Functionalization of the ORCHIDD platform using antibodies for the detection of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens that can get into the body and therefore cause existential threats. Sepsis (i.e., systemic response to infection) is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths worldwide and this percentage is rising. One of the key components of adequate treatment is fast diagnosis to administer the most effective medication as soon as possible.
For diagnostics involving bacteria, the state of the art is culturing samples on culture plates, optionally in an antibiogram format to determine drug resistivity. This process takes three to five days—sometimes longer—and most patients require immediate intervention. Consequently, physicians often rely on empirical therapy, typically involving broad-spectrum antibiotics based on limited information, which drives antimicrobial resistance and is therefore not a sustainable way of working.
Consequently, there is an urgent and crucial need for point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic tools which have more sensitivity & reliability, higher throughput, and lower cost. To address this need the ORCHIDD technology, enabled by innovation in nanotechnology, microfluidic integration and surface chemistry is under development. The orchid system allows for the first time to simply count specific bacteria, one by one.
The student will test patient samples on microfluidic chips for use in the ORCHIDD platform, with the aim to develop a proof-of-concept assay for specific detection of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (a bacterium which causes lung infections). The work will entail optimisation of sample pre-treatment, measurement conditions and data analysis. Activities include assembly and testing of the microfluidic system, data analysis and preparation of bacterial samples.
Project duration:
Fall 26/27 (September 2026 – February 2027)
Internship or graduation project:
Graduation project
Educational programs:
- Biology and Medical Lab (BML) (Core task innovation)
Interested, please send your motivation letter and CV before 14 of June to appliednanotechnology.led@saxion.nl and include Frits Hulshof (g.f.b.hulshof@saxion.nl) in the CC.