Innovative Projects Realized

Hybridization of exosomes with liposomes for nucleic acid delivery

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) have tremendous therapeutic potential, as recently shown by the development of messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19. To fulfill their function in a patient, nucleic acids need to be encapsulated inside lipid-based nanoparticles (LPs), such as liposomes, but their synthetic nature leads to clearance by the immune system. This hampers nucleic acid delivery to diseased organs like the brain, heart and kidneys. Natural nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), namely the “exosomes” and “microvesicles” subsets, can circumvent those hindrances but are difficult to load with nucleic acids. This project aims at making hybrids from EVs and LPs that combine both their strengths, i.e., eliciting little immune response and achieving high nucleic acid encapsulation. Optimal parameters to produce nucleic acid-loaded hybrids will be determined by investigating their physicochemical properties. Then, hybrids efficiency in delivering nucleic acids to human cell lines will be assessed and compared to clinical standards. The expected outcome is an outperformance of the hybrid particles, that could be the basis of future therapeutics targeting key diseased organs.

Implantation de stratégies de mitigation des émissions de gaz et de bioaérosols en étable à stabulation libre

La production animale entraine de nombreux défis et des pressions exercées par la société concernant la tendance du marché international et l’exigence de systèmes de production plus respectueux du bien-être animal et de l’environnement. Le secteur laitier assiste à une transition des étables à stabulation entravée (SE) vers de nouvelles étables à stabulation libre (SL). En raison de l’activité accrue des vaches dans les aires d’alimentation et de couchage dans cette nouvelle configuration d’élevage, la qualité de l’air peut être affectée. Ce projet vise premièrement à évaluer des stratégies permettant d’améliorer la qualité de l’air dans la nouvelle configuration d’élevage. Ensuite, une stratégie ou une combinaison de stratégies, la ou les plus pertinente(s) sera implanté dans une ferme commerciale. Ainsi, la réalisation du projet permettra le transfert de connaissances et de technologies sur la gestion de nouvelles étables à stabulation libre qui seront nombreux au Canada et au Québec.

Analyse des effets du laboratoire managérial sur la culture organisationnelle au sein du CHU Sainte Justine

Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), centre hospitalier universitaire à vocation pédiatrique, joue un rôle central dans le système de santé du Québec. En tant qu’hôpital mère-enfant principal au Canada, le deuxième plus grand centre de recherche pédiatrique et le premier centre de recherche clinique en pédiatrie, le CHUSJ a un engagement constant pour se positionner à l’avant-garde des pratiques de gestion dans le domaine de la santé. L’évolution du contexte et les défis persistants tels que la pénurie de personnel et les pressions sur les hôpitaux pour une efficacité accrue, créent continuellement de nouvelles complexités pour les gestionnaires du CHUSJ. Dans le cadre d’un programme de recherche en sciences de gestion, le centre hospitalier nourrit l’ambition de devenir un chef de file en matière de gestion et de leadership au sein du réseau de la santé et des services au Québec.
A cet effet, un des projets phares institué par l’École de Gestion du CHUSJ dans les dernières années est la conception et le déploiement d’un laboratoire d’expérimentation en gestion. Le laboratoire accueille cet automne sa deuxième cohorte de gestionnaires-participants, provenant de différents secteurs du CHUSJ. La présente recherche vise à analyser les effets de ce laboratoire, soit d’étudier comment

Optimal Control of Cell Population Models with Uncertainties

Cell population dynamics can be described by cell population balance models. These models can be utilized for model-based control design but major aspects, which have not been captured in these models so far, are the regulation and mutational adaptation of the cells in long-term cultivations. Due to the stochastic nature of biological diversity and mutational adaptation, the impact on the cell dynamics is uncertain, and a quantization of these effects might not be repeatable. Therefore, it is evident for the control design to consider model-free optimization control schemes like Extremum Seeking and its partly model-free variations to maintain optimal reactor operation during long-term cultivations. The aim of this research project is to design these adaptive and flexible control schemes for the optimal control of cell population models with uncertainties. To achieve this, the convergence properties of the problem formulation are mathematically analyzed and tested in numerical simulations expected to lead to new results in this research area.

Enhancing agricultural production through the use of alkaline stabilized biosolids

Agricultural use of municipal biosolids has many possible benefits for producers, including improved soil physical properties and fertility supplements for crop production. However, recent concerns with pharmaceutical ingredients, consumer product ingredients, and hormones entering into sensitive ecological environments such as surface or ground water has brought into question the continued use of biosolids in agriculture. The goal of this project is identify the presence of key emerging substances of concern , based on high volume use or sales of the products, in an agricultural ecosystem which has been exposed to multiple applications over four years. Furthermore, the project will evaluate the fate and transport potential of these compounds, specifically as it relates to their movement into water or plant tissues.

Personalizing Stroke Rehabilitation using Brain Stimulation

In Canada today, more than 80% of stroke survivors face the enduring challenge of long-term functional disability, significantly
impacting their quality of life. The integration of brain stimulation with post-stroke rehabilitation holds great promise as an intervention. A key factor contributing to this variability is the exclusive targeting of the primary motor cortex, overlooking the intricate neural networks governing motor function. Damage to any one aspect of the motor network can affect motor function. As such, applying brain stimulation over only one area for all individuals fails to account for the variable effect of stroke location on the motor network. This project introduces a novel strategy that utilizes brain imaging and stimulation data to identify individualized optimal stimulation targets. By customizing the application of brain stimulation based on stroke location and motor network activity, the research aims to significantly enhance functional recovery in the affected arm when combined with GRASP therapy. Beyond stroke recovery, this approach holds the potential to personalize brain stimulation for various conditions such as pain, anxiety, or addiction, marking a substantial stride toward tailored and more effective treatments.

