Our projects
The BDRC provides a structured and synergistic environment for biomolecular research at Macquarie University, harnessing research and funding opportunities across multiple priorities of the MQ Research Framework:
· Future Shaping Priority 1 - Health (Translational medical research);
· Future Shaping Priority 4 - Secure Planet (Living in a changing environment);
· Future Shaping Priority 5 – Innovative Technologies (Science and engineering technologies for the 21st century; Big Data: Acquisition, analysis, application and assurance).
Meet some of our Early- and Mid-Career Researchers below as they explain the focus of their research projects:
Dr Amy Cain: Fighting in the world’s biggest, smallest war - against antibiotic resistance
Dr Amy Cain aims to tackle the terrifying problem of antibiotic resistance occurring world-wide. She uses functional genomics techniques to find the genes that cause antibiotic resistance in nasty bacterial pathogens and the Galleria caterpillar animal model to develop much-needed new antibiotics.
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Dr Hasinika Gamage: Manipulating the gut microbiome to enhance health and wellbeing
Dr Hasinika Gamage's research is on the gut microbiome (the trillions of microorganisms inhabiting the colon) and its importance. Hasinika comments on her investigations on the role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer and neurodegenerative disease and on developing microbiome-based therapies to prevent or treat them.
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Dr Maciej Maselko: Biomanufacturing with Bugs: genetically engineering insects to convert waste to high-value products
New technologies are needed to create a circular economy where waste streams all have value and landfills are no longer needed. Dr Maciej Maselko's research group is working towards this by engineering insects to make enzymes normally found only in bacteria and fungi. The engineered insects fed various waste streams, degrade hazardous chemicals that may be present, and produce high value products for industrial applications.
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Dr Ming Li: Lab in a Droplet - Hunting the hidden objects
Dr Ming Li's research aims to identify and select rare, valuable single cells with properties of interest from large cell populations, by developing droplet microfluidic technologies.
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Dr Vince Polito: Tracking the effects of psychedelics on our brains and biology
Can very small doses of psychedelic compounds change our brains, physiology and behaviour? Dr Vince Polito is using neuroimaging, psychometric assessments, and biomarker analyses to explore the clinical applications and cognitive enhancement potentials of serotonergic hallucinogens.
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Members of the BDRC are in collaborative research across the University and with industry partners in the following areas:
Proteomics, Genomics, Glycomics and Transcriptomics
The ‘omics technologies offer the potential to discover new genes, proteins, sugars and metabolites, that have potential to be further utilised by synthetic biology, to target disease and nutrition. Molecular targets are also being identified to improve resistance to crop diseases and as biosensors for both medical and agricultural applications.
Researchers: Nicki Packer, Paul Haynes, Ian Paulsen, Sasha Tetu, Morten Andersen
Biotechnology
Research projects contribute to the development of new technologies for the production of industrially and medically important gene products. We use molecular tools for high level gene expression and knockout studies, and create and analyse genomic and proteomic data to understand cell metabolism and protein secretion. We make recombinant enzymes for industrial uses and develop synthetic biology methods for microbial strain improvement.
Research focusing on the application of biotechnological relevant proteins includes immobilisation of industrial enzymes and proteins to different inorganic solid matrices, and development of cell-free biocatalytic modules for biotechnology and enzyme-based processes.
Researchers: Anwar Sunna
Protein Structure, Modifications and Expression
Proteins are the main functional components of life, with functions including storage of nitrogen, structural rigidity, transport, signaling, binding, and enzymatic catalysis.
Researchers: Nicki Packer
Biomarker Discovery
We are interested in discovering protein biomarkers relevant to cancer progression, patient response to treatment and in understanding how cell signaling networks are altered in cancers. Several studies have also clearly established glycosylation changes associated in cancer. Identification of relevant glycosylation changes in proteins could facilitate novel glycan-based biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Researchers: Nicki Packer, Morten Andersen, Paul Haynes
Microbial Physiology and Pathogenicity
Our research includes understanding microbial physiology and evolution using approaches such as genome sequencing, metagenomics and systems biology. We examine how microorganisms contribute to health and disease in hosts, and the vital ecosystem services that microbes provide.
Researchers: Ian Paulsen, Nicki Packer, Sasha Tetu
Synthetic Biology and Gene Transfer Systems
Synthetic biology represents the next transformative phase of the biological sciences and is made possible by developments in many fields that contribute to synthetic biology — including genome sequencing, computing, nanotechnology and significant improvements to various laboratory techniques. Systems biology, inspired by the scientific advances in molecular biology (1970-80s) and, foundationally, by microbiology, biochemistry and genetics (1950-60’s) is the next era of advancement in the biological sciences and is ripe with opportunities.
Researchers: Ian Paulsen, Anwar Sunna, Sasha Tetu
Affiliated Centres
ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB)
Underpinned by state-of-the-art biomolecular analytical technologies and strong expertise in genomics, proteomics, glycomics, biomedical and bioengineering techniques, advanced formulations science and nanotechnology, FAAB is training the next generation of world leading biotechnology research scientists to serve Australia's advanced future industries.
FAAB is an academia-industry consortium of leading researchers in bioactive identification, characterisation, manufacturing, and commercial development. We are committed to establishing analytical validation principles and guidelines for the implementation of Bioactives derived from natural sources, food, food-waste, or cell-based biotechnology.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) provides the technical innovation critical for Australia to develop a vibrant bioeconomy building on the nation’s strengths in agriculture. For thousands of years we have used microbes to create bread, wine, cheese. Now, the CoESB pioneers new approaches to the design of synthetic microbes, enabling the development of custom-designed microbial communities, synthetic organelles and new to nature biological pathways and enzymes. CoESB will combine engineering with molecular biology to design and construct novel biological systems that can convert biomass from agriculture or waste streams to biofuel, bioplastics and other high-value chemicals.