Current Research Topics
Our Research Program:
The Ben Lab at the University of Ottawa is a chemistry driven research group focused on the design and synthesis of biologically active molecules — especially antifreeze‐type glycoproteins and small‐molecule inhibitors of ice recrystallization — combined with carbohydrate/peptide chemistry and biological/cell culture testing, offering an interdisciplinary training environment and distinctive application focus.
We have three general themes that we currently involved with. These are: 1) Bio-organic chemistry of “anti-freeze like” cryoprotectants (organic, carbohydrate, glycoconjugate chemistry), 2) In vitro/In vivo assessment of rationally designed ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) and molecules that influence ice nucleation (cryo-efficacy in appropriate immortalized, primary cells and tissues) and 3) Understanding the mechanism of action (MoA) of molecules that control ice growth and the structural features necessary for this effect. Click below to explore further!
Rational Design of New Cryoprotective Agents
In Vitro / In Vivo Assessment of Cryo-efficacy
Understanding the Mechanism of Action
Tips / Considerations for Students or Collaborators
If you are a student interested in joining: having a background or interest in synthetic organic chemistry, peptide/carbohydrate chemistry, or cryobiology would be beneficial (but not essential). Being open to both bench chemical synthesis and biological assay/cell‑culture work is important. The lab expects synthetic and bio work.
For collaborative or application‑oriented work: the ice‑recrystallization inhibitor / antifreeze side is appealing for industrial/biotech partnerships in the research, commercial and clinical sectors.
We are grateful for the support from:
