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Sally Gras
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The Gras group study peptide self-assembly and the formation of non-native protein structures, such as amyloid fibrils. They are exploring how fibril-like nanostructures made from synthetic precursors can be used to make new materials for biotechnology and nanotechnology applications. The group are also using peptides on surfaces and particles to modulate surface forces, introduce functionality and prevent bio-fouling. A further use of peptides is as anti-inflammatory agents to increase biomaterial compatibility and promote adipose tissue regeneration in vivo for tissue engineering. A second major theme in the laboratory is functional dairy products. They have a small scale (500 g) cheese making facility and are examining the chemical, physical and biological determinants of cheese and curd microstructure. They are also creating high value nutraceuticals from lactose in milk. Techniques include: Peptide synthesis, protein characterisation techniques (FTIR, CD, fibre X-ray diffraction), microscopy techniques (Confocal, TEM, SEM, cryo-SEM, and AFM). Cell lines are cultured for cell adhesion, migration and cytotoxicity studies and the group has large scale (>5L) fermentation capacity for bacterial and mammalian expression systems. They also analyse oligosaccharide samples and conduct rheological and textural analysis of curd and cheese. Sally Gras BioDr Sally Gras is a lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at The University of Melbourne where she teaches Metabolic Engineering. This second year undergraduate subject begins with cell metabolism and teaches Chemical Engineering students how to systematically alter cell metabolism to create new bioproducts on a large scale in reactors. She is also a research group leader at the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute. Dr Gras received her Ph.D. in protein misfolding from Cambridge University in the UK under the supervision of Dr Cait Macphee and Professor Chris Dobson and her B.Sc. (biochemistry and molecular biology) and B.Eng. (Chemical) degrees from The University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on four themes: protein self-assembly and misfolding, tissue engineering, fermentation science and diary science. Gras Research GroupResearch Staff
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Sally Gras
T: (+61 3) 8344 2259 / 6281
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