Browsing by Author "Li, Wenliang"

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    Advancing biosensing techniques for detection of antimicrobial resistance genes and antibiotics in water
    (Cranfield University, 2024-09) Li, Wenliang; Yang, Zhugen; Coulon, Frederic
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global public health threat requiring urgent attention for surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotics in the environment. In this PhD study, a real-time fluorescent detection assay of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was developed to specifically target two key ARGs, tet(M) and tet(x3) to detect tetracycline and tigecycline resistance respectively in water samples. Additionally, crassphage gene was investigated for anthropogenic activities since they also play a vital role in the AMR transmission. The advanced ARG detection assay was based on multiplexing recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and subsequent sequence-specific recognition by the trans-cleavage activity of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a. The assay achieved limits of detection (LODs) of 1 copy µL⁻¹ for all three gene targets with an accuracy of 100% in spiked tap and surface water samples. Expanding the assay by including two additional end-point detection modalities, lateral flow assay (LFA) and voltametric detection, further demonstrate its versatility. LODs of 1 copy µL⁻¹ for tet(x3) and crassphage, and 10 copies µL⁻¹ for tet(M) (LFA) and 10 copies µL⁻¹ for all three targets (electrochemical) were reached. Validation against gold standard quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using real water samples, including wastewater and drinking water samples, revealed a remarkable 100% accuracy rate. Antibiotics detection assay was conceptualised based on the amplification of hybridisation chain reaction (HCR) followed by CRISPR/Cas mediated cleavage within a DNA hydrogel matrix. This approach aimed to release electroactive methylene blue (MB) particles, detectable and quantifiable by square wave voltammetry (SWV). While unforeseen circumstances impeded full assay development, the preliminary data illustrated the viability of the proposed method, suggesting avenues for further research to develop rapid and onsite antibiotics detection methods.
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    Data supporting: 'Quick coherence technique facilitating commercial pilots' psychophysiological resilience to the impact of COVID-19'
    (Cranfield University, 2022-11-23 16:29) Li, Wenliang; Zhang, Jingyi; Braithwaite, Graham; Kearney, Peter
    Eighteen commercial pilots voluntarily participated in a two-day training on quick coherence technique (QCT) following a two-month self-regulated practicing QCT during the controlled rest breaks in the flight deck and day-to day life. There are subjective and objective assessments to evaluate the effects on QCT biofeedback.
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    In vivo investigation of (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin-based formulation of spironolactone in aqueous solution for paediatric use
    (MDPI, 2022-04-03) Lopalco, Antonio; Manni, Annachiara; Keeley, Alexander; Haider, Shozeb; Li, Wenliang; Lopedota, Angela; Altomare, Cosimo Damiano; Denora, Nunzio; Tuleu, Catherine
    Spironolactone (SPL), a potent anti-aldosterone steroidal drug used to treat several diseases in paediatric patients (e.g., hypertension, primary aldosteronism, Bartter’s syndrome, and congestive heart failure), is not available in child-friendly dosage forms, and spironolactone liquids have been reported to be unpalatable. Aiming to enhance SPL solubility in aqueous solution and overcome palatability, herein, the effects of (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CyD) were thoroughly investigated on solubilisation in water and on masking the unpleasant taste of SPL in vivo. Although the complexation of SPL with HP-β-CyD was demonstrated through phase solubility studies, Job’s plot, NMR and computational docking studies, our in vivo tests did not show significant effects on taste aversion. Our findings, on the one hand, suggest that the formation of an inclusion complex of SPL with HP-β-CyD itself is not necessarily a good indicator for an acceptable degree of palatability, whereas, on the other hand, they constitute the basis for investigating other cyclodextrin-based formulations of the poorly water-soluble steroidal drug, including solid dosage forms, such as spray-dried powders and orodispersible tablets.
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    Paper-based devices as a new tool for rapid and on-site monitoring of "superbugs"
    (American Chemical Society, 2021-08-31) Li, Wenliang; Coulon, Frederic; Singer, Andrew; Zhu, Yong-Guan; Yang, Zhugen
    Infectious diseases are currently a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with approximately 700 000 deaths each year worldwide.(1) Viruses, bacteria, and fungi have become increasingly resistant to antimicrobial agents, making antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the biggest global health challenges humanity has had to face. Recent reports have highlighted the role pandemics may play in exacerbating AMR through the increased use of disinfectants, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and antiseptic hand wash.(2) Evidence of antibiotic mis-prescribing in hospitalised COVID-19 patients has also been reported, asking a pandemic-induced spike in AMR. Ultimately, the fate of antimicrobial agents and resulting resistant microorganisms is they are discarded into wastewater, entering the environment as sewage, sludge, and treated wastewater. This results in opportunities for further mutation and horizontal gene transfer (HGT).
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    Review of paper-based microfluidic analytical devices for in-field testing of pathogens
    (Elsevier, 2023-09-12) Li, Wenliang; Ma, Xuanye; Yong, Yang-Chun; Liu, Guozhen; Yang, Zhugen
    Pathogens cause various infectious diseases and high morbidity and mortality which is a global public health threat. The highly sensitive and specific detection is of significant importance for the effective treatment and intervention to minimise the impact. However, conventional detection methods including culture and molecular method gravely depend on expensive equipment and well-trained skilled personnel, limiting in the laboratory. It remains challenging to adapt in resource-limiting areas, e.g., low and middle-income countries (LMICs). To this end, low-cost, rapid, and sensitive detection tools with the capability of field testing e.g., a portable device for identification and quantification of pathogens, has attracted increasing attentions. Recently, paper-based microfluidic analytical devices (μPADs) have shown a promising tool for rapid and on-site diagnosis, providing a cost-effective and sensitive analytical approach for pathogens detection. The fast turn-round data collection may also contribute to better understanding of the risks and insights on mitigation method. In this paper, critical developments of μPADs for in-field detection of pathogens both for clinical diagnostics and environmental surveillance are reviewed. The future development, and challenges of μPADs for rapid and onsite detection of pathogens are discussed, including using the cross-disciplinary development with, emerging techniques such as deep learning and Internet of Things (IoT).