Sara Andres

Antimicrobial resistance arises through multiple mechanisms, one of which is the ability of bacteria to survive DNA damage. The Andres lab research interests are to understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms behind bacterial DNA damage response and repair pathways that contribute to microbial survival.  We utilize a combination of structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to determine the unique and critical protein and nucleic acid interactions in these pathways that can be targeted for new therapeutic strategies aimed at drug resistant infections.

Sara Andres

Antimicrobial resistance arises through multiple mechanisms, one of which is the ability of bacteria to survive DNA damage. The Andres lab research interests are to understand the fundamental molecular mechanisms behind bacterial DNA damage response and repair pathways that contribute to microbial survival.  We utilize a combination of structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to determine the unique and critical protein and nucleic acid interactions in these pathways that can be targeted for new therapeutic strategies aimed at drug resistant infections.

John Brash

A major theme of our studies is the interfacial behavior of proteins which is of great importance in biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical devices. Many of the products of biotechnology are genetically engineered proteins – e.g. insulin and growth factors. Processing presents unique problems due to the instability of these complex macro-molecules. For example, chromatography involving interaction of the proteins with solid surfaces is often used in final purification but can lead to molecular distortion and a biologically inactive, even though pure, product. An example in the medical devices field is blood compatible materials for arterial grafts, blood pumps and heart valves. A major unsolved problem here is blood coagulation/thrombosis believed to be initiated by the adsorption of plasma proteins to the surface of the implant. In these contexts we are studying the adsorption of a range of proteins using tube flow, serum replacement (equivalent to CSTR), and packed column experiments in conjunction with radiolabelled proteins. Media range from buffered solutions to blood. Specific interests are the kinetics, equilibria and reversibility of adsorption and changes in the structure and biologic function of adsorbed proteins. A prime objective is to correlate specific interactions with surface properties, e.g. wettability, electric charge, chemical composition. Materials for study, mostly polymers, are synthesized in the laboratory or are acquired from collaborating research groups around the world.

John Brash

A major theme of our studies is the interfacial behavior of proteins which is of great importance in biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical devices. Many of the products of biotechnology are genetically engineered proteins – e.g. insulin and growth factors. Processing presents unique problems due to the instability of these complex macro-molecules. For example, chromatography involving interaction of the proteins with solid surfaces is often used in final purification but can lead to molecular distortion and a biologically inactive, even though pure, product. An example in the medical devices field is blood compatible materials for arterial grafts, blood pumps and heart valves. A major unsolved problem here is blood coagulation/thrombosis believed to be initiated by the adsorption of plasma proteins to the surface of the implant. In these contexts we are studying the adsorption of a range of proteins using tube flow, serum replacement (equivalent to CSTR), and packed column experiments in conjunction with radiolabelled proteins. Media range from buffered solutions to blood. Specific interests are the kinetics, equilibria and reversibility of adsorption and changes in the structure and biologic function of adsorbed proteins. A prime objective is to correlate specific interactions with surface properties, e.g. wettability, electric charge, chemical composition. Materials for study, mostly polymers, are synthesized in the laboratory or are acquired from collaborating research groups around the world.

John Brennan

John Brennan, a Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at Mcmaster University, is holder of the Canada Research Chair in Bioanalytical Chemistry and Biointerfaces and Director of the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster. He is an expert in fluorescence spectroscopy, LC/MS, sol-gel chemistry and protein immobilization. Dr. Brennan an associate editor for Trends. Anal. Chep. and on the editorial advisory boards of Analytical Chemistry and J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol.

His research team develops bioanalytical instrumentation in the area of biosensors, bioaffinity chromatography media, microarrays and drug screening. Dr. Brennan has supervised over 80 trainees, published over 140 peer-reviewed papers, and has several patents in the areas of sol-gel materials, protein immobilization, high throughput screening methods and bioactive paper.

John Brennan

John Brennan, a Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at Mcmaster University, is holder of the Canada Research Chair in Bioanalytical Chemistry and Biointerfaces and Director of the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster. He is an expert in fluorescence spectroscopy, LC/MS, sol-gel chemistry and protein immobilization. Dr. Brennan an associate editor for Trends. Anal. Chep. and on the editorial advisory boards of Analytical Chemistry and J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol.

His research team develops bioanalytical instrumentation in the area of biosensors, bioaffinity chromatography media, microarrays and drug screening. Dr. Brennan has supervised over 80 trainees, published over 140 peer-reviewed papers, and has several patents in the areas of sol-gel materials, protein immobilization, high throughput screening methods and bioactive paper.

The Bujold group is developing nucleic acid-based nanostructures as carriers for therapeutics to address unmet needs in drug delivery. More specifically, our group is interested in the development of backbone-modified nucleic acids and nanostructures to improve their cellular uptake properties and ability to reach difficult-to-access intracellular targets.

The Bujold group is developing nucleic acid-based nanostructures as carriers for therapeutics to address unmet needs in drug delivery. More specifically, our group is interested in the development of backbone-modified nucleic acids and nanostructures to improve their cellular uptake properties and ability to reach difficult-to-access intracellular targets.

Lori Burrows

The Burrows lab is interested in the interaction of bacteria with surfaces, the first step of any infection, and biofilms – antibiotic and disinfectant tolerant populations. We study twitching motility, a form of directed bacterial movement across surfaces, and the unique ‘grappling hook’ machinery that bacteria use for this movement. We investigate genetic and chemical means of preventing or dispersing biofilms. We are interested in the synthesis and turnover of peptidoglycan (the bacterial skeleton); it’s an outstanding drug target, unique to bacteria, but how bacteria control its properties is poorly understood.

Lori Burrows

The Burrows lab is interested in the interaction of bacteria with surfaces, the first step of any infection, and biofilms – antibiotic and disinfectant tolerant populations. We study twitching motility, a form of directed bacterial movement across surfaces, and the unique ‘grappling hook’ machinery that bacteria use for this movement. We investigate genetic and chemical means of preventing or dispersing biofilms. We are interested in the synthesis and turnover of peptidoglycan (the bacterial skeleton); it’s an outstanding drug target, unique to bacteria, but how bacteria control its properties is poorly understood.

Fred Capretta

Dr. Capletta’s research concentrates on the development of new synthetic methodologies and preparation of biologically active molecules. His lab develops atom-economical synthetic methods for the facile generation of novel molecular frameworks, and synthetic protocols for the parallel synthesis of small molecule libraries for use in the drug discovery and as biological probes. Dr. Capretta is the Director of the Chemical Biology Graduate Program as well as an active member of the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research and the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster University.

Fred Capretta

Dr. Capletta’s research concentrates on the development of new synthetic methodologies and preparation of biologically active molecules. His lab develops atom-economical synthetic methods for the facile generation of novel molecular frameworks, and synthetic protocols for the parallel synthesis of small molecule libraries for use in the drug discovery and as biological probes. Dr. Capretta is the Director of the Chemical Biology Graduate Program as well as an active member of the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research and the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster University.

Charles de Lannoy

My research is pioneering advanced separations and coupled reaction techniques for environmental and biological systems. Separations and purifications are critical for a wide range of aqueous-based engineered systems including desalination, water and wastewater treatment, protein purification, vaccine production, juice, wine and beer processing, and many other applications. As a world leader in applying electrochemical techniques for the purification, separation, and catalytic reaction of complex environmental systems, my focus is often on the surface interactions of materials with various bacteria and proteins. My primary research focuses on the development of advanced materials and the application of these materials to environmental solutions. These advanced materials include membranes, thin films, nano- and micro-fibrous filters, nanomaterials and nano-sorbents. My lab uses these materials for bio-separations, aerosol filtration, novel techniques to prevent biofouling on surfaces, and protein separations. Since early 2020, several of these separations have focused on aerosol filtration in the form of masks, respirators, and other fibrous filters. Many of these projects are in collaboration with industrial partners in the water, wastewater, and desalination fields, as well as with First Nations groups. Since 2020, several of my projects are in collaboration with mask and respirator manufacturers, hospitals, public health institutions, and other NGO and non-profit organizations.

Charles de Lannoy

My research is pioneering advanced separations and coupled reaction techniques for environmental and biological systems. Separations and purifications are critical for a wide range of aqueous-based engineered systems including desalination, water and wastewater treatment, protein purification, vaccine production, juice, wine and beer processing, and many other applications. As a world leader in applying electrochemical techniques for the purification, separation, and catalytic reaction of complex environmental systems, my focus is often on the surface interactions of materials with various bacteria and proteins. My primary research focuses on the development of advanced materials and the application of these materials to environmental solutions. These advanced materials include membranes, thin films, nano- and micro-fibrous filters, nanomaterials and nano-sorbents. My lab uses these materials for bio-separations, aerosol filtration, novel techniques to prevent biofouling on surfaces, and protein separations. Since early 2020, several of these separations have focused on aerosol filtration in the form of masks, respirators, and other fibrous filters. Many of these projects are in collaboration with industrial partners in the water, wastewater, and desalination fields, as well as with First Nations groups. Since 2020, several of my projects are in collaboration with mask and respirator manufacturers, hospitals, public health institutions, and other NGO and non-profit organizations.

Tohid Didar

My research interest is in the design and development of biofunctional interfaces for the production of a wide range of biomedical devices. The biological/non-biological interface is an important cornerstone for the fabrication of many biomedical devices. Platforms as diverse as microfluidics, lab-on-chip, 3D tissue culture scaffolds, and organs-on-chips all rely on the effective interaction of cells and/or bio-recognition elements (proteins/peptides, enzymes, antibodies, etc.) with non-biological surfaces.

The long-term objective of my research is to develop multifunctional, smart interfaces embedded in 2D or 3D microenvironments that mimic the natural micro environment of organs, provide qualitative and quantitative information about the immobilization of cells and/or biomolecules in an active state, minimize non-specific adhesion, and in effect guarantee reliability and performance of the final biomedical device. Due to the high complexity of all phenomena involved, this line of research requires a multidisciplinary approach including MEMS, nanotechnology, smart biomaterials, cellular biology, surface chemistry and development of ex vivo and in vivo models, which provides a robust platform for cutting-edge basic and translational research.

Tohid Didar

My research interest is in the design and development of biofunctional interfaces for the production of a wide range of biomedical devices. The biological/non-biological interface is an important cornerstone for the fabrication of many biomedical devices. Platforms as diverse as microfluidics, lab-on-chip, 3D tissue culture scaffolds, and organs-on-chips all rely on the effective interaction of cells and/or bio-recognition elements (proteins/peptides, enzymes, antibodies, etc.) with non-biological surfaces.

The long-term objective of my research is to develop multifunctional, smart interfaces embedded in 2D or 3D microenvironments that mimic the natural micro environment of organs, provide qualitative and quantitative information about the immobilization of cells and/or biomolecules in an active state, minimize non-specific adhesion, and in effect guarantee reliability and performance of the final biomedical device. Due to the high complexity of all phenomena involved, this line of research requires a multidisciplinary approach including MEMS, nanotechnology, smart biomaterials, cellular biology, surface chemistry and development of ex vivo and in vivo models, which provides a robust platform for cutting-edge basic and translational research.

Marie Elliot

Work in the Elliot lab focusses on Streptomyces bacteria. These soil bacteria have a remarkable multicellular life cycle, and produce an incredibly array of specialized metabolites that include most naturally-derived antibiotics. In order to fully exploit the metabolic potential of Streptomyces, it is critical that we understand how they grow, how they interact with other microbes, and how they control their metabolism. In studying these fascinating bacteria, we employ a range of bioinformatics, biochemical, cell-biological, genetic and post-genomic technologies.

Marie Elliot

Work in the Elliot lab focusses on Streptomyces bacteria. These soil bacteria have a remarkable multicellular life cycle, and produce an incredibly array of specialized metabolites that include most naturally-derived antibiotics. In order to fully exploit the metabolic potential of Streptomyces, it is critical that we understand how they grow, how they interact with other microbes, and how they control their metabolism. In studying these fascinating bacteria, we employ a range of bioinformatics, biochemical, cell-biological, genetic and post-genomic technologies.

Carlos Felipe

Carlos Filipe is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University. He obtained a B.Sc in Food Engineering in Portugal and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and Science from Clemson University in the U.S.A. His research interests are currently focused on the development of ultra-low cost sensors for water, food and health related applications. His group is also on developing methods to provide thermal and chemical stability to biological agents, such as enzymes, antibodies, phage, nucleic acids and vaccines. The overarching goals of these research efforts is to bring simple-to-use diagnostic tools to the developing world and decrease the cost of global immunization programs.

Carlos Felipe

Carlos Filipe is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University. He obtained a B.Sc in Food Engineering in Portugal and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and Science from Clemson University in the U.S.A. His research interests are currently focused on the development of ultra-low cost sensors for water, food and health related applications. His group is also on developing methods to provide thermal and chemical stability to biological agents, such as enzymes, antibodies, phage, nucleic acids and vaccines. The overarching goals of these research efforts is to bring simple-to-use diagnostic tools to the developing world and decrease the cost of global immunization programs.

Cecile Fradin

I received my university degree in Physics from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, and obtained a Ph.D. in Soft Condensed Matter working with Dr. Jean Daillant at the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA) (Saclay, France). I then redirected the focus of my research to Biophysics during my post-doctorate in the group of Dr. Michael Elbaum at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel). I started my own group at McMaster University in November 2001, on a joint position between the Physics and Astronomy department and the Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences department.

Cecile Fradin

I received my university degree in Physics from the Université Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris, and obtained a Ph.D. in Soft Condensed Matter working with Dr. Jean Daillant at the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique (CEA) (Saclay, France). I then redirected the focus of my research to Biophysics during my post-doctorate in the group of Dr. Michael Elbaum at the Weizmann Institute of Science (Rehovot, Israel). I started my own group at McMaster University in November 2001, on a joint position between the Physics and Astronomy department and the Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences department.

Fei Geng

My research interests focus upon cancer cellular mechanotransduction, tissue microenvironment, and the complex interplay between autophagy and mechanotransduction during breast cancer metastasis. The lab discoveries of my research group in Biointerfaces Institute are driven by the application of biotechnology via microfluidic device fabrication, pharmacological and genetic screening, cancer organoid development, fluorescent imaging and proteomic profiling. In our group we tailor the research to precision medicine and achieve the discovery and validation of biomarker panels for a given disease at the genomic and proteomic levels.

Fei Geng

My research interests focus upon cancer cellular mechanotransduction, tissue microenvironment, and the complex interplay between autophagy and mechanotransduction during breast cancer metastasis. The lab discoveries of my research group in Biointerfaces Institute are driven by the application of biotechnology via microfluidic device fabrication, pharmacological and genetic screening, cancer organoid development, fluorescent imaging and proteomic profiling. In our group we tailor the research to precision medicine and achieve the discovery and validation of biomarker panels for a given disease at the genomic and proteomic levels.

Kathryn Grandfield

The Grandfield Research Group focuses on the development and characterization of biomaterials for bone implant devices, such as dental and orthopaedic devices. Our research is pioneering the investigation of biointerphases within mineralized tissues and at synthetic materials with multi-dimensional and high-resolution microscopies, including electron and atom probe tomography. Projects within the Biointerfaces Institute focus on materials development and evaluation of biocompatibility of surface functionalized titanium implant systems for dental and orthopaedic applications. The insights made through this work are contributing to the design of novel materials for improved implant success, and improved understanding of healthy and pathological bone.

Kathryn Grandfield

The Grandfield Research Group focuses on the development and characterization of biomaterials for bone implant devices, such as dental and orthopaedic devices. Our research is pioneering the investigation of biointerphases within mineralized tissues and at synthetic materials with multi-dimensional and high-resolution microscopies, including electron and atom probe tomography. Projects within the Biointerfaces Institute focus on materials development and evaluation of biocompatibility of surface functionalized titanium implant systems for dental and orthopaedic applications. The insights made through this work are contributing to the design of novel materials for improved implant success, and improved understanding of healthy and pathological bone.

Drew Higgins

The Higgins group focuses on addressing sustainability challenges through the development, understanding and integration of new nanomaterials into electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, supercapacitors and batteries. A key factor that dictates the performance of these nanomaterials is the properties of their surface — particularly how their surfaces interact with inorganic and organic species. The facilities at the Biointerfaces Institute are utilized by the Higgins team for preparing and processing unique nanomaterial structures, and for understanding the surface structure and properties that can provide fundamental insight into performance capabilities.

Drew Higgins

The Higgins group focuses on addressing sustainability challenges through the development, understanding and integration of new nanomaterials into electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies, including electrolyzers, fuel cells, supercapacitors and batteries. A key factor that dictates the performance of these nanomaterials is the properties of their surface — particularly how their surfaces interact with inorganic and organic species. The facilities at the Biointerfaces Institute are utilized by the Higgins team for preparing and processing unique nanomaterial structures, and for understanding the surface structure and properties that can provide fundamental insight into performance capabilities.

Jeremy Hirota

Jeremy Hirota is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology and a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Respiratory Mucosal Immunology at McMaster University. His extensive research and understanding of in vivo, in vitro, and clinical exposure models guide the research strategy of the Hirota Lab, where he is developing an internationally recognized research program in respiratory mucosal immunology focused on lung health and disease. Jeremy is interested in studying chronic respiratory diseases and the impact of exterior factors, such as cigarette and cannabis smoke. He has received infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to advance his work on The Tissue Engineering for Advanced Medicine (TEAM) Lab: a Platform for Precision, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Medicine.  Operational support includes grants from CIHR, NSERC, and the Ontario Government. Jeremy is Co-Founder of Infinotype Inc. a health solutions company merging data sciences and biomedical research to create software solutions for disease and infection diagnosis/monitoring.

Jeremy Hirota

Jeremy Hirota is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Respirology and a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Respiratory Mucosal Immunology at McMaster University. His extensive research and understanding of in vivo, in vitro, and clinical exposure models guide the research strategy of the Hirota Lab, where he is developing an internationally recognized research program in respiratory mucosal immunology focused on lung health and disease. Jeremy is interested in studying chronic respiratory diseases and the impact of exterior factors, such as cigarette and cannabis smoke. He has received infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to advance his work on The Tissue Engineering for Advanced Medicine (TEAM) Lab: a Platform for Precision, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Medicine.  Operational support includes grants from CIHR, NSERC, and the Ontario Government. Jeremy is Co-Founder of Infinotype Inc. a health solutions company merging data sciences and biomedical research to create software solutions for disease and infection diagnosis/monitoring.

Adam Hitchcock

Biointerfaces Institute related research: My group investigates interfaces in biological systems (e.g. peptide and protein interactions with lipid membranes), as will as interfaces between biological entities (proteins, peptides and lipids) with synthetic and natural polymers in the context of biomaterials optimization. Our main tool is synchrotron based spectromicroscopy, of 2 variants: Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) and X-ray Photoemission Electron Microscopy (X-PEEM). Over the past decade 3 PhD students have graduated in the area of biomaterials studies. Other members of the BioInterfaces Institute are welcome to contact me if there is potential to advance their research using these synchrotron techniques. At present, together with Prof. Jose Moran-Mirabal, I co-supervise graduate student Jonathan West. His project is to investigate the mechanism of action of cationic antimicrobial peptides by testing the hypothesis that a major factor is charge attraction to the negatively charge lipid membranes of bacteria. We will be using BI instrumentation (XPS, Raman etc) as part of the characterization of this systep. As editor of the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, which has a long history of reporting on advances in photoelectron and related spectroscopies, I encourage members of BI to consider publishing in this journal, for projects where the XPS and XPS imaging capabilities of BI are a significant component.

Adam Hitchcock

Biointerfaces Institute related research: My group investigates interfaces in biological systems (e.g. peptide and protein interactions with lipid membranes), as will as interfaces between biological entities (proteins, peptides and lipids) with synthetic and natural polymers in the context of biomaterials optimization. Our main tool is synchrotron based spectromicroscopy, of 2 variants: Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) and X-ray Photoemission Electron Microscopy (X-PEEM). Over the past decade 3 PhD students have graduated in the area of biomaterials studies. Other members of the BioInterfaces Institute are welcome to contact me if there is potential to advance their research using these synchrotron techniques. At present, together with Prof. Jose Moran-Mirabal, I co-supervise graduate student Jonathan West. His project is to investigate the mechanism of action of cationic antimicrobial peptides by testing the hypothesis that a major factor is charge attraction to the negatively charge lipid membranes of bacteria. We will be using BI instrumentation (XPS, Raman etc) as part of the characterization of this systep. As editor of the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, which has a long history of reporting on advances in photoelectron and related spectroscopies, I encourage members of BI to consider publishing in this journal, for projects where the XPS and XPS imaging capabilities of BI are a significant component.

Todd Hoare

Todd Hoare is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, joining McMaster in 2008 after a post-doctoral fellowship with Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hoare specializes in engineering hydrogels and microgels with targeted ‘smart’ properties, with a focus on correlating material properties with biological responses to develop new drug delivery vehicles with ‘on demand’ or environment-specific activity, cell scaffolds with tunable cell adhesion and spreading properties, or material interfaces with controllable cell or protein interactions. Example projects of ongoing work at the Biointerfaces Institute include developing low-fouling printable paper test strips and thermoresponsive hydrogel supports for stem cell expansion and recovery, the latter applying high throughput techniques. Hoare’s work has been profiled by Popular Science, Wired, and BBC for its potential in solving clinical challenges through innovative biomaterials design. He has published over 50 papers, has one granted patent and nine pending patent applications, and won an NSERC Innovation Challenge award recognizing the novelty and commercializability of his research. Hoare has received an Early Researcher Award and the John Charles Polanyi Prize in Chemistry in recognition of his accomplishments in his early career as a faculty member, and was recently appointed one of three Distinguished Engineering Fellows in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster. He is also an Associate Editor of Chemical Engineering Journal for materials engineering, a member of the editorial advisory board for Colloid and Polymer Science, and national president of the Canadian Chapter of the Controlled Release Society.

Todd Hoare

Todd Hoare is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, joining McMaster in 2008 after a post-doctoral fellowship with Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hoare specializes in engineering hydrogels and microgels with targeted ‘smart’ properties, with a focus on correlating material properties with biological responses to develop new drug delivery vehicles with ‘on demand’ or environment-specific activity, cell scaffolds with tunable cell adhesion and spreading properties, or material interfaces with controllable cell or protein interactions. Example projects of ongoing work at the Biointerfaces Institute include developing low-fouling printable paper test strips and thermoresponsive hydrogel supports for stem cell expansion and recovery, the latter applying high throughput techniques. Hoare’s work has been profiled by Popular Science, Wired, and BBC for its potential in solving clinical challenges through innovative biomaterials design. He has published over 50 papers, has one granted patent and nine pending patent applications, and won an NSERC Innovation Challenge award recognizing the novelty and commercializability of his research. Hoare has received an Early Researcher Award and the John Charles Polanyi Prize in Chemistry in recognition of his accomplishments in his early career as a faculty member, and was recently appointed one of three Distinguished Engineering Fellows in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster. He is also an Associate Editor of Chemical Engineering Journal for materials engineering, a member of the editorial advisory board for Colloid and Polymer Science, and national president of the Canadian Chapter of the Controlled Release Society.

Zeinab Hosseini-Doust

My research at McMaster revolves around the design of functional biohybrid systems. Biohybrid systems integrate biological colloids (specifically bacteria and bacteriophage) as functional building blocks, along with non-biological colloids/surfaces (hydrogels, polymers, nanoparticles) that provide structural support and aid in the functionality of the hybrid system. This is a budding field of research that seeks knowledge at the interface of microbiology, surface chemistry and material science. The aim of the biohybrid approach is to engineer function at colloidal scale, a task that despite the massive progress of nanotechnology has remained exclusive to biological systems. Bacteria and viruses perform remarkable feats of engineering, (e.g. self-propagation, molecular recognition, targeted binding, autonomous actuation and dynamic trigger response), unparalleled by any artificial system. Advances in biological engineering have enabled better control and understanding of these functions and have provided tools for engineering new functions into biological systems. Integration of biological entities into synthetic constructs allows for the exploitation of their inherent intelligence for the design of smart, active synthetic material and multifunctional soft autonomous systems that address challenges in human health and pressing environmental issues.

Zeinab Hosseini-Doust

My research at McMaster revolves around the design of functional biohybrid systems. Biohybrid systems integrate biological colloids (specifically bacteria and bacteriophage) as functional building blocks, along with non-biological colloids/surfaces (hydrogels, polymers, nanoparticles) that provide structural support and aid in the functionality of the hybrid system. This is a budding field of research that seeks knowledge at the interface of microbiology, surface chemistry and material science. The aim of the biohybrid approach is to engineer function at colloidal scale, a task that despite the massive progress of nanotechnology has remained exclusive to biological systems. Bacteria and viruses perform remarkable feats of engineering, (e.g. self-propagation, molecular recognition, targeted binding, autonomous actuation and dynamic trigger response), unparalleled by any artificial system. Advances in biological engineering have enabled better control and understanding of these functions and have provided tools for engineering new functions into biological systems. Integration of biological entities into synthetic constructs allows for the exploitation of their inherent intelligence for the design of smart, active synthetic material and multifunctional soft autonomous systems that address challenges in human health and pressing environmental issues.

