
Overview
Background
Dr Abu Sina is currently an NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow at the Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Australia. Prior to this, he served as a Visiting Scientist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, and as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University, NY, USA.
Dr. Sina has earned both national and international acclaim for his notable contributions to advancing translational-focused nano-diagnostic technologies with a focus on early cancer detection from liquid biopsies. He is one of the few leaders in the world who is driving the liquid biopsy-based multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test program. He has had several media appearances so far which include interviews on national (Channel 9, Channel 7, ABC News, Fox News, etc.) and international Television (CBC News, CTV News Canada, etc.) and Radio (4EB, 4BC, ABC Perth, ABC Sunshine coast, SBS) outlets.
Actively participating in scholarly discussions, Dr. Sina has served as a Keynote Speaker, Invited Speaker, and Session Chair at various national and international conferences and seminars. His commitment to excellence has resulted in several prestigious awards, including the Metrohm-EDRACI Young Electrochemist Award 2021, the Queensland Health and Medical Research Award 2019 from the Queensland State Government of Australia, and recognition as a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials.
Central to his aspirations is a vision to develop point-of-care diagnostic technologies with the potential to revolutionize early disease detection, thereby enhancing overall quality of life.
Availability
- Dr Abu Sina is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Dr. Sina's research is centered on the development of nanotechnologies for applications in liquid biopsy, addressing clinical challenges in medical diagnostics and precision oncology. His expertise spans diverse areas of basic and translational research, encompassing chemistry, molecular biology, nano-biotechnology, liquid biopsy, biosensing, and microfluidics, among others. Notably, his work has pioneered the field of "interfacial biosensing," overcoming limitations associated with existing biosensing techniques.
A standout achievement in his innovative portfolio is the establishment of a DNA nano-signature-based cancer test, widely acknowledged as the 10-minute universal cancer test. This groundbreaking development has garnered extensive coverage in major global news outlets, including CNN, Forbes, The Guardian, CTV News, Smithsonian Magazine, and the New York Post. CNN and BioScope, an online magazine, have recognized his discovery of the 10-minute cancer test as one of the "Top Discoveries/Advances for 2018."
Throughout his research career, marked by 52 publications (12 as the First author and 16 as the corresponding author) and a patent (US Patent App. 17286379), Dr. Sina has accumulated 1865 citations, achieving an H-index of 21 and an i10-index of 33 (Source: Google Scholar). His research has been published in high-impact, discipline-ranked journals such as Nature Communications, Accounts of Chemical Research, ACS Nano, Science Advances, and Advanced Functional Materials.
Dedicated to early cancer detection and personalized treatment, Dr. Sina's research program has secured over $1.5 million in grant funding from government agencies and industries. His research outputs rank in the top 25% for citation with an FWCI score >2. The impact is evident through citations in 1,110 documents across 88 countries and in 23 different subject categories (Scopus, Oct 2023). Notably, he has been cited by authors from over 160 institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the University of California.
Works
Search Professor Abu Sina’s works on UQ eSpace
2021
Book Chapter
Simultaneous BRAFV600E protein and DNA aberration detection in circulating melanoma cells using an integrated multimolecular sensor
Wuethrich, Alain, Dey, Shuvashis, Koo, Kevin M, Sina, Abu A. I. and Trau, Matt (2021). Simultaneous BRAFV600E protein and DNA aberration detection in circulating melanoma cells using an integrated multimolecular sensor. Melanoma. (pp. 265-276) New York, NY, United States: Humana Press. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1205-7_20
2021
Journal Article
A digital single-molecule nanopillar SERS platform for predicting and monitoring immune toxicities in immunotherapy
Li, Junrong, Wuethrich, Alain, Sina, Abu A. I., Cheng, Han-Hao, Wang, Yuling, Behren, Andreas, Mainwaring, Paul N. and Trau, Matt (2021). A digital single-molecule nanopillar SERS platform for predicting and monitoring immune toxicities in immunotherapy. Nature Communications, 12 (1) 1087, 1-12. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21431-w
2020
Journal Article
Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds in tomatoes and their impact on human health and disease: a review
Ali, Md Yousuf, Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Khandker, Shahad Saif, Neesa, Lutfun, Tanvir, E. M., Kabir, Alamgir, Khalil, Md Ibrahim and Gan, Siew Hua (2020). Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds in tomatoes and their impact on human health and disease: a review. Foods, 10 (1) 45, 45. doi: 10.3390/foods10010045
2020
Journal Article
Nanostructured mesoporous gold biosensor for microRNA detection at attomolar level
Masud, Mostafa Kamal, Na, Jongbeom, Lin, Tzu-En, Malgras, Victor, Preet, Anant, Ibn Sina, Abu Ali, Wood, Kathleen, Billah, Mutasim, Kim, Jeonghun, You, Jungmok, Kani, Kenya, Whitten, Andrew E., Salomon, Carlos, Nguyen, Nam-Trung, Shiddiky, Muhammad J.A., Trau, Matt, Hossain, MdShahriar A. and Yamauchi, Yusuke (2020). Nanostructured mesoporous gold biosensor for microRNA detection at attomolar level. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 168 112429, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112429
2020
Journal Article
Multiomics: The Growing Impact of Micro/Nanomaterial‐Based Systems in Precision Oncology: Translating “Multiomics” Technologies (Adv. Funct. Mater. 37/2020)
Li, Junrong, Wuethrich, Alain, Dey, Shuvashi, Lane, Rebecca E., Sina, Abu A. I., Wang, Jing, Wang, Yuling, Puttick, Simon, Koo, Kevin M. and Trau, Matt (2020). Multiomics: The Growing Impact of Micro/Nanomaterial‐Based Systems in Precision Oncology: Translating “Multiomics” Technologies (Adv. Funct. Mater. 37/2020). Advanced Functional Materials, 30 (37) 2070248. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202070248
2020
Journal Article
Nanostructured mesoporous gold electrodes detect protein phosphorylation in cancer with electrochemical signal amplification
Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Ahmed, Emtiaz, Masud, Mostafa Kamal, Hossain, Md. Shahriar A., Na, Jongbeom, Yamauchi, Yusuke and Trau, Matt (2020). Nanostructured mesoporous gold electrodes detect protein phosphorylation in cancer with electrochemical signal amplification. Analyst, 145 (20), 6639-6648. doi: 10.1039/d0an01096k
2020
Journal Article
Methylation dependent gold adsorption behaviour identifies cancer derived extracellular vesicular DNA
Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Lin, Ting-Yun, Vaidyanathan, Ramanathan, Wang, Zhaoran, Dey, Shuvashis, Wang, Jing, Behren, Andreas, Wuethrich, Alain, Carrascosa, Laura G. and Trau, Matt (2020). Methylation dependent gold adsorption behaviour identifies cancer derived extracellular vesicular DNA. Nanoscale Horizons, 5 (9), 1317-1323. doi: 10.1039/d0nh00258e
2020
Journal Article
Tracking extracellular vesicle phenotypic changes enables treatment monitoring in melanoma
Wang, Jing, Wuethrich, Alain, Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Lane, Rebecca E., Lin, Lynlee L., Wang, Yuling, Cebon, Jonathan, Behren, Andreas and Trau, Matt (2020). Tracking extracellular vesicle phenotypic changes enables treatment monitoring in melanoma. Science Advances, 6 (9) eaax3223, eaax3223. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aax3223
2020
Journal Article
Dual platform based sandwich assay surface-enhanced Raman scattering DNA biosensor for the sensitive detection of food adulteration
