Laser-based fabrication of medical diagnostic devices in paper

The focus of our group’s research is the development of user-friendly sensors or devices for affordable and rapid clinical diagnostic testing at the point-of-care (POC) of a patient, i.e., at their hospital bedside or in a care/nursing home, or in ambulance or at home.

The broader aim of the project is to use a laser-based direct-writing technique developed and patented by our group to pattern microfluidic devices in paper for the creation of the diagnostic sensors or tests.

To detail, the innovative laser-based manufacturing technique is used to create within a paper, custom-designed fluid flow paths that when used in combination with bio-chemical assays provides a route to producing sensors with much desired functionalities, including multiplexing, semi-quantification, and enhanced sensitivity.

This research is highly multi-disciplinary, which not only draws upon expertise in laser physics/engineering and microfluidics, but also vital knowledge of biochemistry and medicine.

The objective of the PhD is the development of lateral flow tests (such as those widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic) for simultaneous detection of multiple disease-specific biomarkers which help early-stage detection of the targeted diseases or conditions – examples include tuberculosis (TB, which according to the WHO Global TB Report–2015, ranks alongside HIV as a leading cause of death worldwide), sepsis, allergy and asthma. For each of these applications research will happen in collaboration with clinical researchers from a different department or institute

The PhD will further explore the development of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices with 2D/3D flow architectures that allow the detection of bacterial pathogens routinely causing infections such as upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. The goal is to develop devices that are uniquely designed to simultaneously identify both a bacterial pathogen and its susceptibility to different antibiotics - an important pre-requisite that provides an essential guide to a GP/Consultant in prescribing the correct antibiotic required for the treatment of that specific bacterial infection. To further reduce the time-to-result, we have explored the use of AI-algorithms, and this project will further that methodology.

The project is mainly experimentally oriented and will provide opportunities to train across disciplines through working within different laboratories (laser- and bio-labs with different systems/instrumentation and procedures) and locations (universities, central governmental labs or hospitals) within UK and outside. It will also provide valuable learning opportunities relating to impact awareness and outreach to lay audience

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). 

Funding

For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually). EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.