ERC COMET

On-demand COMmunication between fluorescent organic nanoparticles through Energy Transfer

Project summary :

Biosensors are powerful tools that can detect biological or chemical analytes and convert them into measurable signals. Real-time detection is important for many applications. Funded by the European Research Council, the COMET project will develop innovative optical biosensors based on communicating nanoparticles whose response is modulated by the presence of analytes, especially opioids. Specifically, the project will investigate the self-assembly of fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) with a biological recognition moiety in water. The FONs will be integrated into nano-constructions to enable energy transfer between donor and acceptor FONs. Stimuli-responsive biosensors will be designed based on the triggered disruption of these nano-assemblies by opioids. This new generation of continuous ratiometric biosensors will have significant implications for point-of-care and bio-imaging medicine.