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The BINARY lab (Biology, Information science and Nanotechnology Applications and Research laboratorY) is focused on nanobiotechnology -- the fusion of life sciences and nanoscale engineering.  And it is this nanobiotechnology that may well be the spark of the next technological revolution.

For decades, electrical engineers and biologists have occupied almost entirely disparate spheres in the research community. This changes with the advent of true nano-scale control over atoms: for the first time, synthetic top-down structures can interact with biological materials on a molecular level, opening up new realms of possibilities in the world of medical research.

Founded at the University of Alberta in Spring 2003, the BINARY lab’s mission is to provide a cross-disciplinary research environment for exploring new nanoscale device & circuit designs and nanotechnology for bio-medical applications. This is in part accomplished through a wide variety of collaborations here at the University of Alberta, including the unique opportunity to work with the new National Institute of Nanotechnology, Canada's new 15,000 square-metre building that stands as one of the world's most technologically advanced research facilities.

We try to bridge the gap between biologists and engineers, currently focusing on three projects in this exciting new field: magnetic transfection, nanoscale assays, and biomarkers. Use the links above to get a detailed picture of what these entail and what their true potential may be.  Under the supervision of Dr. Jie Chen, the BINARY lab is continually growing, and is always looking for students and researchers to join us on the cutting edge of this new field. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to email us!