1. Aptamer- and Antibody-Based Biosensors

The laboratory focuses on the development of highly selective biosensing systems using aptamers and antibodies for rapid detection of food toxins, contaminants, and biological targets.

Research activities include:

• Aptamer generation through SELEX-based approaches

• Antibody-assisted analytical platforms

• Fluorescence, electrochemical, and colorimetric sensing

• Point-of-care and dip-and-read detection systems

• Signal amplification strategies for ultrasensitive detection

Applications:

• Mycotoxin detection

• Food contaminant monitoring

• Pathogen detection

• Translational biosensing platforms

2. Functional Nanomaterials & Nanozymes

Research is carried out on the synthesis and functionalisation of nanomaterials for analytical and catalytic applications.

Areas of interest include:

• Graphene oxide-based sensing materials

• Gold nanoparticle synthesis

• Nanocomposite fabrication

• Nanozyme development

• Surface engineering for biosensor integration

The goal is to improve sensitivity, stability, portability, and analytical performance of biosensing systems.

3. Food Safety & Analytical Biotechnology

Food safety remains one of the major research directions of the laboratory.

Current work focuses on:

• Detection of mycotoxins and chemical hazards

• Mitigation strategies for food contaminants

• Analytical evaluation of toxin reduction approaches

• Development of rapid screening technologies

• Biosensor-assisted monitoring systems

The research aims to support safer food systems through accessible and scalable analytical technologies.

4. Biomass Valorisation & Sustainable Biomaterials

The laboratory explores sustainable utilisation of agro-industrial residues for the production of value-added biomaterials and functional products.

Research areas include:

• Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into functional materials

• Oligosaccharide production and purification

• Biomaterial-assisted sensing applications

• Sustainable processing approaches

• Circular bioeconomy concepts

The work combines sustainability with translational material development.

5. Translational Diagnostics & Low-Cost Technologies

An important focus of the research is the development of affordable and deployable analytical systems that can function beyond sophisticated laboratory settings.

This includes:

• Portable biosensing systems

• Low-cost analytical assays

• Paper-based and rapid diagnostic concepts

• Real-world monitoring applications

• Industry-oriented translational technologies

The long-term vision is to bridge fundamental research with societal and industrial applications.