Our research
Functional Nanostructures
Big, brave ideas inspired by biology
Imagine what you could create by combining the natural genius of biology with the latest advances in technology? Think of nature-inspired nanobots seeking out and destroying disease, bone implants that grow themselves, intuitive stem cell therapy, and handheld sensors that can instantly diagnose cancer.
Overview
Functional nanostructures are both inspired by biology and made using biological tools. In this research theme our Investigators use nanotools to examine processes that naturally occur in cells and take them outside the cell to use in a completely different context. In turn, materials are used to probe and influence biology.
Our research objectives
Objective 1: Synthesis and assembly
The first objective, which we achieved in the first three years of this programme, was about making basic functional units then assembling these into multi-functional products. We created new molecules with novel magnetic, electrical or optical properties.
Objective 2: Tools for the nanoscale
The second objective is developing innovative nanotools to better understand, manipulate and control these new functional nanostructured materials. The nanotools allow us to get more information about their behaviour and function on the nanoscale, so we can determine their relevance, for example, for stem cell therapies and cancer diagnoses.
The inspiration comes from biology. Nowhere is the power of self assembly, and the properties that emerge from this self assembly, more prominent than in biology.
Professor Bill Williams MacDiarmid Institute Principal Investigator Science Leader for Functional Nanostructures Massey University
Our projects
Below is an introduction to some of the projects we are working on within this research theme.
Improved health diagnoses and treatment
We are working on a number of projects aimed at improving health outcomes. We have developed a non-toxic nanomaterial to improve MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Its magnetic and fluorescent properties may make it possible to analyse cancerous cells, increasing the likelihood of an earlier diagnosis.
We are also exploring the use of exosomes, which are tiny particles produced by most cells in our bodies. These particles are vital communication tools and could be used to carry molecules across the blood-brain barrier - a kind of biocamouflage drug delivery. This could give us a new route to diagnosing and treating a range of diseases.
In addition we are developing a new class of biosensors made from novel polymers that can conduct electricity. We’re using these biosensors for DNA diagnostics, an important tool in identifying infectious diseases, genetic mutations, or inherited metabolic disorders.
Nanosensing
One project in this area is the development of ultrasensitive analytical devices for real-time detection of the drug methamphetamine, such as for roadside testing. The devices use precisely-designed DNA aptamers, also known as synthetic antibodies, to rapidly recognise methamphetamine molecules from small, easy-to-take samples. Our new devices use nanotechnology to tackle these issues, reducing the cost of tests, and making them faster and more reliable.
Sally Brooker - environmentally-friendly plastics
Professor Sally Brooker of the MacDiarmid Institute and the Universtiy of Otago is using metal catalysts to develop cheap, envoronmentally-friendly plastics for use in a host of applications.
SAVVY Express: Science Media Centre - MacDiarmid Institute
February 23, 2015
More information
If you want to find out more, visit the following sections of our site:
Out of the Lab
Since the MacDiarmid Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology opened in 2002, our scientists and their collaborators have developed many exciting innovations to aid our transition to a more sustainable lifestyle. Some have been patented, some are in the field-testing stage and others have gone on to be produced and marketed.
Into the Marketplace
The aim of materials science and nanotechnology research at the MacDiarmid Institute is to positively transform people's lives and to benefit New Zealand. We partner with existing businesses to solve their materials science problems and take our innovations into the marketplace
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Associate Investigators
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New Zealand needs to focus on making things that are relatively specialised. We need to make fewer very sophisticated things with greater individual value.
Professor Roger Reeves MacDiarmid Institute Emeritus Investigator University of Canterbury
In the news
Annual Report
When physics meets biochemistry - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
Could bio-inspired self-assembled magnetic structures make computers more efficient?
Read more about When physics meets biochemistry - Annual Report 2018
Annual Report
Feeling the force of fungi to stop it killing our forests - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
In 2018 the government announced a $13million funding boost for research to combat the spread of kauri dieback and myrtle rust. Could microfluidics be the solutions we are looking for?
Read more about Feeling the force of fungi to stop it killing our forests - Annual Report 2018
Annual Report
Biomaterials as surgical tools - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
More than 250 corneal transplants are performed each year but the number is limited to donor numbers and there are not enough. Synthetic or naturally derived surgical substrates offer a solution.
Read more about Biomaterials as surgical tools - Annual Report 2018
Annual Report
Virtual materials - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
Our researchers use computers to reproduce conditions unachievable in a lab, such as the magnetic forces inside a white dwarf star.
Annual Report
Examining the nano-environment between cancer cells - Annual Report 2018
April 8, 2019
Research into micro-environmental conditions within and between cells might ultimately result in tailored cancer medications.
Read more about Examining the nano-environment between cancer cells - Annual Report 2018
Videos
2017 Lecture Series: Women in nanoscience
February 16, 2019
In the 2017 MacDiarmid Institute Regional Lecture Series: Women in nanoscience, three female MacDiarmid Institute nanoscientists tell their personal stories of life in science. Professors Penny Brothers and Cather Simpson, and Dr Michelle Dickinson (aka Nanogirl) give their own perspectives on what it is like being a woman in the physical sciences (physics, chemistry or engineering).
Bill Williams - the machinery of DNA
March 21, 2019
Professor Bill Williams of the MacDiarmid Institute and Massey University explores how better understanding biological problems from a physical point of view can help us come up with better treatments.
SAVVY Express: Science Media Centre - MacDiarmid Institute
Geoff Wilmott - attracting and repelling water
March 21, 2019
From fog harvesters to self-cleaning surfaces, Dr Geoff Wilmott of the MacDiarmid Institute and the University of Auckland is looking at how water is both repelled by and attracted to surfaces with a range of possible applications.
SAVVY Express: Science Media Centre - MacDiarmid Institute
MacDiarmid Institute alumna Dr Rebecca Hawke: an exciting career in science
February 25, 2019
Physicist and MacDiarmid Institute alumna Dr Rebecca Hawke discusses her exciting career in science.
This video includes captions.
Read more MacDiarmid Institute alumna Dr Rebecca Hawke: an exciting career in science
Nature of Science - Bill Williams
March 21, 2019
Professor Bill Williams of the MacDiarmid Institute and Massey University talks about his job as a scientist and why he loves it.
Working with biophysics and soft materials, Bill describes himself as an experimental scientist who looks at how we perceive the world and works to find ways to test these perceptions. Bill is a scientist because he is fascinated by the world around him and wants to continue to figure out how the world works.
Podcasts
Jenny Malmström on RadioNZ
May 9, 2019
Associate Investigator Jenny Malmström talks to RadioNZ about stem cells, implants and materials science.- Follow us on:
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