Latest News
Bioimprint featured in Marsden Update
6 May 2013
Interactions of biological cells with bio-imprinted patterns, a major research project funded by a Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Grant, has been featured in the most recent Marsden Update publication. The project is a collaboration between A/Prof Maan Alkaisi, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, and Prof John Evans, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago. With the help of Dr Volker Nock, a former Post Doctoral Fellow on the project, Dr Isha Mutreja (Post Doctoral Fellow) and several PhD students, the team investigates the interaction of cells with surfaces. In particular the research focuses on the effect of bioimprinted patterns on cell development and tissue growth.
"If you’ve ever seen a film or TV show which features biology and cell growth, you’ve probably seen the view through a microscope of cells dividing and growing on a flat surface. However, in real life cells do not grow in isolation or on a flat substrate. Instead, they grow alongside other cells of various types, hardnesses and surface chemistries. Cells exert forces on neighbours as they grow, much like the way a vine around a branch can constrict the size of that branch as it grows, while the tree shape determines the direction the vine grows in. The mechanical forces from the microenvironment that a biological cell grows in are central to the functioning of those cells, and can change the way the cells behave..."
For further information and to continue reading please follow this link (pdf file, requires Adobe Reader).
C. elegans research featured on Lab on a Chip cover
15 April 2013.jpg)
Congratulations to Shazlina Johari whose PhD research is featured on the cover of the most recent Lab on a Chip issue.
A Mechanical Engineering PhD student, Shazlina works closely with Electrical Engineering academics Dr Volker Nock and A/Prof Maan Alkaisi on developing microfluidic devices and miniature force sensors for the study of nematode locomotion. These millimeter-sized worms are used extensively as model organisms to better understand mechanotransduction aka force sensing, data processing and force transduction in humans.
The full article can be accessed here: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/lc/c3lc41403e
For more information on the C. elegans research at the University of Canterbury please follow this link.
Eureka Sir Paul Callaghan Young Science Orators Awards
14 March 2013
Science Workshop and Competition to win $5000.
The Rotary Club is organizing the Eureka Sir Paul Callaghan Young Science Orators Awards. The idea of the competition is to get young people to share their ideas for how science and technology can change the country - to convince the government and business leaders that this is where our future lies. The competition finalists get cash prizes up to $5000, a free trip to Wellington and the opportunity to present their idea to the PM and other big shots at a symposium in July.
The facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Eureka-Challenge-Sir-Paul-Callaghan-Awards-for-Young-Science-Orators
This is where students register for the competition: http://eureka.org.nz/eureka-workshops-2013/
And here are the workshop details:
Date: Tuesday 26th March 2013
Time: 1- 4:30pm
Venue: Kirkwood Village Pod KC06, Canterbury University
For more information download the event flyer here.
Control and Measurement of Dissolved Oxygen in Microfluidic Devices - PhD position available
21 February 2013
Closing Date: Mon, 11/03/2013 (All day)
Contact Person: Dr Volker Nock
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an important parameter with significant effect on cellular development and function. Micro-scale laminar flow and hydrodynamic focusing provide ideal tools for the generation of controlled chemical micro-environments and their application as stimuli to cells.
In this project we will explore the control and measurement of the cellular oxygen micro-environment. The focus will be on the use of integrated oxygen sensors developed by Dr Volker Nock to investigate the effect of oxygen on endometrial cancer cells, their proliferation and resistance to therapy. In particular we will focus on 3D micro-tumours together with Prof John Evans’ group at the Christchurch School of Medicine and on the use of immiscible-phase droplet microfluidics for high-throughput oxygen-dependent screening of such tumours. To enable this, the project will investigate the extension of oxygen control and measurement to individual droplets via both simulation and microfluidic experiment.
The successful candidate will have enthusiasm, a good honours or masters degree in electrical engineering (with micro-/nanofabrication experience) or biomedical engineering, and a desire to work in a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment.
The successful candidate will be a member of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, a national Center of Research Excellence the provides may collaborative opportunities and a thriving environment to work in. The scholarship is worth approx $27,000 per annum and includes all student fees.
The research will take place at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, which has recently been rated as one the world’s top 10 cities to visit by Lonely Planet. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/new-zealand/christchurch-and-canterbury/christchurch/travel-tips-and-articles/77531 .
Please note that all applications must include:
- A full Curriculum Vitae, INCLUDING your University transcript (i.e. list of grades awarded).
