Professor Matt Trau
Professor

Matt Trau

Email: 

Background

Professor Matt Trau is currently a Professor of Chemistry at The University of Queensland (UQ); and is also Senior Group Leader and co-founder of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. Since graduating from the University of Sydney (BSc Hons I, University Medal) and the University of Melbourne (PhD in Physical Chemistry, 1993), he has held positions in industry and academia across the globe. These include a Fulbright Research Fellowship at Princeton University, USA; and a research scientist at Dow Chemical and ICI Pty Ltd. Professor Trau has been a Visiting Professor at two of the largest Cancer Research Centres in the world: The Dana Farber Cancer Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston (2000); and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, Seattle (2008). Professor Trau is internationally recognised for his innovative and cross-disciplinary research at the interface between chemistry, nanotechnology, biology and medicine. He has co-authored more than 290 refereed publications, many of which appear in the highest impact journals in his field, e.g., fifteen Science and Nature family publications. His major awards and honours include an ARC Laureate Fellowship, an ARC Federation Fellowship (amoungst the most prestigious scientific fellowships in Australia), a Fulbright Research Fellowship to the USA; a Queensland Young Tall Poppy Award; a UQ Foundation/Vice Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award; a Paul Harris Fellowship; and a Pink Circle Award for breast cancer research excellence.

Availability

Professor Matt Trau is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Macromolecular and materials chemistry Physical chemistry

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Sydney
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Melbourne

Research impacts

Research

Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Molecular diagnostics.

Leadership of major multi-disciplinary international programs

Professor Trau has raised more than $22 million in competitive national and international grant funding in the past 10 years. In the last five years, Professor Trau has initiated and led several large international programs that involve close collaboration between leading nanotechnologists, molecular biologists, geneticists and commercial researchers - with the goal of creating cutting edge diagnostics. These include a $4 million National and International Research Alliances Program (NIRAP) grant from the Queensland government ("International Partnership for preventative and Personalised Medicine)"; and two consecutive $5 million multidisciplinary collaborative grants from the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF): "Novel strategies for Prediction and Control of Advanced Breast Cancer via Nanoscaled Epigenetic-Based Biosensors", 2008-2013; and "Enabling Clinical Epigenetic Diagnostics: The Next Generation of Personalized Breast Cancer Care", 2013-2018. These grants involve research collaborations with some of the highest calibre scientists in the world, e.g., Dr Lee Hartwell (2001 Nobel Laureate) from Seattle was a co-chief investigator on the NIRAP grant, and each of the NBCF grants include leading geneticists, pathologists and oncologists from across Australia and around the world. In the past five years, he has been a consultant for a range of national and international companies such as Merck, Digene, Beckman Coulter, Panbio and A.I. Scientific, as well as being the founder and Director of Nanomics BioSystems Pty Ltd (a spinoff company from his laboratory).

Major plenary lectures and international conferences

Since 2003, Professor Trau has presented more than 60 invited plenary/keynote lectures at major international conferences spanning the disciplines of Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Cancer and Diagnostics. Recent examples include: the 4th International NanoBio Conference, (Seattle) 2012; the 14th International Colloid & Surface Science Conference, (Japan) 2012; "Cancer Nanotechnology" Gordon Research Conference, (USA) 2011; the WA Cancer Conference 2011; Sydney Cancer Conference, 2010. In the past 10 years, Professor Trau has played the role of conference convenor, chair, co-chair and symposium chair for 10 major international conferences. Recent examples include: immediate past chair of the 1st International Conference on BioNano Innovation, (Brisbane) 2012; co-chair of the 5th International NanoBio Conference scheduled for Brisbane in 2014.

