La Trobe University has secured $1.2 million as part of the Federal Government’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) scheme.
Three La Trobe research teams have had projects funded by the AEA’s Ignite Grants, which support nationally significant research projects in partnership with industry.
Professor Begona Heras, from the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment and the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), was awarded $500,000.
Professor Heras’ research uses antibody-based inhibitors to more effectively treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) by dismantling uropathogenic E. coli biofilms, the most common cause of UTIs.
“Our technology removes protective biofilms, facilitating bacterial immune clearance with a lower likelihood of resistance development compared to conventional antibiotics,” she said.
“When used in combination with antibiotics, our inhibitors can restore the effectiveness of frontline antibiotics otherwise ineffective against biofilms.”
Professor Paul Pigram and lead entrepreneur Sarah Bamford, from La Trobe’s Centre for Materials and Surface Science, secured $500,000.
Professor Pigram and Ms Bamford’s research aims to develop a software platform for deployment on workstation, high performance computing and cloud computing environments.
The platform will provide access to machine learning methodologies to characterise, classify and predict the properties of complex materials systems.
“This will provide significant benefits in addressing threats from emerging materials technologies and processes supporting Australia's national security interests,” Ms Bamford said.
“It will also assist in developing new products and process technologies supporting the Australian manufacturing, biomedical and minerals sectors.”
Dr Tze Cin Owyong and Professor Yuning Hong, the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment and the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), have obtained $200,000.
Professor Hong and Dr Owyong have developed a new method that can detect specific protein forms in blood, which can serve as biomarkers for diseases.
“Our goal is to integrate this method into routine blood tests, making it easy to use and quick to provide results,” Dr Owyong said.
“This could allow for early diagnosis, better patient management, and tracking of disease progression.”
La Trobe’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Industry Engagement, Chris Pakes said the successful projects demonstrated the innovation of research at the university.
“This research has the potential to transform lives, with a positive impact on the health of our communities as well as the security of our nation – I congratulate all involved and eagerly await the outcomes of each project,” Professor Pakes said.
