Electrochemical Sensor Technology for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

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The development of fast, minimally-invasive devices which can provide accurate real-time measurements of the key health markers, dissolved oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), pH and lactate is vital for making informed choices quickly regarding patient healthcare. This in turn results in markedly improved outcomes for the individual. Whilst technology exists to measure these markers, it is typically made using large and expensive instrumentation, which can be accessed infrequently in the hospital and enables only snapshot measurements. Lower cost point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices, which could be used in the hospital and home, requires new approaches to sensor development. Electrochemical sensors have long been of interest due to their miniaturization possibilities and ease-of-use. However, in order to apply to the wider POC diagnostics arena, the electrode/electrolyte and operational system must be optimised for the target analytes of interest and be capable of continuous measurement (where applicable) in a miniaturised, easy to use format. This project aims to develop POC diagnostics, for the analytes identified, by bringing together expertise in electrochemical sensor development, clinical analysis, and novel hydrogel patch technology. Whilst electrochemistry methodology development forms the core of the research, the student can expect to develop skills across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas, including polymer science, data analysis and clinical research methods. Formulation of novel electrolyte materials, biosensor development, analytical analysis techniques, and measurement in real-world samples will complement the electrochemical skills developed. Furthermore, there will be opportunity to develop skills in research presentation to a wide range of audiences, from scientific to clinical, research to public, and experts to general audiences. There will also be opportunities for publication of research in peer-reviewed scientific literature, and possibly IP development.