![Professor Joanne Blanchfield](/sites/default/files/profiles/684.jpeg)
Overview
Background
Natural Products from Traditional Medicines and drug development.
My group focuses on isolating bioactive natural products from plants and organisms used in traditional and herbal medicines in cultures across the globe. We screen extracts and purified compounds for biological activity and for bioavailability using cell techniques. We are also involved in synthesising analogues of natural compounds and components of subunit vaccines. We also work with first responders to develop methods for detection and decompostion of dangerous chemicals.
Availability
- Professor Joanne Blanchfield is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Natural products from traditional medicines
Plants used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties are valuable sources of potential drug leads. We use the ancient knowledge of traditional medicines from across the globe to guide our search for potential bioactive compounds.
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Detection and decomposition of hazardous chemicals
The accurate detection and effective decomposition of dangerous chemicals such as illicit drugs and toxic agents is essential for the safety of first responders and military personal. We work closely with these groups to ensure that they have the best protocols for detection in real time and the most effective and safe decomposition methods available.
Research impacts
Our work with first responders and the Defence Force has identified a more effective method of decomposition of dangerous pharceutical agents encountered in various field settings. We are also working on optimising a method of detection for the most dangerous of compounds that can be performed on site and in real time. This work leads to a safer environment for first responders and for the community.
Our work with the indigenous communities and herbal medicine industry partners has identified bioactive compounds in Australian native plants that have been used by indigenous groups for hundreds of years.
Works
Search Professor Joanne Blanchfield’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Lipidated brush-PEG polymers as low molecular weight pulmonary drug delivery platforms
Kaminskas, Lisa M., Butcher, Neville J., Subasic, Christopher N., Kothapalli, Ashok, Haque, Shadabul, Grace, James L., Morsdorf, Alexander, Blanchfield, Joanne T., Whittaker, Andrew K., Quinn, John F. and Whittaker, Michael R. (2024). Lipidated brush-PEG polymers as low molecular weight pulmonary drug delivery platforms. Expert Opinion On Drug Delivery, 21 (1), 151-167. doi: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2305116
2024
Journal Article
Lipid sulfoxide polymers as potential inhalable drug delivery platforms with differential albumin binding affinity
Ediriweera, Gayathri R., Butcher, Neville J., Kothapalli, Ashok, Zhao, Jiacheng, Blanchfield, Joanne T., Subasic, Christopher N., Grace, James L., Fu, Changkui, Tan, Xiao, Quinn, John F., Ascher, David B., Whittaker, Michael R., Whittaker, Andrew K. and Kaminskas, Lisa M. (2024). Lipid sulfoxide polymers as potential inhalable drug delivery platforms with differential albumin binding affinity. Biomaterials Science, 12 (11), 2978-2992. doi: 10.1039/d3bm02020g
2023
Journal Article
Differentiating dyes: A Spectroscopic investigation into the composition of scarlet bloodroot (Haemodorum coccineum R.Br.) rhizome
Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Church, Taylah, Wapling, Johanna A., Collins, Raelene, Leach, Gregory J., Leach, David, De Voss, James J. and Blanchfield, Joanne T. (2023). Differentiating dyes: A Spectroscopic investigation into the composition of scarlet bloodroot (Haemodorum coccineum R.Br.) rhizome. Molecules, 28 (21) 7422, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/molecules28217422
2023
Journal Article
Utilization of endogenous albumin trafficking pathways in the lungs has potential to modestly increase the lung interstitial access and absorption of drug delivery systems after inhaled administration
Ibrahim, Jibriil P., Butcher, Neville J., Kothapalli, Ashok, Subasic, Christopher N., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Whittaker, Andrew K., Whittaker, Michael R and Kaminskas, Lisa M. (2023). Utilization of endogenous albumin trafficking pathways in the lungs has potential to modestly increase the lung interstitial access and absorption of drug delivery systems after inhaled administration. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 20 (8), 1145-1155. doi: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2244881
2023
Journal Article
Characterization of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in Dioscorea transversa
Salisbury, Lauren J., Fletcher, Stephen J., Stok, Jeanette E., Churchman, Luke R., Blanchfield, Joanne T. and De Voss, James J. (2023). Characterization of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in Dioscorea transversa. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 299 (6) 104768, 1-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104768
2023
Journal Article
Special Issue in Honor of Professor Mary Garson AM
Blanchfield, Joanne T., Nonato, Maribel G. and Clark, Richard J. (2023). Special Issue in Honor of Professor Mary Garson AM. Journal of Natural Products, 86 (3), 473-474. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00088
2022
Journal Article
Phytochemical composition of Denhamia obscura (A. Rich.) Meisn. Ex Walp. root bark, seeds and leaves
Jesus, Matheus Carpinelli De, Wapling, Johanna, Kiem, Eunice, Stockdale, Tegan, Whittaker, Jacob J., Clegg, Jack K., Leach, David, Church, Taylah, Collins, Raelene, Leach, Greg, Hewitt, David, De Voss, James J. and Blanchfield, Joanne T. (2022). Phytochemical composition of Denhamia obscura (A. Rich.) Meisn. Ex Walp. root bark, seeds and leaves. Arkivoc, 2022 (4), 123-142. doi: 10.24820/ark.5550190.p011.828
2022
Journal Article
Design, synthesis and evaluation of alpha lipoic acid derivatives to treat multiple sclerosis-associated central neuropathic pain
Kong, Dehui, Saqer, Alaa A., Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Khan, Nemat, Jones, Alun, Blanchfield, Joanne T., Smith, Maree T. and Williams, Craig M. (2022). Design, synthesis and evaluation of alpha lipoic acid derivatives to treat multiple sclerosis-associated central neuropathic pain. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 69 116889, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116889
2022
Conference Publication
Stingless bee honeys feature an unusual bioactive sugar, trehalulose
