Oligonucleotides will be structurally integrated within complementary architectures in order to synthesize hybrid nanomaterials featuring biomolecular-driven behavior. We plan to synthesize nanoparticles featuring nucleic acid conjugates embedded in the structural network, so that their dynamics could be programmed for cancer therapy. We intend to make use of the biodegradable organosilica technology developed in De Cola’s […]

This project uses computer-based molecular simulations to determine physical and chemical properties of a class of molecules known as alkanolamines dissolved in water designed to absorb carbon dioxide from industrial exit streams. These properties are important in helping select individual alkanolamines to be used as solvents in post-combustion carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). CCS is […]

The p53 protein plays a major role in cancer prevention, and over 50% of cancer diagnoses can be attributed to mutated p53. The main function of p53 is to prevent uncontrolled growth of damaged cells and inhibit tumour formation. A common mutation, Y220C, creates a cavity at the protein’s surface and causes protein unfolding. Our […]

Weak lensing, the subtle distortion of galaxy shapes due to matter along the line of sight, is an effect that can be used to measure the mass of galaxies and clusters. The effect is sensitive to both stellar and dark matter, which makes the technique extremely valuable for constraining cosmological parameters. Through observations of weak […]

This research targets the apparent contradiction between quantum mechanics (wherein molecules are composed of electrons and nuclei) and the language of chemistry (wherein molecules are composed of atoms and bonds) by developing topological tools for describing the output of quantum mechanics computations in chemical language. Specifically, the topology of various descriptors based on the molecular […]

Mineral dust can get lifted and transported from remote arid regions into urban areas by winds. These urban areas contain higher concentrations of organic pollutants, including carboxylic acids, due to human activities. The goal of this project is to understand the interactions of two atmospherically abundant carboxylic acids, formic and propionic acid, with mineral dust. […]

Au Québec, l’industrie des algues est appelée à se développer dans le futur. Ces dernières sont considérées comme des superaliments de par leur excellente valeur nutritive. Par exemple, elles contiennent souvent des teneurs importantes en vitamine A et E. Elles peuvent ainsi être ajoutées dans des recettes en tant que légumes. Pour ce faire, les […]

The proposed research project will seek to highlight the factors that influence transportation behaviour, as well as the specific barriers that exist for particular modalities on Trent University’s Symons campus. This, then, will provide a more intimate understanding of how future efforts to bring about more sustainable transportation systems might serve to address the specific […]

Development and testing of a trace explosive sensor based on silicon nanomaterials or quantum dots. The project will involve interaction and pilot testing with the RCMP and Transport Canada. The success of the project will enable Applied Quantum Materials to introduce a new product into the security marketplace and form a platform technology for the […]

Atomic theory, well-established for almost a century, tells us that matter is made up of atoms, which are in turn made up of smaller constituents: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is an established physical model which describes protons and neutrons as being made up of smaller constituents called quarks bound together by the […]

The most fascinating property of diblock copolymers (DBCP) is their ability to self-assemble into a wide range of ordered structures. In the simplest case, DBCPs can assemble into two distinct spherical phases, the familiar body-centered and face-centered cubic phases. The situation changes upon introducing conformational asymmetry, in which the statistical length of the two monomer […]

Mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol, ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1, are toxins produced by moulds that can adversely affect human health as well as grain industry profitability. Mycotoxins are one of the most important barriers to competitive agriculture in the Great Lakes Region. Corn and wheat production are at the greatest risk of contamination, which is […]