IRC Next Steps Plus: Ultra-Sensitive Enhanced NanoSensing of Anti-Microbial Resistance (u-Sense).
Lead Research Organisation:
Newcastle University
Department Name: Translational and Clinical Res Institute
Abstract
Bacterial infection is an increasing problem, even in the developed world. Over the past 60 years antibiotics have been used to treat bacterial infections with good success. Treating a disease is much easier, and cheaper, if we can detect its presence early in the lifecycle. Detecting a bacterial disease requires specialist systems such as diagnostic instrumentation and diagnostic kits. As new strains of bacteria emerge scientists need to develop new kits to detect these new pathogens, a process which is very time consuming. The EPSRC i-sense IRC is a multidisciplinary collaboration that aims to speed up the time it takes to diagnose infectious disease and is developing a range of novel diagnostic technology for both bacteria and viruses. The IRC is currently seeking "Next Steps" Core funding to extend the lifetime of the IRC by creating an "i-sense2" IRC with the ultimate aim of becoming a sustainable Centre of Excellence.
Recently, the effectiveness of antibiotics has begun to decline due the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to the commonly used, or even all, antibiotics. In order to effectively treat diseases caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria it is not enough to simply diagnose the identity of the bacterial species. It is also necessary to know whether the causative bacteria are resistant to the antibiotics that would usually be prescribed to the patient to treat the disease. Allied with the i sense2 Core IRC, and dependent upon the outcomes described in that proposal, this "Next Steps" Plus project, "u-Sense", aims to build on the success of the i-sense IRC, to develop a new type of diagnostic system that will not only detect whether a patient sample contains a particular type of harmful bacterium but will also determine rapidly which antibiotics the bacterium is resistant to.
Detecting antibiotic resistance in bacteria is complicated as there are many ways in which the bacteria can modify its physiology to become resistant. In the u-Sense Plus project we will capitalise on the fact that bacterial antibiotic resistance is encoded in certain genes, or gene modifications, in the organism's genome. We will modify a novel bioinformatics system that has been developed as part of the i-sense IRC, termed IDRIS, so that is able to pinpoint the genetic features in bacteria that encode the antibiotic resistance traits, by searching through genomic sequences. The system will also generate the sequences necessary for the production of new diagnostic technologies to find these bacteria in future, without the need to carry out DNA sequencing. This new diagnostic technology will be based on a technique known as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) which is able to specifically amplify and detect the DNA sequences necessary to establish whether the organism is resistant to a given antibiotic. The format of the test will be in the form of a paper or plastic strip, much like a pregnancy test, to which the test sample is applied. To ensure that the system is sensitive enough to detect low numbers of resistant organisms we will investigate a novel method of detecting DNA that indicates resistance using a method called Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). SERS has the potential to detect rapidly and simultaneously, in a multiplexed format, a number of potential DNA sequences which are responsible for conferring resistance. While SERS normally requires expensive laboratory equipment for the test format, we will research and develop a miniaturised, cost-effective device that will ultimately allow the SERS detection system to be used outside of the laboratory in the hospital, GP surgery or even in the home. Overall, the project will result in a rapid, cost effective system that can be used in a variety of settings and ultimately promises to have a major impact on human health and disease management in developed and developing countries alike.
Recently, the effectiveness of antibiotics has begun to decline due the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to the commonly used, or even all, antibiotics. In order to effectively treat diseases caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria it is not enough to simply diagnose the identity of the bacterial species. It is also necessary to know whether the causative bacteria are resistant to the antibiotics that would usually be prescribed to the patient to treat the disease. Allied with the i sense2 Core IRC, and dependent upon the outcomes described in that proposal, this "Next Steps" Plus project, "u-Sense", aims to build on the success of the i-sense IRC, to develop a new type of diagnostic system that will not only detect whether a patient sample contains a particular type of harmful bacterium but will also determine rapidly which antibiotics the bacterium is resistant to.
