PhD Studentship: Nanopore Technology for Rapid and Accurate Measurement of Antibiotic Concentrations

Supervisors:

Dr. Nicholas Bell Bell Lab Website

Dr. Kabir Husain Husain Lab Website

Abstract:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is exacerbated by persistent, sub-lethal levels of antibiotics in the environment and the lack of routine monitoring tools. Current methods for measuring antibiotic concentrations, such as HPLC and mass spectrometry, are expensive and require complex instrumentation, limiting their use in field or point-of-care settings. This project aims to develop portable, nanopore-based sensors for the rapid and accurate quantification of antibiotic concentrations in environmental and clinical samples. Nanopore technology, which detects molecules via changes in ionic current as they pass through nanometer-scale pores, has revolutionised nucleic acid sequencing and holds untapped potential for small-molecule sensing. By engineering nanopores with molecular recognition elements such as DNA aptamers, this project will enable multiplexed, real-time detection of diverse antibiotics, supporting both environmental surveillance and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Approach and Methods:

• Engineer nanopores with DNA aptamers or other molecular recognition elements specific to target antibiotics
• Optimise sensing conditions and characterise the dynamic range and sensitivity of the nanopore sensors
• Develop multiplexing strategies for simultaneous detection of multiple antibiotic classes
• Perform proof-of-principle measurements in spiked environmental (e.g. wastewater) and clinical (e.g. blood) samples
• Integrate sensors into portable platforms for field and point-of-care applications

Impact and Outlook:

This project will deliver a transformative diagnostic platform for real-time, low-cost antibiotic monitoring. The technology could significantly enhance environmental AMR surveillance and enable personalised antibiotic dosing in clinical settings, reducing the risk of resistance development. Its portability and multiplexing capabilities make it suitable for deployment in both high-resource and resource-limited environments.

Training and Student Development:

The student will gain hands-on experience in:

• Molecular biology and aptamer engineering
• Nanopore fabrication and single-molecule sensing
• Data acquisition and analysis of nanopore signals
• Microfabrication and device integration
• Collaborative research in biophysics, biotechnology, and molecular diagnostics

The student will work across the Bell and Husain labs, participating in regular group meetings and benefiting from a collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture.

Research Environment:

The Bell lab specialises in single-molecule biophysics and nanopore sensing, with access to state-of-the-art equipment including a custom-built nanopore rig, magnetic force spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The Husain lab brings complementary expertise in molecular biotechnology, large-scale DNA sequencing, and directed evolution. Together, the labs provide a dynamic and supportive environment for interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, biology, and engineering.

Desirable Prior Experience:

• Background in chemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, physics, bioengineering, or related disciplines
• Experience with biosensing or single-molecule techniques is beneficial but not required
• Interest in AMR diagnostics and translational biotechnology

How to apply

This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance. Further details about the CDT and programme can be found at AMR CDT webiste  

Applications should be submitted via the application page on our website  by 12^th January 2026.

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