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MULTIANALYTE DIGITAL SENSING WITH QR-CODE MICRONEEDLES FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ALZHEIMER

Objective

"ALERT introduces a groundbreaking leap in medical diagnostics, redefining in-vivo sensing with a pioneering digital approach. This revolutionary technology centers on multianalyte digital sensing via QR-coded microneedles—engineered for minimally invasive, highly accurate, and real-time measurement of critical disease biomarkers directly from plasma beneath the skin.

Seamlessly integrating digital innovation with advanced biomedical sensing, ALERT’s microneedles encode biomarker data into a scannable digital QR code, enabling instant and precise diagnostics. These microneedles operate through a unique binary fluorescence mechanism, switching distinctly ""on"" or ""off"" when biomarker concentrations cross predefined clinical thresholds. This digital paradigm eradicates the need for external calibration—a key limitation of traditional analog chemical sensors—ensuring enhanced accuracy, reliability, and ease of use in real-world applications.

With a main focus on early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), ALERT tackles a pressing global health challenge, particularly urgent given the rapidly aging population. AD often remains clinically undetected for 15 to 20 years, making early diagnosis crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing the immense social and economic burdens of late-stage management. ALERT's approach includes rigorous validation in animal models, well-defined Key Performance Indicators, advanced material synthesis, cutting-edge device fabrication, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.

Beyond revolutionizing AD diagnostics, ALERT’s digital QR-code microneedle platform holds vast potential for broader medical applications, including early detection of cancer, sepsis, and infectious diseases. Its adaptability extends even further, with applications in environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, and food safety."

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

Programme(s)

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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.

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.

HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DI PISA
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 873 080,00
Address
LUNGARNO PACINOTTI 43/44
56126 PISA
Italy

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Region
Centro (IT) Toscana Pisa
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 873 080,00

Participants (4)

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