Building new nano-biosensors for healthcare: Linking biology to the world of carbon nanotechnology through synthetic biology

About the Project

Proteins are nature’s very own molecular machines carrying out functions ranging from catalysis to molecular recognition to energy conversion. One of the grand challenges in nanotechnology is to exploit the molecular properties of proteins within a non-biological context such as for use in molecular electronics (e.g. transistors), environmental detection systems, clinical monitoring and even in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Your project will address this grand challenge by engineering proteins to interact in a very precise and defined way with one of the most important class of nanomaterials, graphene and its relative carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We want the protein to communicate with the carbon nanomaterial so that events in one elicit a change in the other, which will form the basis of a nanodevice that can be used, for example, in biosensing. To achieve this, you will use a synthetic biology approach in which the genetic code will be reprogrammed so that amino acids with chemistry not found in nature can be incorporated at precise points in the target protein. The Jones group has recently exploited this chemistry to interface proteins with nano-carbon surfaces such as graphene and CNTs [References 1-3] and to even generate protein junctions between separate CNTs [Reference 4].

Your project will involve engineering proteins to contain the new chemistry and the utilise this new chemistry in the context of graphene and CNTs. Your initial focus will be on developing a new real time sensing system for clinically important biomarkers related to bacterial pathogens. Your aspect of the project will focus on the selection, design and engineering of the recognition proteins called nanobodies. A nanobody is a miniature version of an antibody but still retains the binding specificity and affinity of its full length relative. By coupling a nanobody to nano-carbon, you will be able to sense a wide-range of biologically and disease-related biomarkers, in this case markers associated with pathogenic bacteria.

This truly interdisciplinary will build on your interests in biochemistry/biotechnology and synthetic biology but include elements of chemistry and physics, including single molecule analysis.

Likely techniques: Computational analysis and protein design (modelling and dynamics), nanobody evolution, molecular biology (cloning and mutagenesis), synthetic biology (reprogrammed genetic code systems), protein chemistry (purification and analysis), biophysical analysis (fluorescence and surface plasmon resonance), single molecule imaging (Atomic force microscopy), biosensor construction and electrical measurements.

Contact details for supervisor- Prof Dafydd Jones

Email – jonesdd@cardiff.ac.uk

Phone Number - +44 29 20874290

How to apply:

You can apply online - consideration is automatic on applying for a PhD in Biosciences

Please use our online application service at https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md

Please specify that you are applying for this particular project, the supervisor and source of funding.

Information on the application process can be found here

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying

Entry requirements-

A 1st or Upper 2nd class UK honours degree or equivalent is usually required.

Suitable for graduates in biological and related sciences, including anatomy, physiology and pathology, aural and oral sciences, biomedical sciences, biology, chemistry, computer science and informatics, forensic science, genetics, medicine, neuroscience, optometry and vision sciences, mathematics and statistics, pharmacology, psychology, sport sciences and zoology.

English Language-

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.

Funding Notes

This project is suitable for self funded or externally funded students looking for a PhD position at Cardiff University.

Funding required will need to cover the Tuition fees, bench fees and Living expenses.