Southampton researchers are developing a new rapid test for a life-threatening lung injury.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome can happen when the lungs are not working properly. It is treated in hospital, usually in an intensive care unit.
Researchers in our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) are developing a low-cost sensor to speed up diagnosis. It will be capable of returning results within seconds.
Dr Veluthandath explains how a one-year BRC Postdoctoral Bridging Fellowship is driving the project.
How did you become interested in research?
I was a curious child, with lots of questions about how the world worked. This set the stage for my journey into research.
I was particularly drawn to two subjects: light and chemistry. I found the interplay of colours within light and the array of colour-changing solutions in chemistry fascinating.
As I grew up, my passion gravitated towards studying light and its impact on our understanding of the universe. This led me to pursue a PhD in physics, specialising in the intricate relationship between light and molecules. Light can help us unlock a wealth of information about the microscopic world – including the hidden properties and behaviours of molecules.
My motivation to understand the world continues to fuel my passion for research.
What is the healthcare challenge that you are seeking to address?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening illness.
It affects the quality and quantity of surfactants - a mixture of fat and proteins made in the lungs which is important for lung function. This can lead to premature airway collapse, disruptions in gas exchange and suffocation. Further research is needed to understand why this happens.
The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost, disposable sensor for rapid diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and ARDS. I have designed and produced an attenuated total reflection (ATR) chip for analysing lipid composition of lung surfactant. This will be done by measuring the absorption of infrared light by these surfactants.
What do you hope to achieve in your research at the BRC?
The goal of this research is to develop a chip capable of returning results within seconds.
The fellowship will enable me to make strong connections with other researchers. This will be instrumental in future funding applications.
Looking ahead, I plan to investigate how the concentration and composition of lung surfactant change in respiratory patients. This includes people with viral pneumonia, asthma, COPD and interstitial lung disease.
My career goal is to become an independent researcher. I hope to develop tools and methodologies that help us better understand and improve healthcare.
How would you sum up your fellowship in three words?
Learning, growth, opportunity
What's it like being an early career researcher in Southampton?
Being an early-career researcher in Southampton is great! Life here is calm and peaceful, and I really enjoy walking in Southampton Common.
The University of Southampton is a brilliant place to start a research career. We have a vibrant research community, where everyone is supportive and ready to help. This means there are fantastic opportunities for networking and collaboration.
I am proud to be part of the Optoelectronics Research Centre - one of the world’s leading institutes for photonics research. It offers world-class facilities and opportunities to learn from industry pioneers.
What advice would you give other early career researchers?
Stay curious: Never lose that innate sense of wonder and questioning.
Remain open-minded: Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. Sometimes, the most unexpected connections lead to remarkable breakthroughs.
Network and collaborate: Engage with peers, mentors, and experts. This can spark new ideas and help you navigate the complexities of research.
Seek mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, share experiences and offer constructive feedback. Their insights can be invaluable in shaping your research path and personal growth.