National Institute for Research and Development of
Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM)
Development of an experimental demonstrator for monitoring the presence of (bio)toxins in regional aquifer ecosystems
Contractor: National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Project Type: PN IV: Programul 5.7 – Parteneriat pentru Inovare
Project Code: PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-0052
Contract No.: 129 PED / 2025
Project Duration: 24 months (05.05.2025 – 04.05.2027)
Project Leader:
Dr. Ioana-Andreea Brezeștean
National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Isotopic and Molecular Technologies Department
67-103 Donat St., 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
E-mail: ioana.brezestean@itim-cj.ro
Phone: (+40)264-584037, ext. 217
Project abstract
The DemROTox project offers an innovative and efficient solution in the field, namely the development of an experimental demonstrator able to monitor by SERS spectroscopy the presence of (bio) toxins in natural water samples collected from regional aquifers. Starting from a SERS-based proof-of-principle proven for organic pollutants in previous environmental applications, we will design and test a miniaturized device with high sensitivity for cyanotoxins. The CO and Partner both demonstrate previous experience in implementing real-life analyses, based either on spectroscopic or biochemical profiling of water samples. The joint expertise is supporting all planned activities, starting from TRL 2 towards validating the experimental demonstrator for (bio)toxins, in laboratory conditions (TRL 4) for natural groundwaters collected regionally and periodically.
The estimated results by the end of the project are the final miniaturized device, obtained after several optimization steps, a study consisting of conventional (pH, conductivity, etc) analyses of regional water sources and SERS database on their spectroscopic profiling, a Workshop dedicated to the scientific community and the economic agents and ultimately a Patent pending application for the experimental demonstrator. The project is considered a minimum-risk collaboration due to the previous experience and expertise of the team members in similar environmental applications.
Objectives
Main objective
This project proposes a proof-of-principle demonstration for highly sensitive detection of (bio)toxins with minimal sample preparation: ‘mix and detect’ for routine on-site measurements. Overall, we aim to make our surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection platform highly suitable for point-of-need sensing in different water bodies: lakes, brackish water or groundwater during strong algal blooms that can lead to (bio)toxin secretion. The water samples will be monitored using a laser line selected for resonance with the cyano-bio-elements. The efficiency of the sensor will be quantified by its selectivity, response time, limit of detection (LOD) and linear detection range, relative standard deviation (RSD)
Project activities implementation – workflow.
Specific objectives
- Design and development of a simple, flexible and miniaturized device for the detection of bio(toxins) in regional aquifers, selected together with our Partner MINESA (in Transylvania – Romania).
- Detection and quantification of bio(toxins) in water samples using in-house fabricated nanopatterned SERS substrates obtained in our laboratory and in correlation with the analyses provided by the Partner.
- Laboratory evaluation of performance and feasibility of the experimental demonstrator as a handheld portable SERS-active platform developed in collaboration with the Partner, for on-site water quality analysis.