Project description
New tech to improve cancer diagnostics
MicroRNA (miRNA)-based cancer diagnostics are becoming essential for early cancer detection. However, their use is often limited by high costs, lengthy processing times, and the requirement for specialised equipment and personnel. The ERC-funded STELLAR project will revolutionise early cancer detection using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and AI to analyse miRNA in liquid biopsies. This non-invasive, cost-effective method will accurately differentiate between normal and mutated miRNAs, even at the level of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, without requiring expensive and complex sequencing technologies. With novel miRNA isolation, a SERS detection platform, and AI data analysis, the project will improve cancer screening, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs. The project will also prepare the technology for commercialisation.
Objective
STELLAR introduces a groundbreaking approach to early cancer detection, leveraging surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse microRNAs (miRNAs) in liquid biopsies. This innovative technology aims to revolutionize cancer screening by offering a non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly accurate method for identifying cancer-specific miRNA biomarkers. STELLAR's core innovation lies in its ability to detect and discriminate between normal and mutated miRNAs with exceptional accuracy, even at the level of single nucleotide polymorphisms, without the need for expensive and complex sequencing technologies. The project encompasses the development of a comprehensive system, including a novel miRNA isolation and enrichment method, a SERS-based detection platform utilizing silver nanoparticle-enhanced substrates, and an AI algorithm for data analysis. This integrated approach promises to overcome current limitations in miRNA-based cancer diagnostics, such as high costs, lengthy processing times, and the need for specialized equipment and personnel. STELLAR aims to progress from TRL 2/3 to TRL 4/5, validating the technology with clinical samples and establishing a clear path toward commercialization. The project's multifaceted strategy includes rigorous technical development, IP protection, regulatory planning, and market analysis. The project's success could significantly impact early cancer detection rates, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. STELLAR's approach to combining SERS technology with AI-driven analysis opens new avenues for personalized medicine and could set new standards for AI-integrated medical devices. As the project progresses, it will explore various commercialization pathways, including the potential creation of a spin-out company or licensing agreements, with the goal of bringing this transformative technology to market and making a substantial impact on global health.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
10129 Torino
Italy
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.