Development of a novel, simple, sensitive, rapid and cost effective diagnostic assay for the detection of mesothelioma.

Project code: PHBM3060217

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from mesothelial cells covering the outer surface of most organs with pleural mesothelioma the most commonly diagnosed form. The cause of the cancer is mainly associated with exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is often only diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the presentation of the disease with non-specific symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention is thought to improve the disease outcome. There is therefore a need to develop non-invasive and reliable tools to shorten the diagnostic delay with the use of serum biomarkers being an attractive option.

Serum mesothelin is the most studied protein biomarker of mesothelioma however other biomarkers have recently attracted attention for the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The biomarkers are normally detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Commercial kits are available to diagnose the disease, however research has shown that there is wide variation in sensitivity and selectivity obtained with these assays.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are members of the fullerene structural family that exhibit unique electronic, mechanical and thermal properties. In combination with specific high affinity and highly selective antibodies, they are a promising tool for detecting the expression of indicative biological molecules during the early stages of cancer. This approach has been shown in other analytical areas to have high sensitivity, ultralow detection limits and wide linear ranges.

The 3 year PhD research program will include assessment of commercially available antibodies for detection of biomarkers of mesothelioma, and the development of a novel, rapid, sensitive and cost effective assay for detection of mesothelioma based on functionalisation of CNTs. Clinical samples from mesothelioma patients will be used to assess the developed diagnostic assay. Results of this study may lead to the filing of IP and commercialisation.

The prospective student will learn a wide range of chemical, biophysical, and imaging techniques including chemical synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electrical conductivity measurements and ELISA. The novelty of the proposed research program will challenge the prospective student to demonstrate research insight, capacity for independent research and the ability to communicate the results to both scientific and lay audiences. The experience of research at the clinical-academic interface will enhance the employability of the successful candidate within the pharmaceutical industry or public sector.

The project is available for graduates in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical science or pharmacy with a degree classification of 2.1 or above (or its equivalent).