Developing multifunctional biohybrid and biointegrated materials and devices

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Engineers have long been fascinated by the functionality of biological systems at small scales; however, mimicking these functions has proven to be challenging. Progress in nanotechnology has enabled the realization of complex small structures; however, engineering function at such scales remains out of reach for man-made constructs. Biological systems perform remarkable feats of engineering, unparalleled by any artificial system. A bacterial cell, for example, is not just capable of living and reproducing, but can swim efficiently, sense and respond to environmental triggers, coordinate and collaborate with other cells, and look for food, all packaged into a body measuring a few microns. Integration of biological entities, such as cells, bacteria or viruses, into synthetic constructs allows for the exploitation of their unique functionalities for the design of active, smart, multifunctional materials and devices; this new approach in engineering design is known as the biohybrid approach. The goal of my proposed research is to utilize the biohybrid approach to design smarter materials and environmentally responsive systems for applications in diagnostics, therapeutics and environmental sensing/remediation. These biohybrid materials/devices will integrate biological colloids (specifically bacteria and bacterial viruses) as functional building blocks, with non-biological colloids or surfaces (e.g., graphene oxide, cellulose nanocrystals, hydrogels etc.) that provide structural support and additional functionality. My proposed research is rooted in colloidal science, interfacial engineering and biological engineering and consists of two main themes, namely viral nanotechnology and bacterial workers. The first theme will focus on biohybrid virus nanoparticles as a multifunctional platform for nanomedicine and smart biomaterials. The second theme will focus on developing bacterial swimmers to move micro-scale loads as tools for tumor therapy and bottom-up assembly of smart, self-assembled, micro/nano structured materials. The outcome of my research will be (i) new materials and devices that address challenges in human health and the environment, (ii) know-how for control/preservation of biological function upon contact with artificial surfaces, and (iii) insight into designing smart miniaturized systems. This program provides the ideal training environment for students, equipping them with multidisciplinary expertise and the insight and vision required to solve real-world problems using tools from various branches of science and engineering. Furthermore, my research combines experimentation with modeling and rational design, increasing the credibility and impact of the results and adding to the skillsets of the trainees, making them a valuable in the Canadian workforce in emerging areas of engineering and applied science.