EastBio - Development of electrochemical biosensors to assess islet cell viability during transplantation

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of chemistry, clinical science and biomedical engineering to develop an electrochemical biosensor for monitoring cell biomarkers of islet cell function and viability. Islet cell transplant is the treatment of choice for diabetic patients who suffer from life-threatening and debilitating severe hypoglycaemic unawareness. Islet cells are infused into the portal vein where they engraft within the liver and secrete insulin in response to high glucose. Currently, once transplanted, there are limited means to monitor islet cell function and detect when islet cells are being rejected by the recipient. There is an urgent and unmet need to develop a means of monitoring islet cell viability in real time.

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) derived from beta cells has been identified as a novel biomarker to detect cell loss and has been validated in new-onset type 1 diabetes and in islet transplant patients. However, current assays to measure beta-cell derived cfDNA involve time consuming PCR techniques. This project will focus on developing electrochemical sensors/arrays with high sensitivity and selectivity, tailored specifically for real-time monitoring of cfDNA as an indicator of transplant islet viability. This project involves investigating the fundamental interactions at the nanoscale between biosensor electrodes and biomolecules, leading to a comprehensive understanding of sensor design. We have developed in vitro and in vivo machine perfusion models of islet cell survival to evaluate biosensors of beta-cell death. Monitoring of cfDNA levels will provide critical insights into tissue health, offering a promising approach to monitor transplant effectiveness and long-term success.

This interdisciplinary research will be guided by experts in clinical science, biomedical engineering, and chemistry, providing the student with comprehensive training in electrochemistry, microfabrication, surface functionalisation. The successful applicant will primarily be based in Dr Lingcong Meng’s lab, who has extensive experience in developing electrochemical biosensors for biomedical applications. You will be co-supervised by Dr Andrew Sutherland, a consultant transplant surgeon and honorary senior lecturer and Dr Jamie Marland, a lecturer in microelectronics at the School of Engineering. Andrew Sutherland is an expert in islet cell transplant and novel machine perfusion technologies and Dr Jamie Marland is an expert in bioelectronic interfaces for applications in synthetic biology and biomedical engineering. This project is ideal for a researcher with a passion for problem-solving and collaboration across disciplines. This project will offer the skills and knowledge to contribute to transformative advances in transplant science.

How to apply:

This 4-year PhD project is part of a competition funded by EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Detailed guidance on the application process, and the EASTBIO Application and Reference Forms can be found on the EASTBIO DTP website.

Please send your completed EASTBIO Application Form along with a copy of your academic transcripts (as a pdf) to [Email Address Removed] You should also contact your referees and ask them to submit their references (on the EASTBIO reference form template) to [Email Address Removed] by the application deadline of 17th January 2025.