Publication · 2025
Nano-Pillared Surfaces with Antimicrobial & Immunomodulatory Properties
Jahan, S. et al. — ACS Omega, 10, 46, 56680–56691. Peptide-functionalized surfaces with tunable biological activity.
Welcome to Ahmed Lab
Bridging Chemistry, Biology & Engineering
Our research program develops biomimetics — nature-inspired polymers and nanoparticles — and evaluates their physicochemical interactions with biologics including proteins, DNA, and cells.
Based at the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, we are focused on two interconnected themes: macromolecular design for biologic stabilization, and peptide-based self-assembly for immunomodulation and drug delivery.
More About the PI60+
Publications
15+
Book Chapters
3
Patents
30+
Trainees Mentored
15+
Years of Research
What We Do
Research Program
Our research program is focused on two main themes.
01
Macromolecules for Biopreservation
Macromolecules development for storage of sensitive materials including specialized cell lines, stem cells, sperms, bacteria, spheroids and organoids. Compared with traditional cryopreservation methods that typically utilize cell permeable small molecules, our approach develops and utilizes natural biomimetics as extracellular cryoprotectants, ensuring optimized storage without any toxic side effects.
02
Peptide-Based Immunomodulation & Drug Delivery
With recent interest in immunomodulatory approaches to treat a variety of diseases including cancer, peptide-based materials present a degradable, cost-effective and simple platform. Our work is focused on development of immunomodulatory nanoparticles and thixotropic gels for modulation of macrophages from pro-cancer to anti-cancer state, while delivering chemotherapeutics in a single punch.
Latest from the Lab
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Recent Highlights
Publication · 2025
Self-Assembled Peptide Nanoparticles Enhance Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Bhayo, A. M.; Jahan, S.; Ahmed, M.* — ACS Applied Biomaterials, 8, 9, 8325–8340. Macrophage polarization in TNBC.
Patents & IP
Real-World Translation
Patented innovations in water collection, protein stabilization, and cell cryopreservation.
Patent Granted · Jan 2026Hygroscopic Hydrogels for Water Collection · PCT/CA2019/051610
Filed · Jun 2021Methods for Restoring & Stabilizing Polypeptides · PCT/CA2021/050815
Submitted · Jul 2023Composition for Cryopreserving Cells · Patent 08953763US