Award Partner: Dionamix Scientific Inc.

Develop plant-based microcarrier compositions for expanding DSCs and fibroblasts in dynamic culture

Dermal Sheath Cells (DSc) hold significant promise in regenerative medicine, particularly for hair follicle regeneration and wound healing. However, scalable production remains a challenge. Microcarrier-based culture systems present a viable solution, with the type of microcarrier and culture conditions being critical for optimizing cell yield, viability, and functionality.

 

This project aims to develop digestable microcarriers made from plant-based resources to facilitate large-scale cultivation of DSc.

 

The intern, currently a visiting PhD student at the University of Victoria, has extensive experience in cell culture and biomanufacturing. In this project, the intern will gain valuable experience in:

  • Biomaterial synthesis and extraction from plant-based resources
  • Microfluidic technology for producing microcarriers
  • Dynamic culture of therapeutic cells using microcarriers
  • Problem-solving and adapting protocols for industrial-scale production

 

The project will benefit the company by:

  • Advancing research and development of novel regenerative medicine therapies.
  • Enhancing production scalability and cost-efficiency through innovative culture technologies.
  • Strengthening the company’s position as a leader in biotechnological advancements for therapeutic applications.

 

Overall, this internship project aims to develop optimized protocols that leverage the therapeutic potential of DSc, contributing to both scientific progress and practical applications in regenerative medicine. This effort is expected to improve cell culture conditions and overall product quality.

High throughput fabrication and characterization of a novel lipid nanoparticle library

My research in optimizing lipid nanoparticle formulations and developing next-generation drug delivery platforms is advancing translational health innovation in British Columbia. By integrating polymer and peptide-functionalized nanoparticles for extrahepatic delivery, and by establishing automated, scalable formulation platforms, my work accelerates the development of more effective and commercially relevant therapies. Through collaborations with both academic and industry partners, these efforts strengthen BC’s capacity for cutting-edge nanomedicine research, foster interdisciplinary training, and contribute to a vibrant ecosystem for health innovation in the province.

 

My research in lipid nanoparticle optimization and functionalized drug delivery systems directly addresses pressing health priorities in British Columbia by enabling safer, more effective, and targeted therapies for conditions that are difficult to treat, including cancer and systemic diseases requiring extrahepatic delivery. By integrating automated formulation platforms and fostering academic–industry collaboration, my work accelerates translational research, enhances BC’s capacity for innovative therapeutics, and strengthens the province’s leadership in developing scalable, next-generation health technologies.