Mrs Sarabjit Kaur

Research project: Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) incorporating an antibody-based immunoassay for the selective detection of New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs)

Abstract

The best methods to detect drugs are in laboratories with expensive equipment e.g. HPLC or GC and GC-MS/LC-MS. Relatively, large amounts of sample and/or reagent have to be used and each analysis takes time. To overcome these issues, a system for detection of NPSs has to be designed, that is portable but also is fast and can utilize the smallest volumes possible. Lab-on-a-chip technology takes experiments that can only be done in labs and miniaturizes them onto a small chip. Reagent storage on chip is possible, preferably in the microlotre range. With the proposed LOC, chips can be created using inexpensive materials such as paper or glass. These chips include all of the reagents and detection areas that are needed for the experiment to be performed on platforms that are either portable or hand held, eliminating the need for a laboratory.

  • Research degree: PhD
  • Title of project: Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) incorporating an antibody-based immunoassay for the selective detection of New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs)
  • Research supervisor: Professor James Barker
  • Other research supervisor: Dr Stephen Barton

Biography

I worked as quality control chemist in Punjab foramulations LTD. Jalandhar for one year in India. Then, I found the opportunity to study Masters in Pharmaceutical analysis with Management in Kingston University to enhance my lab skills. Currently, I am doing PhD in Lab-on-a-chip incorporating an antibody-based immunoassay for the selective detection of New Psychoactive Substances.

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Pharmacy, Punjab Technical University, India
  • Masters in Pharmaceutical Analysis with Management, Kingston University, London.