Professor Andrew Whittaker
Professor

Andrew Whittaker

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 63885

Background

Professor Andrew Whittaker is Senior Group Leader and founder member of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). He directs research funded through more than $61.3 million in competitive grants since 2000 and $39.7M since 2010. Professor Whittaker’s work in synthesis and characterisation of polymeric materials has underpinned major development programs in several key areas.

His work in the field of materials for photolithography has been supported by funding from leading semiconductor companies Intel, Sematech, Dow Chemical Company and DuPont. Outcomes include novel high-index resists for 193 nm immersion lithography, new concepts for design of non-chemically amplified resists for EUV lithography, novel approaches to healing roughness in IC features and block copolymer self-assembly.

In the field of biomaterials science and nanomedicine, Professor Whittaker has established a network of international scientists under the theme “Bringing Materials to Life”. He is active in developing novel imaging agents for MRI, and has introduced a new class of 19F polymeric agents. He leads research into responsive polymers for nanomedicine and for device manufacture. His work on polymeric hydrogels including transport properties is highly cited.

Finally, Professor Whittaker is an expert in the fundamentals of diffusion process in complex solids and has an international reputation in the field of NMR and MRI of polymeric systems.

International links

Professor Whittaker is a member of numerous international committees of governing bodies in polymer science and technology, and is involved in organising major international conferences. He is currently president of the Pacific Polymer Federation. He actively collaborates with scientists at the University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India; Gebze Technical University, Turkey; Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan; Jilin University, Hubei University, the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST, CAS), SUSTech and Shanghai University, China; the University of Nottingham, UK; IMEC, DuPont Electronics and Imaging, USA. He has held visiting professor positions at NCNST, INSA Lyon and NIT, was DICE Chair at the University of Nottingham, and is currently visiting professor at Hubei University.

Availability

Professor Andrew Whittaker is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biomedical engineering Macromolecular and materials chemistry

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Polymer physical chemistry

    Relating chemical structure to important properties, responsive polymers, hybrid nanoparticles

  • Polymer synthesis

    Polymers with novel architecture, photo-crosslinked networks

  • Polymeric biomaterials and nanomedicine

    New materials for drug delivery, medical imaging, antimicrobial polymers, hydrogels, responsive polymers

  • Materials for photolithography

    Photoresists, block copolymer self assembly, photochemistry

  • NMR and MRI of polymers

    Solid-state NMR, diffusion NMR, MRI agents

  • Polymer degradation and durability

    Photochemistry, radiation chemistry, polymers in seawater

Research impacts

Research

Polymer chemistry, responsive materials, nanotechnology, photolithography, nanomedicine, biomaterials science, magnetic resonance.

Professor Whittaker is working to bridge the gap between fundamental physical sciences and applications in the field of new materials, in particular materials for nanomedicine and materials for energy (lithography). He has published over 350 scientific papers in these and related fields. His work has attracted extensive industry support, for example $6.8M through the ARC Linkage Project scheme and significant direct industry support. Professor Whittaker is interested in translating his research outcomes; he holds seven patents in MRI agents, materials for lithography and materials for environmental remediation. His patent on healing roughness of lithographic features was licensed to Dow Electronic Materials.

Search Professor Andrew Whittaker’s works on UQ eSpace

597 works between 1984 and 2024
All (597) Journal Article (410) Book Chapter (9) Conference Publication (175) Other Outputs (3)

41 - 60 of 597 works

2022

Journal Article

Journey to the market: The evolution of biodegradable drug delivery systems

Zhu, Minze, Whittaker, Andrew K., Han, Felicity Y. and Smith, Maree T. (2022). Journey to the market: The evolution of biodegradable drug delivery systems. Applied Sciences, 12 (2) 935, 935. doi: 10.3390/app12020935

Journey to the market: The evolution of biodegradable drug delivery systems

2022

Journal Article

Revealing the molecular-level interactions between cationic fluorinated polymer sorbents and the major PFAS pollutant PFOA

