Rapidly-Gelling Injectable Chitosan Sponges as Drug Delivery Systems for Spinal Cord and Bone repair

During my PhD studies at Dr. Tabrizian’s lab I developed a rapidly-gelling injectable chitosan sponge. This biomaterial has been investigated to target spinal cord and bone repair after an injury. It is injectable, which makes it easy to administer inside the body; it is rapidly-gelling, which ensures its localization after injection; and it has physicochemical properties that promote spinal cord repair. The
chitosan sponges can also act as drug delivery vehicles for a range of proteins, which makes them promising candidate for a wide range of applications. In partnership with Aligo Innovation (industry partner), I will continue to move the technology forward and investigate its efficacy in spinal cord repair and bone regeneration. I will be doing cell work as well as animal studies, and will co-ordinate the progress of the two applications. Aligo will provide the business expertise to move the technology from the lab to the market.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maryam Tabrizian

Student:

Partner:

Aligo Innovation LP

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: