Spectrometer Module For Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy In Glucose Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,151.00
Summary
Scientists have developed a number of incredibly powerful and sophisticated techniques to identify chemicals and measure their concentrations in the laboratory. However, it remains a major challenge to perform these measurements under everyday circumstances. For example, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has gained widespread recognition as a technique for trace chemical detection, but it remains confined to a small number of specialist laboratories. For this reason, Dr Paul Stoddart at S ....Scientists have developed a number of incredibly powerful and sophisticated techniques to identify chemicals and measure their concentrations in the laboratory. However, it remains a major challenge to perform these measurements under everyday circumstances. For example, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has gained widespread recognition as a technique for trace chemical detection, but it remains confined to a small number of specialist laboratories. For this reason, Dr Paul Stoddart at Swinburne University of Technology recognised a need for more practical SERS probes for field applications. His team has now developed a proprietary SERS probe, based on an optical fibre that is little thicker than a hair. These optical fibres can form the core element of field-portable SERS spectrometers. This work has recently been boosted by the discovery in the United States that SERS can be used to monitor glucose in blood. The development of a continuous glucose monitor has long been a holy grail of sensor research, because of the millions of diabetes sufferers who regularly perform the painful finger prick test. For SERS to provide a practical solution to glucose monitoring, it is recognised that SERS optical fibres are needed for minimally invasive probes. With support from Biopharmica and the Diabetes Australia Research Trust, Dr Stoddart's team has now demonstrated that sensitive SERS probes can be produced in large quantities. The next objective is to develop a prototype low-cost SERS spectrometer for use as part of a continuous glucose monitoring system. This will require the development of a laser source and spectroscopic system that can interface to the SERS probes. It is proposed to use an Australian designed and manufactured laser system based on a low-power narrow-linewidth laser diode. The project plans to bring together Swinburne University, OptoTech and Grey Innovation in order to develop a commercially scaleable and robust device.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Prototype Production System For Optical Fibre Diagnostic Probes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$191,598.00
Summary
Advances in nanotechnology have led to new techniques for the precise fabrication of nanometre scale structures. A recent breakthrough by the applicants now allows high-quality nanostructures to be stamped onto the tip of low-cost optical fibre probes. When coated with silver, these sensitive probes can be used for continuous monitoring of blood glucose in diabetics and in critical care situations. This project aims to develop a prototype manufacturing system for optical fibre glucose probes.
The DietAdvice Website A New Innovation For Dietitians In Clinical Practice.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,975.00
Summary
Due to the growing incidence of obesity within Australia, use of computer technology may be a method of targeting these people by increasing access to dietary services. Currently available dietary software in the Australian context only allows analysis of nutrient information. Thus when a dietitian sees a patient they must manually translate food intake to nutrient information, a largely time consuming exercise. DietAdvice is a website that was developed for people to enter in their own food int ....Due to the growing incidence of obesity within Australia, use of computer technology may be a method of targeting these people by increasing access to dietary services. Currently available dietary software in the Australian context only allows analysis of nutrient information. Thus when a dietitian sees a patient they must manually translate food intake to nutrient information, a largely time consuming exercise. DietAdvice is a website that was developed for people to enter in their own food intakes. The food information is sent to a dietitian who develops individualised dietary advice for them. A pilot study of the website has already found it to be feasible in the primary healthcare setting. Tested for 12 months the website was used by 224 patients from GP practices in the Illawarra region of NSW. Approximately 73% of patients were overweight and patients with a high BMI were 1.88 times more likely to use the website in the comfort of their home. Further research about the website however was needed. The research to follow on from the pilot study will aim to refine the DietAdvice website, leading towards its commercialisation for dietitians in clinical practice. The research will be broken into 3 phases. Phase 1 will involve a usability test of the website, assessing the underlying algorithms and testing it with dietitians in private practice. Phase 2 will see volunteers using the website on multiple occasions after being given pre-weighed amounts of food to eat. This will determine how reliable and accurate the information is; and phase 3 will evaluate whether the website is cost effective and if it increases accessibility of health services especially in rural areas. By confirming these attributes there will be a sound basis to commercialise the product.Read moreRead less