- The names of at least two people who are prepared to act as referees.
- Evidence of your English language ability.
- A clear statement about when you would expect to be able to come to NZ.
Only applications received before the deadline of 11 March 2013 will be considered. All applications should be emailed to Rebekah.Hunt@canterbury.ac.nz .
Transparent Semiconductors for Building Integrated Solar Cells - PhD position available
21 February 2013
Closing Date: Mon, 11/03/2013 (All day)
Contact Person: A/Prof Maan Alkaisi
A Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) system consists of integrating photovoltaics modules into the building structure, such as the roof tiles or windows. By simultaneously serving as building material and power generator, BIPV systems can provide savings in materials and electricity costs and add architectural interest and benefits to the building.
In this project you will be involved in the design and fabrication of the solar cells that will be part of a building integrated PV system, taking into consideration substrate materials/ interface for a typical glass widow or roof tile in New Zealand, developing the process for using low cost imprinting technique for the SC layers and utilising nanotechnology tools for creating self cleaning encapsulation layer.
The project will examine the following:
- Change transparency of glass windows by controlling of patterning density, texturing and thin film thickness of solar cell materials (creating solar curtains).
- Use of large band gap materials / oxide semiconductors as transparent conductive contacts for multilayer solar cells.
- Apply sub wavelength surface texturing as light trapping elements or/and as self-cleaning surfaces
- Employ Nanoimprint lithography for large scale patterning
The Nanofabriaction laboratory facilities available for this project include Electron Beam Lithography Raith 150, Laser Interference Lithography, Reactive Ion Etching machine Oxfored Plasma 80, EVG620T Nanoimoprint lithography Machine, Edward Auto500 RF Magnetron Sputtering, Electron Beam Evaporator Temescal FC 1800, MA6 Karl Suss Mask Aligner, AFM D13100 and Solar Simulator ABET Sun 3000.
The successful candidate will have enthusiasm, a good honours or master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, semiconductor materials or physics and a desire to work in a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary, collaborative environment.
The successful candidate will be a member of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, a national Center of Research Excellence the provides may collaborative opportunities and a thriving environment to work in. The scholarship is worth approx $27,000 per annum and includes all student fees.
The research will take place at the Nanofabrication Laboratory, University of Canterbury in Christchurch, which has recently been rated as one the world’s top 10 cities to visit by Lonely Planet. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/new-zealand/christchurch-and-canterbury/christchurch/travel-tips-and-articles/77531
Please note that all applications must include:
- A full Curriculum Vitae, INCLUDING your University transcript (i.e. list of grades awarded).
- The names of at least two people who are prepared to act as referees.
- Evidence of your English language ability.
- A clear statement about when you would expect to be able to come to NZ.
Only applications received before the deadline of 11 March 2013 will be considered. All applications should be emailed to Rebekah.Hunt@canterbury.ac.nz .
NEST Research featured on IOP Nanotechnology Journal Cover
19 February 2013
Work by Dr Khairudin Mohamed and A/Prof Maan Alkaisi on high-aspect ratio nanostructures was featured on the cover of the January issue of the IOP journal Nanotechnology (Impact Factor 3.9). The paper titled "Investigation of a nanofabrication process to achieve high aspect-ratio nanostructures on a quartz substrate" resulted from Dr Mohamed's PhD research within the Department's Nanofabrication Laboratory.
Since his graduation Dr Mohamed has taken up a faculty position with the School of Mechanical Engineering at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he is in the process of establishing various nanofabrication technologies. His research interests include nanolithography and nanoimprint technologies such as roll-to-roll fabrication. To access the paper please follow this link.
Nano Art Prize for Dr Volker Nock
18 February 2013
"Art of the Invisible - Exploring the invisible world of nanotechnology" is a 2013 exhibition of extrordinary images collected by the MacDiarmid Institute. The Exhibition is held from Friday the 8th of February to Wednesday the 20th of February in the Gus Fisher Gallery in Auckland, in parallel to the 6th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (AMN-6). Close to 150 images relating to nanotechnology were submitted by researchers around the country. A selection of the 40 best images are currently on display in Auckland.
