Dynamic Nanomaterials for Ultrasensitive Diagnostics

Developing quick, sensitive and cheap methods for detecting protein and molecular biomarkers of disease is a continuing challenge. Conformational flexibility and dynamic response of nanomaterials represent two complimentary approaches towards realising better diagnostic performance in rapid test assays where short time frames are of the essence.

While numerous different nanomaterial compositions have been explored for this, the interplay between their overall morphology and flexibility has been unexplored.
The project will involve the design and synthesis of flexible, self-assembled nanomaterials capable of eliciting a structural amplification in paper-based rapid tests (as opposed to a chemical amplification) and conventional plate-based assay formats. Particles with a triggerable degradation pathway will be explored to promote amplification of detection events with a view to generating colourimetric rapid tests capable of sufficient sensitivity to detect fg/mL concentration of HIV viral capsid protein antigens.