Researcher

Contenido de trabajo

One-year research contract position in the field of paper-based electrical biosensors

Project:

The research topic concerns the development of a new diagnostic platform based on paper biosensors (i.e. rapid tests/self-tests, or lateral flow assays LFA), for the rapid detection of contaminants in the agro-food sector. These detection methods aim to reach better performances (sensitivity and quantitative detection) than the visual detection method of rapid paper tests. Aflatoxin M1, which requires quantitative detection thresholds in the milk production chain, is the targeted contaminant.

The research will focus on the study and integration of different types of electrical or magnetic transducers (microelectrodes, inductors, …) on rapid tests against Aflatoxin M1 in milk developed and marketed by the company Unisensor. To this end, this project will focus on (i) modifying the design of the rapid paper tests in coordination with the partner research centre (Sirris) to adapt them to the chosen transducer while preserving the intrinsic functions of the LFA, and (ii) setting up an appropriate setup to study the sensitivity of nanoparticles (NPs), serving as specific labels for Aflatoxin in the LFA, to the various transducers envisaged. The NPs considered are metallic (gold), and have the appropriate electrical, electrochemical or magnetic properties for the detection system. In order to assist in the choice of the relevant transducer to be explored during the project, the criteria include: the results already obtained from the research group at UCLouvain, the intrinsic performance of the sensors (reliability, detection thresholds, quantification) for the detection of nanoparticles, the compatibility of the format of the rapid paper test with the Unisensor production lines and the possibility of reusing the transducer.

Keywords:electrical; electrochemical; electro-magnetic biosensor; rapid paper tests; nanoparticles (gold and metal oxide); materials science and physical chemistry; food processing.

Profiles sought:

The candidate will have a background (Bac+5, master, PhD thesis or equivalent) covering material sciences, electrical transducers and/or applied physical chemistry. He/she will have a strong interest for experimental research, teamwork, autonomy and initiative. Experience in physico-chemical characterizations would be quite appreciated.

Research contract:

Funding: Win²Wal research project funded by the Walloon Public Service - Research.

Duration: Research contract - 12 months (extendable if the candidate is interested in pursuing the research).

Location: Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics (ICTEAM / ELEN), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Place du Levant, 3, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Environment:

The UCLouvain promoter is part of the ICTEAM (Information and Communication Technologies, Electronics and Applied Mathematics) research institute and more specifically the electrical engineering cluster (ELEN) which is composed of multidisciplinary research teams, including specialists in materials physics, fabrication and characterization of semiconductor devices and sensors for various applications (environment, agri-food, health), as well as designers of electronic circuits and systems. The ELEN cluster operates two major experimental infrastructures: WINFAB (Wallonia Nano Fabrication Infrastructure) and WELCOME (Wallonia Electronics and Communications Measurements). It also has access to the MICA (MIcroscopic ChAracterization of functionnal and nanostructured materials) platform. Over the past fifteen years, the group involved in the ELSENSOR4MILK project has developed multidisciplinary technical knowledge and scientific expertise related to the design, manufacturing and characterization of electrical and optical biosensors for the detection of analytes or pathogens in solution, and more specifically by means of cellulose materials such as paper and lateral flow assays for the past four years, by means of strong collaborations with research groups in biology, chemistry-physics and surface chemistry.

The project also involves the accreditedresearch centre Sirris, which specializes in the transfer to industry of various emerging technologies such as the selective deposition of materials by printing techniques, rapid prototyping and microfabrication.

Unisensor, the project’s industrial partner, has been developing and marketing rapid tests for screening in the agri-food sector for some twenty years in order to reinforce the safety of food chains.

Contacts:

Professor Jean-Pierre Raskin (ICTEAM) jean-pierre.raskin@uclouvain.be

Application:

Send a letter of motivation and a detailed CV including the academic file by e-mail to jean-pierre.raskin@uclouvain.be before the 20thof January 2023.