Search Professor Matt Trau’s works on UQ eSpace

318 works between 1988 and 2025
All (318) Journal Article (275) Book Chapter (11) Conference Publication (30) Book (1) Edited Outputs (1)

241 - 260 of 318 works

2009

Journal Article

Improving the Signal-to-Noise Performance of Molecular Diagnostics with PEG-Lysine Copolymer Dendrons

Kozak, D., Surawski, P., Thoren, K.M., Lu, C.Y., Marcon, L. and Trau, M. (2009). Improving the Signal-to-Noise Performance of Molecular Diagnostics with PEG-Lysine Copolymer Dendrons. BIOMACROMOLECULES, 10 (2), 360-365. doi: 10.1021/bm8011314

Improving the Signal-to-Noise Performance of Molecular Diagnostics with PEG-Lysine Copolymer Dendrons

2009

Journal Article

Assembly of multilayer PSS/PAH membrane on coherent alginate/PLO microcapsule for long-term graft transplantation

Leung, Andy, Trau, Matt and Nielsen, Lars Keld (2009). Assembly of multilayer PSS/PAH membrane on coherent alginate/PLO microcapsule for long-term graft transplantation. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 88A (1), 226-237. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.31891

Assembly of multilayer PSS/PAH membrane on coherent alginate/PLO microcapsule for long-term graft transplantation

2009

Conference Publication

Understanding and control of mechanical properties of HA/PHBV nanocomposites for bone applications

Noohom, Wadcharawadee, Jack, Kevin S., Martin, Darren J. and Trau, Matt (2009). Understanding and control of mechanical properties of HA/PHBV nanocomposites for bone applications. 8th World Biomaterials Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 28 May- 1 June, 2008. Red Hook, N.Y. U.S.A.: Curran Associates, Inc..

Understanding and control of mechanical properties of HA/PHBV nanocomposites for bone applications

2009

Journal Article

Modification and optimization of organosilica microspheres for peptide synthesis and microsphere-based immunoassays

Surawski, PPT, Battersby, BJ, Vogel, R, Lawrie, G and Trau, M (2009). Modification and optimization of organosilica microspheres for peptide synthesis and microsphere-based immunoassays. Molecular Biosystems, 5 (8), 826-831. doi: 10.1039/b817080k

Modification and optimization of organosilica microspheres for peptide synthesis and microsphere-based immunoassays

2008

Conference Publication

Combining chemistry and biology to create stable bio-nanohydroxyapatite towards load-bearing applications

Rai, Bina, Grondahl, Lisbeth and Trau, Matt (2008). Combining chemistry and biology to create stable bio-nanohydroxyapatite towards load-bearing applications. 8th World Biomaterials Congress 2008, WBC 2008, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 28 May - 1 June 2008. Red Hook, NY United States: Curran Associates.

Combining chemistry and biology to create stable bio-nanohydroxyapatite towards load-bearing applications

2008

Journal Article

Combining chemistry and biology to create colloidally stable bionanohydroxyapatite particles: Toward load-bearing bone applications

Rai, B., Grondahl, L. and Trau, M. (2008). Combining chemistry and biology to create colloidally stable bionanohydroxyapatite particles: Toward load-bearing bone applications. Langmuir, 24 (15), 7744-7749. doi: 10.1021/la8005212

Combining chemistry and biology to create colloidally stable bionanohydroxyapatite particles: Toward load-bearing bone applications

2008

Journal Article

Particle-by-particle quantification of protein adsorption onto poly(ethylene glycol) grafted surfaces

Chen, Annie, Kozak, Darby, Battersby, Bronwyn J. and Trau, Matt (2008). Particle-by-particle quantification of protein adsorption onto poly(ethylene glycol) grafted surfaces. Biofouling, 24 (4), 267-273. doi: 10.1080/08927010802058471

Particle-by-particle quantification of protein adsorption onto poly(ethylene glycol) grafted surfaces

2008

Journal Article

Quantitative data analysis methods for bead-based DNA hybridization assays using generic flow cytometry platforms

