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Surface Engineering of Inorganic Nanoparticles

University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Science
✓ Fully Funded ⏰ Closing Soon 🎓 Biotechnology 🎓 Materials Science 🎓 Nanotechnology surface modification inorganic nanoparticles cellular targeting optical nanoparticles cellular imaging nanoparticle delivery quantum biotechnology

Explore surface engineering of inorganic nanoparticles to improve cellular targeting and imaging within quantum biotechnology. Develop new nanoparticle designs to bypass cellular barriers and enhance single-cell sensing capabilities.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research advances quantum biotechnology by developing nanoparticles capable of precise cellular targeting and imaging, which can revolutionize biomedical research, chemical analysis, and energy technologies. Nanoparticle surface engineering to bypass cellular barriers enhances the accuracy of imaging and sensing at the single-cell scale, with potential applications in understanding enzyme catalysis and neuronal networks.

Upconversion Nanothemometry Single nanoparticle spectroscopy Point-of-care testing Microscopic imaging

Project Description

Project Overview

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) will be established in 2023 as a pioneering research centre integrating quantum physics with biotechnology. It aims to develop novel quantum technologies to revolutionize biomedical imaging, chemical design, and clean energy. This PhD project, located at the UTS node and led by Prof Jiajia Zhou, focuses on surface modification and engineering of inorganic nanoparticles for specific biological applications.

What You Will Do

You will investigate surface modification techniques to enable targeting of cellular organelles by inorganic nanoparticles. The research will explore surface design strategies to facilitate nanoparticle delivery into cellular environments, bypassing endosomal or lysosomal entrapment. You will also design and synthesize bright optical nanoparticles with hydrophilic surfaces for efficient cellular imaging and sensing at the single-cell level.

Expected Outcomes

The project aims to produce engineered nanoparticles with improved targeting and imaging capabilities, supporting advances in quantum biotechnology. Expected outcomes include novel surface chemistries that enhance intracellular delivery, single-cell imaging probes, and enhanced sensing technologies based on inorganic nanoparticles.

Why This Matters

Advancing nanoparticles for cellular targeting and imaging will impact biomedical research by enabling more precise studies of cellular function and enzyme catalysis. This work contributes to developing Australia's quantum economy and builds expertise for future quantum technology applications.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a UTS recognised degree including MSc Research or MSc Coursework with a research thesis of at least 6 months, or a Bachelor Honours degree with 1st Class, 2nd Class Division 1, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates should have experience in surface modification of inorganic nanoparticles, delivery into cellular systems, synthesis of optical nanoparticles, and cellular imaging or sensing. Good English communication and a strong publication record are essential.

How to Apply

Submit expressions of interest to Prof. Jiajia Zhou via email at jiajia.zhou@uts.edu.au including your CV and list of publications. The application is open until all positions are filled.

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PJ
Prof Jiajia Zhou
University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science
10760 Citations
49 h-index
Google Scholar

Prof Jiajia Zhou is a leading researcher at the University of Technology Sydney specializing in surface engineering of nanoparticles and their applications in biotechnology. She leads projects within the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology focusing on innovative quantum technology applications in biomedical imaging and sensing. Her work emphasizes designing inorganic nanoparticles for targeted delivery and imaging at the cellular level, combining expertise in nanotechnology and quantum science.

Key Publications

2018 1262 citations
Advances in highly doped upconversion nanoparticles
This paper reviewed developments in highly doped upconversion nanoparticles enhancing their luminescence properties.
2017 922 citations
Amplified stimulated emission in upconversion nanoparticles for super-resolution nanoscopy
This work demonstrated amplified stimulated emission in upconversion nanoparticles enabling advances in super-resolution nanoscopy imaging.
2020 683 citations
Advances and challenges for fluorescence nanothermometry
This article discussed progress and challenges in fluorescence nanothermometry, important for nanoscale temperature sensing applications.
2020 625 citations
Optical nanomaterials and enabling technologies for high‐security‐level anticounterfeiting
This study presented optical nanomaterials technologies designed to improve anticounterfeiting measures at high-security levels.
2018 373 citations
Transparent glass-ceramics functionalized by dispersed crystals
This research reported on glass-ceramics functionalized with dispersed crystals to enhance optical properties.

Research Contributions

Developed highly doped upconversion nanoparticles with improved luminescence efficiency.
Enhanced the performance of optical nanomaterials for imaging and sensing applications.
Demonstrated amplified stimulated emission in upconversion nanoparticles for super-resolution nanoscopy.
Enabled breakthroughs in nanoscale imaging beyond diffraction limits.
Advanced the field of fluorescence nanothermometry for precise nanoscale temperature measurements.
Provided critical tools for biomedical and materials science research requiring temperature sensing at small scales.
Designed optical nanomaterials for high-security level anticounterfeiting technologies.
Contributed to improved security and anti-fraud measures in commercial and governmental applications.

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