PhD Study : Paper-based electrochemical diagnostic sensors to aid schizophrenia management

Summary

Recent developments in materials engineering such as laser processing of nanomaterials1 and, large-scale inkjet deposition of nanomaterials2 and ion-selective membranes3 have enabled the rapid, low-cost, and reliable fabrication of devices on simple substrates such as polyimide and, paper. As a result, we can now create low-cost sensors for people to use at home to monitor many health conditions, for example, heart failure, as in our recent work4.

In this project, we will research and develop these innovative processes to design and fabricate novel devices to help certain people who suffer from schizophrenia (SZ) to take better control of their condition. Background of Schizophrenia SZ is a mind disorder affecting about 7 in 1000 people worldwide [5]. There is no ‘cure’ but most people can reduce the severity of symptoms if they take medication called antipsychotics. However around 50 % of people 6 have trouble taking medication reliably, and this often causes relapses which leads to distress and often hospitalisation.

Recent Developments in Biomarkers Recent research has shown that a molecule called ‘unconjugated bilirubin’ (UCB) is higher in those with SZ. The level of UCB also appears to increase when symptoms are bad, but then reduce when they improve. Thus, UCB is considered a potential candidate as a biomarker of state, for SZ7.

What will be done in the project?

If patients could regularly track their level of UCB at home using a finger-prick test; along with the level of antipsychotic medication, they may be able to ‘foresee’ a possible upcoming relapse, and then take steps to avoid this by seeking greater support. We will develop low-cost and reliable rapid paper-based sensor systems to help people track UCB and medication levels. The sensors utilise square wave voltammetry to measure the UCB oxidation current, which can be tracked over time. The key requirements for these sensors will be high reliability and repeatability, mass-manufacture, high selectivity, and sensitivity, as well as being very simple to use.

To achieve these aims we will:

*Research carbon nanostructured electrodes using laser processing

*Use novel large-scale inkjet printing to deposit nanomaterial reference electrodes as well as ion-selective membranes

*Integrate our sensors with microfluidic designs for rapid liquid handling for real-life testing

We will use the world-class facilities in NIBEC such as XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and Electrochemical analysis to characterise our sensors, which we hope will one day help people in tackling this terrible disease.

This project aligns with Ulster’s Upcoming Digital Healthcare Technology City Deal. The candidate for this project should have a background in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or a related degree.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living