Hungerford, N. L., Zhang, J., Smith, T. J., Yates, H. S. A., Carpinelli de Jesus, M., Webber, D., Stone, I. S. J. , Blanchfield, J. T., Zawawi, N. and Fletcher, M. T. (2022). Stingless bee honeys feature an unusual bioactive sugar, trehalulose. 3rd Australian Native Bee Conference, Rosehill, NSW Australia, 11-12 June 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Boswellia serrata oleo-gum-resin essential oil extracted by superheated steam
Ayub, Muhammad Adnan, Hanif, Muhammad Asif, Blanchfield, Joanne, Zubair, Muhammad, Abid, Muhammad Amin and Saleh, Muhammad Tahir (2022). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Boswellia serrata oleo-gum-resin essential oil extracted by superheated steam. Natural Product Research, 37 (14), 1-6. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2022.2044327
2021
Conference Publication
Stingless bees produce honey rich in the beneficial disaccharide, trehalulose
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zhang, Jiali, Smith, Tobias J., Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Yates, Hans S. A., Chowdhury, Sadia A., Carter, James F., Webber, Dennis, Stone, Isobella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Zawawi, Norhasnida, Schirra, Horst J., Tran, Trong D. and Fletcher, Mary T. (2021). Stingless bees produce honey rich in the beneficial disaccharide, trehalulose. Symposium of Research & Innovation for Food (SoRIF), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia via WebEX, 23-24 June 2021.
2021
Journal Article
A Semi-quantitative method for the detection of fentanyl using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with a handheld Raman instrument
Smith, Matthew, Logan, Mike, Bazley, Mikaela, Blanchfield, Joanne, Stokes, Robert, Blanco, Ana and McGee, Rachel (2021). A Semi-quantitative method for the detection of fentanyl using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with a handheld Raman instrument. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 66 (2), 505-519. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.14610
2021
Conference Publication
Stingless Bee Honey’s unique properties
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zhang, Jiali, Smith, Tobias J., Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Yates, Hans S. A., Chowdhury, Sadia A., Carter, James F., Webber, Dennis, Stone, Isobella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Zawawi, Norhasnida and Fletcher, Mary T. (2021). Stingless Bee Honey’s unique properties. Australian Apitherapy Association Global Conference 2021, Online, 26-27 November 2021.
2020
Conference Publication
Stingless bee honey as a unique source of trehalulose
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zhang, Jiali, Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Yates, Hans, Webber, Dennis, Stone Isolbella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Zawawi, Norhasnida and Fletcher, Mary T. (2020). Stingless bee honey as a unique source of trehalulose. 5th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, QACS 2020, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2020.
2020
Journal Article
Caco-2 cell permeability of flavonoids and saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum: the immortal herb
Ahmed, Iftekhar, Leach, David N., Wohlmuth, Hans, De Voss, James J. and Blanchfield, Joanne T. (2020). Caco-2 cell permeability of flavonoids and saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum: the immortal herb. ACS Omega, 5 (34) acsomega.0c02180, 21561-21569. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02180
2020
Journal Article
Stingless bee honey, a novel source of trehalulose: a biologically active disaccharide with health benefits
Fletcher, Mary T., Hungerford, Natasha L., Webber, Dennis, Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Zhang, Jiali, Stone, Isobella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T. and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2020). Stingless bee honey, a novel source of trehalulose: a biologically active disaccharide with health benefits. Scientific Reports, 10 (1) 12128, 1-8. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-68940-0
2020
Journal Article
Decontamination of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in field and laboratory settings: a review of fentanyl degradation
Bazley, Mikaela M., Logan, Michael, Baxter, Christina, Robertson, Avril A. B. and Blanchfield, Joanne T. (2020). Decontamination of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in field and laboratory settings: a review of fentanyl degradation. Australian Journal of Chemistry, 73 (10), 868-879. doi: 10.1071/CH19669
2020
Journal Article
Fluorescent macrolide probes – synthesis and use in evaluation of bacterial resistance
Stone, M. Rhia L., Łapińska, Urszula, Pagliara, Stefano, Masi, Muriel, Blanchfield, Joanne T., Cooper, Matthew A. and Blaskovich, Mark A. T. (2020). Fluorescent macrolide probes – synthesis and use in evaluation of bacterial resistance. RSC Chemical Biology, 1 (5), 395-404. doi: 10.1039/d0cb00118j
2019
Journal Article
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids of Blue Heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule) and their presence in Australian honey
Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Hungerford, Natasha L., Carter, Steve J., Anuj, Shalona R., Blanchfield, Joanne T., De Voss, James Joseph and Fletcher, Mary T. (2019). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids of Blue Heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule) and their presence in Australian honey. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67 (28) acs.jafc.9b02136, 7995-8006. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b02136
2019
Journal Article
Caco-2 monolayer permeability and stability of Chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn) open-chain steroidal saponins
Stockdale, Tegan P., Challinor, Victoria L., Lehmann, Reginald P., De Voss, James J. and Blanchfield, Joanne T. (2019). Caco-2 monolayer permeability and stability of Chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn) open-chain steroidal saponins. ACS Omega, 4 (4), 7658-7666. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00496
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Joanne Blanchfield is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Identification of bioactive compounds from Australian native plants
