CNG research article in the Journal of the American Chemical Society highlighted on supplementary cover

November 2023

A collaborative research work between CNG and the Zhou Laboratory headed by Prof. Jiajing Zhou at Sichuan University has been highlighted as a supplementary cover of the Journal of the American Chemical Society. This peer-reviewed paper entitled “Peptide-Based Coacervate Protocells with Cytoprotective Metal–Phenolic Network Membranes” presents a versatile method to construct membranized protocells of different sizes, compositions, stabilities, and semipermeabilities, and that exhibit life-like cellular behaviors. The membranized protocells are obtained by encapsulating peptide coacervates (which mimic the cytosol) within metal–organic network coatings (which serve as cytomembranes). These membranized protocells are semipermeable and colloidally stable, and can possess a cytoprotective membrane against radicals, retain and protect functional biological cargos for enzymatic cascade reactions, and be functionalized to target cells. The strategy presented for constructing peptide coacervates with membrane-bound cytosols will help advance the study of protocells, biomimetic materials, and various biotechnology applications.

CNG postdoc Dr Zhixing Lin awarded an Early Career Researcher grant

October 2023

Congratulations to CNG postdoc Dr Zhixing Lin on being awarded an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Grant (The University of Melbourne) for his project entitled “Developing Metal–Oligonucleotide Materials for Biomedical Applications.” This project aims to develop biofunctional metal–oligonucleotide materials and expand knowledge in materials engineering and chemical and biomedical sciences by integrating bio functionality into hybrid materials. The ECR Scheme is a core part of the University’s research development strategy, which places a high priority on the support of early career researchers.

CNG postdoc Dr Omid Mazaheri awarded a Yitpi Foundation grant

October 2023

Congratulations to CNG postdoc Dr Omid Mazaheri who has successfully secured funding from the Yitpi Foundation for his project titled “Metal-Phenolic Networks: A Pathway towards Mitigating Micronutrient Deficiency in Soils”. This project aims to develop biocompatible metal–phenolic network materials as next-generation controlled-release micronutrients, where micronutrients are released according to the plant growth demand. The Yitpi Foundation aims to encourage and promote research and education in the fields of crop science, particularly in relation to the wheat industry in southern Australia.

CNG research article in Accounts of Chemical Research highlighted on supplementary cover

July 2023

CNG account on “Functional Ligand-Enabled Particle Assembly for Bio–Nano Interactions” has been featured as a supplementary cover of Accounts of Chemical Research . This Account focuses on recent CNG research in controlling bio–nano interactions through engineering particle properties using functional ligands as building blocks. Specifically, the Account presents (i) the assembly of particles using functional ligand molecules ranging from small molecules to polymers and biomacromolecules and different preparation methods, (ii) the physicochemical properties (e.g., size, aspect ratio (shape), charge, permeability, stability, thickness, stiffness, and stimuli responsiveness) of particles derived from a selection of ligands, and (iii) bio–nano interactions influenced by the particle properties (e.g., stealth, targeting, and cell trafficking). This Account aims to serve as a reference to guide fundamental research and facilitate the rational design of functional ligand-based particles for diverse emerging applications.

CNG ’s participation in a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship grant scheme

April 2023

CNG is delighted to announce its participation in a European Commission-funded project under a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship awarded to Dr Marco Cassani. Through a research collaboration between the Center for Translational Medicine at the International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne’s University Hospital headed by Dr Giancarlo Forte and CNG at The University of Melbourne, Dr Cassani will work for two years as a Research Fellow at CNG. Dr Cassani’s research project, titled “MecHA-Nano”, will focus on the understanding of cell–nanoparticle interactions through mechanobiology. This research visit is also part of the European Union Framework Program “PEPSA-MATE” established in partnership with Honorary Fellow Dr Francesca Cavalieri (University of Rome Tor Vergata and RMIT). CNG previously hosted Dr Cassani’s research visit (2019–2020) through a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange scheme.