Development and Testing of a New Generation of Raman Probes for Real-Time Non-Invasive In Vivo Diagnostics - Biomedicine - EPSRC DTP funded PhD Studentship.

Project Description

Cancer will affect 50% of us in our lifetime and 25% of us will succumb to the disease. Early accurate detection and diagnosis is needed to provide the effective treatment regimes, however current methods are often insufficiently sensitive to early disease, or those that will progress to advanced cancers. We have pioneered the technique of Raman spectroscopy (RS) as a diagnostic tool for early identification of cancers. It utilises light to provide a real-time analysis or biochemical fingerprint of human cells, tissues, biofluids. It has been shown that RS is able to distinguish between pre-cancerous, cancerous and healthy tissue in the laboratory. Early prototype fibre probes for use in vivo have been developed and tested for use down an endoscope for hollow organ analysis, for use on the end of a smart needle and for near patient assessment of excised tissues. This project will further develop the Raman probes for point of care testing to maximise performance for specific applications of interest. This may involve coupling to complimentary imaging technologies. We plan to construct a smart needle to provide a real-time in vivo molecular analysis of tissue pathology at the tip of a needle. We will perform laboratory based ex vivo Raman analysis of tissue samples to optimise the specifications of the probe and make it fit for purpose. We will then undertake more advanced clinical validation studies and explore both spectral diagnostic and prognostic markers. To develop, build and test a smart needle device able to provide real-time, in vivo identification of malignancies using a fine fibre-optic Raman needle. The device will provide immediate results based on tissue biochemistry and allow for a rapid method for biopsy targeting or in vivo diagnosis. Aims: Build prototype with disposable needle tips able to measure required signatures in human tissues, to include sample volume and anatomical access requirements. Utilise device to provide signals from ex vivo tissue specimens. Build and test diagnostic models using these signals and compare results to gold standard histopathology. Evaluate probe performance in a clinical point of care setting. The PhD student will benefit from working in a multidisciplinary environment between Physics, the University of Exeter Living Systems Institute and our partner hospitals. This research would suit a candidate with a Physics, Natural Sciences, Chemistry, or Bioengineering degree, with previous experience using analytical tools such as microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. This fully funded PhD studentship is available from the 2018/19 academic year for 3.5 years.

Entry Requirements

You should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Physics or related subjects. Experience in optics, spectroscopy, microscopy and biomedical applications is desirable. If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.
The majority of the studentships are available for applicants who are ordinarily resident in the UK and are classed as UK/EU for tuition fee purposes. If you have not resided in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship, you are not eligible for a maintenance allowance so you would need an alternative source of funding for living costs. To be eligible for fees-only funding you must be ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU.

Applicants who are classed as International for tuition fee purposes are NOT eligible for funding. International students interested in studying at the University of Exeter should search our funding database for alternative options.