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Research

BI Research Initiatives

The BI supports numerous McMaster researchers and external clients by providing a space for collaboration and discovery. Here we highlight milestones in our research history and provide more information on our faculty members.

Research Areas

Point-of-Care Diagnostics Diagnostic Suite

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tests, performed near a patient or at home, aim to provide rapid results, improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Similar to a home pregnancy or COVID testing device, POC tests developed at the BI use protein-targeting elements, known as DNAzymes.

Bioprocessing Bioprocess Automation Lab

A state-of-the-art biomanufacturing lab space will contribute to the development of biotherapeutics and improved access to life-saving treatments for chronic diseases. Thanks to a longstanding partnership with Sartorius, this 1,600 sq. ft. area, will serve as a training and development hub to investigate bioprocess modelling, simulation and advanced control.

Cell Biology BI Biological Suite

Many research groups operate within the BI Biological Preparation Suite to investigate biological behaviour and signaling. The mammalian culture laboratory supports research in cell signalling, cellular behaviour, and cellular responses to materials or toxins. In parallel, the bacterial culture laboratory complements this work by supporting the validation of diagnostic test strips as well as the development and assessment of antibacterial materials and solutions.

Environmental Analytes Test Strips View Publication

One of the first projects undertaken at the Biointerfaces Institute was the development of test strips for detection of environmental analytes (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals and E. coli), with practical applications in monitoring environmental and food-based toxins to support agriculture and food safety.

Information Box Group

graphene

WEBSITE

A Graphene-Based Biosensing Platform

A Graphene-Based Biosensing biosensing platform using DNA aptamers for ultrasensitive detection of both small-molecule and macromolecular targets [A Graphene-Based Biosensing Platform Based on the Release of DNA Probes and Rolling Circle Amplification. Liu, M., et al. American Chemical Society - Nano, 2014, Volume 8, Issue 6: 5564 to 5573].

Cellulose paper

WEBSITE

Protein-Repellant Cellulose Paper

A simple, scalable protocol that reduces nonspecific adsorption of proteins to filter paper for biosensor applications [Poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) Dip-Coating: Turning Cellulose Paper into a Protein-Repellent Platform for Biosensors. Deng, X., et al. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2014, Volume 136, Issue 37: 12852 to 12855].

Pullulan

WEBSITE

Pullulan Encapsulation of Labile Biomolecules

A simple and inexpensive method using water-soluble pullulan-based tablets for the long-term stabilization of enzymes and other unstable reagents [Pullulan Encapsulation of Labile Biomolecules to Give Stable Bioassay Tablets. Jahanshahi-Anbuh, S., et al. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2014, Volume 53, Issue 24: 6009-6275].

Meet our Members