Summary

This platform focuses on developing biomaterials and human tissue mimetics for: functional tissue drug screening, in vitro and in vivo cell modulation, endogenous stem cell stimulation, stem cell delivery and cell therapy development.

Biomaterials & Devices Capabilities

Medical device & combination product prototype design

• Biomedical polymer processing (porous scaffolds, fibres, coatings, micro/nano-spheres, hydrogels)
• Surface modification
• Combination products (polymers + cells, drugs, biomolecules)
• Design documentation

Materials selection

• Regulatory history assessment
• Cost analysis
• Sourcing
• Purity analysis
• Material substitution and equivalency testing

Product and process development

• Feasibility assessment (COGs & unit operations analysis)
• Scale-up (equipment selection, reagent acquisition, batch production & testing)
• Optimization (yield, purity, cost)
• Pilot scale production for technology transfer
• Analytical method development
• Process standardization and validation

Prototype/clinical sample fabrication

• Controlled environment (class 10,000 cleanroom)
• Cell culture
• Stability & biocompatibility testing
• Specialized device testing
• Final product specification testing development & validation
• Technical file documentation

Custom polymer synthesis

• Bulk, solution, suspension & emulsion polymerizations
• Stable and degradable polymers
• Physicochemical characterization

Lead Scientist

Molly Shoichet

Platform Director

Gary Skarja