DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL ANALYTICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS USING NANOTECHNOLOGY AND MICROFLUIDICS
With
Dr Alain Wuethrich
NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology,
The University of Queensland
Brisbane, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Brisbane | June 2025
Dr Alain Wuethrich is an NHMRC Emerging Leader fellow and ARC DECRA awardee at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology.
Hailing from Switzerland, research focuses on the development of novel analytical and diagnostic tools that harness nanotechnology and microfluidics; two rapidly growing fields with high potential to provide diagnostic solutions needed for precision medicine.
A feature of his work has been the ability to translate discoveries at the nanoscale into highly innovative diagnostics that enable the precise study of biomolecular aberrations in cancer, infectious diseases, and human immune system.
His particular research expertise lies in:
– Liquid biopsy
– Electrohydrodynamics
– Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
– Nanotechnology
– Diagnostics
Dr Wuethrich held positions in international pharmaceutical companies and became lead inventor on a European patent.
He has actively engaged with national and international companies to translate diagnostic nanotechnologies. His network of national and international collaborators include the Princess Alexandra Hospital, UQ Diamantina Institute, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, QIMR Berghofer, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Since 2017 he has provided continuous research mentoring to the group and has supervised more than 30 postgraduate and graduate students in nanotechnological strategies to detect cancer and other diseases.
In May 2024 Dr Wuethrich won a $1.6 million NHMRC Emerging Leader 2 grant to develop digital nanotechnology capable of detecting trace immune dysregulation from a pin-prick of blood.
He says understanding immune dysregulation is crucial for addressing emerging diseases like Long Covid and for future-proofing immune-modulating mRNA vaccines.
“The technology we have in mind will be 1000 times more sensitive than conventional methods,” Dr Wuethrich said.
“Hopefully, this will lead to a better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases like long COVID, and the development of personalised vaccines with greatly reduced side effects.”
Dr Wuethrich is one of two Investigator Grant winners currently working with Professor Matt Trau.
Source: Supplied
-
CASE STUDY Next Generation Condom Contraception
Eudaemon Technologies, an early-stage medtech company with a focus on sexual reproductive health, is developing a hydrogel condom to address the need for a better feeling, next generation condom, with the potential to improve user experience and address issues with traditional latex condoms.
“Over 1 million STI’s being diagnosed every day and up to 120 million unplanned pregnancies every year result in a $60 billion health burden across the globe”, says Co-Founder and Executive Director of Operations, Dr Simon Cook.
Formed in 2018, the company focuses on developing tough hydrogels as an alternative to address issues with odour, colour, and taste commonly associated with latex condoms. This technology can be loaded with small molecule drugs for flavours or anti-STI compounds, and was developed in response to a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address unplanned pregnancies and STIs.
-
New treatments for patients with mental illness
Associate Professor Bernadette Fitzgibbon is a neuroscientist with several decades of experience in researching, developing, and translating novel therapies for mental health and chronic pain conditions. This includes the application and optimisation of brain stimulation and psychedelic therapies, overseeing large multi-site intervention trials, both within Australia and abroad. Through her work, she has developed meaningful collaborations with consumers, volunteers, policy makers, and services providers, ensuring that the outcomes of her work contribute towards real-world clinical impact.
-
Healthier Food Retail
Professor Anna Peeters AM is a globally recognised public health leader whose career has spanned academia, policy and health system reform, with a strong focus on prevention and health equity. She is the CEO of VicHealth, bringing decades of experience in epidemiology, population health and evidence-based health promotion.
