Optical microcavities for immunoassay-based molecular detection
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
This project, supported with an iCASE from DSTL, is aimed at combining fluorescence immunoassays with the ultra-sensitive detection capabilities of cavity-enhanced sensors to achieve highly targeted single molecule counting in a microfluidic device. It builds on work done in the research group since 2010 on the fabrication of 'open access' optical microcavities, which have since been commercialised via 2018 spin-out Oxford HighQ (who are also advisers to the project). It also builds on extensive work we have done on single photon sources using defect centres in nanodiamond.
The first year of the project will be spent building the principal apparatus for the project, namely a fluorescence microscope with single molecule detection capabilities and a microfluidic system with built-in optical microcavities. Frst experiments will be carried out to demonstrate fluorescence detection of dye molecules flowing through the device. In parallel some initial work on developing the immunoassays will also be done, which will include testing against likely interferents.
In the second year the goal will be to deliver the product of immunoassays to the microcavity for detection, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the technique. Once this basic capability has been achieved with high concentrations of analyte, the student will test lower concentrations and investigate single molecule counting. The final goal for the project will be to demonstrate the benefits of cavity-enhanced fluorescence detection for immunoassay-based detection.
Work will be carried out in a well-equipped optics laboratory in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. Immunoassay development will be done at the Centre for Innovation and Enterprise where Oxford HighQ are based. Regular project meetings will be held with Supervisors Smith and Vallance, the industrial sponsor (DSTL) and industrial partner (Oxford HighQ Ltd).
It aligns with the EPSRC themes of global uncertainties, healthcare technologies and quantum technologies.
The first year of the project will be spent building the principal apparatus for the project, namely a fluorescence microscope with single molecule detection capabilities and a microfluidic system with built-in optical microcavities. Frst experiments will be carried out to demonstrate fluorescence detection of dye molecules flowing through the device. In parallel some initial work on developing the immunoassays will also be done, which will include testing against likely interferents.
In the second year the goal will be to deliver the product of immunoassays to the microcavity for detection, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the technique. Once this basic capability has been achieved with high concentrations of analyte, the student will test lower concentrations and investigate single molecule counting. The final goal for the project will be to demonstrate the benefits of cavity-enhanced fluorescence detection for immunoassay-based detection.
Work will be carried out in a well-equipped optics laboratory in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. Immunoassay development will be done at the Centre for Innovation and Enterprise where Oxford HighQ are based. Regular project meetings will be held with Supervisors Smith and Vallance, the industrial sponsor (DSTL) and industrial partner (Oxford HighQ Ltd).
It aligns with the EPSRC themes of global uncertainties, healthcare technologies and quantum technologies.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Jason Smith (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Philippa Warman (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/V519741/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2441226 | Studentship | EP/V519741/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2024 | Philippa Warman |