ACROPATH Research Network
Artificial cells for highly sensitive and robust diagnosis of pathogen infections (ACROPATH)
Using complementary expertise from Japan and the UK, this project takes an engineering biology approach to develop artificial cells (artCells) that can bind to and identify intact pathogenic bacteria in a sample.
The approach is based on the generation of artificial sensors which, upon detecting specific pathogens, activate a visible response that can be detected using commonly available laboratory equipment. When combined with engineering biology, the artCell will be able to detect markers of antibiotic resistance, reducing the time needed to treat patients.
The versatile artCell can be readily adapted to detect different pathogens, improving the efficiency of patient diagnosis and treatment.
The exciting transnational component brings together experts from the UK and Japan working as a team to develop this new engineering biology platform. The work is fully integrated and the researchers will make frequent research visits to partner labs in the different countries to share expertise and learn from each other.
Our Funders
The programme is part of the UK-Japan collaborative investments in priority technology programme. The UK branch of the project is supported by the International Science Partnership Fund, an ambitious, long-term fund that supports UK researchers and innovators to collaborate with their peers around the world on the major challenges of our time and backed by funding from the Medical Research Council. The Japan branch of the project is funded by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). AMED started the Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for an Innovative Research Ecosystem (ASPIRE) Program in the medical R&D field in 2023, with the aims of promoting international human exchange and to strengthen international joint research in cutting-edge science in collaboration with developed countries. Within the ASPIRE framework, AMED has partnered with the MRC to support this bilateral joint project in the field of engineering biology for novel therapies and diagnostics.
