Use of nanotechnology for robotic platforms aimed at tumour targeting and vascular system navigation tools
The research team has developed unique expertise in the application of magnetic fields aimed at targeted delivery of cancer-treatment medication. Its expertise also encompasses related fields, namely the production of therapeutic vectors such as FeCo magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in PLGO microparticles and liposomes loaded with medications attached to ultra-performing magnetotactic bacteria. The team has also developed expertise in complex robotic systems and specialized medical tools such as MRI navigation, magnetic catheters, magnetic monopole generators, imaging and image resetting technologies, manufacturing of microfluidic polymer circuits and realization of full in vivo procedures.
Human-scale medical nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) with varied imaging sequences for the head / back / legs, animal supply facility (mice, rats, rabbits, pigs) with an operating room, magnetosome and bacterial culture production laboratory, 3D nanomanufacturing of photosensitive polymers, CNC machining, optical microscopy with visible light, microfluidic and electronic circuit manufacturing
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| UNIM (NanoRobotic Medical Intervention Unit) | Siemens Magnetom Skyra 3T MRI system | Two-source, 64-receiver-channel RF transmission system and antenna assembly to cover the whole body |
| MRI/NMR console (Tecmag Redstone 0-128 MHz, 1 Tx, 4 Rx) | Programmable MRI console | |
| VNA, SVG and SVA RT analysis system (National Instruments) | Test platform for RF antennae and microwave circuits up to 6GHz | |
| Kuka KR300 Quantec Ultra | Handling robot and transfer table | |
| CIOS Alpha | X-ray and fluoroscopy (20cm*20cm) | |
| EkoHeat 65kW/100kHz | Induction heating system with applicator ~20cm | |
| MRI-compatible pulse oximeter | Vital signs monitoring | |
| Animal supply facility | Equipped with cage racks (mice, rats, rabbits, pigs), biological safety cabinet, ventilated surgery table, MRI-compatible anaesthesia | |
| NanoRobotics Laboratory | Optical microscope (Zeiss Axio Imager Z1 m)
| Inspection microscope with all contrast options |
| Clean glove box (Terra Universal series 100) | Clean-handling enclosure | |
| Binocular microscope (Zeiss Stemi) | Binocular inspection | |
| Three power sources (Sorensen 200 A) | High-voltage source used to power electromagnets | |
| 3D magnetometer | Portable magnetic field measuring system | |
| CNC milling machine (EMCO PC Mill 55) | Precision milling of small parts | |
| Chemical fume hood | Protection against toxic fumes | |
| Biological safety cabinet | Protection against contamination | |
| Circuit board plotter (LPKF Protomat 92 s/II) | Printed circuit board fabrication | |
| Hot press (LPKF MultiPress II) | Multi-layer printed circuit board fabrication | |
| Magnet shaker (Labworks ET-139) | Vibration test bench | |
| High-voltage source (Bertan 230 series) | Multi-purpose high-voltage source | |
| Vacuum oven (Isotemp 281A) | Material annealing and degassing | |
| Logic analysis system (Agilent 16702 B) | Digital signals validation | |
| NanoFabrication | Multiphoton structuring device (LZH M3DL) | 3D printer with 1um resolution |
| Three linear stages (Aerotech ABL1000) | Fast 3D positioning | |
| Femtosecond laser (KMLabs Griffin-3W) | 2PP writing system source | |
| Cell culture laboratory | Two (2) 10L instrumented fermenters (Infors) | Microorganism culture |
| Instrumented 40L fermenter (Infors) | Microorganism culture | |
| Inverted microscope with colour camera (Ziess Axiovert Z1) | Basic inspection microscope | |
| Cooled centrifuge (Sorval RT+) | Solution concentration | |
Rotary evaporator (Buchi vacuum controller D850 Rotavap R215 heating bath D491) Homogenizer (Polytron PT6100) | Solution concentration | |
| Sonicator | Cleaning and cavitation | |
| Precision balance (Scientech SA120) | Substance weight measuring | |
| Deionized water (Milliport Milli-Q) | Ultra-pure water source | |
| Mechanical shaker | Liquid mixer | |
| Vortex (Genie-2) | Liquid mixer | |
| pH meter (Orion 5 Stars) | pH measuring | |
| Minicentrifuge (Accuspin Micro) | Solution concentration | |
| Biological safety cabinet | Sterile environment work | |
| Ultrasonic bath | Parts cleaning |
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| List of our main media coverage | http://wiki.polymtl.ca/nano/index.php/Press_Review |