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Congratulations to our colleague, we are very happy!

 

Her thesis focuses on the development of novel electrochemical biosensors for COVID-19 diagnostics. The sensors in this case use screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). The researcher described various sensor design strategies, including "tools" such as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of organic molecules - conducting polymers (specific large molecules).

 

"Conducting polymers were found to be more promising due to their dual role in immobilization [the process by which the desired materials are anchored to the surface of the sensor] and conductivity modification. I tested several electrochemical methods, with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) showing the best results for rapid and sensitive detection," says Maryia.

 

 

(Experimental use of screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). Illustration from M. Drobysh's PhD thesis)

This research is relevant as it offers the potential to develop cost-effective, portable diagnostic tools for COVID-19, a notorious global health issue. According to the scientist, the approaches used, particularly molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), can be adapted to detect other pathogens, making this work useful for future diagnostics beyond COVID-19.

"The key results of this work include the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and nucleocapsid protein using SPCE-based biosensors. I am particularly pleased with the use of MIPs and PAD, which provided high sensitivity without the need for redox mediators (certain chemical compounds), making the sensors more efficient and cost-effective," says M. Drobysh.

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