Ashish K. Jha

A microfluidic device for bacteria detection in aqueous samples.

We demonstrate the use of a microfluidic device that accurately monitors bacteria levels in water. Fluorescent antibody labelled E.coli K12 bacteria in aqueous samples are flowed through the device, and spikes in the emission signal correspond to the presence of bacteria. Target bacteria could also be detected while suspended in a suspension of very low antibody concentration, suggesting that washing of bacteria could be avoided to make the detection automated and more rapid. Use of a microfluidic device will eventually enable quick on‐site detection of bacteria using small quantities of sample.

Structural markers in prostate cancer serum imaged ex vivo using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.

We used cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) to identify differences in macromolecular structures present in the serum from healthy individuals (HI) and prostate cancer (PCa) patients and show that these differences are potential markers for disease. Using a murine orthotopic model of human PCa, we determined that some of these structural markers in serum are associated with the tumour burden. These findings signify the potential of this nanoscale ex vivo imaging technology of body fluids as a platform for discovering early markers of PCa and other diseases.