Research Interests:
The current research program in my laboratory focuses on 1) the development of novel surface engineering techniques for chemically inert semicrystalline polymers; 2) the development of new biocidal and biocompatible materials;  and 3) micro- and nano-encapsulation of bioactive agents for their targeted and controlled delivery.

Research Grants: 
NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) Discovery
Supplement fund from NSERC for enhancing the Discovery Grants of early career researchers (ECRs)
CHRP operating grant (Collaborative Health Research Projects ---jointly funded by NSERC and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR))
NSERC Engage Grant
CFI (Canada Foundation for Innovation)
MHRC (Manitoba Health Research Council) Establishment and Operating Grants
The Dr. Paul H.T. Thorlakson Foundation Fund
MMSF (Manitoba Medical Service Foundation)
URGP (University Research Grant Program)
Faculty of Human Ecology Startup funds

Award:
 2012 Rh Award in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Winnipeg Rh Foundation

Recent Publications:

1. Li, L.; Li, J.; Kulkarni, A.; Liu, S. Polyurethane (PU)-derived photoactive and copper-free clickable surface based on perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA) chemistry. Journal of Material Chemistry B 2013; 1: 571–582.
2. Li, J.; Lin, F.; Li, L.; Li, J.; Liu S. Surface-engineering of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) for durable haemocompatibility via a surface interpenetrating network technique. Macromolecular Chemistry & Physics 2012; 213(20): 2120–2129.
3. He, W.; Gu, X.; Liu, S. Surfactant-free One Step Synthesis of Dual-functional Polyurea Microcapsule: Contact Infection Control and Drug Delivery. Advanced Functional Materials 2012; 22(19): 4023-31. (2011 Journal Impact Factor: 10.179).
4. Li, L.; Pu, T.; Zhanel, G.; Zhao, N.; Ens, W.; Liu, S. New biocide with both N-chloramine and quaternary ammonium salt moieties exerts enhanced bactericidal activity. Advanced Healthcare Materials 2012; 1(5): 609-620.
5. Li, L.; Zhao, N.; Liu, S. Versatile Surface Biofunctionalization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by Interpenetrating Polymerization of a butynyl Monomer Followed by “Click” Chemistry. Polymer 2012; 53(1): 67-78.
6. Zhao, N.; Logsetty, S.; Liu, S. Durability of N-halamine Biocide to Ethylene Oxide Sterilization. Journal of Burn Care & Research 2012; 33(4):e201-6.
7. Zhao, N.; Liu, S. Thermoplastic Semi-IPN of Polypropylene (PP) and Polymeric N-halamine for Efficient and Durable Antibacterial Activity. European Polymer Journal, 2011; 47 (8):1654-1663.
8. Zhao, N.; Zhanel, G.G.; Liu, S. Regenerability of Antibacterial Activity of Interpenetrating Polymeric N-halamine and Poly(ethylene terephthalate). Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2011;120(1): 611–622.
9. Rudenja, S.; Zhao, N.; Liu, S. Surface Interpenetrating Networks of Polyacrylamide in Poly(ethylene terephthalate) as a Means of Surface Modification. European Polymer Journal, 2010; 46(10):2078-2084.
10. Liu, S.; Zhao, N.; Rudenja, S. Surface Interpenetrating Networks of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Polyamides for Effective Biocidal Property. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 2010; 211(3):286-296.
11. Liu, S.; Sun, G. New Refreshable N-Halamine Polymeric Biocides:  N-Chlorination of Acyclic Amide Grafted Cellulose. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research 2009; 48(2): 613-618.
12. Liu, S.; Sun, G. Functional Modification of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) with an Allyl Monomer: Chemistry and Structure Characterization. Polymer 2008; 49(24): 5225-5232.
13. Liu, S.; Sun, G. Radical Graft Functional Modification of Cellulose with Allyl Monomers: Chemistry and Structure Characterization. Carbohydrate Polymers 2008; 71(4):614-625.
14. Liu, S.; Sun, G. Biocidal Acyclic Halamine Polymers: Conversion of Acrylamide-Grafted-Cotton to Acyclic Halamine. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2008; 108(6): 3480-3486.
15. Liu, S.; Sun, G. Durable and Regenerable Biocidal Polymers: Acyclic N-Halamine Cotton Cellulose.  Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2006; 45:6477-6482.

Book Chapters:
Liu S., Sun G. Chapter 18: Bio-functional Textiles, in Handbook of Medical Texitiles, Ed. Bartels V.T., UK: Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2011 published. 

Recent Patents:
One patent application on novel antimicrobial agents 

Laboratory Members: