WP1: Design and manufacturing bio-inspired sensors for detection of biomarkers from saliva
he investigation of pH detection capabilities of polyaniline and composite materials involving reduced graphene oxide for salivary biosensing has been performed. The biocompatible CNT-based microfluidic salivary sensor was developed. We developed rigid and flexible substrates for sensors created from Yellow Mealworm Larvae and electrical properties of these substrates have been determined. Sustainable and environmentally friendly carbon from agriculture waste was synthesized using a tube furnace. The heating temperature and heating time were carefully controlled to ensure agricultural waste was completely transformed into carbon materials. We successfully synthesized edible materials for sensors, from banana peel and mango leaves.
WP2: Developing of microfluidics-based diagnostic and substance delivery system
We also developed a 3D printed biocompatible mouthguard with microfluidic drug dispenser. The device contains an integrated microfluidic system, which enables liquid storage, dispensing and refilling, using a teeth pressure only. The upper and lower layers of the reservoir are designed as membranes that dispense the sample when compressed by teeth clenching. Additionally, a 3D printed lab-on-disc for centrifugal generation of oil-in-water droplets was developed, with intended use for precise dilution of the EOs for intraoral application.
WP3: Making essential oils and their application using microfluidics-based intraoral appliances
We developed rosemary essential oil (REO), isolating rosemary leaves by hydrodistillation. After that, a stable nanoemulsion-based delivery system of REO intended for intraoral topical use was developed and validated. Our results will have strong implications for further design and utilization of essential oil-based nanoemulsions as delivery systems in the form of mouthwash.
WP4: Knowledge sharing
The SALSETH consortium implemented 113.6 person-months of secondments in RP2. We organized the following joint networking events devoted to the knowledge sharing among the consortium: Workshop no. 2 (no. of participants: 28), Summer school (no. of participants: 29), Innovation week (no. of participants: 20) and SALSETH final conference (no. of participants: 28).
WP5: Dissemination, exploitation and communication
We participated in Researchers night, 1 pitching competition and 7 international conferences. The SALSETH team published 10 peer-reviewed journal papers, and all papers are in green or gold open access model and can be approached through open trusted repository.
WP6: Project management and coordination
In RP2 we organized 2 SALSETH consortium management meetings. Critical risks (foreseen and unforeseen) register has been created and updated regularly, along with suggested corrective measures. We submitted 6 project deliverables on time and achieved 8 milestones.