Advanced glycation endproducts - I am interested in understanding the mechanism linking diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE), a multiligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface receptor for AGEs and amyloid-beta peptides. Current focus examines the molecular mechanism linking diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The role of natural products as an alternative therapeutic approach is also investigated.

Research collaboration: this work is done in collaboration with Prof. Michael Fenech, CSIRO, Dr Susan Semple, UniSA, Dr Michael Netzel, The University of Queensland and Nutrafruit, Qld.

Food Safety and Quality – with ever increasing incidences of foodborne disease, hence continuous identification of novel peptides with antimicrobial properties. In addition, in food processing, strict monitoring process and new sanitizers are explored to reduce the microbial levels reducing the risk of foodborne outbreak. Current research in this area focuses on: (1) use of natural products as antimicrobial inhibitors in cook-chill and ready-to-eat products: (2) assessment of new food sanitizers in reducing microbial contamination in seafood, minimally processed salads and meat; and (3) monitoring and evaluation of critical control and quality control point in food processing

Research collaboration: this work is done in collaboration with Prof. D. Trott, University of Adelaide, ECAS4 Pty Ltd, and food industries.