Funding boost for research project into Lyme disease diagnosis

Researchers at Teesside University have secured funding to develop an optical diagnostic test which could transform the early detection and monitoring of Lyme disease.

The project aims to develop a rapid, low-cost and highly sensitive point-of-care test using cutting-edge quantum dot biosensing technology, supported through the first Innovation Award granted by Lyme Disease UK (LDUK), a charity dedicated to raising awareness and supporting patients affected by the illness.

Leading the project is internationally recognised disease diagnostics expert Dr Ojodomo Achadu of Teesside University’s School of Health & Life Sciences.

Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites, is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Symptoms can vary widely and existing diagnostic methods lack sensitivity particularly during the initial phase of infection.

Delayed or inaccurate diagnosis can result in prolonged illness and serious long-term health complications. This new research seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges in Lyme disease management by enabling earlier diagnosis and more timely clinical intervention.

The novel diagnostic platform combines quantum dots, which are tiny light-emitting nanomaterials, with advanced optical biosensing technology to detect Lyme disease biomarkers with exceptional sensitivity. Designed for seamless integration with a handheld optical reader, the technology will incorporate smart paper and light-based sensing to create a portable diagnostic platform suitable for use in homes, GP surgeries, clinics, pharmacies, and field settings.

The portable platform is expected to enable rapid screening and disease progression monitoring, bridging critical gaps in early diagnosis while reducing misdiagnosis and supporting timely clinical intervention. By making accurate testing more accessible, the technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce the long-term health burden associated with Lyme disease, and support more effective management of tick-borne diseases.

Dr Achadu said: “Early diagnosis remains one of the greatest challenges in Lyme disease management. Through this project, we are developing an affordable, portable diagnostic technology that combines advanced nanomaterials with optical biosensing to provide rapid and accurate detection where it is needed most.

“Our vision is to translate laboratory innovation into practical healthcare solutions that improve patient care, accelerate clinical decision-making, and ultimately improve the quality of life for people affected by Lyme disease. The project has the potential to make a real societal impact by improving early detection and disease management while strengthening the University's reputation in translational healthcare research.”

The funding directly supports the doctoral research of Saba Niaz, a second-year PhD researcher working within Dr Achadu's research group in the School of Health & Life Sciences. The project forms a key part of her PhD, providing an opportunity to develop and validate next generation biosensing technologies while receiving advanced training in nanotechnology, optical diagnostics, and translational healthcare research.

The award demonstrates the growing impact of Teesside University's research in addressing global healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary innovation.

By combining expertise in nanotechnology, optical biosensing and translational diagnostics, the project further strengthens Teesside University's reputation as a centre for innovative healthcare research with the potential to improve lives both in the UK and internationally.

As the project progresses, the research team will work with LDUK towards validating the technology for future clinical translation, with the long-term ambition of making rapid Lyme disease testing more widely available to healthcare providers and patients. The team hopes that ultimately, this pioneering technology can help to transform Lyme disease diagnosis by enabling earlier detection, faster treatment decisions, and improved long-term outcomes for people living with this disease.

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