| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/Y003225/1 |
| Title: |
Validating the Use of Point-Of-Care Diagnostics for Early Detection of Human Papillomavirus |
| Principal Investigator: |
Ola, Dr O |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Faculty of Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Nottingham |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research - NR1 |
| Starts: |
01 April 2024 |
Ends: |
31 March 2026 |
Value (£): |
165,844
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Tools for the biosciences |
|
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
|
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
|
24 May 2023
|
ECR International Collaboration Grants Panel 2
|
Announced
|
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
The early detection challenge of cervical cancer will be addressed through the development of a low-cost, point-of-care (PoC) device that has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for patients in both developed and developing countries while overcoming key barriers linked to screening uptake and limited infrastructure, which has impeded progress till date. Cervical cancer caused by certain genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the fourth most frequent cancer among women globally with approximately 570,000 new cases diagnosed in 2018; where 90% of deaths reported in low and middle-income countries are linked to limited prevention, screening, and treatment options. The mortality rate was estimated at 6.7 per 100 000 women in Europe compared to global mortality rate of 6.8 per 100 000 women. Vaccination and screening have the potential to reduce the incidence rate of cervical cancer to 4 per 100 000 women globally.
Recently, the uptake of cytology-based screening has fallen below the 80% standard due to concerns about the sampling collection procedure and cultural barriers, among others. Recent advances in personalized medicine and biosensing technologies has influenced the paradigm shift to PoC diagnostics from cytology-based screening and HPV testing that require advanced instrumentation, centralized laboratories, and experienced operators. However, few PoC devices have been translated from research laboratories to clinical use, due to overcoming challenges including low levels of sensitivity and specificity in clinical samples, system integration and signal readout requirements. Currently, there are no World Health Organisation prequalified PoC tests for HPV detection.
We therefore now propose an interdisciplinary UK-South Africa partnership bringing together researchers from chemistry, engineering, biomedical science, and medicine necessary to develop rapid PoC diagnostic tools. Our collaborative research approach will allow us to develop nanomaterials-based signal amplifiers and redox tags that are compatible with molecular (i.e., proteins and DNA) biosensing platform used in PoC diagnostics for early detection of high-risk HPV-16 and HPV-18 genotypes with improved sensitivity, specificity, and low detection time (< 10 minutes). The electrochemical sensing layer will be developed using low-cost and readily available minerals such as manganese, copper, and titanium. Through this approach of PoC testing via electrochemical sensing; low-cost PoC testing for high-risk genotypes can be incorporated into population screening. In summary, this interdisciplinary partnership seeks to facilitate the early detection of high-risk HPV genotypes, especially in both developing and developed countries with limited infrastructure and declining uptakes rates, respectively, while improving health and well-being which is the third UN Sustainable Goal.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk |