WP4: Rapid Devices and Diagnostics of Virulence via Adhesin-Host binding

We will develop rapid, innovative biosensors for diagnostics and advanced bioassay systems to study how host cells bind and respond. We will then use these tests to explore links with antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

Our bioassays and diagnostic devices will be based on the targets and interactions identified and characterised for ESKAPE pathogens. The aim is to quantify interactions and develop rapid tests and test kits to detect, screen, and measure virulence traits. Sensor binding assays will be developed based on novel methodologies such as recently developed nanoparticle labels and, emerging materials and approaches for electrochemical biosensing and stable recognition elements such as aptamers and affimers. Diagnostics flow cartridges and spheroid-on-a-chip devices will be designed and tested and the optical and electrochemical sensing approaches will be integrated to obtain dynamic systems to quantify binding. The ultimate aim is to generate diagnostic devices for commercialisation.