Joanne Macdonald Australian Society for Microbiology Annual Scientific Meeting 2018

Joanne Macdonald

Dr. Joanne Macdonald is Associate Professor, Molecular Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and the founder and Chief Technology Officer of BioCifer Pty Ltd, a molecular diagnostics company. Her research applies molecular engineering and synthetic biology towards reducing the burden of human and animal diseases. Most recently, her research team has developed rapid and accurate field-friendly molecular diagnostic technology and trialled it for the detection of major global pathogens, including Plasmodium (Malaria), as well as Dengue, Zika, Nipah, Hendra, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. After completing a $2.5 million DMTC-funded diagnostic manufacturing project, Dr. Macdonald's first product diagnostic product was released for sale in 2022. The product, TNA-Cifer Reagent E, enables simple 2-10 min field-friendly sample preparation of DNA and RNA, for subsequent PCR or isothermal amplification and detection. The DMTC project was recognized with a National Innovation Award High Commendation at the Land Forces exhibition (Brisbane, 2022) and a Project Leadership award at the DMTC Awards for Excellence (Canberra, 2023). Extending beyond diagnostics, Dr. Macdonald’s past research also includes an automata made from DNA able to play tic-tac-toe interactively with a human opponent. This was extended into a visual DNA-based interface for generating fluorescent text displays, providing a means to interpret molecular signals without requiring electronic computers. She has also researched engineered cells for toxin detection and detoxification. As part of this research, she co-developed an enzyme drug for treating cocaine overdose, which obtained Breakthrough Drug Therapy designation from the FDA. The focus of Dr. Macdonald’s molecular engineering and synthetic biology research is to not only advance biotechnology, but to address critical challenges in human and animal health. Her research seeks to develop tools that empower communities and improve management of human, agricultural and environmental health.