Master's Student

In vitro and ex vivo study entitled “Green approaches to enhance anticancer bioactivities of particalized eggshell membranes.”

Location: Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Supervisor: Prof. Maxwell T. Hincke

Funding: CAD $24,000 per year (MSc stipend)

Applications are invited for a funded MSc research position in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. The project will investigate innovative green technologies to enhance the biological activity and commercial value of eggshell membrane (ESM), an underutilized by‑product of the Canadian egg industry.

The ESM possess anti‑oxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulating and anti‑inflammatory properties; however, poor solubility and limited bioavailability are a big challenge in maximizing valorization. Therefore, an inexpensive process for solubilizing the ESM while focusing on yield, purity and activity of the solubilized proteins is needed, particularly one suited for commercial scale implementation.

A number of studies have demonstrated the anticancer activities of egg proteins and associated peptides, and these can occur via a variety of mechanisms, such as by directly activating immune cells or increased tumor cell immunogenicity or reduced tumor growth and prevention of tumor metastasis. Although genetic factors have a significant contribution to colorectal carcinogenesis, accumulating evidence suggests that chronic pathogen infection and the ensuing inflammation contribute to tumor initiation and progression.

To that end, we will explore the protective effects of newly prepared ESM proteins or peptides (prepared using green approaches) to control the growth of enteric bacterial pathogens and regulate inflammatory mediators induced by bacterial LPS.

Moreover, our lab has defined promising novel seaweed‑derived soluble compounds (SSCs) with antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial activities. We will maximize the beneficial effects of ESM soluble proteins / peptides by investigating the impact of ESM / SSC combinations in order to control in vitro proxies for chronic gut inflammation and colon cancer.

Finally, an associated project will characterize, for the first time, the direct effects of these ESM formulations on colon cancer cell growth, survival, and tumor‑initiating functions utilizing an advanced 3‑D ex‑vivo colon cancer model.

We expect these innovative approaches will result in a new gut health supplement/s with immunomodulatory, anti‑bacterial and antioxidant activities. The novel formulation/s will be produced using innovative, cost‑effective green approaches with reduced environmental impact to benefit.

• Sustainable extraction and processing of eggshell membrane proteins and peptides
• Antibacterial activity against enteric pathogens
• Regulation of inflammatory responses induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
• Synergistic effects of eggshell membrane products and seaweed‑derived bioactive compounds
• Anticancer activity in advanced 3D ex‑vivo colon cancer models
• Development of novel functional ingredients with potential applications in gut health and cancer prevention

The student will conduct laboratory‑based research under the supervision of Prof. Maxwell T. Hincke and Dr. Tamer

A. Ahmed following appropriate training and orientation.

• BSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Health Sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in biomedical and laboratory‑based research
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Previous laboratory experience
• Experience in microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related techniques.

The successful candidate will receive hands‑on training in:

• Biotechnology and biochemistry techniques
• Microbiology and antimicrobial testing
• Cell culture and advanced 3D ex‑vivo cancer models
• Cancer biology research
• Experimental design and hypothesis testing
• Statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Scientific writing and presentation
• Project and time management

This interdisciplinary training will prepare the student for future careers in academia, biotechnology, health sciences, and related industries.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada in accordance with funding requirements.