LOCNANOMOT · New lab-on-a-chip microsystems based on active transport by synthetic micro/nanomotors

The IOF project LOCNANOMOT aims to design new miniaturized Lab-on-a-Chip systems for multiplexed detections using functionalized artificial micro/nanomotors modified with different receptors. To achieve this goal, a primary challenge of the outgoing phase (University of California, San Diego, USA) is the development of new receptor-functionalized catalytic micro/nanomotors capable of performing multiple nanoscale operation. The second goal will be focus on the integration of the newly developed micro/nanomotors into LOC devices. These evaluations not only contribute to the development of new LOC formats with a wide range of medical and analytical applications, but will also train the Fellow in novel and powerful research techniques. Therefore, this fellowship will provide the applicant with high level skills, which will be transferred to the return phase (University of Alcalá, Spain) in the third year, fulfilling the objectives of the ""Outgoing International Fellowship"". In this context, the primary goal of the return phase will focus on the applicability of these new devices for the isolation and detection of contaminants in foodstuffs. This project addresses one of the main thematic areas of the European Research Area of the FP7 (Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, materials and new production technologies) and is highly related to others (health and food, agriculture and biotechnology). The innovative character of this proposal lie in the integration of the active transport properties of nanomachines in LOC systems. This novel systems will lead to future new biomedical, analytical and technological applications in pathogen detection, clinical diagnosis, forensic science, DNA analysis, food safety, etc. On overall, the project will advance the development of new LOC devices, well beyond the state of the art, and will contribute to increasing European Research Area excellence and competitiveness.""