Partner with us
We can combine our research expertise to create innovative solutions with real-world impact.
Rural Health Research Institute
Rural Health Research Institute
The primary goal of this research is to develop novel liquid biopsy technologies and point-of-care devices for the early detection of cancer and other diseases.
Our highly multidisciplinary research activities combine fundamental and translational studies at the interface of chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, and biology/medicine.
Our aims include:
The Shiddiky Group is at the forefront of research in nanomedicine, diagnostics, and biosensing, driving innovation to improve human and agricultural health.
Our projects tackle critical challenges in disease detection and management, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and translational impact.
Synopsis: Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles ranging from 30 to 150 nm, are released by nearly all cell types and found in various bodily fluids. They encapsulate a unique collection of proteins, lipids, RNA, and DNA, serving as critical mediators for intercellular communication by transferring molecular information to recipient cells. Advances in exosome research have revealed their significant roles in biological processes such as signaling, coagulation, inflammation, and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Their ability to shuttle molecular cargo makes them valuable in understanding various diseases, particularly cancers and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Shiddiky Group is pioneering the development of multifunctional magnetic nanomaterials and innovative technologies for the selective isolation and sensitive detection of exosomes and their biomarkers in cancer patients and other contexts. By improving methodologies for early isolation and analysis of tumor-derived exosomes, this project aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes, contributing to the evolution of precision medicine and improved patient care.
Synopsis: At the intersection of nanotechnology, microfluidics, and diagnostics, the Shiddiky Group is developing advanced technologies for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases. Key focus areas include:
Synopsis: Recent advancements in nanobiosensing highlight the importance of affinity interactions between metal surfaces (like gold and platinum) and biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins). These interactions allow for the differentiation of structurally distinct biomarkers, leading to the innovative approach of interfacial nanobiosensing. This method facilitates direct detection of biomolecules with unique structural characteristics, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
The Shiddiky Group's pioneering research includes the development of MethylScape, a novel detection method for universal cancer biomarkers. By employing direct adsorption of target biomarkers onto bare gold electrodes, this approach simplifies sensing processes, reduces analysis time, and cuts costs. The laboratory is leveraging this interfacial nanobiosensing framework to analyze various genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic biomarkers associated with cancer and other diseases, aiming for early diagnosis and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Synopsis: Plant pathogens are a major threat to global crop productivity, causing annual reductions of up to 40%. Early detection and quantification of these pathogens are crucial for effective disease management. Traditional methods of pathogen detection are often slow, complex, and expensive, hindering their scalability in agriculture.
The Shiddiky Group is developing affordable, sensitive, and user-friendly portable devices for on-farm analysis of pathogens and their biomarkers directly from unprocessed plant extracts. This innovation aims to empower farmers and agricultural technicians with accessible diagnostic tools, enhancing decision-making for disease management, reducing reliance on chemical interventions, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The research also emphasizes the importance of environmental responsibility in crop management, setting a new standard for disease surveillance technologies.
Synopsis: Waterborne parasites remain a significant global health concern, leading to numerous illnesses and overwhelming healthcare systems. Current diagnostic tests are often inadequate for on-site detection, delaying responses to outbreaks. The Shiddiky Laboratory is developing a portable biosensing platform for the quantification and genotyping of waterborne parasites in surface and recreational waters.
This platform device aims to facilitate rapid and reliable detection of waterborne pathogens at the point of need, enhancing management practices and enabling timely risk prediction. By allowing for the genotyping of pathogens, the device will provide critical insights into their diversity and epidemiology, informing targeted interventions and public health responses. The ultimate goal is to improve community resilience, reduce the economic burden of waterborne diseases, and contribute to safer public health outcomes.
We can combine our research expertise to create innovative solutions with real-world impact.