Synthetic Electrochemical Receptors (Sensors) for Non-communicable Diseases

The aim of the project is to develop novel electrochemical (and potentially optical) sensors suitable for healthcare applications. Novel boronic acid receptors will be developed and immobilised into polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM), before being cast onto graphene electrodes. Further down the line, the approach taken may require functionalisation of graphene with "clickable" units azide or alkyne. Appropriate receptors will then be clicked onto the surface for evaluation. Resultant sensors will be evaluated electrochemically either as an inherent sensor or via an indicator displacement approach.
In the first instance a model mono boronic acid system attached to a large hydrophobic group (pyrene) will be prepared. This model system will then be evaluated in combination with the PIM for its binding to monosaccharides using standard electrochemical methods. Once the parameters for this PIM:Boronic acid model system have been established, more complex receptors will be prepared including bis-boronic acid systems. These systems will then be evaluated for selective glucose binding using electrochemical methods such as impedance. Once the basic electrochemical analysis has been established the project will move to using the bespoke "graphene" electrodes from Integrated Graphene in order to move towards more practically useful systems.
The project aligns with the University of Bath, strategic themes in advanced materials and devices and Healthy Living, since the project will result in composite material-based sensors for the detection of analytes of biological significance (i.e. Glucose and diabetes). This research is also relevant to the goals of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
This project will be carried out under the guidance and supervision of three main supervisors: Professor Tony James, Professor Frank Marken and Professor Steven Bull. Professor James will provide guidance on the design, synthesis and application of boronic acid receptors. Professor Marken has expertise in electrochemical techniques, which will be central to this project as the overriding aim is to develop a novel electrochemical sensor. Professor Bull is a specialist in synthetic organic chemistry, who will have a constructive influence upon this project during the synthesis of the boronic acid derived sensors.