Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, making it imperative to delve into their molecular basis to decipher the disease mechanisms, and to promote disease management and prevention. Understanding the intricacies of complex CVD mechanisms demands a focus on molecular networks rather than individual molecules.
At the forefront of this pursuit lies the Biomedical Engineering area within The Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations (CCVI) at the University of Guelph. We are a multidisciplinary team integrating state-of-the-art lab-on-a-chip technologies, biosensing, micro/nanofabrication, bio-optics/electronics, and advanced computational tools. Our mission is to decipher the molecular codes governing CVDs, enabling more accurate disease diagnosis and management.
Given the complexity of CVDs and the low concentrations of disease-related biomolecules in body fluids like blood, we recognize the need for highly sensitive bioassays. As such, we continuously strive to develop innovative, highly sensitive, and multiplexed technologies for the comprehensive study and clinical management of CVDs.
With a collaborative spirit at the heart of CCVI, our team fosters close connections between cardiovascular research scientists, clinicians, and biomedical engineers. By pooling our expertise and resources, we aim to advance our knowledge of CVDs in both human and animal subjects, ultimately propelling us towards more effective disease management and improved patient outcomes. Together, we embark on a journey to redefine the future of cardiovascular health.
Dr. Huiyan Li is a faculty member in the Biomedical Engineering Program at the University of Guelph, leading a pioneering lab that specializes in developing advanced biosensing platforms for studying complex diseases. Dr. Li’s laboratory is currently developing innovative technologies for the analysis of extracellular vesicle s(EVs) and conventional types of biomarkers like proteins and nucleic acids.
One of the lab’s recent progresses is the development of a highly sensitive 3D-membrane based platform for highly sensitive bioassays, which demonstrated superior sensitivity significantly surpassing conventional ELISA while reducing sample and reagent consumption to minimal levels. These cutting-edge platforms are currently playing a crucial role in various cardiovascular research initiatives.
Emphasizing student-centered collaborations, our multidisciplinary research program fosters dynamic partnerships among multiple laboratories. Through these collaborations, we are committed to delivering high-quality training and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders, all while working towards our shared mission of advancing cardiovascular research and improving patient outcomes.