Biohybrid DNA: Metal quantum cluster-based sensor platform technology

Current biosensors are limited in terms of cost, sensitivity, and the ability to perform multiple analyses. These limitations pose challenges for Germany's competitiveness and innovative strength. The project aims to investigate a new disruptive biohybrid technology as a biosensor for industrial application for the first time.

The BioQuant project aimed to develop a novel sensor platform based on DNA-stabilized metal quantum clusters (QC:DNA). This technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of analyzing product contaminants such as toxins and drug residues, thereby promoting competitiveness in a sustainable bioeconomy.

By combining their expertise in molecular biology, chemistry, engineering, and sensor technology, the project partners aimed to overcome the existing limitations of current lab-on-a-chip technologies, which are important diagnostic tools in the industrial bioeconomy and healthcare. The technology was to be demonstrated using the example of rapid and specific detection of contaminants, highlighting its potential for application in the food, water, and healthcare industries, where rapid, cost-effective, and accurate analyses are required.

Die  Projektpartner sollten durch das vereinen ihrere Expertise in den Bereichen Molekularbiologie, Chemie, Ingenieurwesen und Sensorik in die bestehenden Grenzen der aktuellen Lab-on-a-Chip-Technologien überwinden, die in der industriellen Bioökonomie und im Gesundheitswesen als diagnostische Werkzeuge von Bedeutung sind. Am Beispiel der schnellen und spezifischen Detektion von Schadstoffen sollte die Technologie demonstriert werden und das Potential für eine Anwendung  in der Lebensmittel-, Wasser- und Gesundheitsbranche, indem sie schnelle, kosteneffiziente und präzise Analysen benötigt werden, aufgezeigt werden.