3Ps – Plastic-Antibodies, Plasmonics and Photovoltaic-Cells: on-site screening of cancer biomarkers made possible

The project 3Ps – Plastic-Antibodies, Plasmonics and Photovoltaic-Cells: on-site screening of cancer biomarkers made possible, received about 1 million euros through the European Research Council – Starting Grant program.

As cancer diseases continue to be a major public health concern, this project introduces a new concept of cancer detection, diagnosis and monitoring at the place of care. The instrument under development will combine the selectivity of the antibodies as sensor material with the operating autonomy of a photovoltaic cell, equipped with plasmonic structures to increase cellular efficiency. The instrument will be easily operable and applicable to the most frequent forms of cancerous diseases.

The project has a duration of 60 months, and will take place at the facilities of the Polytechnic of Porto – School of Engineering, under the leadership of CINTESIS-ISEP.

This project presents a new concept for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of cancer biomarker patterns in point-of-care. The device under development will make use of the selectivity of the plastic antibodies as sensing materials and the interference they will play on the normal operation of a photovoltaic cell.

Plastic antibodies will be designed by surface imprinting procedures. Self-assembled monolayer and molecular imprinting techniques will be merged in this process because they allow the self-assembly of nanostructured materials on a “bottom-up” nanofabrication approach. A dye-sensitized solar cell will be used as photovoltaic cell. It includes a liquid interface in the cell circuit, which allows the introduction of the sample (also in liquid phase) without disturbing the normal cell operation. Furthermore, it works well with rather low cost materials and requires mild and easy processing conditions. The cell will be equipped with plasmonic structures to enhance light absorption and cell efficiency.

The device under development will be easily operated by any clinician or patient. It will require ambient light and a regular multimeter. Eye detection will be also tried out.

European Research Council – Starting Grant

998,584.00 €

998,584.00 €

Goreti Sales (PI)

http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/106352_en.html

Latest update: 31 December 2017