Development of a low cost, point-of-care diagnostic platform

Point-of-care (POC) testing is the testing at the site of patient care. It is done on patients conveniently and immediately allowing patients and doctors to receive the results quicker, making faster clinical decisions. The aim of the project is to develop a novel rapid, ultrasensitive real-time POC platform targeting molecules in blood or saliva. This will be integrated on a single chip platform. Our study is divided into 3 main projects aimed at developing and validate 1) DNA-based and 2) protein base, 3) whole cell detection, from whole blood and saliva. DNA-based study will includes developing specific DNA amplification through blood/saliva and its detection through biosensors. Protein and whole cell base study will involve detection of specific protein or white blood cells in blood or saliva through functionalised biosensor. In collaboration with engineers and industrial designers his will be integrated on a single chip platform to facilitate a small, low cost and reliable test device. This project is suitable for students with biochemistry/molecular biology and/or engineering (electronic, mechanical) background.