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
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
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].
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].
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
John Brennan
Biointerfaces Institute Co-Director
Professor, Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Kathryn Grandfield (Bernar)
Associate Professor
Materials Science & Engineering
David Latulippe
Biointerfaces Institute Co-Director
Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering