The ACU-SERS project is focused on the development of a cutting-edge point-of-care (PoC) medical device for monitoring antibiotics in patient blood. The project addresses a critical need in clinical settings, particularly in intensive care units (ICU), for real-time, accurate, and accessible drug level quantification, which are essential for optimizing patient treatments, reducing adverse effects, and improving healthcare efficiency.
At the core of the technology is the use of label-free Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) sensors, which enable sensitive and reproducible detection of a broad range of antibiotics using the same sensor platform. This eliminates the need for labeling reagents or drug-specific modifications, offering a flexible and scalable approach to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).
The primary objective of this project is to develop an automated PoC in vitro diagnostic (IVD) device that consists of a microfluidics cartridge with integrated sample pretreatment and SERS sensors, coupled with a compact reader device to deliver rapid and reliable antibiotic drug concentration analysis. The project aims to enable seamless integration into hospitals, ICUs, and decentralized healthcare settings to improve TDM at the bedside.
The expected impact includes:
Speed up analysis and improve precision in antibiotic monitoring, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A more efficient clinical workflow, reducing delays and resource burdens.
A foundation for commercializing an innovative PoC diagnostic tool, supporting the transition of the project into a startup.
You can find more information at our website acusers.eu
