BioDesign
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| Website: | http://mcgillbiodesign.com/ |
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| Email: | biodesign@mcgilleus.ca |
The goal of McGill BioDesign is to create prototypes and products, in order to fulfill unmet healthcare needs through novel biotechnology. Additionally, our team establishes a peer-based platform for undergraduate students to gain research and laboratory experience. Our overall purpose is to serve the field of healthcare through useful contributions to the biotechnology community, while developing and perfecting the research skills of the Bioengineers of tomorrow.
Contents
Annual Competitions
McGill BioDesign has been competing in the Biodesign Challenge (BDC) every summer as of 2018. This competition takes place at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Parsons School of Design in New York City in which Universities from around the world present their prototypes.
BDC bridges art, design, and biotech to develop the first generation of professionals who cross disciplines, anticipate promises and pitfalls, and engage the public in dialogue about the broader implications of emerging biotech.
Current Projects
Digital Glucose Sensor Transmitter
The objective of this project is to develop a transmitter capable of transforming short-wave radio frequency into Wifi or cellular signal, that can attach to the glucose monitors worn by diabetic patients. | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GH--pB-_35Rv_NkLGpHmr-gwGKntdmUJ/view
Bacculovirus Gene Therapy
The objective of this project is to develop a film that will promote the healing of chronic wounds (such as diabetic foot ulcers), using a novel technique that involves transient growth factor expression delivered via baculovirus vectors. | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dhihtx6SIIjQF63ucpVBSmQFIAvo5P9o/view
MAAscreen 2017-2018
MAAscreen, our eco-friendly and biodegradable sunscreen, resolves many environmental issues that arise from conventional sunscreens. The chemical UV filters in these sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, threaten the marine environment. We made it our mission to find a safer, more natural alternative for consumers. Inspired by the concept of biomimicry, we came up with the idea of extracting mycosporine like amino acids (MAAs) from algae. These compounds provide broad-UV protection similar to current available sunscreens. To minimize environmental harm, we developed a product whose lifecycle would benefit the environment at every step of the way. | https://lucaslmhb.github.io/biodesignwebsite/
ActivAid 2018-2019
ActivAID is an effective wound dressing that not only accelerates wound healing, but also has antibacterial properties, wound cleaning action, and scar prevention capabilities. Such unique properties are achieved by combining a specific alginate hydrogel and bioactive glass. | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j51zWCLz6Kakx2x8YCVH6V8ccXMricBx/view
Recruitment
McGill BioDesign recruits new members every Fall semester.