Corrie, S. R., Lawrie, G. A., Battersby, B. J., Ford, K., Rühmann, A., Koehler, K., Sabath, D. E. and Trau, M. (2008). Quantitative data analysis methods for bead-based DNA hybridization assays using generic flow cytometry platforms. Cytometry. Part A, 73A (5), 467-476. doi: 10.1002/cyto.a.20534

Quantitative data analysis methods for bead-based DNA hybridization assays using generic flow cytometry platforms

2008

Journal Article

Flow cytometric detection of proteolysis in peptide libraries synthesised on optically encoded supports

Surawski, Peter P. T., Battersby, Bronwyn J., Lawrie, Gwendolyn A., Ford, Kym, Ruhmann, Andreas, Marcon, Lionel, Kozak, Darby and Trau, Matt (2008). Flow cytometric detection of proteolysis in peptide libraries synthesised on optically encoded supports. Molecular Biosystems, 4 (7), 774-778. doi: 10.1039/b718513h

Flow cytometric detection of proteolysis in peptide libraries synthesised on optically encoded supports

2008

Journal Article

Bionanohydroxyapatite/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composites with improved particle dispersion and superior mechanical properties

Rai, B., Noohom, W., Kithva, P.H., Grondahl, L. and Trau, M. (2008). Bionanohydroxyapatite/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composites with improved particle dispersion and superior mechanical properties. Chemistry of Materials, 20 (8), 2802-2808. doi: 10.1021/cm703045u

Bionanohydroxyapatite/Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composites with improved particle dispersion and superior mechanical properties

2008

Journal Article

Profiling protein-surface interactions of multicomponent suspensions via flow cytometry

Kozak, Darby, Chen, Annie and Trau, Matt (2008). Profiling protein-surface interactions of multicomponent suspensions via flow cytometry. Langmuir, 24 (4), 1204-1211. doi: 10.1021/la701847x

Profiling protein-surface interactions of multicomponent suspensions via flow cytometry

2008

Journal Article

A dual-purpose synthetic colloidal platform for protease mapping: substrate profiling for Dengue and West Nile virus proteases

Marcon, L., Kozak, D., Battersby, B.J., Chappell, K., Fairlie, D., Young, P.R. and Trau, M. (2008). A dual-purpose synthetic colloidal platform for protease mapping: substrate profiling for Dengue and West Nile virus proteases. Analytical Biochemistry, 2008 (376), 151-153. doi: 10.1016/j.ab.2008.01.034

A dual-purpose synthetic colloidal platform for protease mapping: substrate profiling for Dengue and West Nile virus proteases

2008

Journal Article

Synthesis and characterization of alginate/poly-L-ornithine/alginate microcapsules for local immunosuppression

Leung, A.H.M., Lawrie, G.A., Nielsen, L.K. and Trau, M. (2008). Synthesis and characterization of alginate/poly-L-ornithine/alginate microcapsules for local immunosuppression. Journal of Microencapsulation, 25 (6), 387-398. doi: 10.1080/02652040802008857

Synthesis and characterization of alginate/poly-L-ornithine/alginate microcapsules for local immunosuppression

2008

Journal Article

Toward colloid-based biosensors for SNP genotyping and personalised medicine applications

Johnston, Angus P. R., Lawrie, Gwendolyn A., Battersby, Bronwyn J., Corrie, Simon R. and Trau, Matt (2008). Toward colloid-based biosensors for SNP genotyping and personalised medicine applications. International Journal of Nanotechnology, 5 (2-3), 299-317. doi: 10.1504/IJNT.2008.016920

Toward colloid-based biosensors for SNP genotyping and personalised medicine applications

2008

Journal Article

A structural study of hybrid organosilica materials for colloid-based DNA biosensors

Corrie, Simon R., Vogel, Robert, Keen, Imelda, Jack, Kevin, Kozak, Darby, Lawrie, Gwendolyn A., Battersby, Bronwyn J., Fredericks, Peter and Trau, Matt (2008). A structural study of hybrid organosilica materials for colloid-based DNA biosensors. Journals of Materials Chemistry, 18 (5), 523-529. doi: 10.1039/b714309e