Joseph Kish

My research involves the application of electrochemical techniques (conventional and scanning) in combination with site-specific surface analytic techniques to establish links between the corrosion performance of structure engineering alloys and their corresponding surface films and underlying microstructures to elucidate the controlling anodic and cathodic processes in play. The end game is to develop corrosion control schemes that target the controlling anodic and/or cathodic processes: the emphasis being placed on microstructure development and protective coating schemes. My targeted areas of research include lightweight Mg and Al alloys for the transportation industry, corrosion-resistant alloy for energy generation and pipeline steels for the oil and gas distribution industry. I consider XPS to be a critical ex-situ surface analytical instrument in my research tool box as it yields both composition (element) and structure (oxidation state) information, as a function of depth, which is key to our augment our understanding and to provide a physical description of the corrosion processes.

Joseph Kish

My research involves the application of electrochemical techniques (conventional and scanning) in combination with site-specific surface analytic techniques to establish links between the corrosion performance of structure engineering alloys and their corresponding surface films and underlying microstructures to elucidate the controlling anodic and cathodic processes in play. The end game is to develop corrosion control schemes that target the controlling anodic and/or cathodic processes: the emphasis being placed on microstructure development and protective coating schemes. My targeted areas of research include lightweight Mg and Al alloys for the transportation industry, corrosion-resistant alloy for energy generation and pipeline steels for the oil and gas distribution industry. I consider XPS to be a critical ex-situ surface analytical instrument in my research tool box as it yields both composition (element) and structure (oxidation state) information, as a function of depth, which is key to our augment our understanding and to provide a physical description of the corrosion processes.

Ray LaPierre

Dr. LaPierre is currently Professor in the Engineering Physics Department at McMaster with interests in III-V nanowires, molecular beam epitaxy, and applications in photovoltaics, photodetectors and quantum information processing.  He has over 119 lifetime publications, 57 invited presentations and 179 contributed conference presentations. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Nanotechnology. Further information related to Dr. LaPierre’s research may be found at: https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engphys/people/faculty/ray-lapierre

Ray LaPierre

Dr. LaPierre is currently Professor in the Engineering Physics Department at McMaster with interests in III-V nanowires, molecular beam epitaxy, and applications in photovoltaics, photodetectors and quantum information processing.  He has over 119 lifetime publications, 57 invited presentations and 179 contributed conference presentations. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the journal Nanotechnology. Further information related to Dr. LaPierre’s research may be found at: https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/engphys/people/faculty/ray-lapierre

David Latulippe

The focus of our work is to develop novel micro-scale separation tools and techniques for environmental and bio-processing applications. This approach adapts conventional separation processes (e.g. chromatography, membrane filtration, adsorption) into miniaturized formats such as micro-columns and micro-well plates. The advantages of this approach are considerable. First, it is extremely cost-effective since it requires minimal amounts of both the product and separation materials. Second, it is very efficient since a multiple number of experiments can be run simultaneously. This high-throughput development strategy is ideally suited to the use of design-of-experiments methodologies and multi-variate regression analysis tools to identify the critical process parameters. This micro-scale approach is ideally suited for screening the various materials (sorbents, membranes, resins, solvents, etc.) that are used, for identifying the critical process parameters (flow rate, temperature, solution pH, etc.), and for developing the appropriate control strategies to fully optimize the final process. High-throughput testing also enables the rapid identification of fundamental structure-property relationships, which can be used to predict separation performance.

David Latulippe

The focus of our work is to develop novel micro-scale separation tools and techniques for environmental and bio-processing applications. This approach adapts conventional separation processes (e.g. chromatography, membrane filtration, adsorption) into miniaturized formats such as micro-columns and micro-well plates. The advantages of this approach are considerable. First, it is extremely cost-effective since it requires minimal amounts of both the product and separation materials. Second, it is very efficient since a multiple number of experiments can be run simultaneously. This high-throughput development strategy is ideally suited to the use of design-of-experiments methodologies and multi-variate regression analysis tools to identify the critical process parameters. This micro-scale approach is ideally suited for screening the various materials (sorbents, membranes, resins, solvents, etc.) that are used, for identifying the critical process parameters (flow rate, temperature, solution pH, etc.), and for developing the appropriate control strategies to fully optimize the final process. High-throughput testing also enables the rapid identification of fundamental structure-property relationships, which can be used to predict separation performance.

Yingfu Li

Yingfu Li was born and raised in Anhui, China. He received his B. Sc. in chemistry at Anhui University in 1983, and his p. Sc. in applied chemistry at Beijing Agriculture University in 1989, under the supervision of Changhai Zhou. He moved to Canada in 1992, and in 1997, he graduated with a Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry at Simon Fraser University under the supervision of Dipankar Sen. He then did his postdoctoral research with Ronald R. Breaker at Yale University. In 1999, he joined McMaster University, where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf, rain or shine.

My research focuses on nucleic acids structure and function, in vitro evolution, catalytic DNA, catalytic RNA, DNA and RNA aptamers, riboswitches, non-coding RNA, bacterial toxins, enzymology, nucleic acids engineering, molecular diagnostics, biosensors, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, nanoparticles, DNA nanotechnology and spectroscopy.

Yingfu Li

Yingfu Li was born and raised in Anhui, China. He received his B. Sc. in chemistry at Anhui University in 1983, and his p. Sc. in applied chemistry at Beijing Agriculture University in 1989, under the supervision of Changhai Zhou. He moved to Canada in 1992, and in 1997, he graduated with a Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry at Simon Fraser University under the supervision of Dipankar Sen. He then did his postdoctoral research with Ronald R. Breaker at Yale University. In 1999, he joined McMaster University, where he is currently a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Outside of the office, he enjoys playing golf, rain or shine.

My research focuses on nucleic acids structure and function, in vitro evolution, catalytic DNA, catalytic RNA, DNA and RNA aptamers, riboswitches, non-coding RNA, bacterial toxins, enzymology, nucleic acids engineering, molecular diagnostics, biosensors, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, nanoparticles, DNA nanotechnology and spectroscopy.

Giuseppe Melacini

We are primarily interested in two main fields of research: the allosteric conformational switches that control signaling pathways and the early steps of amyloid fibril formation.

Allosteric conformational switches in signalling pathways: We are currently mapping the intra-molecular signaling pathways and the dynamic changes that propagate the signal carried by second messengers. So far our work has focused mainly on the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) and on the prototypical receptor for cAMP, i.e. protein kinase A (PKA). To learn more about our work on these topics please follow this pubmed link.