Detecting antibiotic resistance in bacteria is complicated as there are many ways in which the bacteria can modify its physiology to become resistant. In the u-Sense Plus project we will capitalise on the fact that bacterial antibiotic resistance is encoded in certain genes, or gene modifications, in the organism's genome. We will modify a novel bioinformatics system that has been developed as part of the i-sense IRC, termed IDRIS, so that is able to pinpoint the genetic features in bacteria that encode the antibiotic resistance traits, by searching through genomic sequences. The system will also generate the sequences necessary for the production of new diagnostic technologies to find these bacteria in future, without the need to carry out DNA sequencing. This new diagnostic technology will be based on a technique known as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) which is able to specifically amplify and detect the DNA sequences necessary to establish whether the organism is resistant to a given antibiotic. The format of the test will be in the form of a paper or plastic strip, much like a pregnancy test, to which the test sample is applied. To ensure that the system is sensitive enough to detect low numbers of resistant organisms we will investigate a novel method of detecting DNA that indicates resistance using a method called Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). SERS has the potential to detect rapidly and simultaneously, in a multiplexed format, a number of potential DNA sequences which are responsible for conferring resistance. While SERS normally requires expensive laboratory equipment for the test format, we will research and develop a miniaturised, cost-effective device that will ultimately allow the SERS detection system to be used outside of the laboratory in the hospital, GP surgery or even in the home. Overall, the project will result in a rapid, cost effective system that can be used in a variety of settings and ultimately promises to have a major impact on human health and disease management in developed and developing countries alike.
Planned Impact
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs naturally due to genetic changes occurring in bacteria and is one of the world's greatest threats to healthcare. Millions of patients continue suffering following redundant or ineffective antibiotic treatment, hospitals are strained from longer-term stays or care, while billions of pounds are lost on an international scale due to antibiotics over- or mal-administration.
AMR is poorly identified, requiring labour- and time-intensive lab-based protocols. There are currently very few accurate technologies capable of rapidly identifying AMR bacterial strains. u-Sense introduces disruptive and innovative multiplexed systems designed for AMR detection. We will use a powerful computing system from Newcastle, called "IDRIS", to rapidly identity AMR strains from sequence data, create a integrated database of genetic information on antimicrobial resistant bacteria and rapidly design the DNA sequences necessary to develop rapid, non-sequencing based tests. By introducing a new, world-renowned research group at Strathclyde into the i-sense2 IRC, we will design and develop a multiplexed detection technology based on Raman scattering that will identify multiple, distinct biomarkers in one reading. This will be evaluated as a handheld device. u-Sense has enormous potential impact for academia and industry.
Academic Impact:
i) Current genetic profiling of AMR in bacteria is mostly based on cumbersome protocols (e.g. PCR/Sequencing). IDRIS presents a powerful computing and Cloud-based approach to identifying AMR genetic sequences from sequence data and designing the DNA necessary for rapid, non sequenced based, point of need sensors exploiting recombinase amplification technology.
ii) Raman spectroscopy is an exciting detection modality that hasn't been explored for its utility in bacterial screening against AMR, thus it is a disruptive technology. The research will be first-in-field and will elucidate potential avenues of translatable options for UK plc.
iii) This is a platform that can be re-engineered for other targets, supporting our potential for parallel and follow-on funding. This project greatly supports our goal of ensuring sustainability and creating a National Centre of Excellence.
iv) The career development of PDRAs is of high quality as they will be introduced to an extremely vibrant and multidisciplinary environment within the Core IRC. This will introduce new modalities (i.e. Raman spectroscopy and SERS analyses) within the consortium and maximize their potential for exploitation in detecting infectious diseases and AMR.
Industrial Impact:
The TLR level of the technologies proposed conform with the EPSRC remit. The activities in WP1 and outputs from the other WPs will shape potential Impact. Outcomes will be disseminated to interested industrial parties, such as those involved in the Core IRC investigate the AMR IP/patent landscape and market potential. Team members at Newcastle have already commissioned some limited market analysis in the bacterial diagnostics area and have discussed planning for a spin-out company. Strathclyde will use their experience in protecting IP (16 patents filed) and exploitation through licensing (> £150,000 in royalties accrued). Stevens has substantial experience in translation with 15 filed patents and is strongly supported by Imperial Innovations.
