Development of a food allergen bionanosensor – a citizen science approach

OVERVIEW

The overall aim of the project is the design, construction and implementation of a multi-channel microfluidic bionanosensor for the multiplex analysis of food allergens. There are three key phases in this research project: Design phase, Construction Phase and Implementation of the bionanosensor for determining food allergens in food products as a citizen science approach.

In the last two years Covid 19 has by default shown not only scientists but the whole global population the necessity for rapid methods of analysis to be able to combat against disease in particular. Though this is not the only area whereby rapid methods can prove useful in their application. Point of site or point of care testing with real time analysis can be vital for decision making for clinicians, virologists, microbiologists, regulatory analysts, food producers and citizen science in an environment to farm to fork approach. The designed simplicity of these tests as in the COVID lateral flow test allows novice end users such as food business operators to implement rapid tests as a measure of assurance that the environment in which we produce our food is free from contamination to ensure food safety for improved food security and sustainability within the supply chain. Due to increasing legislation food allergens are a major concern for the food industry and whereby improved point of site methods of analysis are increasing sought to prevent precautionary labelling on all food products. Precautionary labelling is also then a challenge for the allergic susceptible consumer in knowing what is safe to consume. A simple testing device is still required for consumers to monitor allergens in food products.

The overall aim of the project is the design, construction and implementation of a multi-channel microfluidic nanosensor for multiplex analysis of food allergens. There are three key phases in this research project: Design phase of the bionanosensor, Construction Phase, and Implementation of the bionanosensor for determining food allergens in food products as a citizen science approach. The design phase of the sensor will include selection of target allergens and food products in which those allergens are important. A multiplex lab-on-a-chip will be designed. The construction phase will investigate the most suitable microfluidic design and portable detection system including smartphones for the lab-on-a-chip device. The implementation phase will be the validation of the device for determining food allergens in food products as both a lab-based tool and as a citizen science approach.

Start Date: 1 October 2022

Duration: 3 years

How to apply: Applications must be submitted via https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php

Skills/experience required: BSc in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Food Science or equivalent. Desirable to have an MSc in a relevant subject.

Research Information

PhD Supervisors
Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a supervisor

If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.