Optical sensors for detection of small organic molecules - PERFORMANCE

Project summary

• Rationale / Needs to be addressed: Detecting aldehydes, key biomarkers for diagnosing various diseases, requires innovative sensitive, specific, and rapid strategies, as current diagnostic tools are often expensive, complex, and lack accuracy, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Objectives: PERFORMANCE aims to develop hybrid plasmonic sensors using three-dimensional networks of metal nanoparticles and molecular receptors, combining surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electrochemical detection for ultrasensitive, selective, and real-time aldehyde identification.
• Potential applications: Our technology enables point-of-care diagnostics for early disease detection and monitoring, with additional uses in environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial aldehyde detection.
• Impact and potential benefits: PERFORMANCE delivers cost-effective, portable sensors that enhance healthcare outcomes, promote sustainable diagnostics, and improve global healthcare access.