Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SALSETH (Innovative bio-inspired sensors and microfluidic devices for saliva-based theranostics of oral and systemic diseases)
Reporting period: 2019-12-01 to 2022-11-30
The problem/issue being addressed. One of the focuses of modern biomedical engineering nowadays is exploring techniques of non-invasive detection for certain biomarkers related with specific health issues. Saliva is an ideal biofluid for biomarker discovery, stress evaluation and a promising basis for inexpensive, non-invasive, and easy-to-use diagnostic technology. Therefore, there is an urgent need for very sensitive and simple sensors and biomedical devices that can be used in the dentist’s/doctor’s office or even in patient’s home.
Importance for society. The development and implementation of modern technologies that use specific biomarkers at the “chair-side” are likely to increase clinical diagnostic and prognostic insights. Their application in broad health-care settings and in populations that lack access to necessary medical and dental infrastructure should be a substantial benefit to public health. This project provides a unique expertise, integrating the multidisciplinary knowledge from emerging fields of Edible Electronic, Microfluidic devices and Intraoral appliances based on essential oils or drug release, in order to improve oral and systemic human health.
Overall objectives: Three Specific Research Objectives (SROs) are foreseen, as follows:
SRO1: To develop sensors from edible materials for monitoring of important biomarkers from saliva
SRO2: To manufacture and test microfluidic chips and intraoral/orthodontic appliances for theranostics
SRO3: To make new essential oils and to apply them in oral cavity using microfluidic-based intraoral appliances
In addition, three Knowledge sharing objectives (KSOs) are also planned:
KSO1: To facilitate the exchange, flow and co-creation of knowledge within the consortium
KSO2: To develop transferable skills and to stimulate entrepreneurship, boosting career prospects of involved staff members
KSO3: To increase excellence of R&I activities contributing to higher Europe’s competitiveness and growth
Importance for society. The development and implementation of modern technologies that use specific biomarkers at the “chair-side” are likely to increase clinical diagnostic and prognostic insights. Their application in broad health-care settings and in populations that lack access to necessary medical and dental infrastructure should be a substantial benefit to public health. This project provides a unique expertise, integrating the multidisciplinary knowledge from emerging fields of Edible Electronic, Microfluidic devices and Intraoral appliances based on essential oils or drug release, in order to improve oral and systemic human health.
Overall objectives: Three Specific Research Objectives (SROs) are foreseen, as follows:
SRO1: To develop sensors from edible materials for monitoring of important biomarkers from saliva
SRO2: To manufacture and test microfluidic chips and intraoral/orthodontic appliances for theranostics
SRO3: To make new essential oils and to apply them in oral cavity using microfluidic-based intraoral appliances
In addition, three Knowledge sharing objectives (KSOs) are also planned:
KSO1: To facilitate the exchange, flow and co-creation of knowledge within the consortium
KSO2: To develop transferable skills and to stimulate entrepreneurship, boosting career prospects of involved staff members
KSO3: To increase excellence of R&I activities contributing to higher Europe’s competitiveness and growth
WP1: Design and manufacturing bio-inspired sensors for detection of biomarkers from saliva
We developed electrically conductive pastes, made of various food products including: olive oil, plums, apples, bananas, mushrooms, potatoes etc. We also developed edible materials for application as temperature sensors in oral cavity. A system for measurements of pH, O2, and CO2 in saliva which enables simultaneous measurements of all three parameters have been designed and tested. A portable potentiostat and sensor strips for electrochemical biomarker detection was created. We studied design, model and properties of resonant circuit, which enables wireless communication of the edible biosensors for salivary diagnostics.
WP2: Developing of microfluidics-based diagnostic and substance delivery system
We applied mathematical models and microfluidics in the analysis of saliva mixing with antiseptic solutions. The microfluidic platform for examination of effect of chewing xylitol gum on salivary pH, O2 and CO2 was developed. We developed microfluidic platform on CD which allow loading the chip, mixing different fluids and analysing the fluids. A complete demonstrator with microfluidic devices as intraoral appliance for in-vitro application was developed.
WP3: Making essential oils and their application using microfluidics-based intraoral appliances
We developed the following essential oils: chamomile (flower), mint, clary sage, oregano and Achillea millefolium (yarrow). In addition, we developed at the 100 g scale the synthesis of nano-sized emulsions containing edible antimicrobials extracted from essential oils. Textile-based microfluidic platform for the determination of different essential oils was developed.
WP4: Knowledge sharing
SALSETH consortium implemented in RP1, 40.60 PM of secondments. Workshop 1 entitled “Advanced materials, sensors and chips for saliva-based diagnostics” was organized on 23/04/2021 by WUST, Poland (in online form) with 34 attendees. The webinar entitled “Ethics in Research and Business” was organized on 22/07/2021, using Zoom platform. 33 participants attended this webinar. SALSETH researchers published 7 papers on international conferences. We used e-learning and e-networking platform https://sova.uns.ac.rs to share knowledge and SALSETH project results and to provide useful educative resources for students at all study levels
WP5: Dissemination, exploitation and communication
Project web site was created and it is regularly updated. The social media accounts were established. We participated in: Researchers night, 2 technical fairs (Belgrade and Nuremberg). The Horizon Research and Innovation magazine published an article about the SALSETH project. SALSETH team published 25 peer-reviewed journal papers and all papers are in green or gold open access model and can be approached through open trusted repository www.open.uns.ac.rs
WP6: Project management and coordination
Kick-off meeting was organized on 28.02.2020 on site on the place of the coordinating institution. In addition to that, we organized 5 SALSETH consortium Plenary Board meeting as well as 1 Mid-term review meeting. Critical risks (foreseen and unforeseen) register has been created and updated regularly, along with suggested corrective measures. We submitted 14 project deliverables on time and achieved 7 milestones.
