Smart electrochemical aptamer biosensors for continuous monitoring cell health and function

Overview

Microphysiological systems including organ-on-chip platforms and 3D tissue models are transforming how we study human biology, enabling advanced in vitro models for tissue regeneration and drug testing that are far more physiologically relevant than conventional cell culture. However, a critical gap remains in how we monitor these living systems: current approaches rely on destructive or invasive methods that require cell sacrifice or physical sampling. Even the least invasive options are endpoint-based, capturing only a single snapshot in time making continuous, dynamic assessment impractical and labour-intensive.

This project addresses that gap by developing and integrating electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) biosensors directly into microphysiological systems to enable non-invasive, continuous, real-time monitoring of cell viability and function without disrupting the living culture. The sensors will track clinically relevant biomarkers of cell stress, injury, and metabolic dysfunction, revealing the full temporal trajectory of cellular responses to drugs, toxins, and environmental stressors that endpoint assays simply cannot capture.

Grounded initially in hepatic (liver) models where drug-induced injury is a leading cause of clinical trial failure. The technology is designed to be broad, versatile, and modular, extending across kidney, cardiac, intestinal, and neurological tissue systems. The project integrates biosensor platforms with advanced tissue culture, data acquisition pipelines, machine learning, and automation. This will create a complete, deployable solution optimised for sensitivity, selectivity, and stability in physiologically complex environments.

Research activities

• Design and generation of novel aptamers targeting clinically and pharmaceutically relevant biomarkers of cell stress, injury, and metabolic dysfunction.
• Development and optimisation of multiplexed electrochemical biosensor platforms for sensitivity, selectivity, and stability in complex biological environments.
• Integration and validation of biosensor systems within organ-on-chip platforms and 3D tissue models for continuous, non-destructive cell monitoring.
• Application of data acquisition, signal processing, machine learning, and automation to build complete biosensing workflows.
• Collaboration with industry partners to support translation, commercialisation, and joint applications for competitive external funding.

Outcomes

This project will establish a smart, integrated biosensing platform capable of real-time, continuous, non-invasive monitoring of cell health and function within microphysiological systems. The anticipated outcomes include:

• a validated library of E-AB biosensors targeting key biomarkers of drug-induced cellular injury and metabolic function
• a modular biosensor toolkit deployable across multiple organ models (liver, kidney, cardiac, and beyond)
• protocols and automated pipelines for continuous monitoring that replace destructive endpoint assays in advanced in vitro testing
• translation-ready tools for pharmaceutical assessment, supporting industry adoption and regulatory alignment with animal-free testing frameworks.

Skills and experience

You should have a background in one or more of the following disciplines:

• biomedical science or biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering or bioengineering
• a closely related field with strong laboratory and analytical components.

Essential skills and attributes 

• Strong foundation in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, or biochemistry.
• Solid laboratory skills with careful attention to experimental methodology and data integrity.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Intellectual curiosity and resilience when facing technical challenges.

Desirable experience (advantageous but not essential) 

• Electrochemical techniques such as voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, or amperometry.
• Aptamer selection, molecular biology, or nucleic acid technologies.
• Cell culture, tissue engineering, organ-on-chip, or microphysiological systems.
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools for data analysis and automation.
• Exposure to translational research or industry collaboration.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

Explore our research scholarships

Keywords

• electrochemical biosensor
• microphysiological systems
• organ-on-chip
• continuous monitoring

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.