CNG collaborative research featured on the cover of JACS

August 2021

A recent collaborative research work between CNG and the Jokerst Bioimaging Lab headed by Prof Jesse Jokerst at the University of California San Diego has been highlighted on the cover of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. This peer-reviewed paper entitled Stereoselective Growth of Small Molecule Patches on Nanoparticles describes the synthesis of 3D stereoselective patches on nanoparticles in aqueous environments using a small molecule-based strategy. The features (eg, size, number, conformation, and stereoselectivity) of the patches are modulated by a self-polymerizable aromatic dithiol and co-mixed ligands. This autonomous assembly process is independent of the underlying nanoparticle material and dimension, thereby enabling a streamlined and powerful toolset to design heterogeneous patches on the nanoscale. The resulting patchy nanoparticles present further opportunities for designing customisable colloidal and other complex superstructures.

CBNS Awards

March 2021

The last edition of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology (CBNS) Annual Research Workshop was held as a face-to-face/virtual hybrid event across the five nodes (The University of Melbourne (UoM)/Monash University, UNSW, The University of Queensland, and The University of South Australia). Amid the numerous inspiring talks given over the 1.5-day workshop, we celebrate this year’s CBNS UoM node awardees.

Prof Stephen Kent (UoM CI) was granted the CBNS Collaboration Award.

Dr Hannah Kelly (postdoctoral fellow in Prof Kent’s lab) was presented with the Most Engaged Committee Member Award for her active participation and involvement in the CBNS Outreach and Program Committee in running outreach events.

Dr Yi Ju received the 2020 Most Significant CBNS Publication Award for his research work on Person-Specific Biomolecular Coronas Modulate Nanoparticle Interactions with Human Immune Cells published in ACS Nano, as well as a Career Development Award, providing him access to professional and career development opportunities to further his career.

Dr Matt Faria received the Emerging Leaders in Bio-Nano Science Award in recognition of his contributions in advancing bio-nano science research, building research capacity, and mentoring the next-generation of research scientists.

Mr Denzil Furtado was presented the FBNS Spark Tank Award for his innovation pitch on “mRNA Therapy for Rare Genetic Brain Disease”, which he delivered at the final Frontiers in Bio-Nano Science (FBNS) symposium, held in February 2021, and the CBNS Annual Research Workshop.

Ms Paula Cevaal won both the Judge’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Award for her presentation on “A Cell’s Diet: Studying and Manipulating the Process of Cells ‘Eating’ Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles” at the In a Nutshell Session at FBNS 2021.

Frank Caruso receives Lectureship Award of the Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry, The Chemical Society of Japan

February 2021

Our group leader Prof Frank Caruso is the recipient of The Chemical Society of Japan 2021 Lectureship Award of the Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry. This award honours prominent researchers who play an active part in the field of colloid and surface chemistry. The award will be formally presented at the 72nd Divisional Meeting of Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry in September 2021, where Prof Caruso will deliver an invited lecture.