PhD defence Margaux Frigoli

Keywords: Bacterial Infections, Antibiotic Resistance, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers, Sensors

"Fighting Bacterial Infections and Antibiotic Resistance with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-based Sensors"

Smart sensors offer new tools against antibiotic resistance.

Research by Margaux Frigoli shows how so-called molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can detect dangerous bacteria and traces of antibiotics at lightning speed. The sensors are inexpensive, easy to use, and do not require complex laboratory equipment.

They can identify bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water, food, or medical samples. Other sensors detect antibiotics in milk and cheese. This helps reduce the risk of resistant bacteria spreading further.

This is urgently needed, as antibiotic resistance has become one of the biggest threats to our health. Overuse of antibiotics and poor monitoring allow bacteria to become stronger and less sensitive.

With this technology, we take an important step forward. Smart sensors make healthcare, agriculture, and the environment safer, and ultimately, everyone benefits.

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