Project description
Reliable, low-cost SERS for biomedical diagnostics
Detecting biomolecules like neurotransmitters and hormones at clinical levels in biofluids is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offers a powerful optical method for this, but existing SERS substrates are unreliable, prone to contamination, and non-reusable – hindering their biomedical adoption. Without a repeatable, cost-effective solution, the full potential of SERS remains largely untapped. In this context, the ERC-funded ReSERS project has addressed these limitations by engineering self-assembled gold nanostructures with precision nano-gaps that trap light for a billion-fold signal enhancement. These substrates can be repeatedly cleaned and reused, making SERS a practical, low-cost diagnostic tool, with deployment costs under EUR 1 000 and individual tests costing less than one cent per use.
Objective
We have invented an optical enhancement technique based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using self-assembled gold nanostructures that can fingerprint a wide range of bioanalytes (neurotransmitters, hormones) at clinical concentrations in biofluids. Current SERS substrates suffer from poor repeatability, fouling from organics, and non-reusability, which is why they have not made it into biomedical use. We have developed a new capability to create precision nano-gap materials that trap light to generate ultra-reliable billion-fold detection enhancements, while also allowing repeated recleaning. This makes low-cost SERS sensing a viable technology capable of translation, potentially with deployment below €1k and sub-1¢ per test.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.