Integration of PAper-based Nucleic acid testing mEthods into Microfluidic devices for improved biosensing Applications

Twelve-member IPANEMA consortium implements competences of participating academic & industry beneficiariesand 3rd country partners to 1) create a knowledge/experience-sharing network of scientists, entrepreneurs & endusersin the multidisciplinary field of biosensors for POCT (point-of care testing); 2) develop innovative bottom-upapproaches for fabrication of low-cost POCT devices & implementation of paper-based nucleic acid testing (NAT);3) pursue applications in 3 important industry sectors – healthcare, agrifood & environmental monitoring. Research& Innovation (R&I) activities will be focused on developing low-cost paper-based isothermal NATs, their integrationinto microfluidic devices and optimization for use in a) tissue engineering b) agrifood (poultry/plant/fungal) pathogendetection c) detection of toxigenic freshwater Cyanobacteria causing harmful algal blooms. Secondments & trainingswill enable researchers to acquire both technical & soft skills needed for converting scientific knowledge & ideasinto products & services. Strong involvement of 4 SME partners from Serbia, Israel, France & US contributing theirproprietary knowledge on revolutionary novel materials for microfluidic devices & DNA extraction kits, domainexpertise in agrifood sector, unique portable sensing systems & handheld devices for isoNAT quantification, will helpresearchers focus their efforts on development of innovative products for real-life use. Several transducing methods(colorimetric, fluorescence, SPR, electrochemical, microwave & magnetic) and smartphone-based read-out methodswill be investigated for POCT use. Renowned beneficiaries including academic INRAE, WU, INESC MN, BGU,UNSPMF & BIOS together with 3rd country academic partners: Columbia University and Xi''an Jiaotong University,will provide transfer of cutting-edge knowledge and technical expertise in effect yielding good basis for long termcollaboration and joint R&I projects.