Raman-active Nanoparticle based bioassay for generic rapid, multiplexed diagnostic testing.

The project will utilise the unique optical properties of nanosized, Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) particles, attached to biomarker specific antibodies, to rapidly detect disease states for point-of-care (POC) applications in both the human and animal healthcare markets. The project aims to deliver a portable demonstrator using lateral flow technology containing these bio-conjugated SERS particles for sample collection and processing as well as a scaled down Infra-red Raman probe for detection. The successful development of this technology will for the first time, outside of the clinical setting, enable the user to rapidly monitor multiple analytes within turbid samples, with high selectivity and sensitivity. This capability is a holy grail of modern diagnostic testing and would have massive impact on the UK and global healthcare markets.