Biomaterials

Biomaterials research merges biology with materials engineering, imaging and sensing, and nanotechnology. The development of advanced techniques in this field provides new tools for biomedical engineers to work with unprecedented precision.
We focus on the emerging field of bio-nanotechnology to create new materials and imaging sensor technologies, which enable the development of new cures for diseases and the regeneration of diseased or damaged tissues. Various materials, both established and experimental, can be created to mimic cells’ microenvironments both morphologically and biochemically in order to increase biocompatibility, reduce inflammation and, ultimately, promote repair following injury or disease. We also conduct research on imaging sensors for medical and security applications, hybrid bio-electronic devices and nanomachines.
Our research has attracted ARC, NHMRC and other public grants, as well as industry funding to translate biomedical-related discoveries into practice. We have state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including nanomaterials fabrication and characterisation facilities co-located with cell culture laboratories, to support our bio-nanotechnology research.
With a team of smart, energetic researchers and postgraduate students, we are doing innovative work that is at the forefront of biomaterials science.
Explore our available student research projects below and if you’d like to discuss opportunities for collaboration or funding, please email us.
Student research projects
Research projects
Academic staff
Student
Technical staff
2014
Journal Papers
- Chen XB, Nisbet DR,Li RW, Smith PN, Abbott TB, Easton MA, Zhang D-H, Birbilis N, Controlling initial biodegradation of magnesium by a biocompatible strontium phosphate conversion coating, Acta biomaterialia, 10:1463-1474, 2014
2013
Journal Papers
- Ameringer T, Ercole F, Tsang KM, Coad BR, Hou X, Rodda A, Nisbet DR, Thissen H, Evans RA, Meagher L, Surface grafting of electrospun fibers using ATRP and RAFT for the control of biointerfacial interactions, Biointerphases 8:16, 2013
- Rodda AE, Meagher L, Nisbet DR, Forsythe JS, Specific control of cell–material interactions: Targeting cell receptors using ligand-functionalized polymer substrates, Progress in Polymer Science 2013
- Rodriguez AL, Parish CL, Nisbet DR, Williams RJ, Tuning the amino acid sequence of minimalist peptides to present biological signals via charge neutralised self assembly, Soft Matter 9:3915-3919, 2013
- Sawawi M, Wang TY, Nisbet DR, Simon GP, Scission of electrospun polymer fibres by ultrasonication, Polymer 54:4237-4252, 2013
2012
Journal Papers
- Chen XB, Kirkland N, Krebs H, Thiriat M, Virtanen S, Nisbet D, Birbilis N, In vitro corrosion survey of Mg-x Ca and Mg-3Zn-y Ca alloys with and without calcium phosphate conversion coatings, Corrosion Engineering, Science and Technology 47:365-373, 2012











Targeted at the rheological characterization of dispersions and other complex fluids and soft solids, the Kinexus pro rheometer has unprecedented dual-action capabilities for both shear and...

The monochromator technology used in the Infinite M200 PRO will allow discrete selection of any wavelength from 230nm to 1000nm for absorbance measurements.