To understand how cells function at a nanoscale level
We focus on creating new light-based imaging and sensing tools to measure the inner workings of cells inside the living body, as well as in other dynamic biological systems.
Note: this is a historical centre, that came to a close at the beginning of 2024. To be used for reference only.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP) was led by the University of Adelaide, with research focused nodes at Macquarie University and RMIT University. The centre also had international partners around the world, drawing from a pool of expertise in fields as diverse as:
- engineering
- chemistry
- materials science
- medicine
- physics.
This collaboration aimed to create the biomedical and biosensing tools of tomorrow.
Our mission
CNBP’s research encompassed the discovery of light-responsive tools using chemistry, nanomaterials and fibres to sense and image living cells and tissues in unprecedented detail.
The development of these tools advance the understanding of human biology and other living organisms, and drives discoveries in areas such as pain, vascular health, fertility and reproduction. These tools are also able to be adapted for use in veterinary care, agriculture, food manufacturing and other industries.
By pioneering next-generation technologies, the CNBP supports Australia’s economic future and nurtures the next generation of researchers.
Research
Founded on ambition, research at CNBP was organised into three impact areas with specific research targets in each.
Sensing and imaging
The aim of these two impact areas was to be able to quantify and/or image biological events:
- in ultra-small volumes
- in defined spatial (anatomical or cellular) compartments
- in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo, in behaving models of health and disease
- at the relevant timescale, including in real-time
- at a resolution, sensitivity and specificity level, not previously achieved
- using deployable devices.
Discovery
Targeted scientific discovery was used to:
- visualise the complexity of the working immune system
- quantify and diagnose pain
- develop in vivo tools for cardiology
- detect and monitor atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in artery walls)
- assess sperm/embryo/oocyte quality
- molecular sense the reproductive tract
- detect other molecular changes across biosciences, agriculture and industry processes.
The Macquarie Unviersity's project team consists of: