Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery (BOBIM)

section heading graphic   Overview

The Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery (BOBIM) was established in 1970 with the twin aims of providing expertise in reconstructive microsurgery and postgraduate training of surgeons in such techniques. Under Professor Wayne Morrison, the BOBIM has expanded into the area of basic scientific research and has recruited high calibre staff in the fields of tissue engineering and cancer research.

The research activities of the Institute have focussed on the following areas of investigation:

Tissue engineering: The growing of human tissue for use in transplantation and surgical reconstruction. This is the main focus of our research efforts at the Institute and we are internationally recognised for our achievements.

Inflammation: Our studies aim to discover the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage functions since knowledge of fundamental biological processes will ultimately result in better treatment of patients following trauma and surgery.

Nerve repair and regeneration: The Jack Brockhoff Laboratory is dedicated to researching the mechanisms by which injured nerves and muscles regenerate.

Blood vessel biology: Successful outcomes for surgery depend upon a good blood supply to nourish repaired and transplanted tissue. We are trying to get a better idea of how blood vessels develop in new tissue, and how to manipulate blood vessels.

Prostate carcinoma. Very few human prostate cancer cell lines exist and, in collaboration with Onyvax, Inc., we are developing new ones. We also have developed the only known model for osteosclerotic bone metastasis. Characterisation of this model may provide important leads for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

section heading graphic   Competitive Advantages

The Institute has successfully developed and patented a process for growing new vascularised tissue in an animal model. Together with our collaborators, we hope to adapt this new technology to humans within the next 5 years.

We were also successful in attracting a sizeable contract from Onyvax, Inc., (UK) for the generation of new prostate cancer cell lines which may be used in prostate cancer vaccines.

Direct links to clinical practice – the Institute Director is Chief of Plastic Surgery and 4-5 clinical Fellows train each year in the clinic and the laboratory.

Potential for expansion with an entire floor ready to be outfitted.

Modern, well-equipped facilities, including large animal facility.

section heading graphic   Technology

Proprietary tissue engineering chamber with potential for application to multiple tissue types.

section heading graphic   Corporate Alliances/Partnerships

Partners

University of Melbourne, Departments of Chemical Engineering and Surgery
Monash University
CSIRO
Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute
St. Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne
FibroGen, Inc

Partnering Opportunities

Partnership for the development and commercialisation of specific tissue engineering outcomes in our chamber (eg. adipose tissue for defect repair).

Partnering Needs

Commercialisation know-how and infrastructure support.

Contact Person Professor Wayne A. Morrison Microsurgery Foundation Logo
Job Title Director
Address 42 Fitzroy Street
City/Suburb Fitzroy
Victoria 3065 Australia
Email morriswa@svhm.org.au
Phone +61 3 9288 4018
Fax +61 3 9416 0926
Website Address www.bobim.org

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