Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
This cluster focuses on two main themes:
Bio-molecular structure and function
Mission Statement
The structure of biological molecules underpins their
function. All pharmaceutical drugs and agricultural pest and herbicides,
whether designed from structural information or discovered by mining for active
molecules derive their efficacy and specificity from their unique structure.
The group applies its expertise in the areas of
recombinant DNA technology, protein production and purification, X-ray
crystallography and computational modelling to determine the structure and
function of biologically significant molecules. In doing so it provides a basis
on which new and improved pharma- and agri-ceutical's can be manufactured.
The aims of the Flinders Bio-molecular structure and
function group are to:
-
Identify specific
bio-molecular targets for structural determinations;
-
Relate structure to
function using transgenic approaches;
-
Increase the
understanding that links structure to structure prediction by computational
modelling software;
-
Develop further links
with biotechnology industries (local and abroad) for manufacture and
down-stream processing of related drugs, and products designed from our
research.
Molecular and Microbial Biotechnology
Mission Statement
All life processes ultimately depend on sequence
information contained in DNA that can be both observed as a means of identifying
individuals and manipulated to alter and improve specific gene functions and
practical applications of biological systems. We capitalise on the expertise and
intellectual property established by cluster members in the manipulation and
characterisation of DNA to extend knowledge, collaborations and commercial
development of IP and grant income.
The aims of the Flinders Molecular and microbial
biotechnology group are to:
-
Generate additional tools
for profiling DNA for forensic, wildlife enforcement and scientific
applications;
-
Develop
tools to study and improve applications of complex microbial systems;
-
Develop further start-up
biotechnology enterprise based on Flinders IP;
-
Establish additional
links with biotechnology industries (local and abroad).
Academic Staff and Research Foci
Current academic members of the cluster include:
Dr Melissa Brown
(cluster leader)
- Multidrug resistance in bacteria
Dr Cathy Abbott
Dr
Peter Anderson
Prof Andy Ball
Emeritus Prof Leigh Burgoyne
Prof David
Catcheside
-
Molecular mechanism of recombination, directed evolution
of genes and proteins
-
Forensic profiling tools for illicit drugs and trace soil
Prof Amanda Goodman
-
DNA fingerprinting of Australian reptiles
-
Regulation of chitinase production in marine bacteria
-
Recycling in the marine environment by biofilm-forming
bacteria
Dr Ian Menz
Dr Kathy Schuller
Dr Kathy Soole
Dr James Stangoulis
Flinders Bioremediation
Click on logo
for information on Flinders Bioremediation.
Programs
Connections with government, Industry and Community Groups
Current Research Higher Degree Students
Current Honours Students
- Sam Aleer
- Joanna Cyza
- Abbe Harris
- Mel Haynes
- Amy Koschella
- Bernard Lee
- Kym McNicholas
- Valene See
Placements
& Employment of Honours and Higher Degree Research GraduatesI
have saved a MolecularCluster_Placement.doc on the shared drive until I get
this info from cluster, kb 24/5/0
Student Club
Flinders University Biotechnology
Association (FUBA)
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