Sandpit on Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool for Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance and other Clinical Applications - December 2018

EPSRC FAST HEALTHCARE NETWORKSPLUS

Sandpit on Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool for Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance and other Clinical Applications

11th December 2018 in Manchester - Save the date

Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that measures the chemical composition and molecular structure of a sample. Utilisation of the ‘molecular fingerprint’ of Raman spectra has proven an effective analytical approach in geology, semiconductor, materials and polymer science fields. The application of Raman spectroscopy and microscopy within biology is rapidly increasing and it has proven to be a valuable analytical tool for various applications. In collaboration with Professor Frank Martin’s group at UCLAN, Professor Anthony Rowbottom has demonstrated the potential clinical applications of Raman to various cancers, AMR, neurodegenerative disease, renal disorders and more recently the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency.  As the use of Raman in the laboratory and clinical setting increases there will be a need to better characterise and standardise protocols to facilitate use in clinical settings. Whilst the technique is not quantitative there will be a requirement to create a reference library and understand the elements that impact on result variations.

The purpose of this Sandpit is threefold:

1. To bring together a new group of clinicians, engineers and physical scientists who would be interested in being part of a new National Expert Group on the clinical application of Raman spectroscopy.
2. To identify the clinical opportunities for Raman in the short, medium and long-term which the Group could look to address.
3. To work up an engineering-focussed mini project to pump prime the Group’s activity in the area of detection of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in a clinical setting with £60,000 (fEC) seed funding from the EPSRC FAST Healthcare NetworksPlus.

Register your interest using this form and read more about the workshop. Download the flyer