We developed electrically conductive pastes, made of various food products including: olive oil, plums, apples, bananas, mushrooms, potatoes etc. We also developed edible materials for application as temperature sensors in oral cavity. A system for measurements of pH, O2, and CO2 in saliva which enables simultaneous measurements of all three parameters have been designed and tested. A portable potentiostat and sensor strips for electrochemical biomarker detection was created. We studied design, model and properties of resonant circuit, which enables wireless communication of the edible biosensors for salivary diagnostics.
WP2: Developing of microfluidics-based diagnostic and substance delivery system
We applied mathematical models and microfluidics in the analysis of saliva mixing with antiseptic solutions. The microfluidic platform for examination of effect of chewing xylitol gum on salivary pH, O2 and CO2 was developed. We developed microfluidic platform on CD which allow loading the chip, mixing different fluids and analysing the fluids. A complete demonstrator with microfluidic devices as intraoral appliance for in-vitro application was developed.
WP3: Making essential oils and their application using microfluidics-based intraoral appliances
We developed the following essential oils: chamomile (flower), mint, clary sage, oregano and Achillea millefolium (yarrow). In addition, we developed at the 100 g scale the synthesis of nano-sized emulsions containing edible antimicrobials extracted from essential oils. Textile-based microfluidic platform for the determination of different essential oils was developed.
WP4: Knowledge sharing
SALSETH consortium implemented in RP1, 40.60 PM of secondments. Workshop 1 entitled “Advanced materials, sensors and chips for saliva-based diagnostics” was organized on 23/04/2021 by WUST, Poland (in online form) with 34 attendees. The webinar entitled “Ethics in Research and Business” was organized on 22/07/2021, using Zoom platform. 33 participants attended this webinar. SALSETH researchers published 7 papers on international conferences. We used e-learning and e-networking platform https://sova.uns.ac.rs to share knowledge and SALSETH project results and to provide useful educative resources for students at all study levels
WP5: Dissemination, exploitation and communication
Project web site was created and it is regularly updated. The social media accounts were established. We participated in: Researchers night, 2 technical fairs (Belgrade and Nuremberg). The Horizon Research and Innovation magazine published an article about the SALSETH project. SALSETH team published 25 peer-reviewed journal papers and all papers are in green or gold open access model and can be approached through open trusted repository www.open.uns.ac.rs
WP6: Project management and coordination
Kick-off meeting was organized on 28.02.2020 on site on the place of the coordinating institution. In addition to that, we organized 5 SALSETH consortium Plenary Board meeting as well as 1 Mid-term review meeting. Critical risks (foreseen and unforeseen) register has been created and updated regularly, along with suggested corrective measures. We submitted 14 project deliverables on time and achieved 7 milestones.
The state of the art. Nanobiochip sensor for the determination of multiple salivary biomarkers from saliva and serum with sensitive signal and low detection limit within a short time was already presented. Microfluidic platforms can be used for oral diagnostics, but nowadays microfluidic systems can also provide a new approach for effective treatment of periodontal diseases.
Progress beyond the state of the art. SALSETH consortium will go beyond the state of the art, through developing:
(1) biosensors from edible/ingestible materials or on food which can detect important biomarkers from saliva, on a non-invasive way.
(2) hand-held or mobile-phone based smart electronic reader for wireless reading of the concentration or status of biomarkers from sensors based on efficient wireless communication;
(3) microfluidic device as a fixed or removable intraoral appliances using biocompatible materials which can release appropriate drug on optimal way (personalized) based on the sensors measured data;
(4) new combinations of essential oils (EOs) as well as active antibacterial and biological agents, which possess a wide-spectrum of positive biological properties.
The socio-economic impact. The SALSETH results are essential for improving oral and systemic health of EU and worldwide citizens, providing biosensors, microfluidic chips and intraoral appliances and essential oils which can be exploitable in the dental medicine and healthcare sector. The prototypes, demonstrators, products which will be developed within the SALSETH, have high commercialization potentials.
The wider societal implications. The performed research within SALSETH is important for solving societal challenges and improving health of EU citizens using edible biosensors and intraoral appliances. Advances in incorporation of microfluidic devices into intraoral appliances for oral and general health theranostics will have potential market opportunities for non-academic participants in the Project and will have significant benefit for improving health and quality of life of European and global society.
Progress beyond the state of the art. SALSETH consortium will go beyond the state of the art, through developing:
(1) biosensors from edible/ingestible materials or on food which can detect important biomarkers from saliva, on a non-invasive way.
(2) hand-held or mobile-phone based smart electronic reader for wireless reading of the concentration or status of biomarkers from sensors based on efficient wireless communication;
(3) microfluidic device as a fixed or removable intraoral appliances using biocompatible materials which can release appropriate drug on optimal way (personalized) based on the sensors measured data;
(4) new combinations of essential oils (EOs) as well as active antibacterial and biological agents, which possess a wide-spectrum of positive biological properties.
The socio-economic impact. The SALSETH results are essential for improving oral and systemic health of EU and worldwide citizens, providing biosensors, microfluidic chips and intraoral appliances and essential oils which can be exploitable in the dental medicine and healthcare sector. The prototypes, demonstrators, products which will be developed within the SALSETH, have high commercialization potentials.
The wider societal implications. The performed research within SALSETH is important for solving societal challenges and improving health of EU citizens using edible biosensors and intraoral appliances. Advances in incorporation of microfluidic devices into intraoral appliances for oral and general health theranostics will have potential market opportunities for non-academic participants in the Project and will have significant benefit for improving health and quality of life of European and global society.