In consultation with indigenous collaborators and herbal medicine industry collaborators, we extract Australian native plants that have been identifying as having some medicinal properties and screen the extracts for selected biological activities. We then fractionate the extracts using a variety of chromatographic techniques to isolate individual natural products present in the plants. The structures of these compounds are then identified using modern analytical techniques including mass spectrometry and 1 and 2 dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The isolated compounds and extracts can also be screened for potential bioavailability using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Isolation and identification of natural products from Australian Native Medicinal Plants
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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Doctor Philosophy
The construction of synthetic mimics of complex conformational epitopes of HIV
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Burn
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Doctor Philosophy
Microbial manufacturing of plant saponin-inspired vaccine adjuvants
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of peptide antibiotic constituents for elucidation of their biosyntheses and II) Characterization of bacterial cytochromes P450
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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Doctor Philosophy
Bioactive Phytochemicals from Australian Native Plants used as Ingienous medicines
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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Doctor Philosophy
Conotoxins - advanced probes for studying pain pathways
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Blaskovich
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Characterising the structure, bioactivity and bioavailability of active compounds from complex herbal extracts
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Decontamination of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Avril Robertson
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Phytochemical characterisation of Australian medicinal plants: Doctrina veteris et novi
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Physical and chemical interactions between bile pigments and polyaromatic mutagens
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The synthesis and characterisation of poly-N-acetylglucosamine glycoconjugates: Towards a prophylactic therapy for Staphylococcus aureus
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Burn
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Targeting central nervous system active peptides to the brain via nasal delivery
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
A NOVEL LIPOSACCHARIDE SYSTEM FOR THE DELIVERY OF ENDOMORPHIN1 ACROSS THE BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Cage Hydrocarbon Scaffolds for Viral Inhibition and Microlithography
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of cholesterol derivatives for exploration of cytochromes P450 from Dioscorea transversa and inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Biosynthesis of Steroidal Saponins
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Tagged Antibiotics for Examination of Bacterial Resistance and Infection
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Blaskovich
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Mechanistic Probes for Cytochrome P450 Catalysed Desaturation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Discovery of novel natural products from the Australian arid and semi-arid zones
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2019
Master Philosophy
SYNTHESIS OF STEROID CONJUGATES FOR TARGETED LIPOSOMAL DELIVERY OF RNA-BASED THERAPIES
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Vito Ferro
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Phytochemistry of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
When East Meets West: The Chemistry of Indonesian Sponges and Australian Nudibranchs
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Unusual cytochrome P450-catalysed reactions: synthesis of small molecule probes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Isolation and structure elucidation of bioactive secondary metabolites from Balinese marine sponges
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
CYP710C1: Mechanism and Design of Inhibitors
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Steroidal Saponins from Medicinal Herbs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis and Pharmacological Characterization of Endomorphin-1 Analogues
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Evidence of Enantiomeric Turnover in the Marine Sponge Acanthella cavernosa
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Chemical Studies of Marine Sponges from South-East Queensland
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Cytochrome P450-catalysed oxidations: Biosynthetic and mechanistic studies
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Marine Natural Products from South-East Queensland: Secondary Metabolites from Sponges and Nudibranchs
Associate Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Synthesis of Complex Polymer Topologies and Their Self-Assembly in Water
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michael Monteiro
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The efficacy of bile pigment supplementation: In vitro and in vivo considerations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes, Professor Istvan Toth
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Direct alkynylation of bridgehead halides with silver acetylides and Towards the Total Synthesis of trans-Crotonin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Williams
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF PROPOSED ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS IN ECHINACEA. SP. AND CHAMALERIUM LEUTEUM
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James De Voss
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2006
Master Philosophy
BIOACTIVE SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM AUSTRALIAN INVERTEBRATES, INDONESIA MARINE SPONGES, AND AN INDONESIAN TERRESTRIAL PLANT
Associate Advisor
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
VACCINE-ADJUVANT-CARRIER DESIGN AGAINST GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUSI AND HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-16 INFECTION
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
LIPOAMINO ACID- AND CARBOHYDRATE-BASED PENETRATION ENHANCERS FOR USE IN ORAL DRUG DELIVERY
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Istvan Toth
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