Khalil, Ibrahim, Yehye, Wageeh A., Muhd Julkapli, Nurhidayatullaili, Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Rahmati, Shahrooz, Basirun, Wan Jefrey and Seyfoddin, Ali (2020). Dual platform based sandwich assay surface-enhanced Raman scattering DNA biosensor for the sensitive detection of food adulteration. Analyst, 145 (4), 1414-1426. doi: 10.1039/c9an02106j
2020
Journal Article
The growing impact of micro/nanomaterial-based systems in precision oncology: translating “multiomics” technologies
Li, Junrong, Wuethrich, Alain, Dey, Shuvashi, Lane, Rebecca E., Sina, Abu A. I., Wang, Jing, Wang, Yuling, Puttick, Simon, Koo, Kevin M. and Trau, Matt (2020). The growing impact of micro/nanomaterial-based systems in precision oncology: translating “multiomics” technologies. Advanced Functional Materials, 30 (37) 1909306, 1909306. doi: 10.1002/adfm.201909306
2020
Journal Article
Ultrasensitive melanoma biomarker detection using a microchip SERS immunoassay with anisotropic Au–Ag alloy nanoboxes
Kumar, Aswin Raj, Shanmugasundaram, Karthik Balaji, Li, Junrong, Zhang, Zhen, Ibn Sina, Abu Ali, Wuethrich, Alain and Trau, Matt (2020). Ultrasensitive melanoma biomarker detection using a microchip SERS immunoassay with anisotropic Au–Ag alloy nanoboxes. RSC Advances, 10 (48), 28778-28785. doi: 10.1039/d0ra05032f
2019
Journal Article
Single droplet detection of immune checkpoints on a multiplexed electrohydrodynamic biosensor
Wuethrich, Alain, Rajkumar, Aswin Raj, Shanmugasundaram, Karthik Balaji, Reza, Kamil K., Dey, Shuvashis, Howard, Christopher B., Sina, Abu Ali Ibn and Trau, Matt (2019). Single droplet detection of immune checkpoints on a multiplexed electrohydrodynamic biosensor. The Analyst, 144 (23), 6914-6921. doi: 10.1039/c9an01450k
2019
Journal Article
Toward personalized cancer treatment: from diagnostics to therapy monitoring in miniaturized electrohydrodynamic systems
Khondakar, Kamil Reza, Dey, Shuvashis, Wuethrich, Alain, Sina, Abu Ali Ibn and Trau, Matt (2019). Toward personalized cancer treatment: from diagnostics to therapy monitoring in miniaturized electrohydrodynamic systems. Accounts of Chemical Research, 52 (8) acs.accounts.9b00192, 2113-2123. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00192
2019
Journal Article
DNA methylation-based point-of-care cancer detection: challenges and possibilities
Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Carrascosa, Laura G. and Trau, Matt (2019). DNA methylation-based point-of-care cancer detection: challenges and possibilities. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 25 (11), 955-966. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.05.014
2019
Journal Article
A microfluidic-SERSplatform for isolation and immuno-phenotyping of antigen specific T-cells
Dey, Shuvashis, Vaidyanathan, Ramanathan, Reza, K. Kamil, Wang, Jing, Wang, Yuling, Nel, Hendrik J., Law, Soi-Cheng, Tyler, Jennifer, Rossjohn, Jamie, Reid, Hugh H., Ibn Sina, Abu Ali, Thomas, Ranjeny and Trau, Matt (2019). A microfluidic-SERSplatform for isolation and immuno-phenotyping of antigen specific T-cells. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 284, 281-288. doi: 10.1016/j.snb.2018.12.099
2019
Book Chapter
2D nanomaterials for quantitative and qualitative analysis of DNA methylation
Hossain, Tanvir, Ahmed, Shamim, Syfuddin, H.M. and Sina, Abu (2019). 2D nanomaterials for quantitative and qualitative analysis of DNA methylation. Biomedical applications of graphene and 2D nanomaterials. (pp. 235-247) edited by Md Nurunnabi and Jason McCarthy. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-815889-0.00011-8
2019
Journal Article
Tracking antigen specific T-cells: technological advancement and limitations
Dey, Shuvashis, Kamil Reza, K., Wuethrich, Alain, Korbie, Darren, Ibn Sina, Abu Ali and Trau, Matt (2019). Tracking antigen specific T-cells: technological advancement and limitations. Biotechnology Advances, 37 (1), 145-153. doi: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.11.010
2019
Journal Article
Label-free detection of exosomes using surface plasmon resonance biosensor
Sina, A.A.I., Vaidyanathan, R., Wuethrich, A., Carrascosa, L. G. and Trau, M. (2019). Label-free detection of exosomes using surface plasmon resonance biosensor. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 411 (7), 1311-1318. doi: 10.1007/s00216-019-01608-5
2019
Journal Article
Graphene oxide and gold nanoparticle based dual platform with short DNA probe for the PCR free DNA biosensing using Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
