Rational design, synthesis and immunocharacterization of next-generation biomaterials

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A biomaterial is any material that interacts with a biological system such as our bodies. Many newer biomaterials have been designed to guide the cells in our bodies on a microscopic level. An example of this is MXene, a family of very small particles with a wide range of biological functions. These include biosensors, bone replacements and drug delivery systems. In this research program, we will study the design and synthesis of biomaterials as well as the language used by biomaterials to talk to immune cells. This is important because the immune system, which normally protects our body from harmful foreign substances, can also act as a barrier between any implanted material and our body. Further, for any biomaterial to perform its function, it needs to be compatible with immune cells to stay in the body for a long time after implantation. We recently found that MXenes can directly talk to our immune cells due to their structure. MXenes are made up of a carbon and metal core surrounded by many groups of atoms called functional groups. These surface functional groups are what MXene uses to talk to cells. Furthermore, we think the message delivered by biomaterials to immune cells can be altered by changing their surface functional groups. Objectives: The long-term objective of the proposed NSERC DG program is to develop a novel "immune-instructive" materials design platform where materials can be rationally designed and synthesized to possess specific immune characteristics to improve their stability and efficacy inside the host tissue. To accomplish this, four short-term objectives are proposed. 1.We will build MXene particles with different "messages" to immune cells. We have expertise building different types of MXene particles by making specific changes to the surface functional groups of MXene. 2.We will use various scientific tools to understand the structure of these particles. We will also perform experiments to make sure these particles are not harmful to living cells. 3.We will study how MXene particles talk to immune cells. These experiments will be performed on both cells and in mice. 4.We will characterise how the immune cells interpret the "message" delivered by MXene particles. This information will eventually help us build computer programs to predict the surface functional groups needed for any function that we want. Significance: This research program will help develop a new way for biomaterials to be made. The knowledge gained here will help us predict the design of biomaterials which is friendly to immune cells before they are made. My research program will also act as a platform for the training of HQP in the broader interdisciplinary area of biomaterials synthesis, characterization and immunology of materials. This will enable HQP to succeed in a wide range of future careers. Intellectual property will be developed, and the new discoveries will lead to opportunities to set up a Spin-off company.