Research Themes
1. Influence of hemodialysis membrane characteristics on inflammation in dialysis patients
Our team was the first in Canada to conduct in-depth studies of the chemical and physical characteristics of hemodialysis (HD) membranes used in Canadian hospitals. We also looked at how different HD membranes result in different blood-membrane interactions and inflammation. This information is important because it affects how and why patients experience side effects. This work has paved the way for the design of new and improved membranes.
2. Modeling membrane characteristics and clinical practices to predict inflammation in HD patients
Prescribing HD membranes to dialysis patients is an essential part of their treatment. However, the effect of HD membrane interactions with patient blood is not fully understood, and it is difficult to predict which type of HD membrane and which conditions would be most compatible with a given patient. As a result, there may be some unanticipated side effects observed in clinical practice, including inflammation. We developed mathematical models to predict inflammation based on clinical practices as well as membrane characteristics such as pore size and chemical makeup. This work is now expanding to consider how different membranes and practices affect patients of different sexes, genders, and races, and with different medical histories. Overall, these studies are critical for achieving an in-depth understanding of how clinical practices together with the membrane prescribed have a critical influence on patient quality of life.
3. Synthesizing new and improved hemodialysis membranes
This line of research focuses on developing new membranes with exceptional properties and outstanding performance. Work in this area has reviewed various kinds of materials being developed with the aim to have more blood-membrane interactions that are desired and fewer that are unwanted. This direction will lead to new membranes that are more compatible with patient blood, and thus will enhance their quality of life and address a critical health and economic problem in Canada. My work in this area led to me being named an Outstanding Woman Researcher in 2022 by the journal Chemical Engineering Research and Design. This work has also already led to one provisional patent in 2022.
4. Using synchrotron imaging to determine how different membranes affect the absorption of blood proteins
The Canadian Light Source (CLS) synchrotron in Saskatoon produces different kinds of light in order to study the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level. My work at the CLS has led to groundbreaking advances in HD membrane science and technology. For the first time, my research has directly linked the characteristics of the commercial membranes used in Canada to patient side effects. The CLS has enabled me to visualize and track the behaviour and deposition of blood proteins inside HD membrane channels; this is important because it is linked to severe outcomes such as inflammation in patients. With the new information gathered, we are now able to create new designs and membrane materials to be tested in HD applications.
5. Using computer simulations to understand how different HD membranes interact with blood proteins
We developed a theoretical model using computer simulations of molecule interactions to gain insight the interaction between blood proteins and the HD membranes currently used in hospitals. The results of the simulations were verified through experimental work focusing on inflammation in patients following an HD session. This work is crucial to material sciences approaches that aim to develop and design new materials. Specifically, it provides important information to help us design the most compatible materials before we attempt to synthesize new membranes in the lab. Based on our results to date, we have begun to develop new HD membranes and move forward with validating their performance in both the lab and clinic.
6. Uremic toxins detection and detoxification
Our team is also working on the detection and detoxification of uremic toxins in patient blood using biocompatible materials.
7. Modeling and New Design of Membrane Dialyzers
Our team is also working on modeling and simulation of new membrane dialyzers that will result in less inflammation in HD patients.
8. Patient-oriented research and establishing partnership with indigenous dialysis patients towards patient outcomes
Our team has also started working on assessing the quality-of-life measures that patients experience in order to improve patient outcomes.
University of Saskatchewan is located on Treaty 6 lands and the Homelands of the Métis
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