Tan, Xiao, Sawczyk, Michał, Chang, Yixin, Wang, Yiqing, Usman, Adil, Fu, Changkui, Král, Petr, Peng, Hui, Zhang, Cheng and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2022). Revealing the molecular-level interactions between cationic fluorinated polymer sorbents and the major PFAS pollutant PFOA. Macromolecules, 55 (3) acs.macromol.1c02435, 1077-1087. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02435

Revealing the molecular-level interactions between cationic fluorinated polymer sorbents and the major PFAS pollutant PFOA

2022

Journal Article

Development of a hyperbranched polymer-based methotrexate nanomedicine for rheumatoid arthritis

Marasini, Nirmal, Er, Gerald, Fu, Changkui, Subasic, Christopher N., Ibrahim, Jibriil, Skwarczynski, Mariusz, Toth, Istvan, Whittaker, Andrew K. and Kaminskas, Lisa M. (2022). Development of a hyperbranched polymer-based methotrexate nanomedicine for rheumatoid arthritis. Acta Biomaterialia, 142, 298-307. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.01.054

Development of a hyperbranched polymer-based methotrexate nanomedicine for rheumatoid arthritis

2022

Journal Article

Investigation of heparin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels as anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Zhang, Meili, Chan, Chris H.H., Pauls, Jo P., Semenzin, Clayton, Ainola, Carmen, Peng, Hui, Fu, Changkui, Whittaker, Andrew K., Heinsar, Silver and Fraser, John F. (2022). Investigation of heparin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels as anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 10 (26), 4974-4983. doi: 10.1039/d2tb00379a

Investigation of heparin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels as anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

2021

Journal Article

Thermoresponsive supramolecular assemblies from dendronized amphiphiles to form fluorescent spheres with tunable chirality

Liu, Yanjun, Cao, Yuexin, Zhang, Xiacong, Lin, Yaodong, Li, Wen, Demir, Baris, Searles, Debra J., Whittaker, Andrew K. and Zhang, Afang (2021). Thermoresponsive supramolecular assemblies from dendronized amphiphiles to form fluorescent spheres with tunable chirality. ACS Nano, 15 (12) acsnano.1c07764, 20067-20078. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.1c07764

Thermoresponsive supramolecular assemblies from dendronized amphiphiles to form fluorescent spheres with tunable chirality

2021

Journal Article

Engineering chitosan nano-cocktail containing iron oxide and ceria: a two-in-one approach for treatment of inflammatory diseases and tracking of material delivery

Wu, Yuao, Cowin, Gary, Moonshi, Shehzahdi S., Tran, Huong D.N., Fithri, Najma Annuria, Whittaker, Andrew K., Zhang, Run and Ta, Hang T. (2021). Engineering chitosan nano-cocktail containing iron oxide and ceria: a two-in-one approach for treatment of inflammatory diseases and tracking of material delivery. Materials Science and Engineering C, 131 112477, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112477

Engineering chitosan nano-cocktail containing iron oxide and ceria: a two-in-one approach for treatment of inflammatory diseases and tracking of material delivery

2021

Journal Article

Sustained-release ketamine-loaded lipid-particulate system: in vivo assessment in mice

Xu, Weizhi, Maqbool, Faheem, Kumar, Vinod, Falconer, James R., Cui, Cedric S., Woodruff, Trent M., Borges, Karin, Whittaker, Andrew K., Smith, Maree T. and Han, Felicity Y. (2021). Sustained-release ketamine-loaded lipid-particulate system: in vivo assessment in mice. Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 12 (10), 2518-2526. doi: 10.1007/s13346-021-01093-3

Sustained-release ketamine-loaded lipid-particulate system: in vivo assessment in mice

2021

Journal Article

Deposition of non-porous calcium phosphate shells onto liquid filled microcapsules

