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Shankar Dutt

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I am a researcher currently with the  Research School of Physics of the Australian National University, investigating novel composite nanopore membranes. Using track etch technology and controlled breakdown technique, I work on an industrially compatible technology for the fabrication of extremely small nanopores of controllable shape and size in a variety of materials. Combining this technology with 2D materials such as Graphene or ultra-thin film deposition enables the fabrication of nanopore membranes with desired functionalities that can be used in medical and biological sensors, ultrafiltration, and lab-on-the-chip applications.

New Publication

Publication: High Accuracy Protein Identification: Fusion of Solid-StateNanopore Sensing and Machine Learning

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Proteins are arguably one of the most important class of biomarkers for health diagnostic purposes. Label-free solid-state nanopore sensing is a versatile technique for sensing and analyzing biomolecules such as proteins at single-molecule level. While molecular-level information on size, shape, and charge of proteins can be assessed by nanopores, the identification of proteins with comparable sizes remains a challenge. Here, solid-state nanopore sensing is combined with machine learning to address this challenge. The translocations of four similarly sized proteins is assessed using amplifiers with bandwidths (BWs) of 100 kHz and 10 MHz, the highest bandwidth reported for protein sensing, using nanopores fabricated in <10 nm thick silicon nitride membranes. F-values of up to 65.9% and 83.2% (without clustering of the protein signals) are achieved with 100 kHz and 10 MHz BW measurements, respectively, for identification of the four proteins. The accuracy of protein identification is further enhanced by classifying the signals into different clusters based on signal attributes, with F-value and specificity of up to 88.7% and 96.4%, respectively, for combinations of four proteins. The combined use of high bandwidth instruments, advanced clustering and machine learning methods allows label-free identification of proteins with high accuracy.

Journal Cover:

DALL·E 2024-01-04 12.03.44 - A high-tech laboratory scene depicting two distinct areas of

Work Experience

01

Post Doctoral Researcher

Australian National University

Dec 2023 - Present

I have been instrumental in the development of innovative coatings and composite materials tailored for space applications, employing advanced techniques to meet the unique challenges of the space environment. In addition, I have spearheaded initiatives in solid-state nanopore fabrication, focusing on the refinement of single-molecule biosensing technologies. This work has been pivotal in advancing personalized healthcare, offering precise and tailored solutions for individual health needs.

02

Research Officer

Australian National University

Sept 2022 - Nov 2023 (Part Time - 0.4 FTE)

Directed the commercialization process of advanced silicon-based membrane technologies. Engaged in the development and comprehensive analysis of a variety of membranes, such as silicon dioxide and silicon nitride, significantly advancing their industrial utility and applicability.

PhD

(Physics)

Australian National University, Australia

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Sept 2018 - 2024

M.Sc.

(Physics Hons. )

Guru Nanak Dev University, India

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July 2016 - June 2018

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University Rank - 1 (Gold Medalist).      

CGPA - 9.85/10

B.Sc.

(Physics Hons. )

Guru Nanak Dev University, India

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July 2013 - June 2016

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University Rank - 1 (Gold Medalist)

CGPA - 9.92/10

Education

Education

Elsevier NIMB

Young Researcher Award

Young Researcher Award recognises outstanding achienvements and contributions of young researchers up to 10 years out of their PhD.

Awards and Honors

Media Highlights

Media Highlight

Title: Simple test could help predict risk of Alzheimer’s disease 20 years in advance

....“Blood is a complex fluid that contains more than 10,000 different biomolecules. By employing advanced filtration techniques and harnessing our nanopore platform, combined with our intelligent machine learning algorithms, we may be able to identify even the most elusive proteins,” Mr Dutt said......

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2023

Title: Nanotechnology And AI Combine In Low-cost Blood Test For Early Alzheimer’s Detection

....“If that person can find out their risk level that far in advance, then it gives them plenty of time to start making positive lifestyle changes and adopt medication strategies that may help slow down the progression of the disease,” said Shankar Dutt.....

Click here to read full article
2023

Title: Simple blood test could reveal earliest signs of Alzheimer’s up to 20 years before any symptoms

....“The quick and simple test could be done by GPs and other clinicians, which would eliminate the need for a hospital visit and prove especially convenient for people living in regional and remote areas.” said Mr Dutt.....

Click here to read full article
2023

Title: How a coffee machine helped to make perfect nanopores

....“We’re the first to quantify the shape of the nanopores, using small-angle X-ray scattering at the Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne. This will have a big impact: if you know the nanopore shape and how the pores form, you can design better experiments for advanced applications such as ultra-filtration, bio-sensors and so on accordingly.” said Mr Dutt, a PhD student in the Department of Materials Physics. .....

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2021
CV

Curriculum Vitae

Download CV (latest as of August 2023)

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