Dr Volker Nock's contribution titled "Microfluidic Bubbles" was awarded 3rd prize at a function last week by Dr Steve Thompson, Chair of Board at the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and Science Officer at the British High Commission. As Dr Nock explained his entry: "Bubbles can be a microfluidics researcher's worst nightmare. Trapped gas bubbles distort the flow lines formed by colored water inlets, which, in the absence of turbulence at microscale dimensions would otherwise not mix. This phenomenon is called laminar flow and can be used to study diffusive processes".
Three other users of the Department's Nanofabrication Facility, PhD students Lynn Murray, Shazlina Johari and Brad Simons also had their images exhibited, with additional images featuring in the MacDiarmid Institute's 2013 calendar.
NEST Student Robert Heinhold wins AMN-6 Presentation prize
18 February 2013
Congratulations to ELEC PhD student Robert Heinhold for winning best student presentation at the 6th International Conference on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (AMN-6) in Auckland last week. His presentation on "Photoluminescene studies on as-received, annealed and metal-covered ZnO single Crystals" was selected as a highlight by the conference committee. Robert's research is part of the NEST group within the Department and his work is supervised by Dr Martin Allen. In total, the Department was well represented by three Academic Staff and seven postgraduate students contributing talks and posters.
The AMN conference is a biennial event and has developed a strong reputation over the past decade for bringing together leading researchers at the forefront of advanced materials and nanotechnology, both in the Australasia region and worldwide. The high caliber of the conferences is reflected in the quality of keynote and plenary speakers, which have included top international scientists such as the Nobel Laureates Sir Harry Kroto, Sir Anthony Leggett, and the Cavendish Professor of Physics, Sir Richard Friend. AMN-6 was no exception, and we welcomed Professor Joanna Aizenberg of Harvard University, Professor Krzysztof Matyjazewski of Carnegie Mellon University, Professor Don Eigler, the Kavli Prize Laureate for Nanoscience in 2010, Professor Roald Hoffman, 1981 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and Professor Daniel Nocera from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as keynote speakers.
Bioimprint Featured in University of Canterbury Research Report 2011
20 June 2012
"A computer engineering laboratory is the last place one would expect to find biological cells, but at UC they are an intrinsic part of an innovative project led by Associate Professor Maan Alkaisi (Electrical and Computer Engineering).
Using nanotechnology, Alkaisi and his team are able to produce synthetic bioimprints — platforms with structures that exactly mimic biological cells. They use these imprints to investigate how cells interact with different materials and different patterns and to study how the imprints affect cell growth, differentiation and various other processes.
"With increasing developments in biological microelectromechanical systems [BioMEMs] and medical devices, understanding how cells interact with surfaces and materials is becoming
very important," says Alkaisi..."
To read more please follow this link to the Research Report.
Fibre Imprint Goes for Gold
19 June 2012
Initially developed at the University of Canterbury for the All Blacks "This is not a Jersey" campaign, fibre imprint nanotechnology is soon to be used again, this time to inscribe thousands of fan names onto the strings of a badminton racket.
In a new campaign "Go for Gold" initiated by Maybank of Malaysia the technology will be used to support the Malaysian Badminton team's bid for a gold medal at the London Olympics 2012. Research Engineer Gary Turner will use equipment in the Department's Nanofabrication Laboratory to write the names of 50.000 selected fans onto a mold master and then transfer these onto a polymer fibre to be used in the rackets.
For more information on the process and the technology involved please watch the following video.
New Vacancy: Post doctorate Fellowship (Marsden Fund)
Interactions of Biological cells with Bioimprinted Patterns
We will use our extensive experience in pattern formation including our unique capability of replicating the detailed topology of biological cells (Bioimprint) and our extensive knowledge in cell culture and functions to develop a model for studying the effects of substrate patterning on cell behaviour and growth.
We will study for the first time how cells interact with their positive and negative replicas of their exact signature. The outcome will have significant implications for the development of artificial tissues in which cells are affected by their neighbours, the use of implants and scaffolds in tissue repair and regeneration, and in the potential to direct cell function in treatments of pathologies such as cancer or in a diverse set of applications utilising stem cells.
This study is also expected to shed light on how the cells interact with surrounding environment and how patterns affect or guide organs in forming their final shape and size. It will help in developing a model for cell / surface interface interactions and to differentiate between the roles of chemical and topographical environments in cell growth.
We are looking for a candidate with micro-nanofabrication / bioengineering interest and hold a PhD degree in relevant subjects to carryout this exciting work. This project will provide a base for the construction of precisely engineered and controlled surfaces with topologies that will induce cells to develop to the cell phenotype with characteristics appropriate to a therapeutic goal.
