The purpose of the project is to design a paper-based device for the co-detection of nitric oxide (NO) and glucose in a tumor angiogenesis model. By combining paper technologies to electrochemical sensing, we envision that an easy-to-use, smart tumor model can be built. The devices will be tested on co-cultured endothelial and tumor cells, to […]

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, yet long-term continuous blood pressure monitoring, an accurate technique for prevention and early detection, remains largely unavailable outside of clinical settings. Such measurements presently require invasive, expensive, and impractical instrumentation thus preventing widespread use in non-clinical settings like at home and in research. This project aims […]

Light can be used to control biological processes in living cells, a technique called optogenetics. Originally developed to control neural activity, optogenetics has been expanded to control protein interactions and gene expression with a high degree of spatial and temporal control. This has opened exciting possibilities in developmental biology and tissue engineering. However, current optogenetic […]

Emma Allen-Vercoe has established a world leading capability to grow microbes in a controlled environment. The intent of our newly established Biotech company – NuBiyota – will be to translate this exciting capability into a therapeutic product. The project we are proposing will leverage Kathleen’s expertise and experience in professor Allen-Vercoe’s lab, combined with the […]

Rapid diagnostic tests play a crucial role in preventative medicine and epidemiology. Despite their widespread adoption in the industry, obtaining precise, quantitative results for low concentrations of analyte remains a significant challenge. For example, point-of-care (POC) tests for COVID-19 can exhibit a 70% rate of false negatives in some cases. The aim of this project […]

This project investigates the SPbeta bacteriophage, a model organism in phage biology with significant implications for microbiology and biotechnology. The primary objective is to develop and refine methods for its purification and biochemical characterization, enabling a detailed analysis of its structure and function. Using targeted deletion mutants, we aim to identify key genes and proteins […]

This internship project focuses on developing optimized DNA sequences, known as signal peptides, to enhance the secretion of proteins produced by bacteria. Signal peptides are critical for secreting proteins out of the bacterial cell, facilitating their purification and downstream processing. Under the guidance of Dr. Susana Matamouros and Professor Michael Bott, a leading expert in […]

The transformation of light in current, i.e. photodetection, has been exploited in several technologies. From the detectors used in materials characterization to solar cells, the use of performant materials that can efficiently produce photocurrents is inspired by the normal functioning of the eyes. Within them, a photon of light is converted into a current, traveling […]

With an aging population, age-related neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as stroke, are increasing. These conditions involve critical neuron loss, yet the brain’s ability to replace neurons is highly limited. Current regenerative therapies, such as neural stem cell stimulation or neuron transplants, show promise but face challenges in manufacturing and patient […]

Parkinson’s disease is commonly described as a brain disorder, but recent research suggests that early events outside the brain (periphery) may influence Parkinson’s disease neuropathology. The blood-brain barrier is a structure that protects the vulnerable brain tissue from blood-borne toxins and circulating immune cells, but barrier function appears compromised in PD. A consequence, there may […]

This project will utilise an integrated multi-omics approach for glycosylation-based breast cancer subtype discovery. Glycosylation is the process whereby carbohydrate structures are conjugated to cellular proteins and lipids, and in doing so, determines their functionality. Glycosylation is dysregulated in cancer and incorporating the glycome in cancer research has led to deeper mechanistic insight. Combining glycomic […]

Overview and Main Activities of the Partner Organization The partner organization is dedicated to enhancing urban environments through innovative solutions. One of their primary activities is developing decorative photobioreactors to improve air quality and provide aesthetic appeal in urban areas. Innovation Challenge or Improvement Priority The partner organization faces several challenges: • Urban Air Pollution: […]