Integration of paper-based nucleic acid testing methods into microfluidic devices for improved biosensing applications
Twelve-member IPANEMA consortium implements competences of participating academic & industry beneficiaries and 3rd country partners to 1) create a knowledge/experience-sharing network of scientists, entrepreneurs & end-users in the multidisciplinary field of biosensors for POCT (point-of care testing); 2) develop innovative bottom-up approaches for fabrication of low-cost POCT devices & implementation of paper-based nucleic acid testing (NAT); 3) pursue applications in 3 important industry sectors – healthcare, agrifood & environmental monitoring. Research & Innovation (R&I) activities will be focused on developing low-cost paper-based isothermal NATs, their integration into microfluidic devices and optimization for use in a) tissue engineering b) agrifood (poultry/plant/fungal) pathogen detection c) detection of toxigenic freshwater Cyanobacteria causing harmful algal blooms. Secondments & trainings will enable researchers to acquire both technical & soft skills needed for converting scientific knowledge & ideas into products & services. Strong involvement of 5 SME partners from France, Serbia, Israel, Portugal & US contributing their proprietary knowledge on revolutionary novel materials for microfluidic devices & DNA extraction kits, domain expertise in agrifood sector, unique portable sensing systems & handheld devices for isoNAT quantification, will help researchers focus their efforts on development of innovative products for real-life use. Several transducing methods (colorimetric, fluorescence, SPR, electrochemical, microwave & magnetic) and smartphone-based read-out methods will be investigated for POCT use. Renowned beneficiaries including academic INRA, WUR, INESC & BIOS together with 3rd country partners: Columbia University, Prokhorov General Physics Institute and Xi'an Jiaotong University, will provide transfer of cutting-edge knowledge and technical expertise in effect yielding good basis for long term collaboration and joint R&I projects.