PhD Opportuntites
Robust Nanoprobe Tools to Dissect Glycan Binding of Snake Venoms for Diagnostic Applications
This project will develop unique glycan probes which can be used with native and un-purified snake venom to identify new lectins, decode their binding capability, and produce a new generation of rapid medical diagnostics for snake envenomation as a neglected tropical disease. There is a pressing need for this research and technology with WHO estimating that snake envenomation (bites) cause ~100,000 deaths a year and approximately three times as many amputations and permanent disabilities.
In collaboration with Prof. Remzi Becer and funded through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership
Nanoprobe Tools to Detect Snake Venoms for Rapid Medical Diagnostics
This project will explore and produce nanoprobe-based lateral flow assays for studying snake venom binding for medical diagnostics development. The project will provide an excellent training ground for a student working at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and biology.
In collaboration with Prof. Seb Perrier and funded through an EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
Rational Design of Novel Aptamers to Understand and Resist Snake Envenomation
The aim of this project is to understand the binding of snake lectins to enable their targeting in diagnostic devices. To this end, we will adopt a multidisciplinary approach including elements of experimental biochemistry and synthetic chemistry (Dr. Baker) as well as data-driven computational modelling (Dr. Sosso). Unique glycan nanoscale probes (nanoprobes) will be developed in silico and tested in vitro versus native and un-purified venom, to identify new lectins and decode their binding capability.
In collaboration with Dr Gabriele Sosso and funded through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership
Self-Funded?
Email Dr Baker directly to arrange a meeting and discuss how you could join the group.
Lateral Flow Glycoassay linked Mass Spectrometry for Pandemic Preparedness and Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance
The aim of this project is to develop a new hybrid diagnostic approach that allows for the rapid analysis of lateral flow devices (LFDs) by mass spectrometers. This will involve designing LFDs that can isolate from medically relevant media, e.g., blood and saliva, a target viral/bacterial analyte for detection by mass spectrometry without further purification.
In collaboration with Prof. Peter O’Connor and funded through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership