Bio21 Institute builds research critical mass
[ Research Review 0809 : ]
By Helen Varnavas
Creating a physical and intellectual environment that fosters world-class multidisciplinary research can inspire and motivate scientists to conduct research of benefit to human health and the environment. At the Bio21 Institute, building critical mass in key platform technologies was part of this ‘big picture’ strategy. In an increasingly competitive international stage, the importance of building capabilities in key areas, coupled with world-class infrastructure, is vital for the continued growth of Victoria’s biotechnology sector and the Institute’s leadership role in the field.
Recognising the opportunities and challenges presented by the life sciences revolution, the University of Melbourne harnessed research strengths in the science and engineering disciplines underpinning innovation in the biotechnology sector. Fundamental to the research capability was building critical mass in key platform technologies that allow researchers to access state-of-the-art facilities that enhance their research programs.
At Bio21, the technologies that underpin contemporary biotechnology include nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry for proteomics and metabolomics, high resolution electron microscopy and bioinformatics. As the cornerstone of the Institute’s biotechnology programs, these core platform technologies help researchers understand the composition, structure and interaction of molecules and then use this knowledge to understand the fundamental biological processes of life and in biotechnology applications.
Core enabling molecular technologies, complemented by technical expertise and know-how, provide a firm base for the development of a dynamic multidisciplinary research environment – an environment likely to generate fundamental research and commercial outcomes of major significance on the world scene that otherwise could not have been achieved. Such a strategic alignment has enabled the University to capitalise on the opportunities generated by the ongoing genomics revolution.
Core Platform Technologies at Bio21 Institute
The key facilities of Bio21 include the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre, proteomics and mass spectrometry capability, an electron microscopy suite, and animal house facilities. A recent addition to the Institute’s capability is the establishment of the Metabolomics Australia (MA) infrastructure facility.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) underpins drug discovery R&D initiatives. It provides users with 3D structures of a range of biological and synthetic molecules, including proteins and drug candidates. It is a valuable tool for medical diagnostics, identifying toxins and metabolomics, and developing pesticides. The Institute’s NMR Cave is home to nine spectrometers from the University Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, and includes one of the largest in Australia, the 800 MHz NMR Spectrometer.
The Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility provides specialist equipment and expertise for analysing small molecules and proteins and includes characterisation, peptide synthesis, sequencing and post-translational modification. A stable of more than 10 spectrometers are co-located at Bio21.
Equipped with five state-of-the-art electron microscopes, the Institute’s $10m Electron Microscopy Unit and clean room is a key facility designed for physical sciences, life sciences and engineering applications. The capability includes high resolution cryo-TEM and expertise to provide visualisation of sub-cellular details and three-dimensional information important across the bioscience applications.
Metabolomics Australia: Headquartered at the Bio21 Institute and School of Botany at the University of Melbourne, the MA facility is funded by Australia’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), a Federal and State Government-funded initiative. The establishment of the MA national infrastructure facility brings critical mass on a national scale, minimises duplication, and strengthens opportunities for researchers across Australia to allow for study of metabolic processes. This is an emerging field of research relevant to the development of biomarkers for disease and health, environmental monitoring, monitoring of GMOs and the understanding of biological processes in animals, plants and micro-organisms.
Meanwhile, exciting new developments in the areas of high-performance computing, data storage and bioinformatics are set to revolutionise Victoria’s life sciences sector. The OptiPortal – high definition video and audio technology – allows real-time interactive collaboration between researchers worldwide. Similarly one of the world’s largest life sciences ‘supercomputers’ will allow researchers to explore large databases of information and create complex analytical models to help with the development of drugs and treatments tackling life-threatening diseases such as cancer and diabetes
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