Project description
Biosensor-based diagnosis of biotic and abiotic pollutants
Detecting abiotic and biotic pollutants is crucial for environmental applications. The EU-funded BIOSENSEI project aims to develop a biosensor platform that uses cellular responses to detect both types of pollutants. These biosensors will be encapsulated and immobilised on bi-modal transducers, enabling highly sensitive and reliable detection of target pollutants. Additionally, the project will create ultra-low power analogue front-ends and autonomous IoT end nodes for data acquisition, facilitating easy integration into existing LoRa networks and providing real-time data feeds. An online dashboard will allow end-users to visualise the data. Conducted within a safe-and-sustainable-by-design framework, the project will significantly contribute to the EU’s vision of zero pollution.
Objective
BIOSENSEI develops a real-time, multiplexed, end-to-end, tailored and reliable biosensor platform, using cellular responses, for detection of abiotic pollutants - Nutrients, Estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances); and biotic pollutants - Microcystins. Cellular biosensors from bacterial variants will be genetically engineered using, RNA-RNA interactive and type III CRISPR-Cas-mediated transduction cascades. These biosensors are encapsulated and immobilised at bi-modal transducers (nanoelectrochemical and optical) to provide highly reliable, tuneable and sensitive detection of the target pollutants. Bespoke ultra-low power analog front ends and autonomous IoT end-nodes will enable operation and data acquisition from biosensors and facilitate easy integration in existing LoRa networks enabling real-time data feeds. Neural computing algorithms are embedded on the edge to correct for sensor aging and interferents in the (bio)chemical transduction and improve sensor data accuracy. An online dashboard will be developed to allow end users to visualize data. BIOSENSEI will embed the whole R&D process within a safe-and-sustainable-by-design framework to guarantee environmental safety related to risks of potential release into the open environment. Biosensors will be scalable, adaptable to different applications in water & soil and will be deployed in four different use-cases. The consortium is vertically integrated bringing expertise in cellular biology, surface chemistry, nanoelectronics fabrication, hardware integration, regulatory and industrial sampling and artificial intelligence. BIOSENSEI directly addresses HORIZON-CL6-2023-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-6 Biosensors and user-friendly diagnostic tools for environmental services and will allow cellular biosensors to be deployed outside laboratory settings for the first time the project and has the potential to considerably contribute to fulfil EU vision on zero-pollution.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesartificial intelligence
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensors
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetinternet of things
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynanoelectronics
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
T12 YN60 Cork
Ireland