Development of nanoparticle in vivo labeling contrast probes for tissue clearing 3D microscopy compatible with multi-modal imaging in fluorescence, dark field, MRI, CT and electron microscopy modalities.

High resolution 3D microscopy in combination with tissue clearing techniques such as CLARITY, iDISCO, CUBIC is a rapidly growing area of biomedical research. It also has high potential to replace traditional 2D histology to become a method of choice for the analysis of tissue biopsy samples used in diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. However, currently there is a limited availability of contrast agents that can label organs, biological tissues, and cells in a live animal and are compatible with these techniques.

Water-based binders for the 3D printing and sintering of metals

Rapidia has developed a water-based approach to metal 3D printing that is faster, simpler, and more cost effective than the current systems on the market. This novel approach enables printed parts to be sintered directly, eliminating the time- and chemically- intensive intermediate de-binding step required for other processes. In order to implement this technique, the formulation of the initial paste used for printing is an essential component to optimize.

Catalyst Optimization for Solar-Driven GHG Conversion to Fuels

The anthropogenic emissions of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane are the leading cause of global climate change. Furthermore, these emissions are related to the manufacture of fuels and carbon-based products. Solar fuels technology addresses both of these issues. Photocatalysts, nanomaterials engineering to directly use solar energy, can convert carbon dioxide and methane into the same carbon-based consumer products we rely on every day using sunlight. This technology represents an advancement toward a clean and carbon recycling economy.

A flexible non-enzymatic lactate sensor with long shelf life to detect anastomotic leaks post-surgery

Development of leaks in abdominal cavity following surgery cause acute complications that have a high mortality rate and lead to expensive corrective procedures. These leaks are mostly detected following the development of complications as currently there is no method for their early detection and hence timely intervention which can save lives is not possible. In this aspect, lactate is a crucial bio-marker that is excreted from the leak site prior to the development of a full breach and hence its monitoring will lead to early detection of such leaks.

Development of Novel Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Estrogen, a sex hormone in women plays a key role in the proliferation of cancer cells especially in post-menopausal women. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen and raloxifene are the most efficient drugs for treatment of breast cancer. These drugs bind to estrogen receptors (ER? or ER? subtypes) in as much as the same manner as estrogen does. However, these drugs are often accompanied by severe side effects. The proposed investigation aims at developing and evaluating new estrogen antagonists.

Scale-up synthesis of novel amine-containing polymers and their initial application as materials for additive manufacturing and responsive coatings/adhesives

In the pursuit of materials that combine the inherent stability of a plastic with additional novel features, this project aims to develop a new platform of nitrogen containing polymers. Using novel synthetic pathways, we have developed and characterized such materials with features such as enhanced strength, adhesion, and self-healing capabilities. This project seeks to bring these materials from the academic bench-top to commercial production scale.

Silicon Quantum Dot Trace Explosive Sensor

The rapid detection of high energy materials (i.e., explosives) and chemical, biological and radioactive (CBR) agents have received substantial attention because of its obvious importance to security and forensics. Applied Quantum Materials Inc. (AQM) is developing a straightforward luminescent quantum dot paper- and/or cloth-based detection system that shows instantaneous optical detection of nitro-based explosives in solution and solid phases at nanogram levels by monitoring the luminescence quenching after being exposed to explosive residues.

Thermally Stable Bonding Materials for Flexible Displays

As technology continues to make smaller and more flexible devices possible manufacturers of these devices need ways to hold them together. Normal methods of bonding two thin pieces of metal together no longer meet all the depends placed on them by the relatively small size of the devices. In order to meet this challenge this research project will make a glue that is stable to high temperatures and can glue two thin metal pieces together, while remaining flexible and allowing electricity to pass through it.

Serum Protein and Antibody Interactions with Immunomagnetic Cell Isolation Particles

Immunomagnetic cell isolation particles are widely used to separate cells from complex, biological environments, such as blood, urine, or bone marrow. Cell isolation particles are typically decorated with specialized antibodies to bind to targeted cell surfaces via specific antibody–antigen interactions. These interactions can be disturbed by the presence of serum proteins, which are common constituents of cell isolation buffers to prevent cell aggregation.

Discovery of Antimicrobial Agents from Marine Microbes

The general aim of this proposal is to discover new natural products with antibacterial activity of relevance to companion animal health. While numerous discoveries of natural products have been made, the rate of discovery of new natural products has declined in recent years. The strategy outlined in this project aims to provide a streamlined approach to the discovery of new bioactive natural products. Nautilus Biosciences is the partner organization that will benefit directly from this project.

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