The Physics and Chemistry of Microfluidics Gordon Research Conference took place 4 – 9 September in Tuscany, Italy. The event is a premier international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, while prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages.
The subtopic of the conference was Microscale Systems: From Physical Phenomena to Biological Applications, with a program comprising a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders, a wide range of institutions and organizations from all over the world, all interested in the latest developments in the field.
Prof. Fabiana Arduini, University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITOV) took part in the conference and presented on “Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)sensors as Smart and Sustainable Microfluidic Devices”, based on unpublished examples from RELIANCE taken from the conducted research on a microfluidics set-up for virus detection to evaluate the efficiency of the antimicrobial nanocoatings within the project. In addition to the primary talks, the conference featured poster sessions from scientists with various level of professional development. The free time in the afternoons and communal meals allowed for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field. The remote location where the five conference days were held at, fostered a sense of camaraderie and created scientific communities striving for lasting collaborations and friendships.
The XXX Conference of the Analytical Chemistry Division of the Italian Chemical Society (SCI) took place from 17 to 21 September in the Italian city of Vasto. The topics of the conference regarded the recent scientific advances in the sector of Analytical Chemistry at large. A particular focus was placed on contributions related to the development of theories, materials, methodologies, and instrumental techniques for the qualitative and quantitative compositional determination of chemical systems, design and development of (bio)sensors, advanced separation techniques, integrated analytical systems, techniques and methods of characterization and specification as well as field and remote measurements for environmental, food and medical diagnostics, and development and application of theoretical models and chemometric tools for the evaluation of the quality and significance of chemical information.
RELIANCE partners from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITOV) participated in the event and presented the project with a poster entitled “A paper-based device for surface essential oils monitoring”, which shared some preliminary results from work package seven dealing with analysis of the antimicrobial properties of the nanocoatings and the durability of the antimicrobial action under certain circumstances.
RELIANCE poster was presented as part of the Electroanalytics session. Other featured sessions that were conducted in parallel were Food, Environment and Cultural Heritage, Bioanalytic-omics, Chemometrics, Balances, Forensic, Green Chemistry, Science Separations, Sensors-Biosensors, Mass spectrometry, Spectroscopy and Toxicology – Health.
Visit our Results section to check on other poster presentations made by RELIANCE.
From 3 to 8 September, the 74th Annual International Society of Electrochemistry hosted in Lyon, France about 1800 registered participants from all over the world to present and discuss the latest developments in the field of electrochemical sensing and biosensing.
The capacity of paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors to overcome the limitations of the polyester-based ones, being able to detect the target analytes in aerosol or on the surface without any additional sampling system was demonstrated with the work conducted in RELIANCE. The paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors are used to evaluate the efficiency of the nanocoatings developed within the project, by measuring the essential oils on the surface.
The novel approach was presented in Symposium 3 “From wearable to sustainable electrochemical sensing and biosensing”, sponsored by the Divisions of Analytical Electrochemistry and Bioelectrochemistry.
Fabrics are fibrous substrates with a very larger surface area in result of which they absorb liquids very well. The large absorption of fluids can happen both by capillary effects and through molecular swelling (e.g., water uptake by interacting through hydrogen bonds with cellulose). While this is a big advantage for comfort, it is an unwanted feature when adding coatings to textiles because the coating pastes soak into the fabric, rendering uncomfortable feel and touch. In order to circumvent this, typically fluorinated pretreatments are given to the textiles in order for coatings to remain on the surface of the fabric. The figure below presents a simple method based on hydrogels that RELIANCE partner Centexbel uses to prevent protrusion of coating pastes in a fabric.
The figure illustrates the coating of a biobased PU on textiles. As the left figure illustrates, textiles can be “soaked” by a coating formulation rendering impregnated coatings with bad haptics and feel. This is prevented (right image) by pretreating the fabric with hydrogels.
An urgent need for alternatives to fluorinated chemicals
Part of the RELIANCE project focuses on the development of sustainable water repellency using fluor-free chemistries. This is important because fluorochemicals are notoriously persistent in nature. Nonetheless, fluorochemicals like PFOA and PFOS have been used extensively due to their excellent performance. In this context, fluorochemicals were increasingly popular in use until it became clear they were very persistent and barely degrade in nature. The use of PFOA/PFOS substances have been restricted in Europe by REACH under Annex XVII, and has recently been replaced by the Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants (POP) that has been in place since July 4th 2020. This novel legislation still foresees exceptions for the use of PFOA in textile applications where oil- and water repellent textiles are needed to protect employees against dangerous fluids, which include possibly pathogenic blood spat or mucosal aerosols. These applications could only make use of PFOA until July 4th 2023, indicating even the phasing out of PFOA in Europe is difficult for certain demanding applications. In most of the textile products PFOA is being replaced by perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) or other less harmful fluorochemicals. Under novel regulatory developments led by the German excellence BAuA, ECHA is currently investigating a further restriction also of PFHxS, as these components are also bio-accumulative. Even though exceptions for medical textiles are foreseen (25 ppb of PFHxS salts), it illustrates the difficulties in providing powerful alternatives for oil- and water repellency needed in protective clothing. The RELIANCE project is taking a radically different approach by using pretreatments with hydrogels.
Hydrogels efficiently prevent impregnation of coating pastes into the fabric
RELIANCE made use of hydrogel formation of certain polysaccharides when they are combined with salts. The main examples are alginate and pectin, that make hydrogels when combined with calcium ions and gellan gum that makes hydrogels when combined with natrium, potassium or calcium. We tried different approaches in which coatings can be applied on top of pretreated fabrics where a hydrogel formation occurs rapidly preventing the paste from further protruding in the fabric.
As can be seen in the image, untreated textile (on top) has an open structure, coatings help to add thin layers that add functional additives (such as antimicrobials). On non-pretreated fabrics (middle), the biobased polyurethane is impregnated throughout the fabric, while with hydrogel pretreatment (bottom), the coating layer is seen as a very thing layer on top, maintaining the looks & feel of the textile.
Next steps and optimization
In order to ensure that the coatings adhere well to the fabric, different setups have been made comparing pectin, gellan gum and alginate. Pectin proved to be unsuccessful in preventing the protrusion, but both gellan gum and alginate were very effective to achieve protective topcoatings. In a next step we tested two methods where either the hydrogel is added to the textile before coating the biobased polyurethane or whether the hydrogel forming polysaccharide could be added to the biobased polyurethane and coated on a calcium pretreated fabric. Both approaches were successful in achieving nice topcoatings, but when wash tests were performed, the first method rendered delamination of the coatings, while the second method resisted washing well.
Both samples were washed 20x, but clear delamination defects are seen at the bottom sample, while the top coating is still intact. The difference is the order of coating which shows that even though the principle is simple, care has to be taken in order to get durable coatings that resist washing.
Sustainability in protective clothing & the reliance project
Centexbel is an R&D centre for the textiles and plastics industry that has a large focus on developing sustainable methods & chemistries for textiles. For this project Centexbel works together with Alsico High tech to treat textiles with next generation antimicrobials and water-repellent chemistries suited for protective clothing. Protective clothing has an important role as it protects employees from dangerous situations (e.g. blood spat, virus particles), or it can protect production environments from human contaminations (e.g. prevent skin flakes from entering cleanrooms in electronics or production of pharmaceutical components). Alsico High Tech specializes in cleanroom clothing and has high standards in developing sustainable clothing. Alsico High Tech aims for a holistic approach for sustainable materials covering environmental, economic and social aspects of the protective clothing it develops (see Alsico’s sustainability report). But sometimes some specifications and requirements are particularly challenging. This is the case for certain classes of workwear where antimicrobial or water repellency is required. We are delighted that a consortium of companies led by Tekniker is tackling this multidisciplinary issue in the Horizon Europe project RELIANCE, where we can use the expertise of Europe’s top researchers to deal with some of the most challenging issues that our industry has to deal with.
The European BioSensor Symposium is bringing together both experienced and young scientists to discuss new insights in all aspects of biosensor research and related areas, to push forward cutting-edge ideas and novel approaches as well as to inspire for scientific exchange among all groups of participants. Its fourth edition was hosted by the University of Applied Sciences Aachen and took place in the city of Aachen, Germany from 27 to 30 August 2023.
The topics the Symposium tackled were the following:
Technologies for innovative formats such as implantable, non-invasive, single-use biosensors, and paper-based diagnostics
Bioengineered and biomimetic recognition elements
Nanotechnology, surface engineering and bioelectronics
Cell-based biosensors and single cell-based diagnostics
Advances in applications
Microfluidics and actuators for biosensing and integration
Theory, modelling and software development
Prof. Fabiana Arduini, leader of the antimicrobial characterization activities in RELIANCE was invited as plenary speaker at the Symposium where she presented an overview of the smart use of paper for the development of electrochemical biosensors, which includes the use of paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors for target analytes in solution, aerosol, and surface. In the case of RELIANCE project, we are developing paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors to evaluate the efficiency of the nano-coatings developed within the project.
The Euroanalysis biannual international conference of the Division of Analytical Chemistry of the European Chemical Societytook place in Geneva, Switzerland, 27 – 31 August, 2023. The 21st edition was jointly organized by the Division of Analytical Sciences of the Swiss Chemical Society (DAS) and the University of Geneva.
RELIANCE partners from Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture (HEIA-FR) participated in the event and presented the project with a poster entitled “Bio-based antimicrobial peptides for smart response self-disinfected surfaces”. They shared some preliminary results regarding the extraction of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from keratin from chicken feathers through the application of various hydrolysis methods. These peptides undergo detailed characterization of their bioactive properties in order to be incorporated in the unique nanoparticles RELIANCE develops. The process will be further optimized for broader porduction and acquisition of fully active AMPs, to be integrated into materials, thus driving advancement in self-disinfecting applications.
Euroanalysis provides a forum for the European Analytical World to discuss the latest developments in analytical sciences. The theme of the 2023 meeting was: Analytical Probing of Complex Systems. It reflects the urgent need to observe chemical changes in complex systems, from materials surfaces, to living cells and ecosystems, in real time and with adequate spatial resolution. The conference is problem-oriented and has an interdisciplinary spirit. It brings together researchers that work in fundamental and applied sciences, but also decision makers and people intimately familiar with the systems of interest. It actively involves people from academia, federal research institutes, industry and regulatory bodies.
As part of work package 2 activities, RELIANCE proposes the development of mesoporous inorganic nanoparticles as potential nanocontainers of bioactives, due to their high stability, biocompatibility, large specific surface area, tunable pore diameter, and easy surface functionalization. They can be obtained by sol-gel technology which offers the possibility to scale up the synthesis process due to its cost effectiveness since it does not require expensive equipment and can be applied at low processing temperatures. Additionally, the mesoporous structure of the particle allows for the possibility of adding other elements during the same manufacturing process, such as copper, which can be easily incorporated thus enabling the contact killing action of the mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The contact killing action allowed by Cu-SMIN will be combined synergistically with non-toxic biobased actives such as essential oils and antimicrobial peptides.
These particles, which have dimensions in the nanometer range, exhibit unique antimicrobial properties and once their synthesis is finalized, they can be applied in a wide range of fields, and can also be incorporated in coatings to prevent the proliferation of harmful microorganism in contact surfaces and high traffic areas.
During the first year of the project, in addition to having optimized the synthesis procedures for obtaining smart-release nanoparticles made of silica, at lab scale, we are working on the incorporation of copper and its functionalization. We are excited with these promising first results which will help our continuing fight with infections caused by bacteria, virus and fungi in the future.
Microbial colonization of surfaces burdens today’s societies by causing significant cost to human lives and the economy. Its prevention remains a global challenge for humanity and we are constantly seeking ways to reduce the transmission of microorganisms. A solution RELIANCE project works on is smart response self-disinfectant antimicrobial surfaces achieved through the design and development of a new range of antimicrobial nanocoating with a contact-killing action. The nanocoating consists of copper-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles modified with Antimicrobial Compounds based on either essential oils or amino peptides isolated from protein-containing waste streams.
Our Swiss partner Haute école d’ingénierie et d’architecture Fribourg (HEIA-FR) is responsible for identifying and isolating Antimicrobial Peptides (AMP) from chicken feathers. Millions of tons of feathers are generated annually as byproducts from the poultry industry causing serious environmental issues and impacting human health safety. Even though feathers are of interest due to their composition of 90% wt. of Keratin protein, they are still underexploited because of their high stability and resistance to common proteolysis protocols.
Therefore, within this project, the Institute of Chemical Technology at HEIA-FR aims to develop effective, profitable, and sustainable processes to use this resource and transform waste feathers into AMPs. Given the difficulty and the challenges behind this mission, three approaches are currently being investigated for the isolation of bioactive peptides with optimal bioactive properties. A screening of the best hydrolysis conditions of each approach is being evaluated and an initial bioactive peptide fraction has been isolated and successfully tested against E. Coli and S. Aureus. The antimicrobial assays are assessed by our partner UNITOV.
HEIA-FR will further develop and work out the scale-up of AMP production. Moreover, the Institute of Chemical Technology will cooperate with the Plastics Innovation Competence Center (PICC) on the anchoring of the produced AMPs to the surface of Cu-dopped mesoporous silica nanoparticles developed by TEKNIKER and further coating while utilizing the cold atmospheric plasma technology to produce smart antimicrobial coated surfaces for application in the automobile industry.
On June 22, RELIANCE partner Centexbel, leader of the work activities on the synthesis and formulation of biobased polyurethane nanocoatings and their applicaition through digital printing, presented the project at the INFOhappening Textile Coating, Finishing, Dyeing & Printing workshop. The annual event took place in Zwijnaarde, Belgium and was attended by 40 industry representatives of the coatings industry, some of who joined online.
The main objective of the workshop was to showcase to the participants innovative approaches in the textiles coating industry, new projects and associated novel technologies, interesting results and regulatory matters.
The RELIANCE project was presented with preliminary results on the activities of digital finishing. Digital finishing is a very new approach to the textiles coating and finishing industry. It allows for a decrease of the use of antimicrobials up to 90%! Digital printers apply an invisible antimicrobial finish locally, where they are needed, which is done in lower amounts, precisely controlled by digital printers. The visitors of the workshop were able to see some samples at the RELIANCE booth, assisted by the scientific experts involved in the project who properly addressed all their questions.
The fourth consortium meeting of RELIANCE, marking 12 months since the start of the project, was hosted by our partner MILLIDYNE in Finland, nestled amid lush green landscapes and crystal-clear lakes.
The event took place in a charming wooden cabin with large windows offering breathtaking views of a lake and the surrounding forest. This proved to be the perfect setting for sharing results, achieving milestones and overcoming challenges, discussing further strategies and exchanging ideas on what approaches to apply in the next stages of work activities.
Upon presentations’ conclusion, everyone was ready to enjoy some relaxing time and traditional Finnish delicacies. As the sun began to descent, the RELIANCE team took a boat trip on the lake, back to Tampere’s city center, and recharged to continue their intense work on the development of the antimicrobial nanoparticles and the incorporation of the essential oils and keratin based antimicrobial peptides.
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