Dr. Alan O’Riordan

Dr. Alan O’Riordan is a Senior Research Fellow at the Tyndall National Institute. He received his BSc in Analytical Chemistry in 1995 and a PhD in Chemistry (Nanotechnology) in 2005. The O’Riordan group is focused on developing Advanced Nanosensor Systems for applications such as Sustainable Agri-food and Environmental applications. Given the twin threats of climate change and a substantial increase in global population, the strategy is to enhance sustainability in food production through digitisation. As such, real-time analytical data is essential to enable stakeholders to make rapid and informed decisions in the field and inform policy. In many cases, this requires the creation of new and fit for purpose end-to-end sensing solutions. A key challenge to providing such solutions, is the need to develop and fabricate sensors that are sensitive, selective and saleable. Our Group is developing two complementary sensor technologies on silicon chip substrates that employ nanoelectrochemistry and spectroscopy (Surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy – SERS) detection mechanisms that will address this challenge by providing highly sensitive, selective and reliable measurements. Employing ISO 9001:2015 accredited nanofabrication techniques ensures manufacturability and scalability. The group is active along the entire sensor development chain including: (i) Fundamental Science – theoretical simulations (analyte diffusion, electric fields) to elucidate factors affecting nanosensor performance, (ii) Nanofabrication – design and fabrication of reliable and robust nanostructured sensor devices, (III) Sensor modification – materials composition and surface chemical and biochemical modification through to (iv) System integration – combining our advanced nanosensors with bespoke (or commercial) electronics and software.