On December 9th, 2022, 2-3 PM UTC, we are very honoured to have Professor Katrina Campbell (Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast), She will give a lecture on Water monitoring – diagnostic tools for the future.

Water monitoring for microbiological and chemical sources of contamination is of increasing importance. A huge investment in time and effort is placed on these activities by regulatory and industrial laboratories. Although sophisticated techniques such as chromatography and spectrometry provide accurate and conclusive results, screening tests allow for SMART – Sensitive Multiplex Accurate Real time Analysis with less operator training. Biosensors combine a biological recognition element with a transducer to produce a measurable signal proportional to the extent of interaction between the recognition element and contaminant.

The different uses of biosensing instrumentation available are extremely varied, with water analysis continuously illustrating emerging applications. However, difficulties remain in combining sample preparation for analysis with biosensor technology for point of site testing. Nonetheless, the advantages offered by biosensors over traditional immunoassay screening methods with respect to water analysis, include automation, improved reproducibility, speed and real time analysis. The miniaturisation of immunoassays and biosensors towards nanosensing offers enhanced sensitivity, portability and multiplexing capabilities. Increased demands from stakeholders and consumers to improve and ensure water quality illustrates a need for new tools including smart nano-technologies for combined sample preparation and analysis.

The aim of this work is to show the progress that has been made in the development and validation of nanoarrays as next generation lateral flow arrays to be fit for purpose for the detection of both single and multiple contaminants in environmental and water samples to offer an interchangeable and holistic approach to water safety. Combining advances in sample preparation tools, portable nanosensors and remote connectivity offers solutions for improved water security.

Speaker

Professor Katrina Campbell

Water monitoring: diagnostic tools for the future

Katrina Campbell is a Professor in Food Security and Diagnostics within the Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast.  Her research focuses on the examination of food systems for the identification and recognition of known and emerging threats including fraud within the food supply chain from “environment to farm to fork to waste” and to determine any consequential effects to plant, animal and human health. A key element of this research is the development of (bio) analytical approaches that can be used for the rapid detection of natural toxins, chemical contaminants, allergens and harmful organisms, as tools to enhance food safety and sustainability. These state-of-the-art scientific techniques and next generation biosensor tools as multiplex detection systems may create a new facet in rapid food safety monitoring and traceability for the benefit of plant, animal and human health with an outlook to increasing food security. Her research also involves examining the impact of the effects of contamination and the implementation of these new diagnostic tools in the food supply chain to all stakeholders including academia, industry, policy makers & consumers. She is extremely interested in the development and implementation and communication of citizen science diagnostics for the future.  She is the Chairperson for the NI Royal Society Biology, a committee member for the NI Royal Society of Chemistry, a member of the International Society for the study of Harmful Algae (ISSHA) and a member of the FSA Joint expert group on animal feeds and feed additives (AFFAJEG). She has >120 publications, H-Index 39 and extensive network within EITFOOD & EU projects.

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5994-2524.

About Open Network on Water-Related Diseases (ONWARD):

ONWARD (Open Network for Water-Related Diseases) is dedicated to developing a network of scientists and stakeholders sharing a common interest in better understanding of environmental controls on outbreaks of water-related diseases; the role of societal engagement in countering it; and in forecasting, early warning and risk mapping of water-associated diseases through the use of remote sensing, field observations and mathematical modelling. Our vision is to enable cost-effective, regularly updated, geo-referenced early warning for areas vulnerable to water-associated diseases, which in turn will enable preventive measures to be deployed in a timely manner to minimise the probability of epidemics. It is an open network committed to promote better dialogue and collaboration among experts from all relevant disciplines and with stakeholders, including the general public. Through the project, we intend to bring together experts from fields related to water associated diseases such as microbiologists, remote-sensing scientists, medical practitioners, and social scientists. A series of webinars are being organised as part of the activities of ONWARD.

If you are interested in joining ONWARD, please write to onward.gcrf@gmail.com with “ONWARD Membership” in the subject line.

We will continue with the ONWARD Webinars during the next months. Expect some very exciting afternoons, or mornings or evenings, depending on where you are… If you need any additional information please send an email to Jose Luiz Moutinho.