Abstract:
Frequent monitoring of bio-analytes is foundational for the success of biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics, infectious disease surveillance, and real time health monitoring. To enable frequent monitoring near the patient, there is a need to develop devices that are both simple, rapid, and precise.
Our work has been focused on developing new techniques that combine electrochemistry with functional nucleic acids such as aptamers and Dnazymes for monitoring target binding in real time without reagent addition or washing. More specifically, we have developed three strategies for real time monitoring of the interaction between biorecognition agents and targets using electrochemical readout. Our first strategy is focused on catalytic aptamers or DNAzymes that are designed for in-field detection of bacteria in real time using microfluidic systems. Our second strategy is designed for wash-free and single pot detection of viruses in real time and at the point-of-care. Our third strategy uses structure switching aptamers for monitoring small molecules in vivo using wearable microneedle technology. Importantly, we have demonstrated reagent-free and wash-free detection methods for the surveillance of drinking water supplies for bacterial infections, point-of-care diagnostics of respiratory viruses, and continuous monitoring of glucose and lactate in the body.

Bio:
Dr. Soleymani is a professor and Associate Vice-President of Research (Commercialization and Entrepreneurship) at McMaster University. She is dedicated to enhancing human life through innovations in personalized medicine that bridge the fields of engineering, science, and medicine. Her current research focuses on the development of next-generation biological sensors and wearable technologies aimed at improving the understanding and management of health and disease. Dr. Soleymani places a strong emphasis on translational research; she has successfully licensed several technologies to diagnostic companies and founded two startup companies that concentrate on commercialization. Her contributions to the field have earned her recognition as a Dorothy Killam Fellow, a University Scholar, a Tier I Canada Research Chair in Miniaturized Biomedical Devices, and a member of the Royal Society of Canada.