Khalil, I., Yehye, W.A., Julkapli, N.M., Rahmati, S., Sina, A.A.I., Basirun, W.F. and Johan, M.R. (2019). Graphene oxide and gold nanoparticle based dual platform with short DNA probe for the PCR free DNA biosensing using Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 131, 214-223. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.02.028
2018
Journal Article
An integrated multi-molecular sensor for simultaneous BRAFV600E protein and DNA single point mutation detection in circulating tumour cells
Dey, Shuvashis, Koo, Kevin, Wang, Zhaoran, Sina, Abu Ali Ibn, Wuethrich, Alain and Trau, Matt (2018). An integrated multi-molecular sensor for simultaneous BRAFV600E protein and DNA single point mutation detection in circulating tumour cells. Lab on a Chip, 19 (5), 738-748. doi: 10.1039/c8lc00991k
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Abu Sina is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Multiplex microdevice for the detection of DNA Methylation
Methylation of DNA is a type of epigenetic signatures that defines the eukaryotic cell’s identity by regulating gene expression. Aberrant methylation in the genome can deregulate the gene expression pathways leading to diseases like cancer. Thus, DNA methylation has been regarded as one of the important biomarkers for cancer. Recent years have seen tremendous advancement in methylation based biomarker discovery providing abundant information about the genomic printing. However, cancer is a versatile disease that often needs multiple biomarker analysis for accurate detection. Current practice in detecting methylation biomarkers in clinic is largely affected by expensive sequencing technique. Recent advancements in electrochemical and optical biosensors have shown great promise in developing inexpensive multiplex platform. Despite of their significant improvement in sensitivity, these methods are restricted by major technological challenges including functionalization of sensor surface, long analysis procedure and invasive sampling. We have recently developed an interfacial biosensing technique to identify DNA methylation using gold-DNA affinity which obviates the need for sensor surface modification. In this study, we aim to develop a novel multiplex micro-device comprising an array of microelectrodes for directly detecting the genomic methylation biomarkers with the mechanism of interfacial adsorption between DNA and metal surfaces. These microelectrodes can significantly increase the assay sensitivity due to the high signal to noise ratio. We believe that this micro-fabricated multiplex platform will find broad applications as simple diagnostic tool in the clinic.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
A potential pan-cancer diagnostic utilizing DNA methylation landscapes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau
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Doctor Philosophy
A potential pan-cancer diagnostic utilizing DNA methylation landscapes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau
-
Doctor Philosophy
Single molecule sensing on nanopillars: Reading complex molecular circuits
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Dr Alain Wuethrich
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Doctor Philosophy
Harnessing nanotechnology to unravel the phenotypic heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Associate Professor Mitchell Stark, Dr Alain Wuethrich
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Doctor Philosophy
Advanced Micro and Nano Engineered Sensors for Post Translational Modification based Liquid Biopsy Analysis of Cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Dr Alain Wuethrich
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Advanced Micro and Nano Engineered Sensors for Post Translational Modification based Liquid Biopsy Analysis of Cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau, Dr Alain Wuethrich
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Clinical Epigenetics: Technology Development for Biomarkers of Human Health and Diseases
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Alain Wuethrich, Professor Matt Trau
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Novel Nanotechnology Platforms for Cancer Diagnostics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Matt Trau
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Abu Sina directly for media enquiries about:
- Biosensing
- Cancer Diagnostics
- Liquid biopsy
- Nanotechnology
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