RESEARCH INTERESTS

Dr Nisbet’s research lies in the field of neural and bone tissue engineering. More specifically, his research deals with the fabrication of synthetic cellular microenvironments that support cellular adhesion and promote stem cell differentiation.  A brief description of both his neural and bone tissue engineering projects are outlined below.

NEURAL TISSUE ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Dr Nisbet is investigating the feasibility of using biodegradable electrospun nanofibres and injectable hydrogels (synthetic and natural) for the repair of damaged neural pathways within the brain and spinal cord. His approach is to attempt to fabricate a synthetic niche microenvironment for endogenous cells, whilst optimising the interfacial features to providing biochemical and biological support (i.e. a combination strategy utilizing tethered growth factors and stem cells for in vivo regeneration).

BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Here, Dr Nisbet is working on new biomimetic coatings for hip prosthesis’.  He is developing new, tough coatings for the implants with the aim of improving mechanical and bone fixation properties. The microstructure of the coating is based on that at physiological bone, with a combination of degradable polymer, biologically active nanoparticles and growth factors.  Such microstructures are achieved using the simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying technologies.

COLLABORATIONS

• Dr John Forsythe - Materials Engineering, Monash University.
• Prof. George Simon – Material Engineering, Monash University.
• Prof. Malcolm Horne – Howard Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne.
• Prof. David Finkelstein – The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria.
• Dr Clare Parish – Howard Florey Institute, The University of Melbourne.
• Dr James Bourne – Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University.
• Prof. Molly Shoichet – The University of Toronto, Canada.
• Dr Nick Birbilis – Materials Engineering, Monash Univeristy.
• Dr Wei Shen – Australian Pulp and Paper Institute.
• Dr Ben Muir – CSIRO Clayton.
• Dr Keith Mc Lean – CSIRO Clayton.
• Prof. Andrew Whittaker – Centre for Magnetic Resonance and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
• Dr Firas Rasoul - Centre for Magnetic Resonance and Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.

• RESEARCH GROUP
• PUBLICATIONS
• MEDIA ATTENTION

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