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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 will contribute on the targets mentioned above by combining organic chemistry, aerosol science, computing, engineering and machine learning for adapting the existing CRIM-TRACK detection technology for the identification of harmful components in aerosols and bioaerosols samples. The CRIM-TRACK technology was previously developed by UC for the detection of illicit substances in the air, 

The aim is to develop the colourimetric technology of the handheld Crim-Track detection device towards the detection of bioaerosols’ relevant chemicals.

Objectives:

1. Advance the existing Crim-Track technology for the collection and identification of specific chemicals included in aerosols and bioaerosols.

Investigate the integration of the colourimetric technology with other biodetection systems for more efficient detection.

The Crim-Track detection system was previously developed at Cranfield through collaborative research for the detection of illicit substances in the air.  The current technology will be adapted for the detection of aerosols and bioaerosols through a set of activities described below.  

• Investigation of the ability of the available detection sensor to detect aerosol samples.
• Optimisation of the Crim-Track technology air sampling system to the aerosols collection.
• Design and fabrication of new microchips for identification of specific chemicals included in aerosols and bioaerosols.
• Detection experiments of bioaerosols by the Crim-Track sensor.
• Collection of large data and machine learning. 
• Investigation of  the integration of the Crim-Track technology with other detection systems proposed by the E3 - Future Biodetection Technologies Research Hub members aiming a new platform of advanced chemical sensors for biodetection.

Why 果酱视频官网?

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) provide unique educational opportunities to the Defence and security sectors of both public and private sector organisations. 

Based at the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham in Oxfordshire, CDS is the academic provider to the UK Ministry of Defence for postgraduate education at the Defence Academy, training in engineering, science, acquisition, management and leadership.

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?

As a PhD student, you will have the opportunity to develop strong independent thinking and research skills, focusing on qualitative research methodologies and ontology development. During your studies, you will also gain valuable experience in presenting the outputs of your scientific research at events and conferences. To support you in achieving a high standard in writing and presenting technical reports, scientific papers, and your thesis, the University offers a number of courses. These transferable skills will contribute to your academic development as well as enhance your employability prospects.

The findings of the PhD research will allow the integration the Crim-Track technology with other advanced detection tools in a robust, reliable and easy to operate biodetection unit. This PhD research will contribute to unify and scale up highly specific, complementary, and multidisciplinary expertise in bioaerosol detection, collection and analysis, to develop transformative technologies for healthcare, crop protection, defence and security, improving air quality, and atmospheric monitoring for climate models. This PhD offers 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.