Inflammation

The impact of sorghum phenolic compounds on risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono & A/Prof Abishek Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: cardiovascular disease, ischaemia reperfusion injury, mitochondrial dynamics, antioxidants, polyphenols
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of global mortality, largely driven by modifiable factors such as diet and exercise. Integrating bioactive-rich cereal grains into the diet is an emerging strategy to support cardiovascular health.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a climate-resilient staple in Africa and Asia that promotes food security. While its general health benefits are well documented, its role in reducing CVD risk—especially in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury, preserving cardiac mitochondrial function, and maintaining endothelial integrity—remains underexplored. Moreover, the influence of sorghum on neutrophil extracellular traps, key mediators in CVD progression, is not yet fully understood.

This study will fill these gaps by examining how sorghum-derived phenolic compounds impact CVD risk factors. Polyphenols will be extracted from whole grain sorghum and identified using UHPLC-Online ABTS and LC-MS/QTOF. In vitro models will assess their effects on molecular pathways linked to cardiovascular health using transcriptomic and proteomic techniques.

Findings will support the therapeutic potential of sorghum, expand its agricultural value, and drive innovation in heart-protective functional foods.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

Development of Synthetic Carbohydrate Biomimetics as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prophylactics

Primary Supervisor: Dr David Leaver
Co-supervisors: Dr. Doaa Hanafy
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: UTI, carbohydrates, biomimetics
Study Availability: Available until December 2027
Research Group: Medical Sciences

Synopsis:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by gram-negative uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and present a significant health burden for women with approximately 20 million cases reported annually. Approximately 20-40% of women treated with antibiotics will have at least one recurrence within 6 months of initial diagnosis which results in a loss of 2 billion dollars per year in the US alone. The main goal of this project is to develop novel antagonists of the mannose-binding type I pilus adhesin FimH, which is required to colonize the bladder epithelium during UTIs.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr David Leaver

The interplay between hEDS, MCAS, POTS and fibromyalgia

Primary Supervisor: Dr Boris Budiono
Location: All campuses
Keywords: ehlers-danlos syndrome, inflammation, mast cell activation, syndrome, POTS, fibromyalgia
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where mast cells inappropriately and excessively release chemical mediators, namely histamine, that result in inflammatory responses and symptoms such as hives or flushing, to anaphylaxis. This project aims to determine the linkages between three distinct syndromes (MCAS, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS), and fibromyalgia) that are commonly found in certain individuals with connective tissue disorder, hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). We will investigate the literature to find current evidence of linkage, and to determine future directions in research in an evidence-based manner.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Boris Budiono

Nutraceuticals for protection against neurodegenerative diseases

Primary Supervisor: Dr Doaa Hanafy
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, aging, cell culture, gene expression, neuroprotective, neurodegeneration, protein expression
Research Group: Food as Medicine Research Group

Synopsis:
Neurodegeneration is a major pathological feature of many disorders collectively known as neurodegenerative disorders that include, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. Millions of people are affected by neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. AD is a multifactorial progressive disease characterised by cholinergic neuronal apoptotic death in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex in the brain responsible for memory, learning and cognition. Hence, a declining capacity to recall new information is one of the early signs of AD. Current pharmacotherapeutics are only palliative.

Plants and their secondary metabolites are a promising source for drug discovery for improving memory and cognitive performance. Hence, the search for natural neuroprotective agents targeting the factors that lead to AD development, such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, accumulation of abnormal proteins, is essential. A number of cell-free and enzyme inhibition assays along with cell culture-based assays are utilised. In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis are carried out to determine the effect on the gene and protein expressions of the signalling pathways implicated in the disease.

Relevant publications

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting Dr Doaa Hanafy

The protective effects of dietary polyphenols in human health and disease

Primary Supervisor: A/Prof Abi Santhakumar
Location: Wagga Wagga
Keywords: polyphenols, haematology, antioxidants, food, nutrition, phenolic extracts, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
Research Group: Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group

Synopsis:
This research project explores the role of dietary polyphenols in promoting human health and preventing disease. Polyphenols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in plant-based foods, have demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. This study will investigate their protective effects on key health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, using a combination of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experimental approaches.

Under the supervision of A/Prof Abi Santhakumar, this research aligns with the Food as Medicine (FAM) Research Group, focusing on the intersection of nutrition, haematology, and chronic disease prevention. The project will assess the bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of polyphenol-rich foods and phenolic extracts.

Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities across Wagga Wagga and all campuses to conduct multidisciplinary investigations. This project is ideal for candidates interested in antioxidants, haematology, medical laboratory science, and clinical nutrition.

Interested? Start the conversation here by contacting A/Prof Abi Santhakumar