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Biomedical Engineering

"Lending Technology to Biology"

The Biointerface Engineering group focuses on the use of synthetic and biological components to create materials and surfaces with new properties.

The end use may be for biomedical applications such as implantable devices or cell culture, but could just as easily be applied in the sensing of environmental contaminants or the modification of materials used in the food industry.

PhD Research Project Opportunities in Biomedical Engineering

Research in Biomedical Engineering at Swinburne covers a wide range of topics from biomaterials and surface engineering, macro and micro fluidics, micro and nanoscale fabrication techniques, applied optics through to biological engineering, medical and biological imaging techniques and the creation of biomimetic systems. Our work draws on resources and academics from across the faculty and an increasing number of industry partners.

At present we are seeking students with strong backgrounds in engineering, any physical science, microbiology or physiology and an willingness to work at the interface between disciplines to undertake PhD research in the following areas:

Contact

If you are interested in discussing these or other research areas in Biomedical Engineering at Swinburne, please contact the Discipline Leader, Professor Sally McArthur

Cell Membrane Mimetic Surfaces

Supported by the ARC and in collaboration with Flinders University, this work looks at the development of materials that mimic the structure and function of a cell membrane.

These systems will be utilised in drug evaluation and in vitro testing.

Funding

  • ARC

Medical Bionics

We are currently working on using laser stimulation of nerve as a means of restoring hearing and vision loss as well as stimulating nerve regeneration.

Our non-invasive approach explores both the fundamental biological and physical processes that occur within the eye as well as the engineering challenges involved with translating camera vision to laser stimulation and brain recognition.

Stopping Bacterial Infections and Microbially Induced Corrosion (MIC)

Working in collaboration with the maritime and medical devices industries, we are seeking to understand how bacteria populate all surfaces and induce corrosion and infection.

Much of our work focuses on the role of biofilm formation and the impact of different environments on bacterial attachment, proliferation and growth.

While much of our focus lies in understanding the processes and developing prevention strategies, we are also exploring methods for detection bacterial infection in wounds and the development of a smart bandage, capable of both detecting and treating infection.

Ultrasonic Separation of Milk

Supported by the ARC and the Dairy Industry, this major project looks at new methods for separating milk fat and the associated proteins from whole milk to create both energy and cost effective new route to milk production and to develop explore the development of new neutraceuticals from milk.

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