DrJesus Rodriguez Manzano

RESEARCH

Dr. Rodriguez-Manzano and his group are leading the way in developing and implementing innovative methods for molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Working at the intersection of hardware, software, and molecular science, the capabilities and technologies we are creating are on the verge of transforming the field of medicine by facilitating swift diagnosis across different environments. This promises to improve clinical outcomes, reduce unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing, and help address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance.

We focus on the most urgent threats as identified by the UK Health Security Agency (with whom we collaborate via the HPRU in HCAI and AMR), the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. These threats include drug-resistant pathogens, respiratory infections (both in humans and animals), febrile illnesses, and skin-tropic viruses. We have a particular interest in ensuring our diagnostic solutions address the challenges of diagnosing diseases in resource-limited settings (publications available on Google Scholar). Current research focuses on the following four Research Lines:

1. Development and translation of sample-to-result molecular-based diagnostic devices for point-of-care applications (including SmartLid, Dragonfly and Lacewing diagnostic platforms), to enable the establishment of decentralised health-care systems.

2. Use of machine learning approaches in combination with PCR-based amplification chemistries (both intercalating dyes and probe-based) to enable accurate high-level multiplexing in conventional real-time instruments and state-of-the art digital PCR platforms, increasing the throughput of diagnostic laboratories without hardware modification.

3. Development and validation of a novel framework for biomarker discovery to optimise the translation of host-response signatures from high-throughput platforms (e.g., RNAseq and microarray) to PCR-based and point-of-care technologies.

4. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of real-time amplification reactions (PCR-based and isothermal chemistries) using single-molecule technologies to enhance analytical and clinical performance.

Dr Rodriguez-Manzano’s group is located at the Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO) within the section of Adult Infectious Disease at Imperial College, Hammersmith campus, bringing together multidisciplinary research on optimising antimicrobial use and infection management. The state-of-the-art laboratories include a data, molecular and mass spectrometry suite, microbiology laboratories, and sensor fabrication facilities.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Rodriguez-Manzano has contributed to national COVID-19 responses through the UK Expert Advisor Science and Technology Committee, and has served as a panelist at the Research and Innovation Forum (GRIF) organised by WHO R&D Blueprint on the theme of “Building the world’s resilience against future outbreaks and pandemics". As a member of the NIHR Health Research Unit in HCAI and AMR, he is actively involved in shaping the UK's plan for tackling AMR.

Dr Rodriguez-Manzano is affiliated with the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in HCAI and AMR; CAMO-Net Network; Digital Diagnostics for Africa Network; and the Diamonds Consortium.

BACKGROUND

Dr Jesus Rodriguez-Manzano is the Deputy Director at the Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO) at Imperial and co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of ProtonDx.

He holds a BSc in Biological Sciences, an MSc in Advanced Microbiology, and a PhD in Microbiology and Biotechnology, all earned from the University of Barcelona in Spain. Following his doctoral studies, he pursued post-doctoral positions in esteemed institutions, including the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. Dr. Rodriguez-Manzano's expertise led him to his current role as a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, where he contributes to advancing the field of Molecular Diagnostics to tackle infection and antimicrobial resistance.

His academic and professional journey has fostered a strong interdisciplinary background in microbiology, molecular biology, and bioengineering. Dr Rodriguez-Manzano's research interests span various areas, including clinical diagnostics, machine learning applied to healthcare, and single-molecule technologies, with a specific focus on point-of-care applications and low- and middle-income countries.

Dr Rodriguez-Manzano's contributions to the field are evident through his authorship of over 100 scientific publications, including 15 international patent applications. Overall, Jesus Rodriguez Manzano's diverse and accomplished background positions him as a respected authority in the field, with a proven track record of advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to practical solutions in healthcare.

Jesus' research publications can be found in the tab above, or on Google Scholar:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=hFQm7FMAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate