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Professor Andrew Whittaker

Professorial Research Fellow and Se

Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
a.whittaker@uq.edu.au
+61 7 334 63885

Overview

Professor Andrew Whittaker is Deputy Director Research, Senior Group Leader and founder member of the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). He directs research funded through more than $61.3 million in competitive grants since 2000 and $39.7M since 2010. Professor Whittaker’s work in synthesis and characterisation of polymeric materials has underpinned major development programs in several key areas.

His work in the field of materials for photolithography has been supported by funding from leading semiconductor companies Intel, Sematech, Dow Chemical Company and DuPont. Outcomes include novel high-index resists for 193 nm immersion lithography, new concepts for design of non-chemically amplified resists for EUV lithography, novel approaches to healing roughness in IC features and block copolymer self-assembly.

In the field of biomaterials science and nanomedicine, Professor Whittaker has established a network of international scientists under the theme “Bringing Materials to Life”. He is active in developing novel imaging agents for MRI, and has introduced a new class of 19F polymeric agents. He leads research into responsive polymers for nanomedicine and for device manufacture. His work on polymeric hydrogels including transport properties is highly cited.

Finally, Professor Whittaker is an expert in the fundamentals of diffusion process in complex solids and has an international reputation in the field of NMR and MRI of polymeric systems.

International links

Professor Whittaker is a member of numerous international committees of governing bodies in polymer science and technology, and is involved in organising major international conferences. He is currently president of the Pacific Polymer Federation. He actively collaborates with scientists at the University of California Santa Barbara, USA; Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India; Gebze Technical University, Turkey; Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan; Jilin University, Hubei University, the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST, CAS), SUSTech and Shanghai University, China; the University of Nottingham, UK; IMEC, DuPont Electronics and Imaging, USA. He has held visiting professor positions at NCNST, INSA Lyon and NIT, was DICE Chair at the University of Nottingham, and is currently visiting professor at Hubei University.

Research Interests

  • Polymer physical chemistry
    Relating chemical structure to important properties, responsive polymers, hybrid nanoparticles
  • Polymer synthesis
    Polymers with novel architecture, photo-crosslinked networks
  • Polymeric biomaterials and nanomedicine
    New materials for drug delivery, medical imaging, antimicrobial polymers, hydrogels, responsive polymers
  • Materials for photolithography
    Photoresists, block copolymer self assembly, photochemistry
  • NMR and MRI of polymers
    Solid-state NMR, diffusion NMR, MRI agents
  • Polymer degradation and durability
    Photochemistry, radiation chemistry, polymers in seawater

Research Impacts

Research

Polymer chemistry, responsive materials, nanotechnology, photolithography, nanomedicine, biomaterials science, magnetic resonance.

Professor Whittaker is working to bridge the gap between fundamental physical sciences and applications in the field of new materials, in particular materials for nanomedicine and materials for energy (lithography). He has published over 350 scientific papers in these and related fields. His work has attracted extensive industry support, for example $6.8M through the ARC Linkage Project scheme and significant direct industry support. Professor Whittaker is interested in translating his research outcomes; he holds seven patents in MRI agents, materials for lithography and materials for environmental remediation. His patent on healing roughness of lithographic features was licensed to Dow Electronic Materials.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Grants

View all Grants

Supervision

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Polymer Theranostics: Imaging a Treatment in vivo

    Molecular imaging has had a profound influence on modern diagnostics and has helped drive the evolving field of nanomedicine. "Theranostics", the portmanteau of therapy and diagnostics, is one sub-section of nanomedicine and offers the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of a therapy using molecular imaging techniques - this may be achieved by monitoring drug release from a polymeric carrier, defining tumour boundaries or quantifying necrosis. In this project we will develop biocompatible polymeric devices that target a specific disease state in vivo, and subsequently deliver a therapy to treat that disease using various biological stimuli. The effectiveness of treatment will then be monitored using molecular imaging. This will involve utilising advanced chemistries for both the synthesis of the polymer-drug composites, and subsequent ligation of cell-targeting and imaging moieties. The polymeric architecture will be investigated by techniques such as NMR, GPC-MALLS, DLS, HPLC, UV-VIS etc. The polymeric device will incorporate imaging components for modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) and optical imaging to definitively locate and monitor tumour regression.