UK and Global Healthcare Impact:
The UK NHS is targeting high quality care with a focus on enhanced patient safety. We therefore foresee interest in rapid diagnosis and screening against AMR increasing. The information generated from u-Sense can impact healthcare research and organization on an international scale. Forecasting potential changes in antibiotic administration requires intensive feedback from healthcare leaders available within the Core IRC, and could result in significant and positive revisions of drug allocation, healthcare budgets, hospital costs and patient welfare.
AMR is poorly identified, requiring labour- and time-intensive lab-based protocols. There are currently very few accurate technologies capable of rapidly identifying AMR bacterial strains. u-Sense introduces disruptive and innovative multiplexed systems designed for AMR detection. We will use a powerful computing system from Newcastle, called "IDRIS", to rapidly identity AMR strains from sequence data, create a integrated database of genetic information on antimicrobial resistant bacteria and rapidly design the DNA sequences necessary to develop rapid, non-sequencing based tests. By introducing a new, world-renowned research group at Strathclyde into the i-sense2 IRC, we will design and develop a multiplexed detection technology based on Raman scattering that will identify multiple, distinct biomarkers in one reading. This will be evaluated as a handheld device. u-Sense has enormous potential impact for academia and industry.
Academic Impact:
i) Current genetic profiling of AMR in bacteria is mostly based on cumbersome protocols (e.g. PCR/Sequencing). IDRIS presents a powerful computing and Cloud-based approach to identifying AMR genetic sequences from sequence data and designing the DNA necessary for rapid, non sequenced based, point of need sensors exploiting recombinase amplification technology.
ii) Raman spectroscopy is an exciting detection modality that hasn't been explored for its utility in bacterial screening against AMR, thus it is a disruptive technology. The research will be first-in-field and will elucidate potential avenues of translatable options for UK plc.
iii) This is a platform that can be re-engineered for other targets, supporting our potential for parallel and follow-on funding. This project greatly supports our goal of ensuring sustainability and creating a National Centre of Excellence.
iv) The career development of PDRAs is of high quality as they will be introduced to an extremely vibrant and multidisciplinary environment within the Core IRC. This will introduce new modalities (i.e. Raman spectroscopy and SERS analyses) within the consortium and maximize their potential for exploitation in detecting infectious diseases and AMR.
Industrial Impact:
The TLR level of the technologies proposed conform with the EPSRC remit. The activities in WP1 and outputs from the other WPs will shape potential Impact. Outcomes will be disseminated to interested industrial parties, such as those involved in the Core IRC investigate the AMR IP/patent landscape and market potential. Team members at Newcastle have already commissioned some limited market analysis in the bacterial diagnostics area and have discussed planning for a spin-out company. Strathclyde will use their experience in protecting IP (16 patents filed) and exploitation through licensing (> £150,000 in royalties accrued). Stevens has substantial experience in translation with 15 filed patents and is strongly supported by Imperial Innovations.
UK and Global Healthcare Impact:
The UK NHS is targeting high quality care with a focus on enhanced patient safety. We therefore foresee interest in rapid diagnosis and screening against AMR increasing. The information generated from u-Sense can impact healthcare research and organization on an international scale. Forecasting potential changes in antibiotic administration requires intensive feedback from healthcare leaders available within the Core IRC, and could result in significant and positive revisions of drug allocation, healthcare budgets, hospital costs and patient welfare.
Organisations
- Newcastle University (Collaboration, Lead Research Organisation)
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Collaboration)
- NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST (Collaboration)
- iXscient (Project Partner)
- Public Health England (Project Partner)
- Cambridge Life Sciences (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Publications
Johnson C
(2024)
Multiplex detection of the big five carbapenemase genes using solid-phase recombinase polymerase amplification
in The Analyst
Sloan-Dennison S
(2023)
Raman Spectroscopy in Human Health and Biomedicine
Fernández-Galiana Á
(2023)
Fundamentals and Applications of Raman-Based Techniques for the Design and Development of Active Biomedical Materials.
in Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Hassanain W
(2023)
Point of use SERS-based lateral flow test for pathogenic infections
Budd J
(2023)
Lateral flow test engineering and lessons learned from COVID-19
in Nature Reviews Bioengineering
Hassanain WA
(2022)
Recent advances in antibiotic resistance diagnosis using SERS: focus on the "Big 5" challenges.
in The Analyst
Hassanain WA
(2021)
Rapid ultra-sensitive diagnosis of clostridium difficile infection using a SERS-based lateral flow assay.
in The Analyst
Budd J
(2020)
Digital technologies in the public-health response to COVID-19.
in Nature medicine
Lawry BM
(2018)
Species-Specific Detection of C. difficile Using Targeted Antibody Design.
in Analytical chemistry
Description | The new research collaboration allowed the team to build on previous Clostridium difficile biomarker research carried out by the Newcastle group. The team used antibodies against these novel biomarkers to achieve rapid ultra-sensitive detection of Clostridium difficile using a surface enhanced Raman scattering-based lateral flow assay. The lateral flow platform enabled rapid duplex detection of a species specific marker and toxin marker on separate test lines within 20 minutes. The use of a handheld Raman spectrometer to scan test lines allowed for the highly sensitive quantitative detection of both biomarkers at very low levels. The use of a handheld device to read the lateral flow assay instead of benchtop machine paves the way for rapid, selective, sensitive and cheap clinical detection of Clostridium Difficile Infection at the point of care. In further work the research team have investigated how Resonance Raman scattering/surface enhanced Raman scattering and recombinase polymerase amplification can be combined to detect the genes responsible for antibiotic resistance. The Newcastle and Strathclyde team co-authored a review on the recent progress in surface enhanced Raman scattering detection methods for the "Big 5" antibiotic resistant challenges, namely, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and Neisseria Gonorrhoea. This review further cemented the team's resolution to develop rapid point-of-need assays for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The Newcastle and Strathclyde research teams recently published a five-plex SERS isothermal amplification assay for for the big 5 carbapenemase resistance genes, which has the general characteristics to be translated into a point-of-care assay in future work. |
Exploitation Route | The next steps for the rapid point-of need assays the team have developed would be a clinical evaluation to compare sensitivity and specificity against the current state of the art lab based tests. If the minimum target product profiles are met within the clinical evaluations the new assays have clear advantages over current laboratory based tests in relation to time to result and the reduction in the need for trained lab personnel. The Newcastle University and Strathclyde research team have collaborated with the Newcastle Upon Tyne Foundation NHS Trust to submit a follow on grant proposal to the MRC. The follow on funding, if successful, would allow a C. difficile diagnostic test evaluation on patient samples via the MRC Development Pathway Gap Fund. |
Sectors | Healthcare Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | In March 2023 the team received interest in the C. difficile point-of-care assay from a consultant microbiologist at the Royal Bolton Hospital who thought our C. difficile point of care test should be undergo a diagnostic test evaluation on patient samples. The team followed this up with the a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist in the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust and have submitted a follow on grant to the MRC Development Pathway Gap Fund to conduct a preliminary diagnostic test evaluation on patient samples within the NHS. |
First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
Sector | Healthcare |
Description | Machine learning and online care pathways featured in 100 days mission implementation report |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Impact | To ensure global readiness, stakeholders must embrace and embed the enablers outlined in this report into routine healthcare systems. The report recommends a coordinated approach, involving governments, international organisations, research institutions, industry and regulatory bodies, to enhance diagnostics for both epidemic and endemic diseases. Political and financial commitment to multiplexed testing, digitally connected diagnostics, and linking diagnostics to treatment, as well as the underlying framework for diagnostics R&D to meet the goals of the 100DM, are essential to keeping populations safe |
URL | https://www.finddx.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231128_rep_ipps_making_exceptional_routine_FV_EN... |
Description | COVID 19 Grant Extension Allocation Newcastle University |
Amount | £2,562,258 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V520548/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2020 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | COVID-19 test |
Amount | € 500,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Institute of Technology |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | France |
Start |
Description | EPSRC CDT MoSMeD Studentship Title: Generation of DNA aptamers to detect and differentiate between latent and active tuberculosis |
Amount | £90,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2021 |
End | 09/2024 |
Description | EPSRC doctoral training account Newcastle |
Amount | £85,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2019 |
End | 03/2023 |
Title | Raw data files for research into detection of the big five carbapenemase genes |
Description | The data represents the raw data files associated with our publication article entitled - Multiplex detection of the big five carbapenemase genes using solid-phase recombinase polymerase amplification |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://data.ncl.ac.uk/articles/dataset/Raw_data_files_for_research_into_detection_of_the_big_five_c... |
Description | C. difficile diagnostic test evaluation grant application |
Organisation | Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The SERS lateral flow C. difficile test developed in this grant has matured to the point of a diagnostic test evaluation in the NHS. The Newcastle and Strathclyde research team have collaborated with a consultant microbiologist, Dr John Perry, in the Newcastle Upon Tyne Foundation NHS trust to submit a follow grant application to the MRC Development Pathway Gap Fund in order to do a preliminary diagnostic test evaluation on real patient samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | The SERS lateral flow C. difficile test developed in this grant has matured to the point of a diagnostic test evaluation in the NHS. The Newcastle and Strathclyde research team have collaborated with a consultant microbiologist, Dr John Perry, in the Newcastle Upon Tyne Foundation NHS trust to submit a follow grant application to the MRC Development Pathway Gap Fund in order to do a preliminary diagnostic test evaluation on real patient samples. |
Impact | Grant application in review |
Start Year | 2024 |
Description | Mycobacterium Smegmatis supply and guidance on Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth |
Organisation | Newcastle University |
Department | Newcastle University Medical School |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Grow Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and Mycobacterium Smegmatis strains to generate DNA aptamers against the pathogen and use the recognition molecules generated to develop Point-of-Need diagnostic systems. The work will be carried out by Terri Lau an EPSRC PhD student affiliated to the u-sense project. |
Collaborator Contribution | Alistair Brown will provide bacterial strains and act as an internationally leading expert in TB pathogenesis and lab growth. |
Impact | Alistair Brown - Microbiology Keegan - sensor system development |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Mycobacterium tuberculosis biosafety level 2 strain supply and growth for recognition molecule generation and diagnostic test development |
Organisation | Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Grow Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains to generate DNA aptamers against biomarkers of the pathogen for use in diagnostic sensor systems. The work is being carried out by an EPSRC affiliated PhD student, Terri Lau, who is affiliated to u-Sense |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof. William Jacobs is supplying biosafety level 2 strains and providing advice on growth conditions. He has also agreed to test any outcomes on biosafety level 3 strains if appropriate. |
Impact | William Jacobs - Microbiology UK team - Sensor systems |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | A presentation at Scix 2021 at USA. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk presented was titled "SERS detection of bacterial biomarkers using paper based nanosensor". The talk was well received and generated follow questions by participants interested in the technology and approach. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://scixconference.org/ |
Description | Annual i-sense meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Carl Emil Aae Eskildsen of Imperial College London gave an oral presentation on Point-of_Need Application: Miniaturised Raman device detecting Antimicrobial Resistance. 50-100 academics, postgraduates and research council staff. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Biosensors 2023 -Chris Johnson and Neil Keegan |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Academics attended Biosensors 2023 is a premier event and the largest in the field celebrates its 33rd anniversary with another excellent line-up of twelve plenary and invited keynote speakers, high-quality contributed oral talks, two summer schools, large poster sessions and an exhibition. As with previous events in the series it provides unrivalled networking opportunities and a compete update on international biosensors research and commercialisation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/75178/biosensors-2023 |
Description | Chris Johnson presented at the i-sense annual meeting London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Chris Johnson presented at the i-sense annual meeting London - Isothermal amplification mediated detection of the "big 5" carbapenemase genes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Co-chair of North East Post Graduate conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The North East Postgraduate (NEPG) Conference is one of the largest annual student led biomedical sciences conferences in the UK. Terri Lau a PhD student affiliated to the project co-lead the organisation of the entire conference from organising panel speakers, to abstract guidance and assembly of conference programme. She will be supporting other postgraduate conferences that are going digital after the success of this one. Terri also presented our research to the audience. The theme of the NEPG Conference this year was 'Diversity', the committee wanted to invite talks from most disciplines related to biosciences. This resulted in international interest and larger reach. The conference facilitates many postgradaute students' first conference and presentation. Monitoring impact via a survey is still ongoinng |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | http://ne-pg.co.uk |
Description | Duncan Graham presented @ the Nanoinnovation conferences September 2022 in Italy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Duncan Graham presented the talk - Point of Use SERS for Biomolecular Detection - at the Nanoinnovation conference in Italy September 2022 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.nanoinnovation2022.eu/home/index.php?Itemid= |
Description | Great Exhibition Road Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | More than 1000 people were introduced to the basics of light-matter interactions, and how this can play a pivotal role in the development of new diagnostic technologies |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk/ |
Description | Imperial -School outreach |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Leah Frenette gave a talk entitled "Developing a Diagnostic Test to Meet the Needs of COVID-19"at the NHEHS Infectious Disease Conference which was organised by a Biology A-Level teacher for his students, and students in affiliated schools. The conference proceeded virtually due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Media article in an online magazine in response to a publications on paper based bacterial detection using SERS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | media article on our scientific output in the Analytical Scientist. The 2021 publication in the RSC Analyst journal on detecting bacteria using paper and SERS generated media interest and we gave interviews to the Analytical Scientist to create further awareness of our work across the many publics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://theanalyticalscientist.com/fields-applications/c-difficile-but-not-impossible |
Description | Neil Keegan and Chris Johnson presented at the Conference 5th International Caparica Conference in Antibiotic Resistance 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Chris Johnson and Neil Keegan presented the talk - Isothermal amplification mediated detection of the "big 5" carbapenemase genes - in Portugal Spain September 2022 at the 5th International Caparica Conference in Antibiotic Resistance 2022 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://ic2ar2022.bioscopegroup.org/type-of-contributions/index.html |
Description | Presented a talk at the virtual RSC conference "Materials tackling infectious disease" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented a talk "Development of DNA aptamers against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis biomarker ManLAM " at the virtual RSC conference "Materials tackling infectious disease" The talk generated questions and discussions around the need for rapid diagnostics in Low to middle income countries. It also had follow up conversations subsequently. A follow up PhD studentship proposal was successfully submitted from these discussions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/47905/materials-tackling-infectious-disease-a-networking-workshop |
Description | Presented a talk to Molecular Mechanisms of Life theme Newcastle University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented a talk "Development of a multiplex isothermal amplification assay for point of care detection of the "big 5" carbapenemase genes " at Molecular Mechanisms of Life, seminar series, Newcastle University. The talk generated internal discussions of other application areas for the technology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/research-themes/biomolecules/ |
Description | Prof Molly Stevens presented an invited talk at the MRS Spring Meeting in Honolulu, USA, 9-11 May 2022. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Molly Stevens presented an invited talk - Designing biomaterials for disease detection and exploration - at the MRS Spring Meeting in Honolulu, USA, 9-11 May 2022. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Prof Molly Stevens presented an invited talk at the 12th International Conference on Clinical Spectroscopy. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | In Dublin Ireland at SPEC 2022Prof Molly Stevens presented an invited talk at the 12th International Conference on Clinical Spectroscopy. The audience was mainly academic, but there were others |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Q&A: Is herd immunity a reality? |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Q&A: Is herd immunity a reality? |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.i-sense.org.uk/i-sense-qa-herd-immunity-reality |
