Evolution Mining is powering gold’s unique medicinal benefits through its partnership with The University of Queensland (UQ), to propel the use of gold nano sensors in early cancer detection and research into long haul COVID-19 immune response.
Evolution first supported UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) to develop a rapid cancer test using gold nanoparticles in 2019.
Their philanthropic support helped enable gold samples to be used in the fabrication of gold nanoparticles and gold electrodes, helping researchers optimise the gold nanoparticles blood test that reveals early signs of cancer.
Evolution Mining’s Vice President Sustainability Fiona Murfitt said the research partnership aligned with their commitment and values-led approach to supporting people and communities where they operate.
“Evolution is pleased to be able to support this Australian research and Australian innovation using Australian gold. We are eager to share our innovative partnership with UQ with the rest of the gold industry.
“UQ’s research offers an opportunity for Evolution to contribute to the health of the communities we operate in, to the wider world, and to demonstrate the relevance of gold now and in the future through an innovative project,” said Ms Murfitt.
UQ AIBN researchers Dr Abu Sina, Dr Laura Carrascosa and Professor Matt Trau have successfully used gold for cancer detection.
While analysing patterns of molecules in DNA signatures (methyl groups), cancer cells caused molecules to cluster together in specific locations and fold up into three-dimensional nanostructures that stick to gold.
“The inertness of gold, as well as its unique chemical and physical properties makes it ideal for many of our medical applications,” Professor Trau said.
UQ AIBN Senior Group Leader Professor Matt Trau said that they have progressed deeper with their research since the 2019 boost.
“Having developed the technology for cancer applications, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we pivoted our attention to the development of the Immuno-Storm Chip in order to try and help the exponentially growing number of acute and long haul COVID-19 patients.
“Because this technology is able to monitor the immune system over-response at 1000 times greater sensitivity than conventional technology, from a small drop of blood, it is now beginning to open up many other opportunities for medical applications in other dangerous infectious diseases,” said Professor Trau.
Professor Trau further expressed their gratitude for Evolution Mining’s contribution.
“In a climate where research funding for blue sky projects is shrinking, the funding received from Evolution Mining was absolutely pivotal to stabilise and grow our research.
“It was also pivotal to receive these precious funds to continue to grow our work during the COVID-19 economic downturn/uncertainty. We are so grateful to Evolution mining,” Professor Trau said.