Nanocellulose as a scaffold for a novel haemostatic agent
Cellulose nanofibrils are highly versatile and can be modified to possess specific physical properties to produce unique three-dimensional materials such as wound dressings, aerogels and films.
This research project focuses on utilising a novel nanocellulose material derived from a native Australian desert grass as a wound dressing and its interaction with various bioactive molecules to address haemostasis (stemming blood loss). More specifically, procoagulant and antifibrinolytic proteins from snake venom will be employed to address coagulopathies that result in uncontrolled bleeding, a major cause of trauma-related deaths.
Sidara Engelhardt completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Scicene with a focus on pharmacology and physiology at the University of Queensland before undertaking his honours project at the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechology.