Dual Modal Ultra-Sensitive Label-Free Biosensing Devices for the Detection of Biologically Critical Metal Ions

Luminescent rare-earth upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) are rapidly emerging as an important class of nanoparticles with potential applications in biological imaging and medicine, amongst others, including dyes for solar cells and security inks. These nanoparticles are capable of converting near infra-red (nIR) light into visible light using hand-held laser pointers and offer much promise over conventional light sources in imaging since biological tissue and materials are much more transparent to radiation in this optical window and the mechanism allows high resolution 3D images to be obtained. At the interface of chemistry, biology and physics, this project will involve fabrication of a new class of functionalised nanoparticles appended with engineered peptides and proteins to recognise or 'sense' low levels of biologically toxic metal ions (including actinide ions) three dimensions through modulation of the fluorescence outputs. These enzyme biosensors will then be further elaborated to fabricate workable devices (based on optical ring resonators and evanescent wave-guide technology) for fast, tuneable and specific dual modal detection of toxic metal ions through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and refractive index (RI) changes.
This project is perfectly aligned with the BBSRC remit lying at the biology, chemistry and physics interface; a key driver for the 'exploiting new ways of working' agenda. The proposed research involves vital bioscience skills such as protein engineering, FRET technology and biosensing, which are currently risk areas. Training in these areas will address the dearth of skilled scientists crucial in maintaining the UK's talent pool. The student will uniquely benefit from a highly skilled and interdisciplinary well-integrated team conducting cutting edge research and will have daily access to all the supervisors' laboratories and equipment. The PI is heavily involved in public engagement being the SoC 'Woman of Wonder' and the student will have opportunity to disseminate their research to a wide audience. All data produced will be freely available to the team via a shared drive and all published data will be made public to encourage maximum data sharing.