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overview
This seminar will provide an overview of the current collaborative project between DEEDI and ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials at UQ. Utilising the collective expertise of two groups in physiological systems and nanomaterial development, this project aims to develop a nanoparticle based vaccine formulation with a longer shelf life and improved immunogenicity.
Following the seminar there will be opportunity to discuss this research and other collaborative opportunities with the presenters.
Dr Neena Mitter and Dr Tim Mahony will present their work on nanoparticle based delivery of veterinary vaccines. Their talks will give a brief outline of the various steps involved and results obtained in the optimisation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a vaccine delivery vehicle based on the work carried out with model antigen Ovalbumin and E2 protein of BVDV. The nanoparticle based vaccine formulation aims at cost effective, easy to store vaccines with minimal side effects and improved immunogenicity and possible alternate routes of delivery.
Associate Prof Shizhang Qiao will speak about his group’s capabilities in the synthesis of a range of nanoparticles for targeted delivery. His talk will give an overview of synthesis of particles based on a range of materials, such as silica, organic silica, carbon and metal oxide. He will also describe his group’s expertise in controlling particle morphology (spheres, hollow spheres, rods, fibre) and pore size (2-28 nm) and highlight his group’s work in tailoring the surface chemistry of nanoparticles for improved binding properties in targeted delivery.
speakers
Dr Neena Mitter
Principal Biotechnologist and Focus Team leader, Plant and Microbial Biotechnology,
Emerging technologies, Agri Science Queensland, DEEDI
As a biotechnologist and molecular biologist for the last 15 years, Dr Neena Mitter has built and led multidisciplinary teams, managed key relationships with internal and external stakeholders and forged strategic global alliances. The plant and microbial biotechnology group led by Dr Neena Mitter focuses on developing novel and innovative RNA silencing based biotechnological approaches towards management of pests and diseases. At present she is developing a cutting edge platform technology for using artificial microRNAs for virus resistance in collaboration with Washington State University. The diversity of skills, experience and expertise available with the group across plant and animal science has led to development of collaborative projects with the Vaccine delivery group and Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology for targeting novel approaches for needle free delivery of veterinary vaccines. She is winner of the Queensland Biotechnology research award for 2008 and the Queensland Government International Fellowship 2009.
Dr Tim Mahony
Principal Biotechnologist and Focus Team leader, Vaccine Delivery Research,
Emerging technologies, Agri Science Queensland, DEEDI
Tim is a molecular virologist with broad ranging interests in animal health. A key focus of the Vaccine Delivery Research team includes the propagation and manipulation of herpesvirus genomes in bacteria for vaccine development and gene characterisation for novel vector development. The team has a strong focus on the development of vaccines and vaccine delivery technologies to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on livestock industries. Current projects include an epidemiological study of bovine respiratory disease and the development of modified herpes virus vectors for in ovo applications. The team is also interested in characterising the molecular events of virus infection and disease development through the discovery of novel pathway modulators such as microRNAs. Past activities have included the development of oral vaccine strategies for ruminants using transgenic plants and the application of RNAi for reducing virus transmission.
Associate Prof Shizhang Qiao
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials,
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
Dr Qiao is an Associate Professor and UQ Mid-Career Research Fellow at The University of Queensland. His research expertise is in nanomaterials and nanoporous materials for bioseparation, drug/gene/ RNA delivery and new energy technologies. He has co-authored more than 90 papers in refereed journals, including Nature, Angew Chem Int Ed, JACS, Advanced Materials, Chemistry of Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, and Langmuir with him as a corresponding or joint corresponding author. He has filed three patents on novel nanomaterials. These materials are very promising for bioseparation, drug/gene delivery, fuel cells, photocatalysis and solar cells etc. He has attracted more than 3.25 million dollars in research grants from industrial partners, the ARC, and The University of Queensland. In recognition of his achievements in research, he was honoured with a prestigious UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award. He has also been awarded an inaugural UQ Mid-Career Research Fellowship, a prestigious ARC ARF Fellowship (relinquished) and an ARC APD Fellowship.
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