Missions

Bacterial multi-resistance is spreading rapidly and, in the absence of new approaches, 10 million victims a year are expected by 2050. Phage therapy, i.e. the therapeutic use of bacterial viruses called bacteriophages (phages), is currently being extensively studied for its potential to fight against bacterial infections when antibiotics are no longer effective. However, a personalized approach is desirable due to the high specificity of phages and problems with the stability of pre-assembled phage cocktails. Such a personalized strategy requires not only a thorough understanding of phage-bacteria interaction, but also the ability to rapidly select the right phage(s) for the right patient. In this context, we are developing a new interdisciplinary methodology based on biophotonic microsystems for the in-depth study of phage-bacteria interactions. We have now demonstrated the possibility of using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) guided-optics microresonators for non-destructive trapping of bacteria (and fine characterization of their state) [1] and bacteriophages [2].
Such a tool therefore offers the possibility of ultra-fast photonic detection of phage-mediated bacterial lysis using a transmission optical signature, potentially also providing new insights into the fundamentals of phage-bacteria interactions. This work opens the way to new characterization tools capable of reducing the time needed to select phages, for example by parallelizing microresonators, connecting them to optical fibers for ease of use, and combining them with microfluidic circuits to increase analysis capabilities.
The candidate will need in-depth experience in photonics and/or electromagnetism, and inventiveness to generate new resonant photonic structures compatible with the latest advances in microfabrication available at LTM. The aim will be to implement breakthrough innovations in photonic crystals for the optical trapping of micro-organisms. A strong interest in the biomedical sector is also sought, in order to promote the concept of on-chip optical tweezers in the medical sector, and more specifically in the field of instrumentation for in-vitro diagnostics.

Activities

• Electromagnetic design and simulation
• Microelectronics cleanroom manufacturing (lithography, etching, microfluidics)
• Optical experimentation
• Prototyping
• Tests with bacteria and bacteriophages
• Valorization outside the research lab

Skills

• Theoretical knowledge in optics and photonics
• Experimental knowledge in optics, cleanroom work in microelectronics, microbiology, demonstrator manufacturing, CAD
• Written and oral communication in English, teamwork

Work Context

LTM is a CNRS/Université Grenoble Alpes joint research unit with a staff of around 90. The laboratory is located on the CEA-LETI site in Grenoble, and works on the development of micro- and nanofabrication processes for applications mainly in microelectronics, but also for applications in health, energy and environment.
This work is being developed as part of a Franco-Swiss ANR project (Feb. 2023 - Feb. 2027) involving EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital on the Swiss side, and CEA and LTM on the French side (Grenoble).

Constraints and risks

None