Skills required:
• Good understanding of biological cells
• Practical experience in micro/nanofabrication
• Experience in Microscopy and imaging
The term of this appointment is for two years commencing May 2012.
This project is in collaborations with Christchurch School of Medicine/Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Christchurch Women's Hospital.
Please download position description and contact Associate Professor Maan Alkaisi for more details
Call for Abstracts - 3rd Australia & New Zealand Micro/Nanofluidics and Bionano Symposium in Wellington, NZ
Welcome to the 3rd Australia & New Zealand Micro/Nanofluidics and Bionano Symposium, to be held on 12-13 April 2012 at Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The symposium is supported by The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, a Centre of Research Excellence in New Zealand (www.macdiarmid.ac.nz).
This meeting follows previous workshops held by the ANZ Microfluidics grouping (www.anzmicrofluidics.org) at Monash University (2009) and the University of New South Wales (2011). The format and scope will be similar to these meetings, with subject matter broadly encompassing microfluidics and nanofluidics, from fundamental and theoretical research, through to devices and applications. This symposium is being held in collaboration with the MacDiarmid Institute’s Bionanonetwork (BNN), so talks on bionanotechnology will be welcome and we hope to encourage some cross-fertilization with the fluidics community!
These research areas are experiencing strong growth on both sides of the Tasman as well as internationally. Apart from a chance to see and hear about some exciting research, there will be the opportunity to grow and build the ANZ fluidics network.
For more information and to register www.confer.co.nz/anznmf/index.htm
University of Canterbury Microfluidics Research
Featured in
New Zealand Science Teachers Magazine
New Zealand Association of Science Educators
The NZST is the official journal of the NZASE and features a veritable cornucopia of information on everything you wanted to know about science and science education but never thought to ask! Published three times a year (March, June and October) the NZST is a much sought after rollicking good read for practitioners, researchers and anyone interested in science and science education. The NZST is a unique publication that proudly celebrates local scientific and education endeavour.
Microfluidics is a new fast-growing area for research and development, and has already given us the ink-jet printer and improved medical technologies. Currently, there are two exciting projects being undertaken at the University of Canterbury, as Mathieu Sellier and Volker Nock explain.
Bioimprint Featured on Radio New Zealand National "Our Changing World" Programme
Aired on the 2nd of June 2011
From left to right: Volker Nock, Lynn Murray, John Evans, and Maan Alkaisi; and stained (blue) cells growing on a bioimprint surface
Developed at University of Canterbury and University of Otago, Christchurch, bioimprint technology replicates cellular surface features into a polymer mould. The resulting bioimprint can be used to take high resolution images or, more innovatively, to grow cells on a scaffold.
As Ruth Beran finds out, investigators Volker Nock, Lynn Murray, John Evans, and Maan Alkaisi are looking at variation in cell adhesion and the potential impact this surface modification tool may have on biomaterials and biological functioning. The research is currently being funded by a grant from the Marsden Fund, and the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.
Smallest Map of Christchurch Printed using Electron Beam Lithography
4 July 2003
A student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has made the smallest map of Christchurch ever printed. Ms Jullada Homtientong printed the map using Electron Beam Lithography (EBL), a technique in which a focused beam of electrons is scanned over a silicon chip coated with a thin polymer layer; wherever the electron beam exposes the polymer a pattern is formed after a subsequent chemical development process.
Images of the map are shown below. The whole of the city of Christchurch is contained in an area about 100 micrometres square (one micrometre is a thousandth of a millimetre), which is small enough to fit on a human hair. The streets themselves are only 100 nanometres wide (one nanometre is a millionth of a millimetre). The map is so small that it would just look like a speck of dust to the human eye, and a powerful electron microscope has been used to capture these images.
Jullada presents her minute map of Christchurch which she intends to squeeze onto this credit card sized map of the world.
This demonstration shows the power of nanotechnology in being able to create structures with incredible complexity in a very small area. This already finds practical application in the manufacture of modern computer chips, in which the dimensions of the wiring is already at about the 100 nanometre scale.
The University of Canterbury researchers are part of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, a New Zealand Centre of research Excellence. This institute aims to develop new materials and device technologies to serve the future needs of New Zealand science and technology related industries. Nanotechnology research is a key part of the Institute's work.