Research interests
Dr Amy Scott-Thomas is a Research Fellow in the Breath Research Laboratory and leads the team in the development of non-invasive breath tests.
Although the group researches multiple lung pathogens, Dr Scott-Thomas have a special interest in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its growth in the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung. The focus of her research is to improve the current breath test for Ps. aeruginosa identification in the lungs of CF patients.
When Ps. aeruginosa grows it releases a “grape-like” odour called 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA). To date the group have been able to detect an increase in the levels of this molecule (using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) in the breath of CF patients colonised with Ps. aeruginosa.
Further research is planned to improve both the sensitivity and specificity of this test.
Improving DTA and BOD MICREDOX® for commercial application – A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for a Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University, 2008.
Does the isolated pvdZ gene contribute to pyoverdine synthesis in the Pa4 strain of P.aeruginosa – A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment for a Bachelor of Science with Honours at University of Otago, 2002.
