In response to practical health and environmental monitoring needs, this project focuses on developing affordable, portable lab-on-a-chip devices for reliable, on-site testing. By reducing reliance on expensive laboratory equipment, the project aims to provide faster results and make testing more practical and accessible to users. To achieve this, the team is working to integrate molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) with the sensors used in these devices. These synthetic materials are designed to recognize and capture specific target molecules.
For personal health monitoring, one application focuses on detecting cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. The aim is to make stress monitoring more convenient and less invasive. For environmental monitoring, the same technology is being adapted to detect PFAS, a group of persistent chemicals, in water. On-site PFAS testing could provide data to support local water-quality management and efforts to protect public health.
Technology development focuses on achieving consistent, reliable measurements in real-world samples, where other substances can interfere with detection. The stability and affordability of nanoMIPs could help reduce testing costs and support the development of devices for health and environmental monitoring.
