Annual Report 2007 - The Australian Nanotechnology Network

LONG TERM VISITS
ARCNN supports the nanotechnology community by making funding support available to
postgraduate students and early career researchers (within 5 years of award of PhD degree)
for travel and accommodation expenses associated with Long Term Visits to research Institutions
within Australia. Up to $2,000 are provided for a maximum of three months for travel and
accommodation to a location(s) within Australia.
Miss Brianna Thompson (Intelligent Polymers Research Institute) – visit to
the Bionic Ear Institute, Melbourne
ARCNN Short Term Visit Funding Report (April-June 2007)
Recipient: Brianna Thompson
Institution: Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong
Host Institute: Bionic Ear Institute/Dept. Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne
Dates: 29 th April 2007 – 29 th June 2007
My visit to the Bionic Ear Institute was commenced on the 29 th April, 2007, and finished on the
29 th June, 2007. My time in Melbourne was a fantastic opportunity, allowing me to gain
experience in working with animals as well as many cell and molecular biology techniques. The
skills and techniques learned will be transferred to my colleagues at the University of
Wollongong Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, and will be applied for characterisation of
other nanomaterials developed in the group. The work carried out during the visit was also very
worthwhile, as described below.
Some of the fantastic staff at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital who assisted me
The project
The work undertaken during the visit focused on topics relevant to the development of new
materials to be used for the Bionic Ear. In particular, one structure under development, as shown
below, which is a composite of carbon nanotubes and conducting polymers. The rationale behind
development of this structure is to develop new functional electrode materials for the cochlear
implant, which could allow more intimate contact between the implant and the neurons which
the electrode stimulates.
Figure 1 – Structure of proposed composite material for advanced cochlear implant electrode
PPy/nerve growth
factor for
controlled release
Aligned CNT forest
for high surface area
and penetration of
tissue covering nerves
Binder/conductor for
mechanical stability
and electrical
connection of CNT
forest
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