White, Alison.L., Javier, Hazel A., Withey, Sarah, Biggs, Simon R., Rose, Stephen, Puttick, Simon G. and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2021). Deposition of non-porous calcium phosphate shells onto liquid filled microcapsules. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 609, 575-583. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.11.062

Deposition of non-porous calcium phosphate shells onto liquid filled microcapsules

2021

Journal Article

Facile bioinspired synthesis of iron oxide encapsulating silica nanocapsules

Wilson, Russell J., Hui, Yue, Whittaker, Andrew K. and Zhao, Chun-Xia (2021). Facile bioinspired synthesis of iron oxide encapsulating silica nanocapsules. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 601, 78-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.05.021

Facile bioinspired synthesis of iron oxide encapsulating silica nanocapsules

2021

Journal Article

Biological Utility of Fluorinated Compounds: from Materials Design to Molecular Imaging, Therapeutics and Environmental Remediation

Zhang, Cheng, Yan, Kai, Fu, Changkui, Peng, Hui, Hawker, Craig J. and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2021). Biological Utility of Fluorinated Compounds: from Materials Design to Molecular Imaging, Therapeutics and Environmental Remediation. Chemical Reviews, 122 (1) acs.chemrev.1c00632, 167-208. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00632

Biological Utility of Fluorinated Compounds: from Materials Design to Molecular Imaging, Therapeutics and Environmental Remediation

2021

Journal Article

Strong, ultrafast, reprogrammable hydrogel actuators with muscle-mimetic aligned fibrous structures

Jiang, Zhen, Seraji, Seyed Mohsen, Tan, Xiao, Zhang, Xinxing, Dinh, Toan, Mollazade, Mahdie, Rowan, Alan E., Whittaker, Andrew K., Song, Pingan and Wang, Hao (2021). Strong, ultrafast, reprogrammable hydrogel actuators with muscle-mimetic aligned fibrous structures. Chemistry of Materials, 33 (19) acs.chemmater.1c02312, 7818-7828. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.1c02312

Strong, ultrafast, reprogrammable hydrogel actuators with muscle-mimetic aligned fibrous structures

2021

Journal Article

Optimisation of a microfluidic method for the delivery of a small peptide

Han, Felicity Y., Xu, Weizhi, Kumar, Vinod, Cui, Cedric S., Li, Xaria, Jiang, Xingyu, Woodruff, Trent M., Whittaker, Andrew K. and Smith, Maree T. (2021). Optimisation of a microfluidic method for the delivery of a small peptide. Pharmaceutics, 13 (9) 1505, 1505. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091505

Optimisation of a microfluidic method for the delivery of a small peptide

Featured

2021

Journal Article

Emergence of hexagonally close-packed spheres in linear block copolymer melts

Zhang, Cheng, Vigil, Daniel L., Sun, Dan, Bates, Morgan W., Loman, Tessa, Murphy, Elizabeth A., Barbon, Stephanie M., Song, Jung-Ah, Yu, Beihang, Fredrickson, Glenn H., Whittaker, Andrew K., Hawker, Craig J. and Bates, Christopher M. (2021). Emergence of hexagonally close-packed spheres in linear block copolymer melts. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 143 (35) jacs.1c03647, 14106-14114. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c03647

Emergence of hexagonally close-packed spheres in linear block copolymer melts

2021

Journal Article

Anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a narrative review

Zhang, Meili, Pauls, Jo P., Bartnikowski, Nicole, Haymet, Andrew B., Chan, Chris H. H., Suen, Jacky Y., Schneider, Bailey, Ki, Katrina K., Whittaker, Andrew K., Dargusch, Matthew S. and Fraser, John F. (2021). Anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a narrative review. ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 7 (9), 4402-4419. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00758

Anti-thrombogenic surface coatings for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a narrative review

2021

Journal Article

Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced highly stretchable thermal-sensitive hydrogel with ultra-high drug loading

Chen, Tianxing, Yang, Yuan, Peng, Hui, Whittaker, Andrew K., Li, Yao, Zhao, Qinglan, Wang, Yu, Zhu, Shenmin and Wang, Zhaoyang (2021). Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced highly stretchable thermal-sensitive hydrogel with ultra-high drug loading. Carbohydrate Polymers, 266 118122, 118122. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118122

Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced highly stretchable thermal-sensitive hydrogel with ultra-high drug loading

2021

Journal Article

An injectable hydrogel for simultaneous photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy with ultrahigh efficiency based on carbon dots and modified cellulose nanocrystals

Chen, Tianxing, Yao, Tengteng, Peng, Hui, Whittaker, Andrew K., Li, Yao, Zhu, Shenmin and Wang, Zhaoyang (2021). An injectable hydrogel for simultaneous photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy with ultrahigh efficiency based on carbon dots and modified cellulose nanocrystals. Advanced Functional Materials, 31 (45) 2106079, 2106079. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202106079

An injectable hydrogel for simultaneous photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy with ultrahigh efficiency based on carbon dots and modified cellulose nanocrystals

2021

Journal Article

Inhibition of amyloid aggregation and toxicity with Janus iron oxide nanoparticles

Andrikopoulos, Nicholas, Song, Zhiyuan, Wan, Xulin, Douek, Alon M., Javed, Ibrahim, Fu, Changkui, Xing, Yanting, Xin, Fangyun, Li, Yuhuan, Kakinen, Aleksandr, Koppel, Kairi, Qiao, Ruirui, Whittaker, Andrew K., Kaslin, Jan, Davis, Thomas P., Song, Yang, Ding, Feng and Ke, Pu Chun (2021). Inhibition of amyloid aggregation and toxicity with Janus iron oxide nanoparticles. Chemistry of Materials, 33 (16) acs.chemmater.1c01947, 6484-6500. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.1c01947

Inhibition of amyloid aggregation and toxicity with Janus iron oxide nanoparticles

2021

Journal Article

Influence of surface oxidation on the quantification of polypropylene microplastics by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Toapanta, Tania, Okoffo, Elvis D., Ede, Sarah, O'Brien, Stacey, Burrows, Stephen D., Ribeiro, Francisca, Gallen, Michael, Colwell, John, Whittaker, Andrew K., Kaserzon, Sarit and Thomas, Kevin V. (2021). Influence of surface oxidation on the quantification of polypropylene microplastics by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Science of the Total Environment, 796 148835, 148835. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148835

Influence of surface oxidation on the quantification of polypropylene microplastics by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry

2021

Journal Article

Templating core-shell particles using metal ion-chelating biosurfactants

Yeh, Ching-Min, Jarrett, Thomas, Gao, Yuan, Zhao, Chun-Xia, Whittaker, Andrew, Sainsbury, Frank and White, Alison L. (2021). Templating core-shell particles using metal ion-chelating biosurfactants. Particuology, 64, 145-152. doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2021.06.003

Templating core-shell particles using metal ion-chelating biosurfactants

2021

Journal Article

Photo-directing chemoepitaxy: the versatility of poly(aryl methacrylate) films in tuning block copolymer wetting

Zhao, Jiacheng, McCallum, Francis J., Yu, Ye, Fu, Changkui, Kaitz, Joshua A., Cameron, James F., Trefonas, Peter, Blakey, Idriss, Peng, Hui and Whittaker, Andrew K. (2021). Photo-directing chemoepitaxy: the versatility of poly(aryl methacrylate) films in tuning block copolymer wetting. Polymer Chemistry, 12 (21), 3201-3209. doi: 10.1039/d1py00501d

Photo-directing chemoepitaxy: the versatility of poly(aryl methacrylate) films in tuning block copolymer wetting

