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Associate Professor Idriss Blakey
Associate Professor

Idriss Blakey

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 60326

Overview

Background

​Associate Professor Blakey is a group leader at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the Centre for Advanced Imaging. During his appointment at UQ he has been a recipient of a Vice Chancellor’s Research and Teaching Fellowship, an ARC Future Fellowship, a Linkage Projects International Fellowship, and a Queensland Government Smart State Fellowship. Prior to joining UQ he worked at Polymerat, a materials biotechnology startup company now listed on the ASX as AnteoTech.

Availability

Associate Professor Idriss Blakey is:
Available for supervision

Research interests

  • -

    Rational design, synthesis and self assembly of functional polymers and nanomaterials for nanofabrication, sensors and biomedical imaging agents.

Research impacts

Associate Professor Blakey's research interests focus on using advance material characterisation techniques to understand the relationships between the structure of designer polymers and their performance in applications such as nanomedicine, sensors and nanofabrication.

Industry

​Associate Professor Blakey engages widely with industry partners. This current invloves directly funded research with Tokyo Electron on projects associated with materials development for semiconductor manufacture. He is also a chief investigator on an ARC Research hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (AMTAR), which involves numerous industry partners investigating the common industry challenges associated with targeted radiopharmaceutical development. Associate Professor Blakey has also previously been a chief investigator on numerous ARC Linkage projects with Intel, Sematech and the Dow Chemical Company as well as a chief investigator on the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology (CIBIT). Key outcomes from these endevours have included novel materials and processes that have been described in joint publications and 6 fully granted patents, where 4 patents have been subject to licencing agreements with industry partners.

Collaborations

​My publications have involved international collaborations with academica and industry partners from countries such as USA, UK, Japan, Sweden, Belgium Finland, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Key collaborating institutions include Universtiy of Nottingham, University of California Santa Barbara and the University of Exeter.

Funding

​Associate Professor Blakey has been awarded over $AUD 15M funding, via ARC Discovery grants, ARC Linkage grants, Fellowships and direct industry funding. Currently funding includes chief investigator roles on an ARC Discovery grant on developing novel hybrid materials using sequential infiltration synthesis and an ARC Research hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (AMTAR).

Works

Search Professor Idriss Blakey’s works on UQ eSpace

145 works between 2000 and 2024

1 - 20 of 145 works

Featured

2023

Journal Article

Galactose-based block copolymers with switchable χ parameters for tuning phase separated morphology

McCallum, Francis, Zhao, Jiacheng, Hossain, Md. Daloar, Kaitz, Joshua A., Cameron, James F., Trefonas, Peter, Blakey, Idriss, Peng, Hui and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2023). Galactose-based block copolymers with switchable χ parameters for tuning phase separated morphology. Macromolecules, 56 (7), 2651-2662. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02382

Galactose-based block copolymers with switchable χ parameters for tuning phase separated morphology

Featured

2023

Journal Article

Macroscale superlubricity induced by film-forming polymer brush-grafted colloidal additives

Beheshti, Amir, Huang, Yun, Blakey, Idriss and Stokes, Jason R. (2023). Macroscale superlubricity induced by film-forming polymer brush-grafted colloidal additives. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 634, 703-714. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.079

Macroscale superlubricity induced by film-forming polymer brush-grafted colloidal additives

Featured

2023

Journal Article

Poly(succinimide) nanoparticles as reservoirs for spontaneous and sustained synthesis of poly(aspartic acid) under physiological conditions: potential for vascular calcification therapy and oral drug delivery

Adelnia, Hossein, Blakey, Idriss, Little, Peter J. and Ta, Hang Thu (2023). Poly(succinimide) nanoparticles as reservoirs for spontaneous and sustained synthesis of poly(aspartic acid) under physiological conditions: potential for vascular calcification therapy and oral drug delivery. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 11 (12), 2650-2662. doi: 10.1039/d2tb01867e

Poly(succinimide) nanoparticles as reservoirs for spontaneous and sustained synthesis of poly(aspartic acid) under physiological conditions: potential for vascular calcification therapy and oral drug delivery

Featured

2022

Journal Article

Utilizing PET and MALDI imaging for discovery of a targeted probe for brain endocannabinoid α/β-hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6)

Mardon, Karine, Patel, Jayendra Z., Savinainen, Juha R., Stimson, Damion H. R., Oyagawa, Caitlin R. M., Grimsey, Natasha L., Migotto, Mary-anne, Njiru, Grace F. M., Hamilton, Brett R., Cowin, Gary, Yli-Kauhaluoma, Jari, Vanduffel, Wim, Blakey, Idriss, Bhalla, Rajiv, Cawthorne, Christopher, Celen, Sofie, Bormans, Guy, Thurecht, Kristofer J and Ahamed, Muneer (2022). Utilizing PET and MALDI imaging for discovery of a targeted probe for brain endocannabinoid α/β-hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6). Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 66 (1), 538-552. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01485

