Integrated Photonic-Nano Technologies for Bioapplications

Project Information

IPN-Bio

Grant agreement ID: 872049

DOI

10.3030/872049

Project closed

EC signature date 27 November 2019

Start date 1 March 2020

End date 31 August 2025

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 1 002 800,00

EU contribution

€ 818 800,00

Coordinated by

THE NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - IPN-Bio (Integrated Photonic-Nano Technologies for Bioapplications)

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

One of the major challenges of the 21st century is related to human health, medical diagnosis, food and environmental safety. One in eight people worldwide will be aged 65 or older by 2030, which works out to one billion people across the globe. Recent statistics revealed that approximately 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease and 68% have at least two. Several chronic diseases cause almost two-thirds of all deaths each year. For example, cancer is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018 reported by the WHO.

The IPN-Bio aims to foster and develop long-term interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral and international collaboration between participating organisations through R&I staff exchanges to share knowledge and ideas, transfer skills and boost career opportunities. The project objectives and challenges present a balanced mix between industrial application focused knowledge transfer and development and more far-looking studies for potentially ground-breaking applications by exploiting new emerging opportunities with the integration of photonic
technologies, nanotech and advanced 2D materials for the applications in health care, biomedical early diagnosis, food safety and environmental monitoring.

Through the development of bio-nano-photonics technologies, IPN-Bio will enable faster and more accurate diagnosis for a range of diseases, leading to a real gain in human health and better overall quality of life.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The work is performed by five work packages where three WPs devoted to scientific research and other two focused on training, dissemination and exploitation as well as management.

Within the project period, the scientific research has focused on the design and fabrication of advance photonic devices, components and fibre lasers (WP2), 2D materials synthesis, integration and interface (WP3) and Biosensing & biomedical applications (WP4). Secondments have been conducted on the training of seconded member with knowledge and skills in using cutting-edge laser microfabrication technologies to inscribe photonic devices and components including fibre gratings, acoustic gratings, fibre tapers, microstructures. Trainings are also provided on developing special laser sources and new type of supercontinuum lasers as planned in WP2. Secondments and training have been implemented (WP3) on synthesis advanced 2D-layered materials with exploitation of integration with photonic devices, components and fibre lasers. Knowledge has been transferred via secondments on chemistry development and surface bio-functionalisation for (WP4) the implementation of biosensing and high-resolution spectroscopy for real-time biomedical inspection.

For the non-scientific work packages, multiple activities have been conducted on project management (WP1) and training & career development, dissemination and exploitation (WP5). The project website www.uv.es/ipnbio has been created with periodical updates. The Dissemination, outreach & exploitation plan has been produced. The first IPN-Bio School was organised with the participation of all consortium members. IPN-Bio consortium members have been involved in several public science festivals and events.

During the project period, we have published 119 research papers in journals and international conferences, applied 5 patents, industrialised and commercialised a new unique laser product Cyclone, and invented a fingertip-sized spectrometer reported by Science [Science, 378(6617), 2022].

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The research on 2D materials and bio-photonic devices and fibre lasers has had a profound impact on various relevant scientific fields and, by extension, the European Research Area. The European Research Area has been a hub for many of these ground-breaking studies, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Some key impacts include: 1) Global Scientific Leadership: Our international researchers have demonstrated global leadership in the fields of 2D materials and bio-photonics. 2) Technological Advancements: The advancements in the synthesis, characterisation and applications of 2D materials have far-reaching technological implications. They provide a foundation for the development of innovative devices and systems that can drive progress in areas like information technology, telecommunications, and healthcare. 3) Economic Growth: The research in the field has the potential to lead to the development of commercial products and industries via the collaboration between different partners, which can boost the European economy and create job opportunities. These innovations can give the European Research Area a competitive edge in global markets.
In summary, the research on 2D materials and bio-photonic devices and lasers in the European Research Area has not only significantly advanced the scientific understanding but also has the potential to drive technological innovations, economic growth and job creation.

A fingertip-sized on-chip spectrometer (Science 378(6617) 2022