Cloud-Based Integrated Power Management and Path Planning System for Renewable Energy Unmanned Surface Vehicles

Marine data is vital for protecting fisheries, understanding climate change’s impact, and supporting ocean industry.
However, collecting data is costly, challenging, and time-consuming. Renewable energy powered unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) offer a promising solution for marine data collection due to their maneuverability, sensor
payload, and ease of use. Yet, uncertain environmental factors lead to intermittent energy harvesting, requiring an efficient power management strategy for renewable energy USVs on long missions. Existing solutions focus on
reducing energy consumption but overlook improving energy generation. Additionally, they rely on costly onboard computational capabilities. To address these issues, we developed a cloud-based integrated path planning and power management system (IPP-PMS). This revolutionary solution optimally allocates, generates, and consumes power under varying environmental conditions. Implementing our IPP-PMS enhances USV capabilities, minimizes costs, and allows for longer missions, leading to more extensive data collection and a deeper understanding of our oceans and marine ecosystems.

Analysis of PFAS by liquid chromatography with triple quad mass spectrometry

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic compounds that are called as “forever chemicals” in the environment. These chemical cause stress on the environment and human health. Therefore, study on the analysis of PFAS is necessary for the environmental quality and sustainable development. The research project “Analysis of PFAS by liquid chromatography with triple quad mass spectrometry (LC-TQMS)” focus on developing the analytical method for PFAS in water at low concentration (ng/L). The requirements for the analytical method are low detection limit due to the low concentration in the water samples, reliable and reproducible results, and reducing interference of water components (organic matters, conductivity, pH) to the analysis. This knowledge is currently not available at IAMT and will be transferred from Dalhousie.

Innovative Durable Marine Protective coating for Mild Steel in Marine Environment

We are hoping to explore the market potential and customer base for the Antifouling and Anti-corrosive Marine Coating. There is a need for durable antifouling and anti-corrosive coating for marine applications which are made within Canada (doesn’t have supply chain issue), could be easily scale-up in production and industrial application, are economically viable, confirms to national and international standards. Shipilov, 2009; estimated that as of the To get better perspective of needs of the coating industry, we are to engage with local coating manufacturers and steel tank manufacturers.

Medventions: Psychiatry Project – Psychiatry Innovation

Launched in Summer 2023, Medventions Atlantic is a partnership between the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub and Sunnybrook Research Institute with the goal to drive health innovation and nurture Canadian talent in the healthcare technology sector. The cornerstone of the program is a four month physician-led, hospital-based fellowship training that equips aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs with a proven process to identify important healthcare needs and invent novel technologies to address them.

Selected candidates will work together as a group, under the supervision of clinical and research mentors. The team will get the opportunity to uncover innovation and translational research opportunities in the field of psychiatry.

The configuration of the Medventions Atlantic fellowship program allows fellows to get involved in clinical immersion, identification and verification of clinical problems, ideation, and the making of an early proof of concept or a prototype for a new medical device.

The four-month fellowship is divided into three main phases with the following structure:

Phase 1: Clinical needs identification, verification, and assessment

Phase 2: Ideation and brainstorming

Phase 3: Concept development, product design and prototyping

Medventions – Surgical Oncology Project – Surgical Oncology Innovation

Launched in Summer 2023, Medventions Atlantic is a partnership between the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub and Sunnybrook Research Institute with the goal to drive health innovation and nurture Canadian talent in the healthcare technology sector. The cornerstone of the program is a four month physician-led, hospital-based fellowship training that equips aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs with a proven process to identify important healthcare needs and invent novel technologies to address them.

Selected candidates will work together as a group, under the supervision of clinical and research mentors. The team will get the opportunity to uncover innovation and translational research opportunities in the field of surgical oncology.

The configuration of the Medventions Atlantic fellowship program allows fellows to get involved in clinical immersion, identification and verification of clinical problems, ideation, and the making of an early proof of concept or a prototype for a new medical device.

The four-month fellowship is divided into three main phases with the following structure:

Phase 1: Clinical needs identification, verification, and assessment

Phase 2: Ideation and brainstorming

Phase 3: Concept development, product design and prototyping

Experimental Fluid Mechanics (EFM) software development

In this research endeavor, our goal is to develop user-friendly software tailored for scientists and engineers specializing in the study of fluid dynamics, particularly within oceanic contexts. Imagine it as an adaptable and comprehensive toolkit designed to simplify their intricate experimental tasks. Initially, we will meticulously craft the software, prioritizing ease of use and efficiency. Additionally, we will construct a specialized module for tracking particles within water, aiding researchers in their quest to decipher complex phenomena like microplastic pollution. This software promises to revolutionize their workflow, offering streamlined processes and enhanced effectiveness. Looking forward, we envision a continuous expansion of this software, with additional tools and modules incrementally enriching its capabilities.