Early steps of amyloid fibril formation: We are currently investigating the mechanism of nucleation and of inhibition of amyloid fibrils. So far our work in this field has mainly focused on the Ab system and on endogenous proteins that inhibit its pathogenic oligomerization (e.g. Human Serum Albumin or HSA). To learn more about our work on this topic please follow this pubmed link and this pubmed link.

These projects have several medical implications ranging from cardiac tumors to Alzheimer’s disease and type II diabetes. These projects also have in common a strong component based on high-field multidimensional multinuclear NMR. When required to address questions relevant to the projects above, we also adapt and customize existing NMR tools and pulse sequences (see for example).

Giuseppe Melacini

We are primarily interested in two main fields of research: the allosteric conformational switches that control signaling pathways and the early steps of amyloid fibril formation.

Allosteric conformational switches in signalling pathways: We are currently mapping the intra-molecular signaling pathways and the dynamic changes that propagate the signal carried by second messengers. So far our work has focused mainly on the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) and on the prototypical receptor for cAMP, i.e. protein kinase A (PKA). To learn more about our work on these topics please follow this pubmed link.

Early steps of amyloid fibril formation: We are currently investigating the mechanism of nucleation and of inhibition of amyloid fibrils. So far our work in this field has mainly focused on the Ab system and on endogenous proteins that inhibit its pathogenic oligomerization (e.g. Human Serum Albumin or HSA). To learn more about our work on this topic please follow this pubmed link and this pubmed link.

These projects have several medical implications ranging from cardiac tumors to Alzheimer’s disease and type II diabetes. These projects also have in common a strong component based on high-field multidimensional multinuclear NMR. When required to address questions relevant to the projects above, we also adapt and customize existing NMR tools and pulse sequences (see for example).

Jose Moran-Mirabal

Jose Moran-Mirabal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University, and the Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nanostructured Materials. Jose’s research combines strengths in micro- and nanofabrication, surface chemistry, and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy to design and study materials at the micrometer to nanometer scale. Current research projects in his laboratory include the development of modular surface modification approaches for the functionalization of nanocellulose; the development of simple and cost-effective bench-top approaches for the production of micro- and nanostructured surfaces and the application of high resolution fluorescence microscopy to study biomolecular interactions interactions.

Jose obtained a BSc in Engineering Physics and MSc in Biotechnology from ITESM, in Monterrey, Mexico. He then joined the group of Prof. Harold Craighead at Cornell University, where he performed research on the application of micro- and nanofabricated surfaces for the study of lipid membranes. He received his PhD in Applied Physics from Cornell University in 2007. He worked as Post-Doctoral (2007-2009) and Research Associate (2009-2011) in the Biofuels Research Laboratory at Cornell University under the supervision of Prof. Larry Walker. There, he applied quantitative fluorescence methods to the study of cellulase binding kinetics, binding reversibility, and catalysis. Jose joined the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University in July 2011.

Jose Moran-Mirabal

Jose Moran-Mirabal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University, and the Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nanostructured Materials. Jose’s research combines strengths in micro- and nanofabrication, surface chemistry, and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy to design and study materials at the micrometer to nanometer scale. Current research projects in his laboratory include the development of modular surface modification approaches for the functionalization of nanocellulose; the development of simple and cost-effective bench-top approaches for the production of micro- and nanostructured surfaces and the application of high resolution fluorescence microscopy to study biomolecular interactions interactions.

Jose obtained a BSc in Engineering Physics and MSc in Biotechnology from ITESM, in Monterrey, Mexico. He then joined the group of Prof. Harold Craighead at Cornell University, where he performed research on the application of micro- and nanofabricated surfaces for the study of lipid membranes. He received his PhD in Applied Physics from Cornell University in 2007. He worked as Post-Doctoral (2007-2009) and Research Associate (2009-2011) in the Biofuels Research Laboratory at Cornell University under the supervision of Prof. Larry Walker. There, he applied quantitative fluorescence methods to the study of cellulase binding kinetics, binding reversibility, and catalysis. Jose joined the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University in July 2011.

Parameswaran Nair

Collaboration with the BioInterfaces Institute: My Airway Inflammometry Laboratory at the Firestone Institute of Respiratory Health at St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (supported by CFI and Canada Research Chair Program) has been collaborating for the past 2 years with the BioInterfaces Institute to develop point of care tests to identify and quantify the type of bronchitis. This collaboration has been successful in attracting peer-reviewed funding. Our research is supported by a tri-council Collaborative Health Research Program Grant and a Grand Challenges Canada Stars in Global Health Grant. We have broad support from the AllerGen National Centre of Excellence and our industry partner, ProLab Diagnostics. We are working towards developing a bioactive paper to accurately quantify eosinophil and neutrophil activity in sputum and other biological fluids.

Parameswaran Nair

Collaboration with the BioInterfaces Institute: My Airway Inflammometry Laboratory at the Firestone Institute of Respiratory Health at St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (supported by CFI and Canada Research Chair Program) has been collaborating for the past 2 years with the BioInterfaces Institute to develop point of care tests to identify and quantify the type of bronchitis. This collaboration has been successful in attracting peer-reviewed funding. Our research is supported by a tri-council Collaborative Health Research Program Grant and a Grand Challenges Canada Stars in Global Health Grant. We have broad support from the AllerGen National Centre of Excellence and our industry partner, ProLab Diagnostics. We are working towards developing a bioactive paper to accurately quantify eosinophil and neutrophil activity in sputum and other biological fluids.

Robert Pelton

Robert Pelton, a Tier I CRC in Interfacial Technologies, is an international leader in the area of surface and colloid chemistry, and is also the Scientific Director of Sentinel, the NSERC Research Network on Bioactive Paper (which also includes Brennan, Brook and Li), through which the research findings from the Biointerfaces Institute can be commercialized. His work on biological surface coatings and paper-supported biomolecules will require the surface characterization, HT screening, large scale synthesis, biointerface activity, and modeling and informatics equipment.

Robert Pelton

Robert Pelton, a Tier I CRC in Interfacial Technologies, is an international leader in the area of surface and colloid chemistry, and is also the Scientific Director of Sentinel, the NSERC Research Network on Bioactive Paper (which also includes Brennan, Brook and Li), through which the research findings from the Biointerfaces Institute can be commercialized. His work on biological surface coatings and paper-supported biomolecules will require the surface characterization, HT screening, large scale synthesis, biointerface activity, and modeling and informatics equipment.

