Hydrogel-based sensors for healthcare applications

Salivary diagnostics is gaining popularity because it can be minimally invasive and can be performed by non-experts. Saliva can contain biomarkers, which can be measured for early detection of a range diseases including cancer, diabetes and gum diseases. However, there are many challenges in measuring salivary biomarkers such as low concentrations, presence of interferents (e.g., mucin), and highly variable matrix composition.

To address these challenges, we have recently developed hydrogels for capturing, concentrating and labelling biomarkers while excluding interferents [1]. A panel of concentrated and labelled proteins can then be released from hydrogels and quantified by fluorescence.

This exciting project will build on this work by investigating measurement of different types of biomarkers including small molecules that are extremely difficult to measure by other methods. The student will work alongside other group members on this multidisciplinary project and will gain skills in polymer chemistry, photochemistry, hydrogels and analytical chemistry.