Frederick Haselton, PhD
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Global Health Research Interests: Basic Sciences, Ebola virus disease (EVD), Engineering Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Malaria, Maternal and Child Health, Tuberculosis
The Hasleton Lab seeks to develop technologies for diagnostic and research applications at the nano and molecular level using both in vitro and in vivo systems. The examples listed below indicate a strong collaborative and experimental focus.
PROJECTS
“Coffee Ring Diagnostics for Malaria”
This unique microfluidics project aims to develop a low-cost & straightforward diagnostic device for the detection of malaria suitable for low-resource environments. The current design uses the presence of a malarial biomarker to alter the microfluidic transport of particles in an evaporating drop and produce visually detectable changes in particle ring formation. Current efforts are directed at adapting this technology to the detection of tuberculosis.
“Biological sample processing based on surface tension valves”
This self-contained processing device captures biomarker targets of interest from complex biological matrices on the surface of magnetic carrier beads, which convey the biomarker targets through a series of processing solutions to concentrate them and reduce the concentration of constituents that interfere with the detection of biomarkers. Lab projects focus on developing designs for commercial applications of this technology.
“Compensated scattering interferometry”
Detection of molecular interactions remains a significant challenge. This project expands on a novel solution-phase assay methodology that is genuinely label-free, target/probe agnostic, and exhibits sub-picomolar sensitivity. This project aims to combine a newly discovered transduction method, compensated scattering interferometry, with aptamer probes to provide a field-compatible assay in serum or urine.
“Enhancement of lateral flow assays for molecular detection of biomarkers of infection”
There is an unmet need for new biomarker detection designs that increase sensitivity yet retain simplicity and straightforward interpretation by the user. This project aims to develop “LFA 2.0” designs that enable simple and inexpensive diagnostic testing. Our approach is based on improvements to the current single-use cassette.
Education
PhD, University of Pennsylvania
BA, Haverford College