AquaBioSens develops handheld devices to measure aquatic hazards and pollution, supporting the EU Mission to “Restore our ocean and waters by 2030”. The devices use novel analytics, such as immunoassays, environmental RNA quantification, and whole cell biosensors, coupled with advanced sensors, such as acoustic biosensors, fluorimetry, and organ-on-chip devices. The devices are low-cost, accessible, and connected to the web. They will be tested and validated in coastal and freshwater sites in the UK, Ireland, and Greece, and disseminated to the international community. AquaBioSens aims to commercialize the new technologies.
Duration
01/2024 to 12/2026
Programme
HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
HORIZON-CL6-2023-ZEROPOLLUTION-01
Reference
101135432
WP1: Device Design and farbrication
Task 1.1 Organic contaminant and algal toxin concentration and extraction
Task 1.2 SAW device for organic contaminant immunoassays
Task 1.3 Fluidic device for cell lysis and mRNA preconcentration
Task 1.4 Device for isothermal real-time RNA amplification and multi-channel fluorescence detection
Task 1.5 Fabrication of microfluidic device for fish gill cell epithelia growth and TER measurements
Task 1.6 Smartphone apps for device operation
WP2 Immuno-SAW sensing for organic contaminants and biotoxins
Task 2.1 Recombinant antibody development towards bifenthrin
Task 2.2 Antibody assay development and optimization
Task 2.3 Biofunctionalization of the device surface and acoustic immunoassay
Task 2.4 Optimise solvent concentrations for SAW assays
Task 2.5 Optimization with simulated samples in laboratory^
WP3 Immuno-SAW sensing for organic contaminants and biotoxins
Task 3.1 Identify target genes for assays
Task 3.2 Develop RNA amplification assays with stored reagents and crude samples
Task 3.3 Develop cell lysis and selective mRNA preconcentration
Task 3.4 Optimization with simulated samples on the eRNA analyzer device
WP4 Fish gill whole cell metal biosensing on chip
Task 4.1 Fish Gill Cell culture System
Task 4.2 Zn toxicity effects on membrane integrity
Task 4.3 Zn toxicity assay with fluorescence read-out
Task 4.4 Metal toxicity assays with gene expression read-out
Task 4.5 Testing with simulated samples
WP5 Diatom whole cell biosensors for multiplexed heavy metal quantification
Task 5.1 Identify P. tricornutum and T. pseudonana cadmium and nickel responsive promoters
Task 5.2 Clone genetic elements and test reporter genes performance in episomal P. tricornutum and T. pseudonana modular, extrachromosomal expression libraries
Task 5.3 Assess biocontainment of the diatom Cd/Ni WCBs
Task 5.4 Test performances of the diatom Cd/Ni WCBs on the multi-channel fluorescence detection hand-held device in laboratory conditions
WP6 Field testing of technologies
Task 6.1 Field testing of the Immuno-SAW device
Task 6.2 Field testing of the eRNA analyzer
Task 6.3 Field testing of fish gill WCB device
Task 6.4 Field testing of diatom WC sensing
WP7 Digital real-time data feeds
Task 7.1 Software architecture definition
Task 7.2 Software development
Task 7.3 Test and data public release
WP8 Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication
Task 8.1 Develop a project info website
Task 8.2 Create a dissemination, communication and exploitation
Task 8.3 Provide digital promotion materials, news articles and create web advertising banners to promote AquaBioSens
Task 8.4 Definition of the long-term pathways to impact and creation of an exploitation plan
Task 8.5 Participate in relevant Biotechnology, Environmental & industry networking events, webinars, fairs, expos and conferences to promote AquaBioSens
Task 8.6 Create public “policy briefs” documents
WP9 Management
Task 9.1 Establish the project management group
Task 9.2 Arrange and report on all project meetings
Task 9.3 Management of project risks
Task 9.4 Report production
Task 9.5 Data management plan (DMP)
Task 9.6 Synergies with other funded projects