Ishwar Puri

Ishwar Puri is professor of mechanical engineering and an associate member of the department of engineering physics, department of chemical engineering and school of biomedical engineering. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and of American Association for the Advancement of Science. His research covers the diverse fields of transport phenomena, self assembly, drug targeting, hyperthermia, nanostructure synthesis, mathematical biology, and bioinspired computational biology. His research at the Biointerfaces Institute includes the development of protein biosensors and the field-directed growth of mammospheres.

Ishwar Puri

Ishwar Puri is professor of mechanical engineering and an associate member of the department of engineering physics, department of chemical engineering and school of biomedical engineering. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, American Society of Mechanical Engineers and of American Association for the Advancement of Science. His research covers the diverse fields of transport phenomena, self assembly, drug targeting, hyperthermia, nanostructure synthesis, mathematical biology, and bioinspired computational biology. His research at the Biointerfaces Institute includes the development of protein biosensors and the field-directed growth of mammospheres.

Maikel Rheinstädter

Dr. Maikel Rheinstädter is a Professor of biophysics and University Scholar in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University. His research focuses on the field of membrane biophysics and the role of membranes in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. He is also Director of the Origins of Life Laboratory at McMaster and an Associate Director of the Origins Institute, where his group investigates the formation of RNA and proto cells under prebiotic, early Earth, and early planetary conditions. Current research also includes work to develop blood-based vaccines and antibiotics. He is a founder of Synth-Med, a spinoff company that develops membrane-based sensors to detect bacteria in food and water.

Maikel Rheinstädter

Dr. Maikel Rheinstädter is a Professor of biophysics and University Scholar in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University. His research focuses on the field of membrane biophysics and the role of membranes in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. He is also Director of the Origins of Life Laboratory at McMaster and an Associate Director of the Origins Institute, where his group investigates the formation of RNA and proto cells under prebiotic, early Earth, and early planetary conditions. Current research also includes work to develop blood-based vaccines and antibiotics. He is a founder of Synth-Med, a spinoff company that develops membrane-based sensors to detect bacteria in food and water.

Our research is aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in protein and cell interactions at material surfaces for the development of advanced devices. Chemical, biological and topographical surface modification strategies are used to control and analyze surface properties. Through the Biointerfaces Institute we use a variety of surface characterization instruments, biological techniques and other tools to advance our research. Our main focus is on improving polymeric materials for blood contacting devices, along with immunomodulatory materials development. Our work on protein-material interfaces impacts a breadth of areas including tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomaterials, membranes and biosensors.

Our research is aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in protein and cell interactions at material surfaces for the development of advanced devices. Chemical, biological and topographical surface modification strategies are used to control and analyze surface properties. Through the Biointerfaces Institute we use a variety of surface characterization instruments, biological techniques and other tools to advance our research. Our main focus is on improving polymeric materials for blood contacting devices, along with immunomodulatory materials development. Our work on protein-material interfaces impacts a breadth of areas including tissue engineering, drug delivery, nanomaterials, membranes and biosensors.

Heather Sheardown

The focus of the work in our lab is the development of novel polymeric biomaterials and novel surfaces for biomedical applications including the delivery of drugs as well as on understanding and manipulating the interactions of these materials and surfaces with the surrounding cells and proteins. Chemical and biological modification techniques are used to improve the interactions between the materials and the surrounding biological environment. The research is focused on two different areas – materials for ophthalmic applications and materials for cardiovascular applications. The research is highly multidisciplinary and we collaborate with other scientists as well as a number of companies. Specific representative projects are described below.

Heather Sheardown

The focus of the work in our lab is the development of novel polymeric biomaterials and novel surfaces for biomedical applications including the delivery of drugs as well as on understanding and manipulating the interactions of these materials and surfaces with the surrounding cells and proteins. Chemical and biological modification techniques are used to improve the interactions between the materials and the surrounding biological environment. The research is focused on two different areas – materials for ophthalmic applications and materials for cardiovascular applications. The research is highly multidisciplinary and we collaborate with other scientists as well as a number of companies. Specific representative projects are described below.

Leyla Soleymani

Our research is focused on developing new materials and integrating these into biosensing platforms using rapid and benchtop methods. We combine methods such as electrodeposition, craft cutting, polymer-induced wrinkling, screen printing and electrospinning to create multiscale materials that are tunable in morphology and in a wide range of lengthscales. We are interested in translating this structural tunability to functional tunability for creating low voltage lysis devices, low current on-chip magnetic separation devices, and ultra-sensitive bioanalytical sensors.

Leyla Soleymani

Our research is focused on developing new materials and integrating these into biosensing platforms using rapid and benchtop methods. We combine methods such as electrodeposition, craft cutting, polymer-induced wrinkling, screen printing and electrospinning to create multiscale materials that are tunable in morphology and in a wide range of lengthscales. We are interested in translating this structural tunability to functional tunability for creating low voltage lysis devices, low current on-chip magnetic separation devices, and ultra-sensitive bioanalytical sensors.

John Valliant

Our research at McMaster University is focused on development of radiolabelled, ultrasound, and fluorescence molecular imaging probes, for use in medical imaging. We develop both small molecule and large biomolecule agents that target radionuclides, novel fluorescent compounds and microbubbles to tumors or metabolically active tissues, providing medical or research applications by PET, SPECT and ultrasound technologies. The development and translation of these agents benefits from several of the advanced instrumentation and specialized services of the Biointerfaces Institute, including bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, and the MALDI and small compound mass spectroscopy. As our work progresses we expect expanded use of BI facilities including Chemidoc Imaging. The Valliant Research Group (http://www.johnvalliant.ca) offers collaborative expertise and technical resource in radionuclide chemistry for development of radiolabelled probes, used in both biological and biomedical research to members and users of the BI.

John Valliant

Our research at McMaster University is focused on development of radiolabelled, ultrasound, and fluorescence molecular imaging probes, for use in medical imaging. We develop both small molecule and large biomolecule agents that target radionuclides, novel fluorescent compounds and microbubbles to tumors or metabolically active tissues, providing medical or research applications by PET, SPECT and ultrasound technologies. The development and translation of these agents benefits from several of the advanced instrumentation and specialized services of the Biointerfaces Institute, including bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, and the MALDI and small compound mass spectroscopy. As our work progresses we expect expanded use of BI facilities including Chemidoc Imaging. The Valliant Research Group (http://www.johnvalliant.ca) offers collaborative expertise and technical resource in radionuclide chemistry for development of radiolabelled probes, used in both biological and biomedical research to members and users of the BI.

