During the second reporting period, the consortium advanced significantly across all technical and scientific work packages, consolidating system design, delivering first-generation components, and preparing the ground for full system integration and validation.
WP1: Project management activities proceeded smoothly, ensuring effective coordination, monitoring of risks, and timely submission of deliverables. Collaboration across partners remained strong, with regular meetings and technical exchanges supporting coherent progress throughout all WPs.
WP2: The overall architecture of the PHOREVER multi-sensing platform was finalised, with designs of the photonic, fluidic, and electronic subsystems consolidated and reported. Plasma samples from biobanks were analysed, identifying EV size ranges of diagnostic relevance and integrating them into AI-driven pipelines. A benchtop OCT system and validated scattering libraries were established as reference tools. Algorithms for OCT reconstruction and FCM operation advanced, while AI-based diagnostic frameworks achieved strong accuracy in stroke detection and showed promising results for pancreatic cancer biomarker identification.
WP3: The first generation of FCM and OCT photonic integrated circuits (PICs) was fabricated on the TriPleX platform, incorporating novel through-hole structures for fluidic integration. A second-generation OCT design was delivered, while optimised microlens designs and 3D printing with sub-micron accuracy were successfully demonstrated. Subcomponent characterisation confirmed strong optical performance, with remaining deviations addressed through design updates for future iterations. First-generation control electronics for both modalities were designed, fabricated, and partially validated, including multi-channel detection boards and modular acquisition units.
WP4: Key modules of the fluidic cartridge were advanced, including multilayer blood filtration to deliver platelet-free plasma, tangential flow filtration for antibody removal, and hydrodynamic focusing achieving narrow, stable streams. A fully stacked prototype cartridge was manufactured, though integration challenges led to the definition of a simplified, de-risked configuration. This new pathway improves alignment, robustness, and serviceability, and will guide the design of the final disposable unit.
WP5 : The consortium implemented advanced processes for packaging and assembly, achieving vertical stacking of FCM and OCT PICs with high precision and integrating fibre arrays capable of handling high optical power. A modular packaging concept was defined, providing flexibility for assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.
WP6: Two disease-specific biobanks were established, one for pancreatic cancer and one for stroke, together comprising several hundred samples. Standardised pre-analytical workflows for EV analysis were implemented and validated, ensuring reproducibility and reliability of results. In vitro EVs from relevant cell lines were also collected, supporting clinical correlation and biomarker discovery.
WP7: A preliminary market outlook and business case were completed, focusing on pancreatic cancer, stroke, and potential additional applications. The analysis outlined possible adoption scenarios, indicative market sizes, and pathways to cost-effective production. In parallel, an updated IPR review confirmed no new risks to the freedom to operate. D/C activities were also expanded, with over 1900 website visitors and 787 social media followers.
WP8/9: Ethics requirements were continuously monitored, with all clinical and data-handling activities performed under approved protocols and GDPR-compliant frameworks.
