Biosensors

Our biosensors research program at LIMS pioneers the design and development of smart molecular probes, portable biosensors and other point-of-need devices for use in settings.

Research focus

This ranges from rural clinics and metropolitan hospitals to agricultural and environmental field applications.

We develop next-generation biosensors that combine ultra-sensitive optical and electrochemical sensing, label-free imaging, and AI-driven analytics to enable rapid, personalised diagnostics. Building on breakthroughs such as the LIMS-developed NanoMslide and ElecTrobe sensor technologies, our research program spans:

  • Smart molecular probes for visualising dynamic cellular processes and discovering new biomarkers.
  • Synthetic biology platforms to engineer microbial and protein-based sensors with unmatched sensitivity and specificity.
  • AI-powered multiplexed analysis to enhance diagnostic accuracy and predictive capability.
  • Biosensor–IoT systems for continuous health monitoring, from sports recovery to cancer treatment.

Our program aims to shift healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive, precision health management, creating equitable diagnostic solutions that improve outcomes for individuals and communities worldwide.

Members

Program leads

Brian Abbey group

Yuning Hong group

Fluorescent probes, cell imaging, protein misfolding and neurodegenerative diseases

Program members

Adam Mechler group

Nanochemistry, self-assembling nanosystems, biomembranes, antimicrobial peptides

Begoña Heras group

Structural Biology and Bacterial Pathogenesis

Conor Hogan group

Electrochemistry, photochemistry, chemical sensing and biosensing

David Winkler group

Molecular AI and machine learning

David Wilson group

Computational Chemistry

David Hoxley group

Biosensing applications of wide bandgap semiconductors

Elena Eremeeva group

Aptamer Facility

Ella Johnston group

Novel EV-based therapies

Evan Robertson group

Optical spectroscopy of atmospheric and biological molecules

Grant van Riessen group

Experimental condensed matter and materials physics- and coherent X-ray imaging development

Grant Drummond group

Jason Dutton group

Inventing New Chemistry

Kazuhide Shaun Okuda group

Vascular Therapeutics and Regeneration

Keith White group

Lesley Cheng group

Maria Jelinic group

Cardiometabolic Disorders

Narelle Brack group

Surface modification and characterisation of advanced materials

Paul Pigram group

Interactions at surfaces

Peter Barnard group

Synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry

Robyn Murphy group

Skeletal Muscle biochemistry and physiology

Saimon Moraes Silva group (La Sense)

DNA based biosensors, protein based biosensors, point-of-care biosensors, antifouling coatings, drug delivery systems, nanotechnology

Shaun P. Collin group

Neuroecology

Steve Petrovski group

Microbial Genetics and Interactions

Sundar Dhanabalan group

Wren Greene group