Loughborough University offers a rich and supportive research environment that is equipped with excellent facilities and academic expertise. By fully utilising these resources available, you can significantly advance your expertise in a particular field of study.
Loughborough University was the ideal place to carry out my PhD research due to its team of experienced faculty and researchers, who are leaders in their respective fields and offer valuable mentorship and collaboration opportunities. The University's laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge QCM technology and related instruments, ensuring precise and high-quality research. Custom-designed devices that are tailored to specific research needs enable you to conduct specialised experiments and investigations. Additionally, Loughborough University employs advanced data analysis techniques that allows researchers to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
My PhD research explores quartz crystal resonator for real-time characterisation of viscoelastic systems. The aim is to combine novel drive and transduction techniques, mathematical models and advanced electronics and biorecognition elements to bring step changes in the field of QCR-based sensing.
For QCR for biosensing, which is our main focus, we have covered the detection of a broad range of targets, including bacteria, protein, DNA and small molecules. Higher specificity (and robustness) has been achieved through the use of aptamers and molecular imprinted polymers as receptors/biorecognition elements. Nonlinear transduction technique also contributed to specificity.
Viscoelastic systems include viscous electrolytes and sensitive measurement of these highly lossy systems is challenging. We not only measured the QCR parameters sensitively using our model but also achieved real-time measurement, which is another key challenge that was addressed.
The technique of combining the sensitive mass balance technique with electronic sensing technologies aligns well with my academic background. My experience in employing and customising electronic solutions for signal processing and conducting data analysis using mathematical and computational tools has been extensive, and it proves highly effective in addressing the research needs of my topic.
Improved sensitivity and specificity can lead to the development of advanced biosensors for various applications, including food safety, clinical diagnostics and biodefense. Early detection of diseases through biomarkers is crucial in conditions such as cancer, infectious diseases and neurological disorders. QCM can detect biomarkers at very low concentrations, enabling earlier diagnosis and better patient outcomes. QCM-based devices could also be developed for point-of-care testing, providing rapid and accurate diagnostic results outside traditional laboratory settings.
Furthermore, QCM can be utilised in fundamental research to study various physical, chemical and biological processes at the molecular level. The technology's versatility makes it applicable across fields such as materials science, nanotechnology and surface chemistry, promoting interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Biosensors have evolved over the years and due to their robustness, reusability, inherent resistance to environmental conditions and rapid response, they have found applications in a wide range of fields including healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, food safety, biodefence and environmental control.
My advice for anyone considering a PhD is embrace the chance to learn, innovate and collaborate, as well as use the University as a springboard to achieve your research and career aspirations.