Antibiotic resistance and nanoparticle disinfection

In this talk I will discuss progress on two different projects. First, I will present our work looking at identifying antibiotic resistance using RNA biomarkers and the first steps to creating a point of care device to deliver this. We have been exploring the use of microfluidics to separate bacteria from blood before RNA extraction and analysis. We have also undertake microarray comparisons and identified the impact that the use of microfluidics has on RNA expression and therefore the selection of biomarkers. Second, I will discuss our work on the nanoparticles for the disinfection of waterborne pathogens. We have investigated the impact, and mode of action, of nanoparticles upon protozoa and the incorporation of nanoparticles into low-cost filters for water treatment applications.