Nanobody-conjugated graphene based electromechanical biosensors

A nanobody corresponds to a fragment of an camelid antibody (VHH) containing a single monomeric antibody domain. It can selectively bind to a specific antigen like a conventional antibody, except much smaller, and nanobody technology is recognised as the next-generation tool for antigen-recognition applications where conventional antibodies are incapable of reaching their specific binding sites. Recently, we have developed a novel graphene-based electromechanical biosensor platform and an associated in-house quartz crystal microbalance instrument, which is targeted at rapid, low-cost and point-of-care analysis of blood and other bodily fluids for diseases and pathogens. This project will develop novel graphene-QCM biosensors with protein nanobody probes as a universal platform for detecting analytes in both buffer and serum solutions. The biosensor will be validated against autoimmune disease antigens and flu virus strains. Ultimately, this could deliver the ideal tool for mass screening of infectious diseases with rapid and quantitative results.

The project will rely on graphene oxide and other functionalised graphene derivatives and nanobodies with different domains and binding strengths obtained from the University’s nanobody library. The graphene material will be characterised by a variety of techniques including optical, atomic-force and electron microscopy and XPS, AFM-IR and Raman spectroscopies. The sensor will be evaluated for sensitivity and selectivity towards various analytes (by varying the nanobody) including autoimmune disease antigens and virus particles. The results will be validated against complementary testing methodologies such as PCR. The project will then evaluate real patient samples in collaboration with clinicians and progress to clinical evaluation of the assay and technology in partnership with the NHS Foundation Trust.

The candidate will be working in the Nanofunctional Materials Group (www.nanofunc.com) in the National Graphene Institute (NGI, http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk) under the supervision of Prof Vijayaraghavan. The student will make full use of the device fabrication and characterisation facilities in the NGI clean rooms as well as the University’s Biomolecular Analysis Core Facility. 

The PhD project will start in September 2025.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Materials, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Electronics or similar subjects. The applicants should ideally have a background in or knowledge of nanomaterials such as graphene. Demonstrable experimental experience is to a great advantage.

Funding

At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for. Faculty funding scholarships have just been announced (President’s Doctoral Scholarship or Dean’s Doctoral scholarship). Round 1 - 20th December, Round 2, 28th February (you just need to apply as normal and ask your supervisor to nominate you, please speak to the supervisor before you apply if possible).

Before you apply

You must contact the main supervisor to discuss the application before you apply. The email address for Prof Vijayaraghavan is aravind@manchester.ac.uk

How to apply

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online portal.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. Please also include a supporting statement (a one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

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