KSask Research Group
Our overall research is in the area of biomaterials with a focus on protein interactions at the interface. We have a range of fundamental and applied research projects and collaborate with other academic and clinical groups at McMaster, across Canada, and internationally, along with labs from government and industry. Our ongoing list of publications is available at the link below, and examples of some of our projects and collaborators are highlighted here.
Blood-Contacting Biomaterials
This research focuses on the design and optimization of materials that directly interface with blood. We study protein adsorption, coagulation, platelet adhesion, and other blood interactions to understand and mitigate thrombosis and inflammatory responses in medical devices. Through targeted surface modification and coating strategies, we develop hemocompatible materials for blood-contacting devices such as catheters, stents, heart valves, blood oxygenators, and microfluidic devices, among others.
Artificial Placenta (ArtPlac)
In collaboration with a large team of researchers and clinicians https://artplac.eu/
ArtPlac is a preclinical research project dedicated to developing an innovative technology of medical treatments for neonatal intensive care. As a part of a large team of clinicians, researchers and engineers, the KSask Research Group is focused on the surface modification of blood-contacting polymers for blood oxygenators and hemodialyzers in the development of a novel artificial placenta.
Surface Modifications & Patterning
Our research explores chemical and topographical surface modification strategies to enable controlled and stable immobilization of biomolecules at material interfaces. By leveraging surface patterning, photochemical activation, and nanoscale engineering, we tailor surface properties to regulate biomolecular attachment, orientation, conformation, and activity. These platforms support advanced biosensing and diagnostic applications, while also enabling precise modulation of protein–surface interactions relevant to a broad range of biointerfacial and medical device systems.
Collaborations
Interested in collaborating with us?
The KSask Research Group welcomes interdisciplinary collaborations with academic, clinical, government, and industry partners interested in biomaterials, surface engineering, and biomedical innovation, among others. To explore potential collaborations, please contact Dr. Kyla Sask at ksask@mcmaster.ca
Bone-Interfacing & Advanced Materials Characterization
In Collaboration with Dr. Kathryn Grandfield, Materials Science & Engineering, McMaster University
This work investigates structure–function relationships at bone–biomaterial interfaces through the surface functionalization of biomaterials, including titanium, polydimethylsiloxane, and model gold surfaces. Materials are modified using topographical methods, polydopamine, thiol-gold chemistries, along with immobilization of proteins (fetuin-A) and investigations of calciprotein particles (CPPs). Surface topography, chemistry, and particle organization are characterized using advanced electron microscopy techniques, and in some cases atom probe tomography (APT). Osteoblast-like cell assays are employed to evaluate how variations in surface functionalization regulate cellular adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic response.
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Nanomaterials for Biosensing
In Collaboration with Dr. Ayse Turak, Physics, Concordia University and Dr. Jonathan Bradley, Engineering Physics, McMaster University
This work centers on nanoparticle-enabled biosensing and biomaterials, with particular emphasis on gold nanoparticle–functionalized solid substrates for protein immobilization and biosensor optimization. The research investigates how nanoparticle size, surface chemistry, and immobilization strategies affect antibody surface coverage, orientation, and binding functionality. By integrating nanofabrication, radiolabeling techniques, and optical sensing platforms such as silicon nitride waveguides, this work aims to enhance biosensor sensitivity, robustness, and reliability.
Diazirine-Mediated Surface Modifications
In Collaboration with Dr. Jeremy Wulff, Chemistry, University of Victoria
This research explores new strategies for functionalizing chemically inert polymer biomaterials to enable stable and precise biomolecule attachment. Using light- and heat-activated diazirine chemistries, implant-relevant polymers are modified to support robust covalent immobilization of proteins while preserving their biological activity. The approach enables uniform surface functionalization as well as spatially controlled protein patterning, opening opportunities for advanced biosensing, blood-contacting medical devices, and tissue engineering. Ongoing work extends this platform toward bioactive and anticoagulant interfaces for improved performance in clinical environments.
Reusable Hemodialysis Membranes
In Collaboration with Dr. Charles de Lannoy, Chemical Engineering, McMaster University
This work develops next-generation hemodialysis membranes using a novel polyether ether ketone (PEEK) platform from the de Lannoy lab. With superior chemical and thermal stability, PEEK enables durable, potentially reusable filtration systems. The work focuses on fabricating and characterizing membrane architectures to understand pore structure, surface properties, and transport, establishing design principles that balance permeance, selectivity, and stability. It also examines blood–material interactions and surface modifications to improve hemocompatibility, while exploring sterilization and reuse strategies, positioning PEEK membranes as a sustainable alternative to single-use dialyzers.
Biomanufacturing
In Collaboration with Dr. David R. Latulippe, Chemical Engineering, McMaster University
This research focuses on developing advanced analytical tools to strengthen biomanufacturing and improve the accessibility and affordability of biologic and vaccine therapeutics. Central to this work is understanding protein–protein and protein–surface interactions during biochromatography, which directly influence purification efficiency, product quality, and process robustness. Real-time monitoring of critical quality attributes is achieved using in-line multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and biolayer interferometry (BLI). Complementary proteomics techniques, including SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS, are used to identify residual contaminants and study failure modes in emerging chromatography processes in partnership with industry collaborators.
Our Collaborators
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Name | Affliation | Website |
|---|---|---|
Dr. Kathryn Grandfield | McMaster University, Materials Science & Engineering | https://www.grandfieldresearchgroup.ca/ |
Dr. Anthony K.C. Chan | McMaster University, Pediatric Hematology | https://taari.mcmaster.ca/labs/mcmaster-developmental-hemostasis-lab-mdhl/ |
Dr. John L. Brash | McMaster University, Chemical Engineering | https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/msbe/faculty/dr-john-l-brash/ |
Dr. P. Ravi Selvaganapathy | McMaster University, Mechanical Engineering | https://www.biomicrodevices.ca/ |
Dr. David R. Latulippe | McMaster University, Chemical Engineering | http://latulippelab.mcmaster.ca |
Dr. Charles de Lannoy | McMaster University, Chemical Engineering | http://www.delannoylab.com/ |
Dr. Ayse Turak | Concordia University, Physics / Eng Phys (McMaster) | https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/turaka |
Dr. Jonathan Bradley | McMaster University, Engineering Physics | http://www.bradleyresearchgroup.ca/ |
Dr. Jose Moran-Mirabal | McMaster University, Chemistry | https://chemistry.mcmaster.ca/moran-mirabal/ |
Dr. Jeremy Wulff | University of Victoria, Chemistry | https://web.uvic.ca/~wulff/ |
Dr. Niels Rochow | University Hospital Nuremberg, Germany
| https://artplac.eu/ |
Dr. Christoph Fusch | University Hospital Nuremberg, Germany
| https://artplac.eu/ |
Dr. Diego Mantovani | Université Laval, Faculty of Science and Engineering | https://lbb.fsg.ulaval.ca/en?no_cache=1 |