Utilizing PET and MALDI imaging for discovery of a targeted probe for brain endocannabinoid α/β-hydrolase domain 6 (ABHD6)

Featured

2020

Journal Article

Stepwise like supramolecular polymerization of plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks through complementary interactions

Dey, Priyanka, Thurecht, Kristofer J., Fredericks, Peter M. and Blakey, Idriss (2020). Stepwise like supramolecular polymerization of plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks through complementary interactions. Macromolecules, 53 (17) acs.macromol.0c01149, 7469-7478. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01149

Stepwise like supramolecular polymerization of plasmonic nanoparticle building blocks through complementary interactions

Featured

2020

Journal Article

Diagnostic prospects and preclinical development of optical technologies using gold nanostructure contrast agents to boost endogenous tissue contrast

Dey, Priyanka, Blakey, Idriss and Stone, Nick (2020). Diagnostic prospects and preclinical development of optical technologies using gold nanostructure contrast agents to boost endogenous tissue contrast. Chemical Science, 11 (33), 8671-8685. doi: 10.1039/d0sc01926g

Diagnostic prospects and preclinical development of optical technologies using gold nanostructure contrast agents to boost endogenous tissue contrast

Featured

2019

Journal Article

Spatial control of the topography of photo-sensitive block copolymer thin films

Chambers, Lewis C., Huang, Yun, Jack, Kevin S. and Blakey, Idriss (2019). Spatial control of the topography of photo-sensitive block copolymer thin films. Polymer Chemistry, 10 (23), 3135-3145. doi: 10.1039/c9py00200f

Spatial control of the topography of photo-sensitive block copolymer thin films

Featured

2019

Journal Article

Spatial arrangement of block copolymer nanopatterns using a photoactive homopolymer substrate

Jiang, Zhen, Alam, Mahbub, Cheng, Hanhao, Blakey, Idriss and Whittaker, Andrew (2019). Spatial arrangement of block copolymer nanopatterns using a photoactive homopolymer substrate. Nanoscale Advances, 1 (8), 3078-3085. doi: 10.1039/c9na00095j

Spatial arrangement of block copolymer nanopatterns using a photoactive homopolymer substrate

Featured

2013

Journal Article

Self-assembled hyperbranched polymer-gold nanoparticle hybrids: understanding the effect of polymer coverage on assembly size and SERS performance

Dey, Priyanka, Blakey, Idriss, Thurecht, Kristofer J. and Fredericks, Peter M. (2013). Self-assembled hyperbranched polymer-gold nanoparticle hybrids: understanding the effect of polymer coverage on assembly size and SERS performance. Langmuir, 29 (2), 525-533. doi: 10.1021/la304034b

Self-assembled hyperbranched polymer-gold nanoparticle hybrids: understanding the effect of polymer coverage on assembly size and SERS performance

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Hydrophilic and amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels with tunable degradability prepared by "click" chemistry

Truong, Vinh, Blakey, Idriss and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2012). Hydrophilic and amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels with tunable degradability prepared by "click" chemistry. Biomacromolecules, 13 (12), 4012-4021. doi: 10.1021/bm3012924

Hydrophilic and amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-based hydrogels with tunable degradability prepared by "click" chemistry

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Control of the orientation of symmetric poly(styrene)-block-poly(D,L-lactide) block copolymers using statistical copolymers of dissimilar composition

Keen, Imelda, Yu, Anguang, Cheng, Han-Hao, Jack, Kevin S., Nicholson, Timothy, Whittaker, Andrew K. and Blakey, Idriss (2012). Control of the orientation of symmetric poly(styrene)-block-poly(D,L-lactide) block copolymers using statistical copolymers of dissimilar composition. Langmuir, 28 (45), 15876-15888. doi: 10.1021/la304141m

Control of the orientation of symmetric poly(styrene)-block-poly(D,L-lactide) block copolymers using statistical copolymers of dissimilar composition

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Effect of solvent quality on the solution properties of assemblies of partially fluorinated amphiphilic diblock copolymers

Peng, Hui, Thurecht, Kristofer J., Blakey, Idriss, Taran, Elena and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2012). Effect of solvent quality on the solution properties of assemblies of partially fluorinated amphiphilic diblock copolymers. Macromolecules, 45 (21), 8681-8690. doi: 10.1021/ma3019188

Effect of solvent quality on the solution properties of assemblies of partially fluorinated amphiphilic diblock copolymers

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Aqueous developable dual switching photoresists for nanolithography

Chen, Lan, Goh, Yong Keng, Cheng, Han Hao, Smith, Bruce W., Xie, Peng, Montgomery, Warren, Whittaker, Andrew K. and Blakey, Idriss (2012). Aqueous developable dual switching photoresists for nanolithography. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, 50 (20), 4255-4265. doi: 10.1002/pola.26232

Aqueous developable dual switching photoresists for nanolithography

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Electron-beam induced freezing of an aromatic based EUV resist: a robust template for directed self assembly of block copolymers

Cheng, Han-Hao, Yu, Anguang, Keen, Imelda, Chuang, Yami, Jack, Kevin S., Leeson, Michael J., Younkin, Todd R., Blakey, Idriss and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2012). Electron-beam induced freezing of an aromatic based EUV resist: a robust template for directed self assembly of block copolymers. IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology, 11 (6) 6293902, 1140-1147. doi: 10.1109/TNANO.2012.2216544

Electron-beam induced freezing of an aromatic based EUV resist: a robust template for directed self assembly of block copolymers

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Using directed self assembly of block copolymer nanostructures to modulate nanoscale surface roughness: towards a novel lithographic process

Chuang, Ya-Mi, Jack, Kevin S., Cheng, Han-Hao, Whittaker, Andrew K. and Blakey, Idriss (2012). Using directed self assembly of block copolymer nanostructures to modulate nanoscale surface roughness: towards a novel lithographic process. Advanced Functional Materials, 23 (2), 173-183. doi: 10.1002/adfm.201200564

Using directed self assembly of block copolymer nanostructures to modulate nanoscale surface roughness: towards a novel lithographic process

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Hyperbranched polymers for molecular imaging: Designing polymers for parahydrogen induced polarisation (PHIP)

Munnemann, Kerstin, Kolzer, Michael, Blakey, Idriss, Whittaker, Andrew K. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2012). Hyperbranched polymers for molecular imaging: Designing polymers for parahydrogen induced polarisation (PHIP). Chemical Communications, 48 (10), 1583-1585. doi: 10.1039/c1cc16077j

Hyperbranched polymers for molecular imaging: Designing polymers for parahydrogen induced polarisation (PHIP)

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Interactions of iodoperfluorobenzene compounds with gold nanoparticles

Blakey, Idriss, Merican, Zul, Rintoul, Llewellyn, Chuang, Ya-Mi, Jack, Kevin S. and Micallef, Aaron S. (2012). Interactions of iodoperfluorobenzene compounds with gold nanoparticles. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 14 (10), 3604-3611. doi: 10.1039/c2cp23809h

Interactions of iodoperfluorobenzene compounds with gold nanoparticles

Featured

2012

Journal Article

Molecular imaging with polymers

Boase, Nathan R. B., Blakey, Idriss and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2012). Molecular imaging with polymers. Polymer Chemistry, 3 (6), 1384-1389. doi: 10.1039/c2py20132a

Molecular imaging with polymers

Featured

2011

Journal Article

Multiple hydrogen-bonded complexes based on 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone: A theoretical study

Sun, Hao, Lee, Hui Hui, Bakey, Idriss, Dargaville, Bronwin, Chirila, Traian V., Whittaker, Andrew K. and Smith, Sean C. (2011). Multiple hydrogen-bonded complexes based on 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone: A theoretical study. Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 115 (38), 11053-11062. doi: 10.1021/jp2061305

Multiple hydrogen-bonded complexes based on 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone: A theoretical study

Featured

2011

Journal Article

Controlled polymerisation of lactide using an organo-catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide

Blakey, Idriss, Yu, Anguang, Howdle, Steven M., Whittaker, Andrew K. and Thurecht, Kristofer J. (2011). Controlled polymerisation of lactide using an organo-catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide. Green Chemistry, 13 (8), 2032-2037. doi: 10.1039/c1gc15344g

Controlled polymerisation of lactide using an organo-catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide

Funding

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2027
    Hybrid quantum sensors for rapid detection of chemical and biochemical agents as a tool to mitigate the risks of terrorist attacks
    Queensland Government Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    ARC Research Hub for Advanced Manufacture of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals
    ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Novel Hybrid Nanotechnologies by Infiltration of Functional Polymers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2020 - 2023
    Programming anisotropy into responsive soft materials
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Nanoparticles for quantification of downhole hydrogen sulfide content
    Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
    Open grant
  • 2018
    In vivo optical imaging into the next generation
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Designer materials for sensors, biomedical imaging and nanofabrication
    Vice-Chancellor's Research and Teaching Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Advanced Macromolecular Thin Film and Materials Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Versatile and robust nanoparticle functionalization for diagnostic imaging
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Advanced Macromolecular Materials Characterisation Facility (AMMCF) (ARC LIEF Grant administered by The University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Photoreactive Block copolymers: Controlling the Nanostructure of Materials with Light
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Rational design of polymer surfaces for biomonitoring of mixtures of hazerdous chemicals
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Ultrafast Laser Photophysics Facilities for Physical, Chemical, Biological and Materials Sciences
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Next Generation High Sensitivity Polymeric EUV Resists
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Ultra-high resolution and advanced analytical scanning electron microscope facility
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Calibration of surface enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS) with radiolabelling for quantification for ligands on gold nanoparticles
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Development of PET/MRI multimodal biomedical imaging agents
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Smart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents: From early detection to assessment of drug delivery mechanisms
    ARC Future Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2010
    A new portable molecular imaging modality - dynamic nuclear polarization
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Multimodal biomedical imaging probes: development of advanced polymer nanocomposite devices for oncology
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Advanced Lithographic Solutions using Block Copolymers: Integrating Self Assembly and Lithography
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Understanding the conformation of thermoresponsive polymer brushes on gold nanoparticles
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Double Exposure Photoresists for the 32 and 22 nm Lithographic Nodes
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Automated Microvave Reactor for Polymer Chemistry, Materials Development and Nanotechnology
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2010
    Generation of peptidomimetic surfaces for biomaterials applications
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Development of Novel Detergents for Green Solvent Systems and Their Self-Assembly into Nanostructures
    ARC Linkage International
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Synthesis and Performance of Novel Polymer Resists for 193 nm Immersion Lithography
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Polymer/Gold Nanocomposites: An Investigation of Potential Applications
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Hyphenated techniquest in polymer science and engineering
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2010
    Rational Design and Synthesis of High Sensitivity non-Chemically Amplified Resists
    Intel Corporation
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Smart State Fellowship: 193 nm Immersion Lithography High Refractive Polymer Development
    Queensland Government Smart State Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Synthesis and Characterisation of Encoded Hybrid Polymer/Gold Nanoparticles for Application in Bioassays
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Synthesis of Hybrid Nanoparticles for Use as Biosensors
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Idriss Blakey is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Plasmonic chemical dosimeters

    Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) has been shown to be a highly promising molecular sensing technique, especially in aqueous and biological applications due to its high sensitivity, rich spectroscopic information, and excellent water compatibility. Due to the nature of SERS, a plasmonic metal substrate is required to achieve Raman signal amplification and gold nanoparticle (AuNP) assemblies can provide an easy to modify, and simple to synthesise substrate that provide excellent Raman signal enhancement. Most SERS substrates directly detect chemical species when the adsorb to the gold nanoparticles. This approach is useful for simple samples but fails when applied to multicomponent samples such as biological samples. A second approach is to pre-label the gold nanoparticles with a molecule that has specific reactivity with an analyte of interest. This project will involve developing plasmonic chemical dosimeters that uses this second approach.

  • Surface modification of natural polymers

    Structural anisotropy in viscoelastic materials is desirable for directional-dependent responses to external stimuli (mechanical, electric field, temperature) and transport processes (diffusion, permeability, poroelasticity). It is commonly observed in nature within biological materials where it is crucial to the function of the eye (cornea, vitreous), muscles, and plant growth. However, the fabrication of viscoelastic synthetic materials (hydrogels) with complex structural anisotropy, particularly with the spatial heterogeneity required for biomimicry, has proved very difficult. This project seeks to address this by using charge directed self-assembly of block copolymers to modify the surface properties of nanocelluose, a naturally derived crystalline polymer. This change to the surface chemistry will manipulate the phase properties of these materials to form hydrogels that have applications ranging from biomaterials, to sensors and food additives.

  • Self assembly of block polymers for applications in nanofabrication

    Block copolymers are comprised of two distinct, but covalently linked polymer chains, which under certain circumstances form structures that are on the order of nanometers. By controlling the orientation and/or morphology of block copolymer domains it is possible to use them as a nanofabrication template in a range of applications, including advanced lithography, next generation batteries, high density magnetic storage media, membranes and metamaterials. A range of projects are available that will involve synthesis and/or morphological characterisation of block copolymers to advance the field of nanofabrication. Industry collaborators for some projects may include The Dow Chemical Company.

  • Tuning interfacial interactions of materials

    The interface of a material with its immediate environment can be crucial for its ultimate performance in a gamut of applications which include biomaterials, sensors, coatings (eg. paint) and nanofabrication. At the same time it is important for a material to have appropriate bulk properties, such as strength, durability, toughness and biodegradability, where in many cases the bulk and surface properties are incompatible or the cost is prohibitive. One approach to achieve the desired performance is to modify the surface properties of a material with appropriate bulk properties. A range of projects are available for investigating novel methods of surface modification and/or targeting novel applications.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

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