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    A national network for magnetic resonance spectroscopy
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Removal of Perfluorinated Chemicals Using New Fluorinated Polymer Sorbents
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Synthetic joint bio-lubricants for mitigating osteoarthritis and associated chronic pain
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2030
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Green Electrochemical Transformation of Carbon Dioxide
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2026
    Novel Hybrid Nanotechnologies by Infiltration of Functional Polymers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Sulfoxide Polymers - A New Paradigm in Polymer Design
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Synthetic Biology for Synthesis of Novel Polymers Used in Energy Storage
    Commonwealth Defence Science and Technology Group
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Understanding the kinetics of nanomedicine clearance from healthy and diseased lungs
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2019
    Advanced Nanoparticle, Colloid and Microparticle Characterisation and Precision Engineering Nanosystems Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Next-generation Lithography - Photo-directing Assembly of Block Copolymers
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018
    In vivo optical imaging into the next generation
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Facility for Queensland
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Facility for characterisation of bionanomaterials
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Novel in vivo nanoparticles for imaging
    Research Connections
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Exosome and Bio/Nanoparticle Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Novel prolonged-release polymeric microparticles for relief of intractable cancer-related pain
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Unlocking the structure and dynamics of thin polymeric films
    United States Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Investigating the oxidation state of bis(diphenylglyoximato) cobalt dihalide catalysts by single crystal neutron diffraction
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Advanced Macromolecular Thin Film and Materials Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Developing targeted EphA2 based imaging technology for glioblastoma
    Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Versatile and robust nanoparticle functionalization for diagnostic imaging
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - Seed Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2021
    ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology (Monash lead institution)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Advanced Macromolecular Materials Characterisation Facility (AMMCF) (ARC LIEF Grant administered by The University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2020
    ACRF Molecular Oncology Translational Imaging Facility (MOTIF)
    Australian Cancer Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Simultaneous Imaging and Drug Delivery for Prostate Cancer Theranostics (NHMRC Project Grant administered by the Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Next Generation High Sensitivity Polymeric EUV Resists
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Nanostructured Dairy Powder for Improved Functionality
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Simultaneous Imaging and Drug Delivery for Prostate Cancer Theranostics
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    The development of innovative Multiplexed Molecular Imaging technology targeting improved diagnostic imaging of Glioblastoma Multiforme
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Ultra-high resolution and advanced analytical scanning electron microscope facility
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Green biopolymer nanocomposites facility: supercritical carbon dioxide characterisation and processing for nanomaterials and biopolymers
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Effect of poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG) based copolymer hydrogels on rat periodontal fibroblasts and rat calvarial osteoblasts in-vitro
    Australian Dental Research Fund Inc
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    MRI Molecular Imaging Agents - From Fundamental Design to In Vivo Applications
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Novel polymeric microparticles for slow-release intrathecal delivery of analgesics
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2013
    Spinal Cord Repair
    Queensland Government Smart State National and International Research Alliances Program
    Open grant
  • 2010
    A new portable molecular imaging modality - dynamic nuclear polarization
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Production, Characterization and Processing of Green Aromatic Chemicals from Engineered Sugarcane
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2013
    Alzheimer's disease: Novel MRI Biomarkers for Clinical Diagnosis and Translational Studies
    Queensland Government Smart State National and International Research Alliances Program
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Advanced Lithographic Solutions using Block Copolymers: Integrating Self Assembly and Lithography
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Designed Delivery Novel Hydrogels for Drug Delivery from Precisely-Structured Networks
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2009
    Robotics Instrumentation for High Throughput Sample preparation for Increased Productivity of the CIPDD/TetraQ's HPLC-MS/MS Systems for Quantitative Analysis of Organics in a Quality Systems NATA-Acc
    UQ Faculty Co-Funding
    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
    Solid State NMR Console
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2011
    International Biomaterials Research Alliance
    Queensland Government Smart State National and International Research Alliances Program
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    The Molecular Mechanism of Protein Instability in Dairy Powder Systems
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Data Grid - Access Layer
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    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
    Nanoparticles for use in liquid immersion lithography
    Sematech Inc.
    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
    Bioactive Polymers for Wound Healing Applications
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Molecular mechanisms underlying milk protein stability during dehydration and in the dry state
    Dairy Ingredients Group of Australia Ltd.
    Open grant
  • 2004
    Nanostructured Polymer Processing Network
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Novel Biodegradable Foams for Biomedical and Dental Applications Formed From Supercritical CO2
    University of Queensland Research Development Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Polymer Failure Analysis.
    Sematech Inc.
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Calcification of acrylic hydrogels in abiotic media: mechanism and control
    University of Western Australia
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Structure-Property Relationships of Polymers with Controlled Architecture
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Small angle neutron scattering studies of hydrogel block copolymers
    Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering
    Open grant
  • 2000 - 2001
    Utilisation of Western Hardwoods as Speciality Timbers
    Queensland Department Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 2000
    A detailed study of the radio frequency drying of hardwood timbers.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 2000
    To characterise the polymer hydrogels developed using Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) facility at Bristol
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Graft copolymers substrates for high performance automated organic synthesis
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 1998
    A Study of Small Molecule Diffusion in Controlled Release Polymeric Hydrogels Using NMR Imaging
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Molecular relaxation in advanced high temperature thermoplastics
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    In-situ NMR imaging of monomer diffusion and polymerisation of high-bandwidth graded-index polymer optical materials
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1998
    Softwoods drying research project
    Queensland Department Primary Industries
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    Softwoods Drying Research Project
    Forest & Wood Products Australia
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1998
    The structure, dynamics and mechanisms of action of ionophoric peptides in lipid bilayers
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Andrew Whittaker is:
Available for supervision

