Objective Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive type of cancer of plasma cells where fast diagnosis and treatment monitoring is vital, especially given the overall low survival rate. Proteasome, a multi-catalytic complex essential in damaged protein degradation, has been recently established as a biomarker for MM, in which elevated levels have been observed in blood plasma of unhealthy individuals, as well as its impaired activity has been target for treatment alongside regular chemotherapy. PADMME addresses increasing contributions on proteasome electrochemical recognition and aims to develop novel interdisciplinary technologies translatable into POCT systems for MM care. For this, we propose the development of sensitive and selective dual-channel platforms comprising conductive polymeric fiber biosensors integrated on paper-based microfluidic supports to simultaneously detect quantity and specific activity of proteasome in blood plasma. Paper supports ensure disposability and ease of commercialization, whilst incorporation of microfluidic paths allows low sample volume requirements and in situ pre-treatment steps. Conductive polymeric fiber scaffolds provide increased signal resolution for the construction of biosensors, necessary for the recognition of low concentrations of the biomarker. Then, investigating proteasome at the dual-channel platform in drug-treated and untreated MM cell lines will demonstrate how changes in quantity and specific activity are specifically linked to the disease dynamics. The last step will comprise validation of the technology for analysis in blood plasma, technology able to improve overall monitoring of MM disease progression and therapeutic efficiency, crucial to overcome delays in treatment due to drug resistance complications. Training through research will allow me to refine my expertise, creativity and innovative potential on smart biosensor technologies translated into point-of-care testing devices for cancer care and drug assessment. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensorsengineering and technologymaterials engineeringfibersmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug resistancemedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology Programme(s) HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme Topic(s) HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01-01 - MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2021 Call for proposal HORIZON-MSCA-2021-PF-01 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme HORIZON-AG-UN - HORIZON Unit Grant Coordinator INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA MATERIALELOR Net EU contribution € 133 735,68 Address Atomistilor street 105 bis 77125 Magurele Romania See on map Region Macroregiunea Trei Bucureşti-Ilfov Ilfov Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