  • Novel Block Copolymer for Lithographic Applications

    In recent years, block copolymers have created new opportunities as alternative nano-scale pattern templates for lithography applications. Block copolymers are particularly attractive because the self directed assembly of domain structures in thin films can produce an array of template patterns in the range of 5-50nm. It is well established that the ideal block copolymer must exhibit both a high value of polymer-polymer interaction parameter (c) and one highly etch resistant block. We have identified from the structure-property models that we have developed, that the polystyrene-block-polyester copolymer is a good candidate. Hence in this project, a range of interesting chemistries will be utilized for the synthesis of the block copolymer including ring opening polymerisation, living radical polymerization and some monomer preparation, in addition to characterization by various advanced techniques such as NMR, GPC, thermal analysis and vibrational spectroscopy. The thin film phase separated morphology will be investigated with respect to the surface interaction between the substrate and block copolymer by using high resolution scanning electron microscopy and XPS.

  • Self-assembly of Block polymers for Applications in Nanofabrication and for Tuning Interfacial Interactions

    Block copolymers (BCPs) are comprised of two distinct, but covalently linked polymer chains, which under certain circumstances form structures that are on the order of nanometers. By controlling the orientation and/or morphology of block copolymer domains it is possible to use them as a nanofabrication template in a range of applications, including advanced lithography, next generation batteries, high density magnetic storage media, membranes and metamaterials. A range of projects are available that will involve synthesis and/or morphological characterisation of block copolymers to advance the field of nanofabrication. Industry collaborators for some projects may include The Dow Chemical Company. Block copolymers can also be used to tune interfacial interactions.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Book Chapter

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Other Outputs

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Nanomaterials for Bioapplications: from Inorganic Nanoparticles to Polymeric Nanoparticles

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Novel polymeric membranes for CO2 capture and electrical conversion

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Innovative polymer materials for next-generation lithography

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Fluoropolymeric Ionic Conductors for Battery Technologues

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Low fouling surfaces for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) devices

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Novel low-fouling biopolymers for biomedical applications

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Next-generation Lithography - Photo-directing Assembly of Block Copolymers

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Development of novel inhalable drug delivery systems that utilize albumin trafficking pathways to enhance absorption from the lungs

    Master Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Understanding the role of fluorine in advanced energy applications

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Developing innovative protein-polymer conjugates for advanced treatment of diseases

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Highly efficient, selective and reusable technology for long-term implementation of PFAS capture

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • development of accurate quantitative methods for microplastics in the terrestrial and marine environments

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Improving the Delivery Efficiency of Nanomedicines to Tumour Tissue

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

Completed Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Polymer Theranostics: Imaging a Treatment in vivo

    Molecular imaging has had a profound influence on modern diagnostics and has helped drive the evolving field of nanomedicine. "Theranostics", the portmanteau of therapy and diagnostics, is one sub-section of nanomedicine and offers the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of a therapy using molecular imaging techniques - this may be achieved by monitoring drug release from a polymeric carrier, defining tumour boundaries or quantifying necrosis. In this project we will develop biocompatible polymeric devices that target a specific disease state in vivo, and subsequently deliver a therapy to treat that disease using various biological stimuli. The effectiveness of treatment will then be monitored using molecular imaging. This will involve utilising advanced chemistries for both the synthesis of the polymer-drug composites, and subsequent ligation of cell-targeting and imaging moieties. The polymeric architecture will be investigated by techniques such as NMR, GPC-MALLS, DLS, HPLC, UV-VIS etc. The polymeric device will incorporate imaging components for modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT) and optical imaging to definitively locate and monitor tumour regression.

  • Novel Block Copolymer for Lithographic Applications

    In recent years, block copolymers have created new opportunities as alternative nano-scale pattern templates for lithography applications. Block copolymers are particularly attractive because the self directed assembly of domain structures in thin films can produce an array of template patterns in the range of 5-50nm. It is well established that the ideal block copolymer must exhibit both a high value of polymer-polymer interaction parameter (c) and one highly etch resistant block. We have identified from the structure-property models that we have developed, that the polystyrene-block-polyester copolymer is a good candidate. Hence in this project, a range of interesting chemistries will be utilized for the synthesis of the block copolymer including ring opening polymerisation, living radical polymerization and some monomer preparation, in addition to characterization by various advanced techniques such as NMR, GPC, thermal analysis and vibrational spectroscopy. The thin film phase separated morphology will be investigated with respect to the surface interaction between the substrate and block copolymer by using high resolution scanning electron microscopy and XPS.

  • Self-assembly of Block polymers for Applications in Nanofabrication and for Tuning Interfacial Interactions

    Block copolymers (BCPs) are comprised of two distinct, but covalently linked polymer chains, which under certain circumstances form structures that are on the order of nanometers. By controlling the orientation and/or morphology of block copolymer domains it is possible to use them as a nanofabrication template in a range of applications, including advanced lithography, next generation batteries, high density magnetic storage media, membranes and metamaterials. A range of projects are available that will involve synthesis and/or morphological characterisation of block copolymers to advance the field of nanofabrication. Industry collaborators for some projects may include The Dow Chemical Company. Block copolymers can also be used to tune interfacial interactions.

  • Understanding Architecture Effect of Fluoropolymers on Their 19F MRI Properties

    Despite the wide use of metal-based MRI contrast agents such as gadolinium chelates in the clinic, safety concerns have been raised regarding their potential toxic effects resulting from long-term in vivo retention. This has driven the development of organic metal-free contrast agents in various forms for use in MRI. Fluoropolymers, polymers containing fluorine, are very promising candidates as organic metal-free MRI contrast agents. However, the clinical application of fluoropolymers as 19F MRI contrast agents has been greatly limited due to insufficient imaging sensitivity of current fluoropolymers. This project aims to boost the imaging sensitivity of 19F MRI by controlling the architecture of synthesised fluoropolymers. The project will highlight the important relationship between the architecture and properties of fluoropolymers, contributing to the development of advanced fluoropolymers as 19F MRI contrast agent with clinical potential.

  • Nanofunctional Surfaces for Control of the Biological Interface

    Biomaterials support, repair or protect the human body. The surface of the biomaterial interacts with the body’s immune system, or for external devices with pathogens. Control of the surface and how it interacts with the biological system is essential for effectiveness in its intended application. This project aims to develop innovative strategies for surface functionalisation using polymers that can either augment or attenuate the body’s response to the material. Two focus applications, namely anti-microbial surfaces and functional titanium alloys have been identified for the development of the novel surface treatments. The projects will build effective pathways from materials science to pre-clinical evaluation, and will provide training in synthetic chemistry, biomaterials science and pre-clinical testing.

  • Novel Biologically-Responsive MRI Agents

    The development of MRI imaging agents has been central to the rise of MRI as a leading medical diagnostic tool. An MRI imaging agent is a molecular adjunct which enables enhanced image definition and reduced imaging times, as well as mapping of specific cell types. In this project new imaging agents will be developed which respond to specific biological triggers relevant to diseases, for e.g. changes in pH, ionic strength, oxygen tension, redox environment and temperature. The project will involve synthesis of novel functional polymers using controlled radical polymerisation methods and testing of these molecules as imaging agents in animal models. The project is supported by the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council and involves extensive national and international collaboration. The student will receive training in polymer chemistry, NMR and MRI and biomedical sciences. This project is suitable for PhD and Honours students.

  • MRI Imaging Agents for Disease Detection

    The aim of this project is to develop new magnetic resonance (MR) molecular imaging strategies that will enable the in vivo monitoring of biological processes. Specifically we shall develop novel polymers for imaging of early markers of diseases such as melanoma, prostate cancer, malignant glioma and Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically the project involves the synthesis of new partly-fluorinated polymers having controlled architecture for the rapidly developing field of 19F MRI. The project aims to relate the structure of the macromolecules, determined carefully using advanced techniques such as NMR, light scattering, GPC, AFM and electron microscopy, to the performance as imaging agents. The agents will be tested in small animal (mouse) models of disease already developed by this group and our collaborators.

  • Light, pH and Ion Responsive Hydrogels

    The ability to actively change shape is essential to all kinds of living organisms. For example, the Venus flytrap closes its leaves in less than seconds to efficiently catch flies, and pine cones open their scales when the environment is dry to release their seeds. Inspired by such phenomena, numerous studies have aimed to develop artificial smart materials which can undergo shape transformations under the action of an external stimulus. Among the various classes of shape-changing materials, hydrogels are particularly attractive because of the potential for significant changes in volume under diverse external stimuli, and the potential for programmable complex shape changes. The interesting properties of hydrogels make them candidates for diverse applications in many fields, such as in soft robotics, artificial muscles, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and drug or cell delivery devices. In this project we explore an innovative approach to spatially varying properties of hydrogels so that they undergo rapid and reversible shape changes on exposure to external stimuli.

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media in the following fields:

Magnetic resonance of materials, Materials science, Polymer chemistry, Chemistry - polymer, Biopolymers, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Lithography, Hydrogels, Drug delivery, Physical chemistry, MRI, NMR, Biomaterials

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

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ResearcherID: E-6172-2011

ORCID: 0000-0002-1948-8355

Personal Profile: Link

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