Stephen C. Veldhuis

Dr. Stephen Veldhuis is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at McMaster University and Director of McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI). Through his involvement in the MMRI, Dr. Veldhuis works on characterizing materials and assessing material properties both of final parts and the materials used to process them.

His areas of interest in high-performance materials and manufacturing include continuous improvement through Lean initiatives targeting tooling improvements and process development/optimization and Industry 4.0 technologies including process modeling, sensor integration, industrial Internet of Things (iIOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML), all of which are applied to realize higher levels of digitization on the shop floor to drive better decision making to advance productivity and quality, reduce cost and facilitate product innovation.

Stephen C. Veldhuis

Dr. Stephen Veldhuis is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at McMaster University and Director of McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI). Through his involvement in the MMRI, Dr. Veldhuis works on characterizing materials and assessing material properties both of final parts and the materials used to process them.

His areas of interest in high-performance materials and manufacturing include continuous improvement through Lean initiatives targeting tooling improvements and process development/optimization and Industry 4.0 technologies including process modeling, sensor integration, industrial Internet of Things (iIOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML), all of which are applied to realize higher levels of digitization on the shop floor to drive better decision making to advance productivity and quality, reduce cost and facilitate product innovation.

Ryan Wylie

My research interests are centered on the design of highly ordered and structured materials to elucidate the role of biomaterials in the extracellular environment to improve human health by advancing the field of tissue engineering. We are particularly interested how cells communicate with extracellular structures and how these interactions evolve over time. To this end, we are designing tools to probe the effects of the 3D extracellular environment on cellular activities such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. We have previously developed a hydrogel patterning where proteins are simultaneously immobilized with high spatial resolution (~50 um) to mimic the natural environment. We are currently expanding developing methods to control the chemical properties of hydrogels over time to mimic the dynamic natural environment, as well as methods to rapidly screen the effects of chemical environments on cellular activities. Our group particularly relies on photochemistry, biophysical interactions and click chemistry in the synthesis of biomaterials. We are particularly interested in using these tools to elucidate the role of biomaterials on stem cells and cancer cell migration.

Ryan Wylie

My research interests are centered on the design of highly ordered and structured materials to elucidate the role of biomaterials in the extracellular environment to improve human health by advancing the field of tissue engineering. We are particularly interested how cells communicate with extracellular structures and how these interactions evolve over time. To this end, we are designing tools to probe the effects of the 3D extracellular environment on cellular activities such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. We have previously developed a hydrogel patterning where proteins are simultaneously immobilized with high spatial resolution (~50 um) to mimic the natural environment. We are currently expanding developing methods to control the chemical properties of hydrogels over time to mimic the dynamic natural environment, as well as methods to rapidly screen the effects of chemical environments on cellular activities. Our group particularly relies on photochemistry, biophysical interactions and click chemistry in the synthesis of biomaterials. We are particularly interested in using these tools to elucidate the role of biomaterials on stem cells and cancer cell migration.

Igor Zhitomirsky

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite and other bioceramics. Fabrication of nanoparticles and nanofibers. Electrodeposition of polymers, bioceramics, bioglass and composites. Electropolymerization. Electrophoretic deposition. Investigation of fundamental adhesion mechanisms. Electrodeposition of composite polymer films, containing proteins, enzymes, antimicrobial agents. Fabrication of biomedical implants. Surface modification of implants with coatings, containing anticoagulants. Surface modification techniques. Investigation of corrosion protection. Anodization. Electrochemical biosensors. Porous scaffolds. Materials for drug delivery.

Igor Zhitomirsky

Synthesis of hydroxyapatite and other bioceramics. Fabrication of nanoparticles and nanofibers. Electrodeposition of polymers, bioceramics, bioglass and composites. Electropolymerization. Electrophoretic deposition. Investigation of fundamental adhesion mechanisms. Electrodeposition of composite polymer films, containing proteins, enzymes, antimicrobial agents. Fabrication of biomedical implants. Surface modification of implants with coatings, containing anticoagulants. Surface modification techniques. Investigation of corrosion protection. Anodization. Electrochemical biosensors. Porous scaffolds. Materials for drug delivery.

John Brennan

John Brennan, a Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at Mcmaster University, is holder of the Canada Research Chair in Bioanalytical Chemistry and Biointerfaces and Director of the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster. He is an expert in fluorescence spectroscopy, LC/MS, sol-gel chemistry and protein immobilization. Dr. Brennan an associate editor for Trends. Anal. Chep. and on the editorial advisory boards of Analytical Chemistry and J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol.

His research team develops bioanalytical instrumentation in the area of biosensors, bioaffinity chromatography media, microarrays and drug screening. Dr. Brennan has supervised over 80 trainees, published over 140 peer-reviewed papers, and has several patents in the areas of sol-gel materials, protein immobilization, high throughput screening methods and bioactive paper.

John Brennan

John Brennan, a Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at Mcmaster University, is holder of the Canada Research Chair in Bioanalytical Chemistry and Biointerfaces and Director of the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster. He is an expert in fluorescence spectroscopy, LC/MS, sol-gel chemistry and protein immobilization. Dr. Brennan an associate editor for Trends. Anal. Chep. and on the editorial advisory boards of Analytical Chemistry and J. Sol-Gel Sci. Technol.

His research team develops bioanalytical instrumentation in the area of biosensors, bioaffinity chromatography media, microarrays and drug screening. Dr. Brennan has supervised over 80 trainees, published over 140 peer-reviewed papers, and has several patents in the areas of sol-gel materials, protein immobilization, high throughput screening methods and bioactive paper.

Fred Capretta

Dr. Capletta’s research concentrates on the development of new synthetic methodologies and preparation of biologically active molecules. His lab develops atom-economical synthetic methods for the facile generation of novel molecular frameworks, and synthetic protocols for the parallel synthesis of small molecule libraries for use in the drug discovery and as biological probes. Dr. Capretta is the Director of the Chemical Biology Graduate Program as well as an active member of the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research and the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster University.

Fred Capretta

Dr. Capletta’s research concentrates on the development of new synthetic methodologies and preparation of biologically active molecules. His lab develops atom-economical synthetic methods for the facile generation of novel molecular frameworks, and synthetic protocols for the parallel synthesis of small molecule libraries for use in the drug discovery and as biological probes. Dr. Capretta is the Director of the Chemical Biology Graduate Program as well as an active member of the Institute for Infectious Diseases Research and the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster University.