Dr Alex Dudgeon (He/Him)

Current Research

I am a research fellow in the BioSpec Team in the Biophysics Group working with Prof Nick Stone at The University of Exeter. My current work is to develop novel Raman in vivo devices for disease diagnosis. I am investigating neuromuscular diseases, lymphomas and oesophageal cancers, as well as other cancers. I have experience of applying for and gaining HRA Ethics and MHRA device approvals.

Our devices use fibre optics to deliver and collect near infrared light from tissue, in vivo. We measure Raman spectra of tissues that allows us to see the "biochemical fingerprint". This is known to change as cancers or other diseases develop.

Our Optical-EMG (electromyography) project is developing a Raman needle combined with EMG to diagnose neuromuscular disease. Funded by the MRC. The project, led by the University of Sheffield, is a collaboration between the University of Exeter, University of Bristol, and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Our DOLPHIN-VIVO project (Diagnosis Of LymPHoma IN-VIVO project) is seeking to develop an in vivo device to diagnose lymphomas with a fibre-optic needle, avoiding the need for an invasive surgical biopsy. Funded by the NIHR. The project is led by Exeter, collaborating with the University of Bristol and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The RaPIDE project (RAman Probe for In-vivo Diagnostics (during oesophageal) Endoscopy) successfully performed first in vivo Raman measurements of the oesophagus in 25 humans. We gained HRA and MHRA approval. Majority-funded by the NIHR. The project is led by Exeter, collaborating with the University of Bristol and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Previous Research

In my PhD at Durham University with Professor Colin Bain, I designed and built a total-internal reflection Raman spectrometer. This technique utilises the evanescent field produced during total-internal reflection to excite molecules close to the interface. Using the spectrometer I studied the adsorption of surfactants to liquid-solid interfaces. The research focused on the kinetics of adsorption, obtaining isotherms and forming mono/bi-layers of various ionic and nonionic surfactants on surfaces including silica, polyester and zeolite. A major part of the project was the design and construction of the spectrometer, during which I developed the skills needed to design and manipulate optics to obtain good signal to noise levels.

Interests

My other interests include badminton, cycling, first aid, squash, technical stagecraft, singing, sailing, skiing, and programming.