Project R-6306

Towards disposable diagnostic sensors for small molecules based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers using the Heat Transfer Method (Research)

Label-free sensors based on electrical, mechanical and optical transduction methods have applications in numerous areas of society, ranging from healthcare to environmental monitoring. Despite the need, translation of biosensors from research laboratories to actual applications has remained limited to few examples. The past decade an interesting approach toward the use of synthetic receptors has been represented by the use of molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs. These MIPs are very convenient for the development of sensors and assays because the ease of integration of the receptors is more robust compared to biological receptors. There are various readout techniques which can be used for the detection of small molecules using MIPs. But the recently developed heat-transfer method (HTM) is a promising technique. The methodology is based on changes in heat-transfer resistance at a functionalized solid liquid interface. The latest results show a tremendous potential of this sensor platform. However further steps have to been considered in order to use this platform in the field. The proposal has three major objectives in order to get more insight towards future valorisation of these type of sensors. First the HTM technique has to be improved and miniaturised. Next the integration of the synthetic receptors has to be translated towards a more industrial ready technique. Finally, the sensor setup has to be translated towards a fully scalable and reproducible lab-on-chip device.

01 October 2015 - 30 September 2019