Ombinda-Lemboumba’s work focuses on applying cutting-edge laser trapping Raman spectroscopy to provide a powerful and unique approach for identification and detection of HIV-1 infected cell and tissue. Due to the fact that the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test currently used for HIV-1 requires use of labels often gives negative results if the infected individual is tested during the acute phase of infection, it is necessary to develop an accurate, fast, label-free and non-invasive diagnostic system for HIV-1 research to enhance and improve HIV-1 diagnostics tools.

Ombinda-Lemboumba’s work requires the use of Raman spectroscopy in combination with a laser trapping system to deliver more precise detail of the HIV-1 infected single cells. Results obtained in this work will contribute to the development of a non-destructive label-free diagnostic tool that will have the ability to generate accurate information about the HIV-1 disease progression and drug mutation for applications in point-of-care diagnostic devices.

His previous research focused on the development of laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy techniques and the application of ultraviolet lidar to measure isoprene concentrations for environmental studies.

Expertise: Laser technology; Laser spectroscopy; Femtosecond laser spectroscopy; Optical photo-transfection and optical trapping/sorting of biological cells; Laser trapping and Raman spectroscopy