PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1942 (662/2022)

The main goal of the project consists in the development of cost-effective and robust miniaturized opto-electrosensitive platforms based on an innovative nanomaterial, with enhanced electrochemical, optical and mechanical properties, for specific and sensitive determination of biogenic amines (BAs) in food. Tailored functionalization of FL with active functional groups provides a favorable microenvironment for immobilization of bioreceptors. The innovation of the AMI-FOOD project results from the combination of tailored functionalized FL nanomaterial with a highly sensitive opto-electrochemical detection method, electrochemiluminescence (self-ECL).

National authority:

Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation - UEFISCDI

Implementation period:

23/06/2022-23/06/2024

Budget:

598.795 lei

Project Director:

Dr. chim. Ana-Maria Gurban

Partners

The specific objectives of the project are:

• To develop a novel FL nanomaterial with tailored structure and enhanced functionality, electrochemical and optical properties;
• To develop bioselective layers based on FL and specific aptamers, with higher stability, selectivity and sensitivity for histamine and histidine determination;
• To develop miniaturized opto-electrosensitive bioanalytical tools for rapid and efficient screening of BAs in food.

The originality of this project consists in the design of new versatile (apta)sensors based on the synergistic combination of FL and luminescent based nanomaterials with specific aptamers.

Phase 1 – Design, development and characterization of electrochemical sensor based on Fullerenol

Deployment period: 23.06.2022 – 31.12.2022

Activities carried out by coordinator ICECHIM

• Synthesis and characterization of the active opto-electrochemical nanomaterials;
• Design and development of the electrochemical sensor;
• Design and development of the aptasensors for amine detection (initiation);
• Assessment of biogenic amines presence and of microbial contamination in food and beverages (initiation);
• Dissemination and communication.

Activities carried out by partner Epi Sistem

• Design and development of the electrochemical sensor;
• Design and development of the aptasensors for amine detection (initiation);
• Dissemination and communication.

Phase 2 – Design, development and optimization of opto-electrochemical biosensors for biogenic amines detection

Deployment period: 01.01.2023 – 31.12.2023

Activities carried out by coordinator ICECHIM

• Design and development of opto-electrochemical apatasensors for BAs detection (completion);
• Assessment of microbial contamination of food samples (completion);
• Characterization of opto-electrochemical aptasensors for biogenic amines detection;
• Realization of the experimental model of opto-electrochemical aptasensors for amines integrated in the detection cell and optimization of the analytical parameters;
• Dissemination and communication.

Activities carried out by partner Epi Sistem

• Design and development of opto-electrochemical apatasensors for BAs detection (completion);
• Characterization of opto-electrochemical aptasensors for biogenic amines detection;
• Development and optimization of opto-electrochemical detection cell;
• Realization of the experimental model of opto-electrochemical aptasensors for amines integrated in the detection cell and optimization of the analytical parameters;
• Dissemination and communication.

Phase 3 – Realization of the experimental model of the portable system based on opto-electrochemical aptasensors and demonstration of its functionality

Deployment period: 01.01.2024 – 23.06.2024

Activities carried out by coordinator ICECHIM

• Realization of the experimental model of the portable system for amines monitoring in food;
• Demonstration of functionality in controlled conditions of the portable system based on aptasensors for BAs assessment in food samples;
• Dissemination and communication.

Activities carried out by partner Epi Sistem

• Realization of the experimental model of the portable system for amines monitoring in food;
• Demonstration of functionality in controlled conditions of the portable system based on aptasensors for BAs assessment in food samples;
• Dissemination and communication.

This project will give the opportunity to develop the first integrated opto-electrosensitive platform for miniaturized bioanalytical tools to be used for sensitive and selective detection of BAs in food. AMI-FOOD will contribute to the improvement of the quality of life and to a considerable progress in the field of functional nanomaterials for sensing applications. This project will have a high socio-economic impact on the safety food and health quality, contributing to reducing and eliminating the contaminated food from the market.

Expected project results are:

1. Innovative nanomaterials based on tailored functionalized FL;
2. Highly sensitive and selective biosensing material based on FL and aptamers;
3. Prototype of opto-electrosensitive platforms based on FL and specific aptamers for BAs determination in food;
4. Optimized method for BAs detection in food by using the developed FL-aptamer based bioanalytical tools.