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Team
Director
Marc-André Fortin, Ph. D. , Eng., Full Professor
Prof. Marc-André Fortin is the head of the Biomaterials for Imaging Laboratory at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CR-CHU de Québec - Université Laval) in Quebec City. He is also a full professor in the Department of Mining, Metallurgy, and Materials Engineering at Université Laval. Additionally, he is the founder and manager of the CR-CHU de Québec’s small-animal imaging platform, which incorporates advanced imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and X-ray computed tomography (CT). This platform is primarily dedicated to in vivo studies of nano(bio)materials.
Dr. Fortin completed his Ph.D. at the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique – Énergie et Matériaux (INRS-ÉMT) in Montreal, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in biomedical imaging at Uppsala and Linköping Universities in Sweden. Over the course of his career, he has received the Career Award from the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec (FRQS) twice—first as Junior 1 (2008) and later as Junior 2 (2016).
His research interests are focused on the development of nano(bio)materials for imaging applications, innovative strategies for tracking the biodistribution of nanomaterials in vivo, the additive manufacturing of biomedical polymers to improve imaging visibility, and novel methods for synthesizing radioactive nanoparticles. Dr. Fortin has published more than 70 scientific papers in prestigious journals, including ACS Nano, Nanoscale, Advanced Materials, Chemistry of Materials, and Journal of Controlled Release. He has also authored 3 book chapters and 3 reviews on the application of nanomaterials in imaging. Additionally, he holds several patents related to novel nanoparticle synthesis methods using plasma technologies.
Dr. Fortin's work is currently supported by multiple funding agencies, including NSERC, CIHR, CFI, FRQNT, and NRCan. He serves as a member of the College of Reviewers for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Pharmaceutical Sciences panel. Since joining Université Laval in 2007, he has taught courses on materials analysis, biomedical imaging, and nanotechnology for biomedical applications. Notably, he chaired the International Gold Conference 2022 (www.gold2022.org), a scientific platform focused on research into gold-based nanomaterials for high-technology applications.
Group photo
Team
The research focus of our lab is the development of new materials that provide enhanced contrast properties in various biomedical imaging procedures.
In particular, we have focused on the synthesis, characterization and biomedical use of nanomaterials for cellular and molecular labeling. We are also developing coatings for magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery.
The laboratory is hosted by the Center de Recherche du CHU de Québec (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec), one of the largest biomedical research centers in Canada, with strong expertise in biomaterials, oncology and regenerative medicine.
With direct access to biomedical imaging equipment for small animals (MRI, scanner, ultrasound), the laboratory makes the link between nanomaterials and biomedical research.
At the academic level, we train master's and doctoral students in biomedical engineering, nanomaterials and imaging sciences. Our students and research professionals evolve in a truly multidisciplinary research environment, where understanding the interaction between new materials, cells, tissues and small animal models is of paramount importance.
Students, collaborators or potential industrial partners: you are invited to contact us for research projects, expertise or scientific services!
