Electromaterials symposium to showcase latest breakthroughs and patents . . .

Feb 15, 2006

Introduction of the world's strongest artificial muscles, the announcement of a patent involving a new sensor that will have special environmental implications and the latest wearable solar cells and fibre batteries on clothing will be among highlights at the first international symposium on electromaterials science beginning later today (15 February) and running till Friday 17 February at the University of Wollongong (UOW).

Researchers from the world's leading scientific institutions including Germany, Italy, France, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand are arriving to participate in the symposium being hosted by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science based at UOW.

Topics have been selected that will probe the enormous potential of nano (ultra minute) technology at the interface of science and engineering.

Features of the symposium will include:

* An extraordinary finding that has implications in the development of stronger artificial muscles and even wearable energy storage (fibre battery structures). The addition of just small amounts of carbon nanotubes (large macromolecules that are unique for their size, shape and remarkable physical properties) increases both the mechanical and electrical properties of conducting polymer fibres. (Note: A laboratory demonstration showing the spinning of nanotube fibres is available during the symposium). This finding along with work on the use of textile coated materials as battery components brings the area of wearable electronics closer to reality. During the symposium, Professor Danilo de Rossi from Italy, will also present the latest work on e-textiles for biomedicine. [For further information about this contact Professor Gordon Wallace on (02) 4221 3127.]

* A range of polymers that can respond to small electrical stimuli to release active molecules (such as drugs or growth factors) have been developed. It is envisaged that these new controlled release systems will play an important role in the bionics program within the ARC Centre of Excellence. (Note: A laboratory demonstration showing controlled release of dye molecules could be made available during the symposium).[For further information contact Professor Gordon Wallace on (02) 4221 3127.]

* Novel gel materials that respond to changes in pH in a novel "surprising" fashion could form the basis of new artificial muscle systems. Findings published in Nature Materials January 2006. [For more information contact Professor Geoff Spinks on (02) 4221 3010]

* The latest developments with research into improving the performance of bionic ear implants with a presentation from the inventor of the Bionic Ear, Professor Graeme Clark

* As part of the continuing research partnership between Professor Gordon Wallace at the University of Wollongong and Professor Dermot Diamond from Dublin City University (DCU), a provisional US patent application has been filed this week to protect new intellectual property that has been co-developed by researchers at both institutions. The intellectual property relates to a so-called 'bender sensor', that integrates background know-how in advanced materials from the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute at UOW, and sensor science from the National Centre for Sensor Research at DCU.

* Together, the researchers have developed a sensor that can move, using low power polymer-based actuation. This enables the sensor to be periodically moved between calibration environments (where the device functionality can be checked), and sensing environments (where the device is monitoring specific chemical or biological targets). This unique capability is a vital building block in the realisation of widely dispersed chemo/bio-sensor networks. Sensor networks is a rapidly emerging technology that brings together sensors and wireless network communications. One application area being targeted is the widespread deployment of these devices in the environment, so that they can monitor and report on the presence of certain targets (e.g. pollutants or hazardous materials) at multiple locations simultaneously. A primary need for the sensors is that they are able to continue to work reliably over long periods of time, and with chemo/bio sensors, this is a significant problem due to the need for regular recalibration. With this breakthrough, it is possible to recalibrate sensors without the need for complex fluidics, which makes the devices simpler, more reliable and lower cost. [For more information contact Professor Dermot Diamond on +353 1 700 5404]

* Many of the most important drugs and biological molecules are "handed" i.e. like our two hands, their mirror image do not superimpose. Only one of these hands is typically beneficial while the other hand may be toxic. UOW's research team has recently developed an exciting new method to prepare chemicals (e.g. drugs) in one hand using as the template "handed" electrically conducted polymers. This breakthrough has significant implications for this important area of "handed" drug synthesis [For more information contact Professor Leon Kane-Maguire on (02) 4221 3559]

* Five undergraduate students who won summer research fellowships to undertake projects within the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute will present the results of their studies at the symposium. The summer fellowship holders have been working on projects spanning the use of nanotechnology in thermoelectrochemical cells (harvesting energy from waste heat), to nanotube electrodes for biofuel cells and harvesting energy from biological systems.

Symposium venues: Building 14, Central Lecture Block (Room G01) and Building 35 (Room G20). A posters session will be held in the University Function Centre (UniCentre) at 2pm on Friday 17 February along with an ethic workshop chaired by Associate Professor Susan Dodds at the same venue.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128