Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SALSETH (Innovative bio-inspired sensors and microfluidic devices for saliva-based theranostics of oral and systemic diseases)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-12-01 do 2024-11-30
The problem/issue being addressed. To provide and maintain the appropriate oral hygiene and consequently general health, it is necessary to develop biodegradable sensors and intraoral appliances based on microfluidics technology with natural fluids (essential oils).
Importance for society. One of the goals of the SALSETH project is the development of new intraoral appliances for oral and systematic theranostics, which is crucial for improving oral and systemic human health. The intraoral appliance should be developed utilizing microfluidic techniques, as the space available in the oral cavity is relatively small. The device must be fabricated using non-toxic materials. Digestible or biodegradable materials would be a good direction. Each appliance should be dedicated to an individual user, meaning that it could be disposable.
The overall project objective is to create an international and inter-sectoral network of leading organisations working on a joint research programme in the domains of novel biodegradable sensors, microfluidic devices and essential oils for theranostics (therapy + diagnostic) in oral and systemic diseases.
Three Specific Research Objectives (SROs) have been achieved:
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) have been achieved:
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. One of the goals of the SALSETH project is the development of new intraoral appliances for oral and systematic theranostics, which is crucial for improving oral and systemic human health. The intraoral appliance should be developed utilizing microfluidic techniques, as the space available in the oral cavity is relatively small. The device must be fabricated using non-toxic materials. Digestible or biodegradable materials would be a good direction. Each appliance should be dedicated to an individual user, meaning that it could be disposable.
The overall project objective is to create an international and inter-sectoral network of leading organisations working on a joint research programme in the domains of novel biodegradable sensors, microfluidic devices and essential oils for theranostics (therapy + diagnostic) in oral and systemic diseases.
Three Specific Research Objectives (SROs) have been achieved:
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) have been achieved:
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
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.
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.
Progress beyond the state of the art. The SALSETH consortium developed:
(1) edible substrate for sensors processed from worms and carbonized banana peel and mango leaf;
(2) the first 3D printed lab-on-disc for centrifugal generation of oil-in-water droplets;
(3) the formulation of rosemary essential oil nanoemulsions with low-energy emulsification, which is a more cost-effective method than the high-energy emulsification method.
The socio-economic impact. The SALSETH results are of paramount importance for improving oral and systemic health of EU and worldwide citizens, providing biodegradable sensors, microfluidic intraoral appliances and essential oils which can be exploitable in the dental medicine and healthcare sector, with high commercialization potential.
The wider societal implications. The performed research within SALSETH is important for solving societal challenges and improving health of EU citizens using edible sensors and intraoral appliances. Advances in incorporation of microfluidic devices into intraoral appliances for oral and general health theranostics 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.
(1) edible substrate for sensors processed from worms and carbonized banana peel and mango leaf;
(2) the first 3D printed lab-on-disc for centrifugal generation of oil-in-water droplets;
(3) the formulation of rosemary essential oil nanoemulsions with low-energy emulsification, which is a more cost-effective method than the high-energy emulsification method.
The socio-economic impact. The SALSETH results are of paramount importance for improving oral and systemic health of EU and worldwide citizens, providing biodegradable sensors, microfluidic intraoral appliances and essential oils which can be exploitable in the dental medicine and healthcare sector, with high commercialization potential.
The wider societal implications. The performed research within SALSETH is important for solving societal challenges and improving health of EU citizens using edible sensors and intraoral appliances. Advances in incorporation of microfluidic devices into intraoral appliances for oral and general health theranostics 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.