Developing new polymer materials and tools for cancer research

Brendan Hung | PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.”

Brendan completed a Bachelor of Materials Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University in 2023. Now a biomedical engineering PhD candidate, he is keen to find the answer to Colorectal Cancer (CRC).

He says “Whilst significant advancements have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers over the past few decades, there remains immense potential for further progress.”

New models, new materials, new approaches

Brendan’s PhD research is about creating new in vitro models to gain a deeper understanding of CRC. He explains “I am developing new polymeric hydrogels to support the growth of ‘mini guts’, otherwise known as intestinal organoids, which will be used to investigate very aggressive CRC behaviours.

We aim to better understand how cellular and environmental cues trigger the emergence of phenomena such as chemotherapy resistance. Beyond this, we hope that the findings will help uncover novel diagnostic or treatment strategies, and that the materials and models developed will be translated to study cancers in other organs across the body.”

The convergence of engineering, biology and polymer science

After participating in various research projects, Brendan knew his focus lay in developing new hydrogels that could be applied to a biomedical application. He says “It was serendipitous timing to be able to do my Honours project at the intersection of hydrogel engineering and intestinal organoid biology, which had been a long-time interest of mine.”

In 2024 Brendan was awarded the Ezio Rizzardo Polymers Scholarship by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. The Scholarship recognises the potential impact of an outstanding PhD candidate in polymer science or engineering.

Of this achievement he notes “This has been a wonderful recognition of the potential impact of my work and is a great motivator for me, and I am very grateful. I hope to also use the travel grant to collaborate internationally, bringing this project to the wider world as well. I was also granted the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship which supported me in focusing on my research.”

Future Aspirations

Beyond anticipated completion of his PhD in 2027, Brendan hopes to continue working at the intersection of biomedical science and engineering.

He says “Five years ago, I wouldn’t have pictured myself developing new polymer materials and tools for cancer research. In retrospect, the convergence of my personal connection, knowledge, skills and interests has been a driving force to make a tangible difference in an area that means a lot to me. Continuing to ask questions and maintaining a mindset of curiosity are very important to me, as is finding a niche where I can make a positive impact.”

Find out more about the Bachelor of Materials Engineering (Honours) degree and Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.