micro/nano particle-pore interactions

Name of Supervisor:	Gary Rosengarten

Email of Supervisor:	g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:

Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

School:	School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering

School Research Area:	Thermofluids

Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:	Biomedical Engineering Chemical Sciences and Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering Petroleum Engineering Sciences – Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Abstract:	All membranes, be them biological or synthetic, involve the interaction of small particles with pores. The selectivity of the membrane depends on hydrodynamics of the particle as it approaches and moves through the pore. In this project the student will carry out fully coupled computational fluid dynamics simulations of a single particle approaching a pore under a variety of conditions.

Research Environment:	The student will work in a team in the computational fluid mechanics laboratory. They will be associated also with the experimental group and simulations will be compared to experimental results at regular meetings.

Novelty and Contribution:	This research fits into the new area of biomimetics where we are trying to learn how nature sorts particles. Results will not only help in a fundamental understanding of particle pore interactions but also have applications in the design of more efficient membranes.

Expected Outcomes:	The expected outcomes of this project are the implementation of a fully coupled particle fluid model with brownian motion into current commercial software and the analysis of results under a variety of conditions including particle size and pore shape. If all goes well we would like to be able to write the results into into a journal article.

Reference Material Links:	Contact Dr. Rosengarten: g.rosengarten@unsw.edu.au

Related Projects

Chemical Sciences and Engineering Projects

Projects offered by other Engineering Schools that may be of interest are: