Multi-user Equipment approved in grant 23/00246-1: SPELECRAMAN

• Grant number: 24/06789-0
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Duration: September 01, 2024 - August 31, 2031
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Mauro Bertotti
• Grantee: Mauro Bertotti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/00246-1 - Miniaturized large-scale devices for in-situ analysis: fabrication, characterization and applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

The research project focuses on the fabrication and implementation of integrated miniaturized systems for the online monitoring of chemical species of environmental, biological, industrial, and clinical interest. The proposed devices will consist of miniaturized electrochemical, physical, and optical sensors, and emphasis will be given to constructing prototypes with high robustness and compatibility for large-scale production, so they can be used in routine analysis. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensors concerning the target molecules depend on the nature of the samples, and enhanced performance can be achieved with platforms designed using new materials and nanomaterials. Sensors that operate under real conditions, for a long time, and without loss of response are desired. In special cases, the coupling of these devices to microfluidic systems will consist of a relevant strategy to enable the detection of more complex samples with greater precision and analytical frequency. The main aspects are: i. miniaturized sensors for obtaining in situ and real-time chemical information on systems of biological interest; ii. combination of paper substrates and other materials with microfluidic structures; iii. Sensors built on flexible platforms compatible with monitoring directly on the human body and plant leaves (wearable devices) for health and precision agriculture applications, respectively; iv. disposable sensors manufactured on a large scale for environmental, industrial, and food applications; and v. new accessible and scalable clinical diagnostic tools. In the presented scenario, the project is fully aligned with some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (AU)