University of Queensland spin-out company to develop medical gels from spinifex grass using traditional Indigenous knowledge

Traditional indigenous knowledge of spinifex grass from the Queensland outback will be used by a University of Queensland spin-out company to develop innovative medical gels that can be used to treat medical conditions.

Following an agreement between Bulugudu Ltd (owned by the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu people) and UniQuest, Trioda Wilingi Pty Ltd will use cellulose nano-fibres extracted from spinifex to develop injectable medical gels, which can then be used to treat arthritis and osteoarthritis, help deliver drugs more efficiently to the body and in cosmetic procedures.

As part of the agreement, a percentage of all royalties will go into an Indigenous education fund at UQ, to enhance training and education opportunities for Indigenous Australians.  

Spinifex grass is a sacred symbol of resilience and was traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for building materials, weapons and household goods.

Due to the grass’ unique source of flexible cellulose nano-fibres (CNF) of very high yield, toughness and tensile strength, UQ researcher Professor Darren Martin and his team at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), working in collaboration with the Dugalunji Aboriginal Corporation, have found that it is ideal for creating high-value medical gels, cement, stronger recycled paper, mortars, grouts and even rubber products.

Trioda Wilingi Pty Ltd...