Harald Stover

Harald Stover is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology at McMaster University. His research focuses on polymer chemistry, biomaterials, and hydrogel design with applications in cell encapsulation and drug delivery systems. He teaches courses such as Organic Chemistry II and Biomolecular Interactions and Kinetics. Stover has contributed extensively to the development of stimuli-responsive polymers, immuno-isolation materials, and novel microencapsulation techniques. His work emphasizes cross-disciplinary approaches to biomedical challenges, including islet transplantation and synthetic hydrogel systems.

Key research themes include:

• Design of synthetic polymers for immuno-compatible cell encapsulation
• Development of charge-shifting polycations for drug delivery
• Investigation of microgel and hydrogel structures using advanced characterization techniques (e.g., X-ray spectromicroscopy)

Stover's recent articles highlight advancements in immunoprivileged hydrogels for diabetic treatments and erythrocyte-based liposome systems. His lab explores material functionality across multiple length scales, integrating chemical synthesis with biological applications. The research impacts areas like tissue engineering, nanomedicine, and regenerative therapies.