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

Available projects

  • Polymer Theranostics: Imaging a Treatment in vivo

    Molecular imaging has had a profound influence on modern diagnostics and has helped drive the evolving field of nanomedicine. "Theranostics", the portmanteau of therapy and diagnostics, is one sub-section of nanomedicine and offers the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of a therapy using molecular imaging techniques - this may be achieved by monitoring drug release from a polymeric carrier, defining tumour boundaries or quantifying necrosis. In this project we will develop biocompatible polymeric devices that target a specific disease state in vivo, and subsequently deliver a therapy to treat that disease using various biological stimuli. The effectiveness of treatment will then be monitored using molecular imaging. This will involve utilising advanced chemistries for both the synthesis of the polymer-drug composites, and subsequent ligation of cell-targeting and imaging moieties. The polymeric architecture will be investigated by techniques such as NMR, GPC-MALLS, DLS, HPLC, UV-VIS etc. The polymeric device will incorporate imaging components for modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) and optical imaging to definitively locate and monitor tumour regression.

  • Novel Block Copolymer for Lithographic Applications

    In recent years, block copolymers have created new opportunities as alternative nano-scale pattern templates for lithography applications. Block copolymers are particularly attractive because the self directed assembly of domain structures in thin films can produce an array of template patterns in the range of 5-50nm. It is well established that the ideal block copolymer must exhibit both a high value of polymer-polymer interaction parameter (c) and one highly etch resistant block. We have identified from the structure-property models that we have developed, that the polystyrene-block-polyester copolymer is a good candidate. Hence in this project, a range of interesting chemistries will be utilized for the synthesis of the block copolymer including ring opening polymerisation, living radical polymerization and some monomer preparation, in addition to characterization by various advanced techniques such as NMR, GPC, thermal analysis and vibrational spectroscopy. The thin film phase separated morphology will be investigated with respect to the surface interaction between the substrate and block copolymer by using high resolution scanning electron microscopy and XPS.

  • Self-assembly of Block polymers for Applications in Nanofabrication and for Tuning Interfacial Interactions

    Block copolymers (BCPs) 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. Block copolymers can also be used to tune interfacial interactions.

  • Understanding Architecture Effect of Fluoropolymers on Their 19F MRI Properties

    Despite the wide use of metal-based MRI contrast agents such as gadolinium chelates in the clinic, safety concerns have been raised regarding their potential toxic effects resulting from long-term in vivo retention. This has driven the development of organic metal-free contrast agents in various forms for use in MRI. Fluoropolymers, polymers containing fluorine, are very promising candidates as organic metal-free MRI contrast agents. However, the clinical application of fluoropolymers as 19F MRI contrast agents has been greatly limited due to insufficient imaging sensitivity of current fluoropolymers. This project aims to boost the imaging sensitivity of 19F MRI by controlling the architecture of synthesised fluoropolymers. The project will highlight the important relationship between the architecture and properties of fluoropolymers, contributing to the development of advanced fluoropolymers as 19F MRI contrast agent with clinical potential.

  • Nanofunctional Surfaces for Control of the Biological Interface

    Biomaterials support, repair or protect the human body. The surface of the biomaterial interacts with the body’s immune system, or for external devices with pathogens. Control of the surface and how it interacts with the biological system is essential for effectiveness in its intended application. This project aims to develop innovative strategies for surface functionalisation using polymers that can either augment or attenuate the body’s response to the material. Two focus applications, namely anti-microbial surfaces and functional titanium alloys have been identified for the development of the novel surface treatments. The projects will build effective pathways from materials science to pre-clinical evaluation, and will provide training in synthetic chemistry, biomaterials science and pre-clinical testing.

  • Novel Biologically-Responsive MRI Agents

    The development of MRI imaging agents has been central to the rise of MRI as a leading medical diagnostic tool. An MRI imaging agent is a molecular adjunct which enables enhanced image definition and reduced imaging times, as well as mapping of specific cell types. In this project new imaging agents will be developed which respond to specific biological triggers relevant to diseases, for e.g. changes in pH, ionic strength, oxygen tension, redox environment and temperature. The project will involve synthesis of novel functional polymers using controlled radical polymerisation methods and testing of these molecules as imaging agents in animal models. The project is supported by the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council and involves extensive national and international collaboration. The student will receive training in polymer chemistry, NMR and MRI and biomedical sciences. This project is suitable for PhD and Honours students.

  • MRI Imaging Agents for Disease Detection

    The aim of this project is to develop new magnetic resonance (MR) molecular imaging strategies that will enable the in vivo monitoring of biological processes. Specifically we shall develop novel polymers for imaging of early markers of diseases such as melanoma, prostate cancer, malignant glioma and Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically the project involves the synthesis of new partly-fluorinated polymers having controlled architecture for the rapidly developing field of 19F MRI. The project aims to relate the structure of the macromolecules, determined carefully using advanced techniques such as NMR, light scattering, GPC, AFM and electron microscopy, to the performance as imaging agents. The agents will be tested in small animal (mouse) models of disease already developed by this group and our collaborators.

  • Light, pH and Ion Responsive Hydrogels

    The ability to actively change shape is essential to all kinds of living organisms. For example, the Venus flytrap closes its leaves in less than seconds to efficiently catch flies, and pine cones open their scales when the environment is dry to release their seeds. Inspired by such phenomena, numerous studies have aimed to develop artificial smart materials which can undergo shape transformations under the action of an external stimulus. Among the various classes of shape-changing materials, hydrogels are particularly attractive because of the potential for significant changes in volume under diverse external stimuli, and the potential for programmable complex shape changes. The interesting properties of hydrogels make them candidates for diverse applications in many fields, such as in soft robotics, artificial muscles, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and drug or cell delivery devices. In this project we explore an innovative approach to spatially varying properties of hydrogels so that they undergo rapid and reversible shape changes on exposure to external stimuli.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Andrew Whittaker directly for media enquiries about:

  • Biomaterials
  • Biopolymers
  • Chemistry - polymer
  • Drug delivery
  • Hydrogels
  • Lithography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Magnetic resonance of materials
  • Materials science
  • MRI
  • NMR
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
  • Physical chemistry
  • Polymer chemistry

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