Cancer researchers at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ are developing diagnostic tools to detect cancer cells or disease-associated molecules. These include electrical biosensors and molecular sensors.
Electrical biosensors
The Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies(CBio) develops technologies to improve biomedical diagnosis and to understand biological functions. Their work includes biosensor development, biodevice and microfluidics design, which is combined with bioelectronics.
Research groups: , (CBio, Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering).
Molecular sensors
Small-molecule-based probes are increasingly important in detecting and imaging biological signalling molecules and enzymes. They are simple, sensitive, and highly selective. They're also non-invasive and suitable for real-time analysis of living systems. Furthermore, enzyme- and peptide-based sensors are developed to enable intracellular measurements.
Synthetic organic chemistry is used to develop these novel sensors and probes. They include fluorescent sensors, nano-particles, and enzyme or peptide-based sensors. These probes can be used in a range of different bioimaging approaches, including optical and fluorescent imaging, PET-MRI, Raman and multiphoton imaging.
Research groups: , , (Department of Chemistry), , , (Department of Life Sciences), and (Department of Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering).
Diagnostic tools to capture cancer particles
Researchers at the University and the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ are developing novel technologies to detect ovarian cancer. Early detection significantly increases the survival rate in cancer patients.
However, early detection is challenging , as we often lack unique symptoms at the outset of the disease. The new screening devices will use cancer-specific particles called exosomes, to help detect ovarian cancer at its early stages.
Research groups: , , and Rebecca Bowen (RUH).
Cancer prevention
research group is developing novel strategies to prevent skin cancers. This study area is exploring the role of antioxidants and iron chelators - chemical compounds that help remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals can be generated by UV radiation and can harm the body if their levels are become too high.