Advancing semiconductor based environmental sensing technologies for bioaerosols

Overview

An aerosol is a suspension of particles or droplets in the air and includes airborne dusts, mists, fumes or smoke. The suspended particles maintain their physical properties of their solid or liquid state, but they behave like a vapour. Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen and toxins. Depending on particle size, composition, shape and concentration, aerosol and bioaerosol particles can cause adverse health effects in workers. Adverse health effects can be either short or long term. Safety hazards may include fire or explosions.

Currently, technology for real-time detection and identification of bioaerosols is not fully developed, and monitoring systems are not widely utilised. The E3 – Future Biodetection Technologies Research Hub will target the gaps in knowledge about the characteristics and dynamics of bioaerosols in outdoor and indoor environments and their impact on health, climate and ecosystems.

This PhD project aims to develop a proof-of-concept for a portable BioPM sensor exploiting some novel physical phenomenon where electron-photon interaction could be exploited in some solid-state device platforms to mimic this interaction. The absorb photons could give off their energy in several ways including to electrons inside the semiconductor device that would in turn could be detected. In this project we will design and fabricate several novel sensor devices and detect at least three bands out of 16 wavelength bands of fluorescence measurement, from 298 – 735nm, as a proof of concept.

Project Focus:

Smart and agile environmental sensor is a dream of every environmental researcher and professional because it does not exist. The aim is to establish a foundation to transform the detection of BioPM – Imagine a BioPM chip in every home and every car would transform our view on the environment – just like energy efficient climate control in most air-conditioning systems is due to carbon dioxide sensor on a chip. The main aspects of this research will need to consider, after any positive outcome of project, a best route to commercialisation but main aim is to focus in delivering a successful proof of concept.

Objectives:

• Develop and deliver proof-of-concept demonstrator sensor technologies,
• Develop optical-fluorescence spectral libraries for a chip-based system relevant to multichannel UV-LIF measurements.

Why Cranfield University?

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) in Cranfield University is known for its world-class expertise and unrivalled large-scale facilities and partnerships with industry, government and business allowing to create, curate and transform knowledge to develop solution for societal challenges. 

The project team brings together a diverse specialism and capabilities in development of sensors for the detection, quantification and characterization of a range of chemical and biological hazards as well as their application in real world at different scales and environments. This studentship is funded by Research England Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund as a part of Future Biodetection Technologies Hub.

Unique Selling Points

You will be part of the dynamic Aerobiosense Research Group at Cranfield, as well as the broader Future Biodetection Technologies Hub. There will be opportunities for collaboration, training, and placement with research groups at other Hub partner institutions (University of Hertfordshire), or at external partner facilities and end users. Additionally, resources will be available to support researchers’ engagement activities at conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as the production of market analyses for new technology areas.

What will you Learn?

This PhD offer a wide array of transferable skills such as project management, data analysis, problem solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. There will also be opportunities for postdoctoral progression within the Hub.

Expected Results:

The knowledge gained from this investigation will inform the design and development of future solid-state compact sensors for bioaerosols detection.

• The findings of this investigation will be a significant contribution to advancing technological capabilities to detect and characterise bioaerosols emission from various indoor-outdoor environments,
• This knowledge is critical to developing venue and scenario specific bioaerosols emission control strategies and enhancing environmental health management capabilities.

Supervisors:

• 1st Supervisor – Dr Ata Khalid – Ata.Khalid@cranfield.ac.uk
• 2nd Supervisor – Professor Frederic Coulon – f.coulon@cranfield.ac.uk

Cranfield Doctoral Network:

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This Network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice.  It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first-class UK honours degree in physics/chemistry or equivalent in a related discipline. They are expected to carry out experimental work related to electronic materials and devices and have a good understanding of simulation software for material and devices.

Candidates with academic background in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, biology, Environmental biology, MATLAB/Python or working experience in clean will be an asset but not essential.

Start Date: 2nd June 2025