Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an urgent threat to human and animal health and developing new diagnostics is listed as one of the key aims in the UK national action plan 'Tackling antimicrobial resistance 2019–2024'. This project aims to develop an innovative organic bioelectronic system for rapid AMR testing, using microfluidics for sample loading. By integrating bacteria directly onto the electrode, we expect to measure different bacterial responses to commonly used antibiotics within just 2 hours. The bacterial growth will be monitored in real-time to assess drug resistance. This technology has the potential to revolutionize AMR testing by minimizing the sample size required, speeding up testing, and enhancing drug screening for both human and animal health.

The student associated with this project will graduate with a comprehensive skill set, combining both technical and transferable skills essential for entering the job market. The student will join Strathclyde Brains CDT, the Centre for Advanced Measurement Research & Health Translation, and the SBOHVM research community to receive training and gain multidisciplinary expertise. Through the development and application of cutting-edge biosensing technologies, microfluidics, and AMR testing, the student will gain proficiency in high-demand scientific fields. This hands-on experience will equip the student with specialized knowledge applicable to biotechnology, healthcare, and diagnostics industries.