Fully-funded PhD: Development and Characterisation of Next-Generation Screen-Printed Electrochemical Biosensor Arrays for Multi-Biomarker Detection of Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for rapid, cost-effective, and accurate diagnostic tools. Current methods for detecting cardiac biomarkers such as troponins, BNP, and CRP are often slow, expensive, and reliant on centralised laboratory facilities. This project aims to revolutionise point-of-care diagnostics by developing next-generation screen-printed electrochemical biosensor arrays capable of detecting multiple biomarkers simultaneously.

The successful candidate will explore innovative electrode designs, advanced surface functionalisation strategies, and cutting-edge characterisation techniques (including Manchester Met’s unique in-situ electrochemical-AFM-nanoRaman (TERS) system) to optimise sensor performance. The research will progress from fundamental surface science to the fabrication of intelligent, multiplexed sensor arrays, enabling fast and reliable cardiovascular health monitoring.

This exciting 3-year PhD will be conducted in collaboration with Cambridge Medical Technologies, a UK leader in non-invasive biosensing solutions, ensuring strong translational impact and real-world relevance. The candidate will join Manchester Metropolitan University’s world-class Electrochemistry Research Group, gaining access to state-of-the-art facilities and multidisciplinary expertise of the supervisory team. The project is led by Dr Dale Brownson.

If you are passionate about health/sensor innovation, advanced materials, and impactful research, this project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving technology with global significance.

Project aims and objectives

This PhD aims to develop next-generation screen-printed electrochemical biosensor arrays for rapid, multiplexed detection of cardiovascular biomarkers at the point of care. The project will:

• Investigate fundamental electrode–biomarker interactions using advanced electrochemical and surface characterisation techniques, including Manchester Met’s unique EC-AFM-TERS system.
• Optimise surface chemistry to improve biomarker attachment, stability, and signal reliability.
• Design and fabricate intelligent screen-printed electrodes and arrays for multi-analyte detection.
• Validate sensor performance for sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility across biological matrices.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of electrochemistry, materials science, and healthcare innovation, contributing to impactful research with strong translational potential through collaboration with Cambridge Medical Technologies.