Development of biocompatible nanocomposites with enhanced properties for biomedical devices

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This proposed NSERC DG research program aims at the development of a new and feasible fabrication process to produce hydrogel nanocomposites with enhanced properties. The challenges of current nanocomposites include: (1) unsatisfied biocompatibility due to many chemical molecules interactions; (2) undesired physical properties caused by the uncontrollable interface between inorganic and organic phases. The long-term research goal of the applicant is to develop novel techniques for producing biocompatible nanocomposite-based devices for the biochemical and biomedical applications, including bio-chips, bio-imaging, and the biosensors. Our previous research findings have demonstrated that the hydrogel nanocomposites, consisting of inorganic nanoparticles and pH-sensitive hydrogel, have significant potential of being applied in local drug delivery, non-invasive diagnostic, and rapid microbial capture due to their improved biocompatibility, and extraordinary physical properties. In the next five years, the applicant is going to combine the physical and chemical techniques to produce the advanced hydrogel nanocomposites. Using near infrared (NIR) laser-assisted deposition system to produce hydrogel nanocomposites is a new, but an invaluable tool. The designed NIR laser system has the wavelength in the range of 800-2400 nm. Biomolecules and biopolymers can keep their fully functional structures and properties under the radiation of NIR laser. Furthermore, the NIR laser beam has the strong capability for tailoring the surface and interface at micro-, even nano-scale. The planned sub-projects include: (1) Study on interaction between NIR laser and biomaterials/biopolymers. (2) Development of non-invasive biosensors based on multifunctional nanocomposite produced by the NIR-laser assistant technique. (3) Development of powerful nanocomposite-based device for rapid microbial capture and detection. The proposed program is expected to bring a significant impact on the fields of nano/micro fabrication, advanced biomaterials, and new biomedical devices.