DIT PhD Project
Supervisors:
Name Dr. Izabela Naydenova (IEO), Dr. Fergus
Ryan (School of Biology), Dr. Suzanne Martin (IEO)
Research Centre (if applicable):
IEO (Industrial Engineering Optics)
The centre specialises in holographic and
interferometric techniques and has developed
novel technologies with applications in product
authentication, sensing, vibration measurement
and optical device fabrication. The Centre has been
in existence for nearly fifteen years and research is
carried out in well-equipped optical research
laboratories in DIT Kevin street and the FOCAS
Institute. Key areas of expertise include high
resolution photosensitive materials development,
interferometric systems for surface measurement
and holographic devices.
Research Centre website (if applicable):
http://www.dit.ie/ieo/
Title of the Project: Holographic biosensors for point-of-care applications
Project Summary:
The Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics (IEO), School of Physics, Dublin Institute of Technology
has a strong track record in development of holographic recording materials for applications in
holographic sensors, holographic devices and security holograms. In the School of Biology, DIT there is a
strong track record in the development of novel mutation detection technologies in human and animal
genetic disorders. Collaboration has recently been developed between the two in order to investigate
DNA sensors for point-of-care applications.
The proposed research will answer scientific questions concerning the interaction between the
components of a holographic layer/hologram and external chemicals, molecules or particles. Based on
this knowledge it is proposed to design and study novel holographic sensors for detection of biological
substances. These sensors will be useful for design of point-of-care diagnostic devices.
The development of a variety of holographic biosensors is envisaged. One type of biosensor involves
the appearance of a hologram only in the areas where the analyte is bound, utilising the nature of the
self-processing photopolymer nanocomposites. This involves an entirely new approach to holography
which requires the presence of an analyte-borne sensitiser. The second type of sensor relies on a
change of the properties of an already recorded hologram upon analyte binding. Its novelty consists in
the unique combination of the versatility of the holographic optical elements and the analyte selective
nature of functionalized porous or solid nanodopants in photosensitive nanocomposites.
The work will be focused on the design and optimisation of sensor’s sensitivity and selectivity towards
the analyte.
One of the most attractive properties of the proposed holographic sensors is that they can provide
visual information that is easy for non-specialists to interpret.
If you are interested in this project, please contact: izabela.naydenova@dit.ie.