Enabling the discovery and development of functional materials and technologies via confocal rheometry

小规模的技术为新材料和新疗法的发现和发展带来了革命性的转变。多伦多大学化学和生物学微流控系统中心（CMS）最先进的微流控和纳米制造研究设施，以及NSERC在芯片上器官工程和创业方面的CREATE培训计划，使我们能够培训工程师和科学家，使这些技术成为现实。我们的杰出研究人员团队在开发研究疾病的物理和机械方面的平台方面取得了重大进展，推动了治疗方法和药物输送系统的发现，开发了新的生物材料，并研究了活细胞反应。然而，我们在这些领域的研究计划正在放缓，因为我们项目中的大多数材料都是流体或凝胶状的，但CMS中没有可以测量材料流变学（材料的变形和流动特性）的仪器。在本提案中，我们要求一种允许共聚焦显微镜以及流变测量的流变仪。这种混合仪器将允许我们对材料的应力程度进行精确和控制，同时对材料的三维内部微观结构的变化进行成像。这种强大的能力将解决上面提到的特性缺点，使我们能够实现我们研究项目的潜力，并促进它们转化为商业可用的技术。CMS将容纳共聚焦流变仪，并将提供基础设施和技术人员进行支持和维护。关于仪器的使用及其操作原理的培训将通过由首席研究员直接提供的短期课程提供。当参与CMS和CREATE项目的高素质人才（HQP）从培训中脱颖而出时，他们不仅将拥有先进的技术知识，还将拥有创业技能，将我们实验室开发的技术转化为成功的衍生产品，并在加拿大找到工作。因此，我们的HQP将给加拿大工业带来巨大的竞争优势。

Small scale technologies carry the potential for a revolutionary transformation of the discovery and development of new materials and therapeutics. A combination of the state-of-the-art microfluidic and nanofabrication research facilities at the Centre for Microfluidic Systems (CMS) in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Toronto, and an NSERC CREATE Training program in organ-on-a-chip engineering and entrepreneurship, is allowing us to train engineers and scientists with the integrated expertise required to bring these technologies into fruition. Our team of exceptional researchers has made significant advances towards the development of platforms for studying physical and mechanistic aspects of diseases, driving the discovery of therapeutics and drug delivery systems, developing new biomaterials, and studying live cell responses. Our research programs in these areas are being slowed down, however, because a majority of materials in our projects are fluid or gel like, but there is no instrument in CMS that can measure material rheology (the deformation and flow properties of materials). In this proposal, we request a rheometer that allows confocal microscopy along with rheological measurements. This hybrid instrument will allow us to prescribe accurate and controlled degrees of stresses on materials, while simultaneously imaging the changes in the three-dimensional, internal microstructure of the material. This powerful capability will address the characterization shortcomings mentioned above, enabling us to fulfil the potential of our research programs and facilitating their translation into commercially-available technologies. The CMS will house the confocal rheometer, and will provide the infrastructure and technical staff for support and maintenance. Training on the use of the instrument and the principles underlying its operation will be provided via short course directly offered by the principal investigator. When highly qualified personnel (HQP) involved in CMS and the CREATE program emerge from training, they will possess not only advanced technical knowledge but also entrepreneurial skills to translate technologies developed in our laboratories to successful spin-offs and jobs in Canada. Thus, our HQP will give Canadian industry a huge competitive edge.