Fundamental Interactions of Cells with Electromagnetic Fields

支撑任何生物传感器功能的是导致传感器报告信号的基本相互作用。该大学已经使用微波从细胞中快速释放目标DNA，并研究微波与活细胞的基本相互作用。该项目旨在引入电子顺磁共振（EPR）光谱作为分析工具，通过它们产生的激发态来帮助我们理解这些过程的机制。我们处于独特的位置，能够设计和调整EPR传感器头，以允许同时激发和分析各种细胞，包括与常见人类疾病（例如结核病）相关的细菌。揭示这些潜在的机制将允许在样品制备和检测方面进一步优化我们的生物传感器。该项目将包括：-设计和实施生物细胞同时微波激发和EPR检测的方案-识别细胞在微波暴露下释放的任何兴奋物质，暗示其作用机制-研究微波对细菌细胞壁/膜的影响，揭示DNA释放的机制

Underpinning the function of any biosensor is the fundamental interaction that leads to the reporter signal of the sensor. The University is already using microwaves for the rapid release of target DNA from cells, and to study the fundamental interactions of microwaves with living cells. The project will aim to introduce electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy as an analytical tool to help us understand the mechanisms of these processes, via the excited species that they generate. We are in the unique position to be able to design and adapt EPR sensor heads to allow the simultaneous excitation and analysis of a variety of cells, including bacteria associated with common human diseases (e.g. TB). Uncovering these underlying mechanisms will allow further optimization of our biosensor in terms of sample preparation and detection. The project will involve: - Designing and implementing a protocol for simultaneous microwave excitation of biological cells and EPR detection - Identifying any excited species released by cells in response to microwave exposure, alluding to the mechanism at play - Investigating the effects of microwaves on bacterial cell wall/ membranes to reveal the mechanism underpinning DNA release