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
Fields of research
Research interests
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Idriss Blakey is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of Nanomedicine Efficacy and Mechanism using Metabolic Spectroscopic Imaging.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor David Owen
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Doctor Philosophy
Innovative polymer materials for next-generation lithography
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker, Dr Hui Peng
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Doctor Philosophy
Nano-hydrogel bandage for non-invasive Raman monitoring of chronic wound healing.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Stokes
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Doctor Philosophy
Next-generation Lithography - Photo-directing Assembly of Block Copolymers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Md Daloar Hossain, Dr Hui Peng, Professor Andrew Whittaker
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of novel polymer-protein conjugates
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Craig Bell, Professor Kristofer Thurecht
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Nanomaterials for the Detection of a Small-Molecule Disease Marker
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Cobalamins as Reactive SERS Probes for the Detection of Small Anions
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Controlling the Placement and Orientation of Block Copolymer Domains
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Polymer-Ionic Liquid Composites for Advanced Material and Solid Polymer Electrolyte Applications
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Investigations of the Influence of the Topography and Surface Chemistry of Poly(hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate) based Hydrogels on Surface Properties and Cell Adhesion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker, Honorary Professor Traian Chirila
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Directed Self Assembly of Rationally Designed Block Copolymers: Towards an Advanced Lithography Process for Reducing Line Edge Roughness
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Well-defined Hydrogel Network using Click Chemistry for Drug Delivery
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Biologics as Peptide Delivery Vehicles for Immunotherapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Pie Huda, Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Treatment of Vascular Calcification by Polymeric Nanoparticles
Associate Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Targeted delivery of novel immune-boosting peptides to the tumour microenvironment using polymeric nanoparticles to manage lung cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of novel therapeutic ligands against CXCR4
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Re-examining catalytic chain transfer for the synthesis of specialty polymers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht, Professor Jack Clegg, Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Polymer Brush Grafted Colloids as Lubricant Additives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Stokes
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of polymeric drug delivery systems to improve therapeutic efficiency for breast cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Macromolecular Design of Novel Polymeric Materials for Advanced Lithography Technologies and Actuators
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Novel Polymer Coatings for Antimicrobial Applications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker, Dr Hui Peng
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Production and in vitro Evaluation of Macroporous Alginate Hydrogel Fibres for Nerve Tissue Engineering
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Traian Chirila
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Hyperbranched Polymers for In Vivo Multimodal Molecular Imaging
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kristofer Thurecht
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Development of novel materials and scaffold fabrication methodologies for soft tissue engineering applications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
The Formation of Self-Assembled Fluorinated Nanostructures for 19F Magnetic Resonance Imaging Cell Tracking Agents
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Novel Hydrogelators for the Creation of Supramolecular Self-Healing Hydrogels as Artificial Vitreous Substitutes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Traian Chirila, Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Extreme Ultraviolet Irradiation of Poly(olefin sulfone)s: Towards Applications as EUV Lithographic Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Application of 129Xe NMR to the Study of the behaviour of Polymers in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Whittaker
Media
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