COVID-19 pandemic and how TWU scientists have responded

In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) reached out to the nation’s best and brightest scientists for support. Among those consulted were Dr. Chad Friesen and his research team at Trinity Western University, as TWU’s lab is among specialized labs in Canada that can engineer and build new molecules.

---

Together with Dr. Eve Stringham and Dr. Richard Chandra of TWU, Dr. Friesen responded to requests from the National Microbiology Laboratory to procure specialized items – including sterile swabs and the chemical, guanidine isothiocyanate – essential components for COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

In the case of guanidine isothiocyanate, a chemical used for COVID-19 testing, Dr. Friesen and his team have offered to synthesize the chemical if necessary. As most pharmaceuticals are created outside of Canada, Canada could possibly face a shortfall of pharmaceuticals in light of a global pandemic. Dr. Friesen affirms that Trinity Western University is ready to provide support, “Our lab is capable of building molecules and pharmaceuticals; we are open to the idea of helping out wherever there is short supply.”

Scientist Dr. Friesen, Global Expert and EU Horizon 2020 Researcher

Dr. Friesen, Professor of Chemistry at Trinity Western University, develops new industrial applications for perfluoropolyalkylethers (PFPAEs) within sectors such as aviation and aerospace. 

Since 1996, Dr. Friesen has been working creatively with compounds called perfluoropolyalkylethers (PFPAEs), developing new applications for medicine delivery devices and imaging, and for aviation and aerospace technology. Dr. Friesen’s expertise in this area has made him a sought-after specialist by global organizations, corporations and also the U.S. government.

Recently, Dr. Friesen participated in Horizon 2020, the largest EU Research and Innovation program, collaborating with researchers in France and Italy to work on photocured materials for lithium ion batteries and 3D printing application. This July, he begins a special project with the U.S. Air Force.

TWU Chemistry Professor to Help U.S. Air Force

For Dr. Friesen, working for the U.S. Air Force is akin to a professional reunion. 

Prior to teaching at Trinity Western University, Dr. Friesen worked for DuPont, one of the world's leading chemical companies. His work focused on the areas of lubrication and tribology. (Tribology is the study of surfaces moving against surfaces, and encompasses friction, wear and lubrication.) While at DuPont, Dr. Friesen’s work had direct applications for the aerospace sector, and he developed technology for the U.S. Air Force and for NASA.

“It’s been a while since I worked for the U.S. Air Force, but my specialization never went away,” says Dr. Friesen, “So even when I left DuPont to come to TWU, I still spent quite a bit of time in that area of specialty.”

The U.S. Air Force has great need of Dr. Friesen’s particular area of chemistry, the use of PFPAEs and its applications for extreme temperatures both low and high.

Preventing Machine Failure in Outer Space

To safeguard against machine failure within aeronautical contexts, Dr. Friesen produces materials that are flexible at some of the most extreme temperatures possible. His work enables machines to function in ultra cold temperatures, benefitting applications both on earth and in outer space.

To produce materials that function in extreme temperatures, Dr. Friesen has to engineer new molecules. He likens it to chemical blacksmithing.

“Think of me as a blacksmith where I’m forging new molecules, based off of how certain atoms perform in certain temperatures,” Dr. Friesen says, “The atoms that perform well at low temperatures are ones that you forge together.”

The result? Custom-made molecules for specific applications.

“You build this new machinery, a new molecule that will actually function at the desired temperature.”

From Jet Engines to Medical Imaging: How Research Solves Real-Life Problems

Beyond jet engines, Dr. Friesen’s work has applications for the medical field as well, benefitting innovations in drug delivery, medical devices, MRI imaging, and pharmaceuticals.

Among the researchers working alongside Dr. Friesen is Josiah Newton (H.B.Sc. Chemistry, TWU, 2017, and PhD Candidate in Chemistry, SFU). Newton describes the applications of fluorine chemistry in tackling real-life problems in the medical field, which is part of the outcomes of his PhD research.

“The goal of my PhD thesis is to develop milder methods of fluorinating molecules, with the end goal of developing a method which is amenable to the preparation of radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography (PET imaging), to image diseases such as cancer,” Newton explains.

“Right now, the specific type of compounds we are working on are fluorinated amino acid derivatives, which are challenging to prepare using existing methods,” Newton continues, “The work utilizing my method will continue long after my PhD, as this method should be useful for studying many biological processes, in addition to imaging diseases.”

PhD Student Contributes to Medical Innovation

Newton is excited that his work contributes to medical innovation, “I love organic chemistry – I like understanding how reactions occur, and I like developing new synthetic tools that other chemists can use to solve problems.”

“I also adore research, as we get to see new molecules for the first time ever, we get to see the nitty gritty details of other side reactions that accompany our desired reaction, and we get to share our discoveries with our peers.”

The research that Newton is conducting will potentially help in imaging disease, and address the immediate health needs of many people.