Project description
Light-powered microswimmers capture ‘forever chemicals’
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals known for lasting a long time in the environment. They also present serious health risks. Their common use in everyday products raises concerns, and traditional detection methods are slow and expensive. People can be exposed by consuming water containing PFAS. In this context, the ERC-funded PhotoSERS project aims to use light-driven microswimmers that can move through water to capture and detect PFAS. By combining spectroscopy with portable instruments, the system will provide real-time monitoring and consistent results. The project will design and test the microswimmer device to ensure it is practical and can be scaled up. Ultimately, the aim is to protect both ecosystems and human health.
Objective
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, are persistent organic pollutants of global environmental concern with serious health risks. Their extensive industrial use and toxic effects have led to the implementation of stringent regulations worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient and sensitive PFAS detection technologies. Current detection methods are often inefficient, time-consuming, and lack the sensitivity required for trace-level analysis and accurate identification. This project, PhotoSERS, aims to develop an innovative technology based on light-driven microswimmers capable of both capturing and detecting PFAS in water. These microscale devices combine active motion with selective molecular recognition. By integrating advanced spectroscopic detection and portable instrumentation, the system aims to enable real-time, sensitive, and reproducible monitoring of these contaminants. Collaboration with industrial partners will ensure the industrial relevance of our technology by providing critical feedback on performance requirements, and supporting validation in real operational settings, ultimately accelerating its path to commercialization. Therefore, this innovative portable microswimmer-based device could contribute significantly to water monitoring technologies and environmental protection efforts by providing an efficient, field-deployable solution for PFAS capture and detection.
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)
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.
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-2025-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.
43007 TARRAGONA
Spain
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.