Immunosensors are recognised as one of the most utilised bio-diagnostic tool, used within clinical testing facilities through to home pregnancy tests.

This program of work looks at developing a simple, specific, generic portable measurement platform, to enable rapid diagnosis at the patient bedside, doctor's office, home or in field analysis. This presentation looks at utilising electroanalytical techniques to produce a highly sensitive assay format that requires no pre-treatment or filtration of the sample. This method utilises silver nano particles as the electroactive bio-tag to enable electroanalytical amplification to improve sensitivity in the measurement system.

Robert Porter presently works as a Strategic Research Fellow and Technology Area Leader for the bio-diagnostic areas for NPL. This involves pulling together and coordinating the research areas to deliver the customers and business needs. Robert sits within the Biotechnology Group, which has strong and developing capability in the fields of: Medical diagnostics, bio-pharmaceuticals, protein and cell expression, with characterisation of these by biophysical methods.

Robert regularly presents at international and national meetings, has a number of key paper and 12 patents in the field. Robert has also been involved in successful FW4, FW5, FW6 projects and has been a representative on a recent Biotechnology and Home Land Defence DTI Mission to California.