Development of Electronic Detection Devices for Viral Infection from Bodily Fluids

The need to develop better techniques capable of improving detection of viral infections is of upmost importance. Millions die of viral diseases (VDs) annually, rotavirus (diarrhoea) kills 1.8 million (mostly children), HIV 2.5 million, and recent outbreaks of influenze, ebola and zika virus have all had devastating consequences. The list of viruses that cause serious disease is long and is likely to become longer as new highly infective and/or deadly viruses to emerge or re-emerge. VDs can have devastating consequences even when they are non-lethal.

Currently the expertise, time and specialized equipment needed to test samples of potentially infected individuals means there can be a significant delay between infection and treatment This is particularly so in remote regions, and developing countries where diagnosis becomes extremely challenging, if not impossible. Typically, extraction of viral DNA or RNA followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification is required to determine if an individual carries a viral infection. This process can take from several hours to days depending on the setting. Additionally, due to the need for controlled temperature profiles, the equipment needed to successfully run PCR is costly and therefore prohibitive in those countries most in need.

This project aims to develop a novel point of care device that, in a cheap and fast fashion, is able to detect viral infections. The proposed design for the device follows that of glucometers, where a change in electrical current is used to determine the level of glucose in blood. Electrodes coated with binding domains specific for viral DNA/RNA will be used in combination with newly developed biocompatible virucidal compounds.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this project, students from a variety of backgrounds are welcomed but will be expected to learn about not only device fabrication but DNA-conjugate and virucidal material synthesis as well as handling, and testing of viral samples. You will be a trustworthy, conscientious, independent experimental scientist who is able to work as part of a larger team.