Ewen Blair

Hello there.

I'm a research associate in the department of Biomedical Engineering. My main interest lies in developing biosensors, especially with an eye towards improving manufacturability and biosensor engineering. I have extensive experience developing novel electrochemical sensor systems, ranging from implantable biosensors for cancer therapy to sensors for the harsh environments used in the recycling of nuclear waste.

After obtaining an undergraduate degree in Physics and Philosophy I naturally moved to do a PhD in electrochemical sensor engineering at the University of Edinburgh. As a microsystems engineer, my drive is to develop both novel sensors systems and the manufacturing techniques which will deliver them in a low cost and sustainable way. I have published frequently on microfabricated sensors, with 12 journal papers and 8 conference contributions. Though I am still waiting for my first publication in physics or philosophy.

*I am delighted to guest edit a collection on Thin film Biosensors for the Journal JoVE (Journal of Visualised Experiments)! I'd encourage anyone in the field to submit an abstract, as these articles will take advantage of the video format of JoVE, which enables a better record of experimental methods as well as a great platform to showcase you and your work. Find out more or submit an abstract here (https://www.jove.com/methods-collections/354)*

My research interests are mostly focused on the microsystems and fabrication engineering behind novel sensor systems, especially biosensors and the innovative manufacturing techniques that will be required to produce them. 

A biosensor is usually thought of as any physical or chemical sensor with a biological component, commonly a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of biomolecules, which enables the sensor to interact with biological targets of interest such as bacterial DNA or viral antibodies. Biosensors promise to be a pivotal technology in developing next generation healthcare, the use of which will be vital in the face of diagnostic challenges like antibiotic resistance, pathogen migration through climate change, and future pandemics. In order to make this happen, biosensors need to be produced in way which is a reliable, miniaturised, cost-effective, and capable of interfacing with other technologies.

Other areas of sensor engineering I am interested in include Micofluidics and Miniaturised Pumps, Implantable Microsystems, and Sensors for Harsh Environments.