Improving drug manufacture and delivery

UQ researcher Dr Shizhang Qiao is working on developing a new self-assembly technology to synthesise new nanoparticles for selective separation of biomolecules.

Working at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Dr Qiao has been awarded an $80,000 UQ Foundation Research Excellence Award to study the unique properties of mesoporous core-shell structured silica nanoparticles and their magnetic properties.

The UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards have been run for 10 years and are an initiative of UQ to recognise outstanding performance and leadership potential in early career researchers.

“Harnessing these properties has significant implications in drug manufacture and drug delivery,” Dr Qiao said.

“By using the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles separation of biomolecules will be more efficient and less costly thereby reducing the production cost of drugs.

“We also hope to use these nanoparticles to improve the specificity of drug delivery.”

According to Dr Qiao the technology is not restricted to these examples and that it will be useful in the chemical and food industries.

“The key to the success of the project is understanding the structure of the nanoparticles and how they self-assemble.”

Dr Qiao has an impressive track record of research achievement since the award of his PhD in late 2000. He joined UQ in 2001 and is currently a UQ Mid-Career Research Fellow.

“The successful completion of this project will strengthen Australia’s ability to participate at the forefront of new areas of research and further enhance our research profile.

Media: Dr Shizhang Qiao (07 3346 3815) or Russell Griggs at the AIBN (07 3346 3989).