Description | RME 2023 Chris Johnson and Neil Keegan |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | RME2023 - the 15th conference in the Rapid Methods Europe series dedicated to innovations and breakthroughs in rapid analysis & diagnostics across the agri-food, plant science, environment (water), healthcare (human, animal), and forensic science sectors - has come to an end.The common theme of this year's event was 'HOW CAN WE LEARN FROM EACH OTHER?' The conference focused on the technology rather than the sector, aiming to bring together scientists with different expertise with the possibility of cross-fertilizing each other and developing new views and applications. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.rapidmethods.eu/ |
Description | Rapid Methods Europe Conference Poster Madhura Bharati |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Poster presented to Academics/Students/Industry |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.rapidmethods.eu/ |
Description | Talk - Milken Institute MEA Summit - by Molly Stevens |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Abu Dhabi, Data and Disease: Detecting and Solving Global Health Threats, talk by Molly Stevens |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Talk - World Economic Forum -by Molly Stevens |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Davos, Biosensors and the future of diagnostics, talk by Molly Stevens |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Talk at Emerging Technologies and Medical Devices Event by Molly Stevens |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | London, Uk, Supporting Medical Devices Clinical Research within the UK, talk presented by Prof. Molly Stevens |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | The i-sense Q&A: Data sharing and privacy during a pandemic |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | We covered questions on how to share data in a privacy preserving and ethical manner, particularly when working at the fast pace required during a developing pandemic, how COVID-19 has made us reassess what is needed in terms of standards and policy around data sharing and access to datasets, what value data sharing adds to pandemic response and the barriers to data access, and more. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.i-sense.org.uk/i-sense-qa-data-sharing-and-privacy-during-pandemic |
Description | The i-sense Q&A: Diagnostic testing - lessons from a pandemic |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Research staff were mainly in the audience |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.i-sense.org.uk/i-sense-qa-diagnostic-testing-lessons-pandemic |
Description | Waleed Hassanain gave an oral presentation @ RSC Analytical research forum June 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Waleed Hassanain gave the talk - SERS-based lateral flow assay for the rapid and ultra-sensitive diagnosis of bacterial infection - at the RSC Analytical research forum June 2022 organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Audience mainly academic and student. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/48134/analytical-research-forum-2022-arf22 |
Description | Waleed Hassanain gave an oral presentation @ RSC Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Network Annual Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Waleed Hassanain gave a talk - Ultra-sensitive dual SERS/colorimetric - RPA platform for antibiotic resistance diagnostic - at the RSC Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Network Annual Symposium Jan 2023 organised by Royal Society of Chemistry |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/74156/rsc-chemical-nanoscience-and-nanotechnology-network-annual-s... |
Description | Workshop talk "Species-Specific Detection of C. difficile Using Targeted Antibody Design" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Molecular mechanisms of Life, Faculty of Medical Sciences workshop presentation and discussion on an aspect of the research project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Workshop talk 'Biomarker identification and ultra-sensitive assay development for antimicrobial resistance' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Molecular Mechanisms of Life, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University presentation of aspects of the research project by Matthew Setterfield a PhD student affiliated to the project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | i-sense Q&A -Our environment and the spread of COVID-19 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Our environment and the spread of COVID-19-audience was mainly research staff |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.i-sense.org.uk/i-sense-qa-series-our-environment-and-spread-covid-19 |
Description | virtual RSC conference "Materials tackling infectious disease" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presented a talk "Rapid ultra-sensitive diagnosis of clostridium difficile infection using a SERS-based lateral flow assay " at the virtual RSC conference "Materials tackling infectious disease" The talk generated questions and discussions on the day and subsequently follow up discussions on infectious disease needs with other participants. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/47905/materials-tackling-infectious-disease-a-networking-workshop |