About the Project
PROJECT SUMMARY
In this project, an integrated system comprising biological sensors with associated hardware and software will be developed based on micro/nano technology, to detect and monitor food/water borne pathogens in the food chain. The main target microorganisms include foodborne pathogen, Campylobacter and waterborne parasite, Cryptosporidium.
PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The overall increase in population and the urban population in particular, poses great challenges to food safety systems. Campylobacter causes more cases of food poisoning than E.coli, listeria and salmonella put together. It has been estimated that Campylobacter causes more than 100 deaths a year, and costs the UK economy about £900 million annually. About four in five cases of Campylobacter poisoning in the UK come from contaminated poultry. In November 2014, a report from Food Standards Agency revealed that, on average, 70% of fresh retail chickens in the UK are contaminated with the potentially lethal Campylobacter bug. This shows that there are campylobacter-related challenges in our food-safety system. One of the main priorities for the FSA is to reduce foodborne diseases in the UK. Therefore, this project aims to address the main issues related to foodborne diseases using a targeted approach, and that tackling Campylobacter in chicken is given priority. In addition, there are many waterborne cryptosporidiosis outbreak reported in recent years.
The purpose of this project is to develop a portable/handheld sensor technology that can detect the Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium thereby facilitating accurate assessments of possible risks from food constituents or contaminants in consumer diets. It will therefore address the concerns of the FSA and will enable food producers to more readily meet and adhere to the aforementioned UK hygiene legislation through self-monitoring by providing a novel platform for faster detection of these pathogens.
This project addresses the development of a novel cost-effective pathogen monitoring system to enable the food industry to achieve on-the-spot detection of food and water-borne pathogens, the presence of which pose food safety hazards. The main target microorganisms include foodborne pathogen, Campylobacter and waterborne parasite, Cryptosporidium.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT
Applicants should hold or expect to hold a 2.1 Hons (or equivalent) undergraduate degree or MSc in a relevant discipline such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics or Materials Science. It is essential that the candidate have an enthusiastic attitude towards undertaking research in a multidisciplinary field involving engineering, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Applicants should have good programming, analytical, experimental, project management and communication skills. Previous experience or knowledge in biosensors development is desirable but not essential.
SUPERVISORY TEAM
Informal enquiries can be made to
Dr Viji Velusamy
Tel: +44(0)161 247 1640
email: [Email Address Removed]
HOW TO APPLY
Please quote the studentship reference number VV20155.
Applications should be completed using the Postgraduate Research Degree Application Form
Application Form should be emailed to: [Email Address Removed].
PLEASE NOTE that Section 9 of the application should be used to write a personal statement outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
CLOSING DATE
N/A
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