This project will develop new color-based biosensing platforms for the rapid, easy-to-use detection of
food pathogens that are of threat to human health and to the Australian agricultural industry.
The color generation in the presence of the target molecule will employ the enzyme-like catalytic activity of the nanoparticles (NanoZyme) while the ability to specifically detect the target analyte will be achieved by combining the NanoZymes with different aptamers (ssDNA). The PhD scholar will be involved in (i) developing new chemical synthesis strategies to fabricate different nanomaterials with control over their size, shape, and compositions, (ii) using a number of high-end techniques to characterize the properties of nanoparticles, (iii) assess the enzyme-like catalytic property of nanomaterials to determine reaction kinetic parameters, (iv) combine the NanoZymes with aptamers through covalent and non-covalent interactions and (v) create biosensor and diagnostic platforms for the detection of environmental pollutants, food, and clinically relevant pathogens. The PhD scholar will be based at the RMIT city campus and work collaboratively in a highly cross-disciplinary environment. The project is likely to involve our existing and new industry partners, including Australian Biosecurity agencies who are interested in this research. The project also offers collaboration opportunities with international researchers.
The PhD scholar will use specialized techniques including microscopy (SEM, TEM, HRTEM); spectroscopy (absorbance, fluorescence, FTIR, EDX, XPS); crystallography (XRD); statistical analysis (cluster tools, discriminant tools, regression analysis) and color assessment for quantifying the sensor response using a simple mobile phone camera. Overall, this project will provide highly cross-disciplinary training across materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, cell biology, and biochemistry along with several high-quality publications.
