integrated nano-photonic OMICs bio-SENSor for lung cancer

Project Information

OMICSENS

Grant agreement ID: 101129734

DOI

10.3030/101129734

EC signature date 10 November 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 953 671,25

EU contribution

€ 2 953 671,25

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRENTO
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - OMICSENS (integrated nano-photonic OMICs bio-SENSor for lung cancer)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

OMICSENS is creating a groundbreaking platform to revolutionize cancer diagnostics, starting with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its goal is to detect resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) caused by mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) quickly and accurately, improving patient outcomes.

At the core of OMICSENS is the world's first nano-photonic bio-sensor for real-time omics analysis. This compact device combines cutting-edge technologies: infrared light sources, AI-optimized nano-surfaces, microfluidics, and metamaterial-based detectors. Together, they enable precise, real-time measurements of biological markers and are compatible with organ-on-chip systems, a game-changer for drug testing and personalized medicine.

Beyond NSCLC, OMICSENS has the potential to improve diagnostics and treatment for various cancers and other diseases. Its miniaturized sensors will allow point-of-care testing, bringing advanced diagnostics directly to doctors and patients.

OMICSENS will make complex diagnostics accessible outside specialized labs, empowering doctors with real-time tools to tailor treatments and improve care. This democratization of advanced diagnostics puts patients at the center, fostering better health outcomes and more equitable healthcare systems.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In the first year, the project obtained significant achievements across various areas. LMU successfully simulated nanostructured ultrasharp resonance metasurfaces with high-quality factors. UNITN developed stable protocols for functionalizing nanoparticles with lipids, proteins, and DNA tags, enabling efficient binding of analytes. Meanwhile, IBEC modified materials to enhance hydrophilicity and tested the delivery of functionalized nanoparticles to an SPR biosensor. 4K-MEMS made progress in IR emitter development, fabricating tungsten-based emitters, refining designs for improved reliability, and initiating wafer-scale production using hafnium carbide to boost performance. MWT advanced the metamatgen software for optimization, began designing a new photodetector metalens, and tested machine learning algorithms to identify molecules from IR spectra. Finally, project management have been effectively coordinated by UNITN, which ensured smooth communication, continuous monitoring of research, administrative compliance, and timely deliverables and milestones. MWT helped leading the Innovation Management efforts, establishing an Innovation Board, updating the exploitation plan and helping with patent submission. The project remains on track, supported by efficient management structures and a clear dissemination, and communication strategy.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The first year of OMICSENS has yielded promising results, laying a strong foundation for achieving its ambitious objectives. Key advancements, boyond the state of the art, include the development of robust nanostructured metasurfaces, stable functionalization protocols for nanoparticles, and compact IR emitter arrays. These breakthroughs support the creation of the nano-photonic bio-sensor, capable of real-time multi-omics measurements and integration with organ-on-chip systems. Early-stage machine learning models for molecule identification further strengthen the project’s potential to provide precise and efficient diagnostic tools. The filing of two patents in the first year underscores the project's innovation and commercialization prospects.

The potential impacts of OMICSENS are far-reaching. In healthcare, the bio-sensor promises to revolutionize cancer prognosis by enabling timely and accurate detection of TKI resistance in NSCLC patients. It will pave the way for broader applications in other cancers and diseases, advancing personalized medicine and drug testing. By democratizing access to advanced diagnostics, OMICSENS is poised to reduce barriers to care, foster a patient-centered approach, and improve health outcomes worldwide. Its miniaturized, portable design also aligns with the growing demand for telehealth solutions, further enhancing its societal and economic impact.

To complete the development of the first OMICSENS bio-sensor prototype, fundamental research and the creation of a finalized design must still be undertaken. This includes refining the integration of key components, such as the metasurface, IR emitter arrays, microfluidics, and AI algorithms, into a cohesive, functional device. Once the prototype is completed, rigorous testing will be necessary to validate its performance, reliability, and clinical effectiveness. Following successful validation, production processes can be scaled, enabling the sensor to enter larger markets and address a broader range of diagnostic applications. This transition will mark a pivotal step in bringing OMICSENS from groundbreaking research to a transformative, widely accessible medical technology.

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