A structural study of hybrid organosilica materials for colloid-based DNA biosensors

2008

Book Chapter

Nanotechnology : the future of cost-effective plant genotyping

Pattemore, J. A., Trau, M. and Henry, R. J. (2008). Nanotechnology : the future of cost-effective plant genotyping. Plant genotyping II : SNP technology. (pp. 133-153) edited by R. J. Henry. Wallingford, United Kingdom: CABI Publishing. doi: 10.1079/9781845933821.0133

Nanotechnology : the future of cost-effective plant genotyping

2007

Journal Article

Fluorescent organosilica micro- and nanoparticles with controllable size

Vogel, R., Surawski, P.T., Littleton, B. N., Miller, C., Lawrie, G. A., Battersby, B. J. and Trau, M. (2007). Fluorescent organosilica micro- and nanoparticles with controllable size. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 310 (1), 144-150. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2007.01.092

Fluorescent organosilica micro- and nanoparticles with controllable size

2007

Journal Article

Investigations into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) surface properties causing delayed osteoblast growth

Keen, I., Raggatt, L.J., Cool, S.M., Nurcombe, V., Fredericks, P., Trau, M. and Grondahl, L. (2007). Investigations into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) surface properties causing delayed osteoblast growth. Journal of Biomaterials Science-polymer Edition, 18 (9), 1101-1123. doi: 10.1163/156856207781554046

Investigations into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) surface properties causing delayed osteoblast growth

2007

Journal Article

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composite biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration: In vitro performance assessed by osteoblast proliferation, osteoclast adhesion and resorption, and macrophage proinflammatory response

Cool, SM, Kenny, B, Wu, A, Nurcombe, V, Trau, M, Cassady, AI and Grondahl, L (2007). Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composite biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration: In vitro performance assessed by osteoblast proliferation, osteoclast adhesion and resorption, and macrophage proinflammatory response. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 82A (3), 599-610. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.31174

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) composite biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration: In vitro performance assessed by osteoblast proliferation, osteoclast adhesion and resorption, and macrophage proinflammatory response

2007

Journal Article

Characterization and surface properties of amino-acid-modified, carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite particles

Jack, K.S., Vizcarra, T.G. and Trau, M. (2007). Characterization and surface properties of amino-acid-modified, carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite particles. Langmuir, 23 (24), 12233-12242. doi: 10.1021/la701848c

Characterization and surface properties of amino-acid-modified, carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite particles

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    ALL IN - AI and Laboratory Led IdentificatioN of PASC
    NHMRC MRFF Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Digital chemistry and catalysis: redefining reactions in confined systems
    ARC Australian Laureate Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Rhythms and blues: Personalising care for body clock dysfunction in mood disorders (NHMRC Synergy grant administered by University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    nanoIMPAC: Monitoring immune toxicities and tumour immune evasion in lung cancer
    Cancer Australia
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2028
    Immunostorm Chip Research
    Evolution Mining Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    The amplification of DNA from environmental metazoan cells (enCells)
    CSIRO
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2025
    An integrated nano-bioengineered chip for enhanced molecular evolution
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Whole exome and transcriptome profiling of patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma exposed to immunotherapy: C-Seq STUDY (Research Support Scheme Project Grant led by Metro South HHS)
    Metro South Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Cannabis genetic marker development for the breeding of medicinal cannabis varieties
    CannaPacific Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Single molecule sensing on nanopillars: Reading complex molecular circuits
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Early detection of lung cancer (NHMRC Ideas Grant led by The Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research)
    Queensland Institute of Medical Research
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    The Development and Clinical Translation of Blood-Based Diagnostics for Brain Cancer (Mark Hughes Foundation administered by the University of Newcastle)
    University of Newcastle
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Genomics markers in breast cancer
    Queen Mary University of London
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Combined TMPRSS2:ERG, PCA3 and SChLAP1 RNA in Urine for selective detection of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    DNA exhibits new self-assembled structures due to clustered DNA methylation
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Integrating immunity and genetics in Follicular Lymphoma to establish a prognostic score fit for the modern era
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (PA Research Foundation Grant administered by the Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    QMUL Research Project 1
    Queen Mary University of London
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    Rapid detection and quantitation of Campylobacter jejuni/coli in processing.
    Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    AC electrohydrodynamics in microfluidic devices
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Does prostatic manipulation result in increased numbers and clusters of circulating tumour cells?
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Exosome and Bio/Nanoparticle Characterisation Facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Trapping and Watching Biomolecular Complexes near Nanopores
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Optimisation of the single drop genomics assay to detect food pathogens
    Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Tuneable 'Nano-Shearing': An Innovative Mechanism for the Accurate and Specific Capture of Cells and Molecules
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    Enabling Clinical Epigenetic Diagnostics: The Next Generation of Personalized Breast Cancer Care
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2012
    An intergrated fluidic circuit system for digital PCR analysis, single-cell gene- expression, and high-throughput preparation of next-generation sequencing libraries.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Mass spectrometer for biomolecule discovery, structural analysis and quantification.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Fabrication and Testing Facilites for Mono-Dispersed Nanoporous Spheres in Advanced Bio-applications
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Accelerated Molecular Probe Pipeline
    Seattle Biomedical Research Institute
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2013
    Novel strategies for prediction and control of advanced breast cancer via nanoscaled epigenetic-based biosensors
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Nanoscaled biosensors: reading epigenetic signatures to improve breast cancer detection and treatment
    Cancer Australia
    Open grant
  • 2008
    A high-throughput facility for the identification and analysis of gene regulatory elements and factors
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Advanced environmental and process analysis facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Automated Microvave Reactor for Polymer Chemistry, Materials Development and Nanotechnology
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Quantitative Particle and Cell Size Distribution Facility: Accelerating the Development of Advanced Materials, Water Treamtnet and Mineral Processing at UQ
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008
    Solid State NMR Console
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Novel Nanotechnology Platforms for Disease Biomarker Diagnostics
    Queensland Government Smart State National and International Research Alliances Program
    Open grant
  • 2007
    Early detection of breast cancer via nanoscaled biomarker discovery and diagnostics
    National Breast Cancer Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2006
    Real time PCR and nanoparticle diagnostic facilities for high-throughput quantitative analysis of genomic structure and gene expression
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    Multiplexed Molecular Reading of Protein Associations via Nanoscaled Devices
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2009
    Beyond Microarrays: Nano-Scaled Devices for High Throughput Biomolecular Sensing
    ARC Federation Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    DEST INNOVATION ACCESS PROGRAMME: INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE LINKAGES - OzNano2Life: Australian Nanobiotechnology Cluster Integrated with a European Union Network of Excellence
    University of Technology Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2010
    ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials (administered by UNSW from September 2012 onwards)
    ARC Centres of Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2003
    DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL BIOMATERIAL FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Initiative
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Designed nanostructured materials through bi-inspired assembly
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Designed nanostructures for Ti02-based solar cells
    Sustainable Technologies Australia
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Designed nanostructures for Ti02-based solar cells
    Sustainable Technologies Australia
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2001
    Self-assembled membranes for protection of foreign tissue transplants
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Mechanistic Studies of the Anti-HIV drug FP-21399
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 2000
    Rapid DNA sequencing by hybridization of a patterned colloidal array
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Febrication of nanostructured ceramic materials and devices
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997
    Rapid DNA sequencing by hybridization of a patterned colloidal array
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Matt Trau is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Matt Trau directly for media enquiries about:

  • Biomarkers
  • Biosensors
  • Breast cancer
  • Cancer
  • Colloid science
  • Diagnostics cancer
  • Materials science
  • Medicine - personalised
  • Nanobiotechnology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Personalised medicine
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Preventative medicine
  • Surface science

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