Detection and quantification of stroke biomarkers using novel techniques

Stroke is the leading cause of death worldwide, with high medical costs and rates of long-term disability. Although brain imaging remains the gold standard for diagnosis of stroke, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan are expensive and time consuming and requires hospital admittance of patients with suspected stroke. Thus, the diagnosis and management of stroke are limited by the lack of a rapid diagnostic assay. More rapid evaluation of patients could help to streamline patient flow, leading to not only lower costs, as well as more rapid identification and treatment of people at risk of stroke.

We have observed that certain rare earth (RE) ions emit fluorescence with multiple sharp well resolved emission peaks when excited with suitable laser sources. These ions selectively bind to clinically relevant biochemical markers and on binding their fluorescent emission spectrum changes. This labelling approach have been applied to lactic acid and myoglobin in visible and near-infrared wavelengths by conjugating them with RE-ions, namely europium (Eu3+) in serum. The photoluminescence properties of these ion conjugates confirm that they may be probed non-invasively using lasers with skin safe wavelengths in the range of 500 to 1600nm. We have also tested the cyto-toxicity of these ions both in vitro and in vivo mammalian models and found that these ions are non-toxic at lower concentration (< 1000μM) and may even be cyto-protective. This would enable safe detection of biomarkers in vivo using low concentrations of the RE-ions (≤1mM).

The main aim of this PhD project is to develop laser based diagnostic sensors for detection and quantification of novel biomarkers (GFAP, Nucleoside 5’-diphosphate kinase, S-100 B, PARK 7) using both in vitro and in vivo stroke models and also in blood/ serum/ plasma obtained from stroke patients.

The student will be based in the University of Leeds in the Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetic Research, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds. Training will be provided in the relevant technical areas. The proposal forges a link between the Leeds Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (Faculty of medicine and Health) and the Institute for Material Research (Faculty of Engineering) and uses a multidisciplinary approach and expertise to develop diagnostic tools for cerebrovascular diseases. The PhD student will get training in laser sensor technologies, in vitro cell culture and in vivo ischemic models and confocal and electron microscopy. The student will have advantage in working in a multidisciplinary environment and have opportunity to work with clinicians, engineers and other researchers working on similar projects.

This project is available immediately to both Home/EU rate applicants and International applicants who are able to self-fund their studies. Students must be able to provide the appropriate level of fees based on their fee status plus a minimum of £12,000 laboratory consumables costs per year. This is in addition to the provision of personal living expenses.

Candidate whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study, the Faculty minimum requirements are:

• British Council IELTS - score of 6.5 overall, with no element less than 6.0
• TOEFL iBT - overall score of 92 with the listening and reading element no less than 21, writing element no less than 22 and the speaking element no less than 23.

Applicants with sufficient funding must still undergo formal interview prior to acceptance in order to demonstrate scientific aptitude and English language capability.

To apply for this scholarship applicants should complete a Faculty Scholarship Application form using the link below http://medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/download/2376/fmh_scholarship_application_16_17_entry and send this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates to the Faculty Graduate School [Email Address Removed]

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [Email Address Removed]

If you have already applied for other scholarships using the Faculty Scholarship Application form you do not need to complete this form again. Instead you should email [Email Address Removed] to inform us you would like to be considered for this scholarship project.

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to [Email Address Removed]

Potential applicants are welcome to contact Dr Sikha Saha with informal enquiries about this research project [Email Address Removed]