日本語 Australia's Nanotech Innovations
Proteome Systems and Shimadzu Biotech’s award-winning ChIP chemical inkjet printer for
proteomic research. Together with ProteomIQ, the technology is extensively used in Japan
From microscope to spreadsheet – strong biological and molecular science research communities have placed Australia in the vanguard of nano-biotechnology and biomaterials, with significant returns for Japanese and international investors.
For example, a chemical inkjet printer for raising the throughput of proteomic and genetic analysis, developed by Proteome Systems and Shimadzu Biotech of Kyoto, was given a top-100 ranking in the prestigious awards for R&D magazine in 2004.
“This award is an exciting accomplishment for our joint development program with Proteome Systems,” says Dr Tetsuo Ichikawa, Chairman of Shimadzu Biotech. “Shimadzu Biotech has enjoyed the opportunity of working with Proteome Systems and the quality of the outcome of our efforts is evidenced in being selected for the R&D 100 award.”
Sydney-based Ambri Ltd is another prominent leader, producing one of the first nanotechnology-based medical devices to reach patient trials. Its digital biosensor rapidly tests blood for a wide variety of substances and organisms, providing instant patient diagnostics outside the laboratory.
The SensiDx from Ambri, one of Australia’s nanotechnology pioneers. The device
allows fast testing of a variety of key
low-concentration key blood components,
providing results in minutes that previously required hours or days of analysis
Australians are also developing nano-technology applications to combat serious viral diseases such as HIV. Publicly-listed Starpharma has rights to several promising dendritic nano-technologies and has commercialised polyvalent drugs. In 2003, Starpharma’s VivaGel HIV-preventative microbicide was the first dendrimer drug to be approved for human trials by the US Federal Drug Administration (>> more).
Nanomaterials for the environment
Environmental solutions are also emerging. Sustainable Technologies International, based in Queanbeyan near Canberra, is the first in the world to manufacture dye solar cells that use nanotechnology to produce artificial photosynthesis. The cells can be easily fitted into buildings as glass walls.
Brisbane-based Nanoquest’s nano-materials research, based on metal oxide particles, is producing solutions for applications including purifying air and removing factory odours with photocatalysts, cleaning water for drinking, and treating waste water.
The success of Nanoquest – and others – reflects Australian leadership in primary nanotech research, carried out through a network of research centres, universities and government laboratories. Nanoquest’s metal oxide technology is licensed from the Cooperative Research Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, one of 50 government-funded research centres in nanotechnology that concentrate university, state and industry talent.
Starpharma’s VivaGel HIV-preventative
microbicide was the first dendrimer drug to
be approved for human trials by the US
Nanotech research cooperation
Successes such as these are fostering cooperation between Japanese and Australians in primary research. For example, CSIRO – Australia’s foremost government research organisation – is working on nanoscale materials with Itochu. And the National Institute of Materials Science Japan is collaborating with the University of Technology Sydney, where the Institute for Nanoscale Technology is researching biomedical and energy-efficient nano-materials and devices. The Institute’s Nanohouse project (with CSIRO) exploits nano-materials to build ultra energy-efficient, sustainable houses.
Another example is the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) breakthrough in developing artificial muscles with Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital, unfolding in cooperation with Japanese partners. The Institute (hosted by the University of Wollongong) is working with the Chitose Institute of Science and Technology in Hokkaido on nano-biomaterials research for wide-ranging applications.
Backed by teaching
Australia’s success in nanotechnology is underpinned by the pioneering approach taken by the country’s
universities. South Australia’s Flinders University launched the world’s first undergraduate degree in nanotechnology in 2003, focusing on biosensors and nano-structures. More than 10 universities now teach specialist nanotechnology courses to undergraduates, and most provide extensive doctoral and postgraduate research in specialist sub-fields.
Teaching in broad sciences applicable to nanotechnology research is also strong. In 2002, 24,000 students graduated in natural and physical sciences and 20,000 in engineering and related technologies.
On thestrength of such partnerships, the science of the small is rapidly getting bigger – in both Australia and Japan – and is yielding its benefits to the world.
Article by Invest Australia.
