Objective
DNA, owing to its intrinsic programmability and molecular recognition ability, has emerged as a highly promising material for the development of next-generation biosensors. Rationally engineered nucleic acid nanostructures provide unique advantages in terms of hybridization efficiency, specificity, and sensitivity, enabling transformative diagnostic applications. In this project, a robust, split-mode, singlet oxygen (1O2)-based photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor for the ultrasensitive detection and quantification of the cancer biomarker miR-21 has been proposed. The core of the strategy relies on an entropy-driven tetrahedral DNA (EDTD) amplifier integrated with superparamagnetic nanostructures. The well-defined geometry and rigidity of DNA tetrahedra enhance structural stability, enabling precise spatial orientation and efficient recognition of target miRs, thereby improving hybridization efficiency and assay sensitivity. Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 particles functionalized with type II photosensitizers and DNA nanostructures serve as the foundation for a split-mode PEC system, providing excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and magnetic manipulability. Notably, the enzyme- and hairpin-free EDTD amplifier eliminates the complications associated with pseudoknots or kissing loops in conventional hairpin-based systems, thereby reducing background noise and enhancing detection sensitivity. The proposed PEC biosensor combines the advantages of efficient electrode fabrication, operational stability, and reproducibility, while maintaining a rapid, low-cost, and user-friendly workflow suitable for POC testing. This innovative 1O2-driven PEC platform holds immense potential in diagnostics and can be broadly extended to a wide range of miRs assays in complex biological samples. By integrating photochemistry, electrochemistry, and DNA engineering, the project aims to deliver impactful advances in precision cancer diagnostics and translational healthcare technologies.
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 electrochemistry
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry photochemistry
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium
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.