Background
The geo-located acquired data are submitted to an on-line learning platform and processed, transmitting threats and hazard data to authorized personnel and generating alerts on the incident scene in real time.
The innovative microdevices for detection and identification are integrated in low weight hand-held Raman equipment, specifically customized to overcome the common operational limitations of first responders, compatible with Personnel Protective Equipment PPE and respirators, easy to use and maintain with low cost of consumables. The robust, reliable, ultrasensitive lab on chips (LoCs) for on-site detection of chemical threats in gas and liquids are based on Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The customized Raman spectrometer will combine geo-location and communication technologies specifically adapted for the rapid screening of the incident scene. This miniaturized platform could be also mounted on robotic units to inform operational command on possible chemical agents in preparation of entering the incident scene where the deployment of personnel is difficult.
These SERS LoCs and the adapted Raman are also envisioned as complimentary forensics tools and technologies that can be used: i) “on scene” to determine the chemical nature of a sample in order to collect it for further laboratory analysis or dismiss it; or ii) “in a laboratory environment” for profiling chemical agents released at an incident and to identify signatures for improved attribution.
Approach
The goal of this WP is to demonstrate how the combination of SERS based sensing technologies –implemented in WP2 and WP3– with hand held Raman spectrometers and decision algorithms trained by artificial intelligence methods –implemented in WP4 and WP5 should operate to become a reliable operational tool in the future, based on experts’feedback and steering of the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) demonstrations undertaken in this WP.
The main goal of WP2 is to develop high performance, low-cost, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates with the following properties: (1) Selectivity: the substrates are functionalized with nanoporous partition layers, specific terminal groups, or selective molecular “probes” for direct/indirect SERS-based monitoring of toxic industrial compounds and chemical warfare agents; (2) Easy integration: the substrates can be integrated into portable microfluidic sampling units (WP3), (3) Spatial SERS response uniformity: synthesis and assembly and/or microfabrication-functionalization protocols of the plasmonic nanostructures enable a precise control over the location, geometry, and density of hot spots at 1 cm2 scale area leading to stable, consistent, reproducible and homogeneous SERS response (less than 5% in variation); (4) Durability: shelf life >3 years when stored at certain conditions; and (5) Scalability: the fabrication process is highly scalable, i.e. compatible with high volume manufacturing process flows for cost effectiveness.
This work package is led by UNIZAR, with support from Cinbio, IDUN, FOI, UTWENTE, and Silmeco
WP3 is aimed at integrating the SERS substrates provided by Tasks 2.1-2.3 into novel engineering lab on chip (LoC) units and evaluating their molecular detection performance for certain TICs and simulants of CWAs dispersed in multicomponent liquid or gas mixtures at relevant conditions.
This work package is led by IDUN, with support from UNIZAR, UTWENTE, FOI, Silmeco and Cinbio.
The primary goal of this WP is to develop a complete software package with cloud computing and artificial intelligence. It is now possible to acquire single SERS spectra and /or large-area SERS Raman maps at high speeds and combined with the right statistical methods, there is an opportunity to improve SERS spectral analysis and the procedure to identify uknown compounds. Thus, the WP aims at advancing statistical SERS spectral analysis, by replacing the current state-of-the-art pipeline of signal processing algorithms by an AI based statistical model. The model will be optimized end-to-end using modern artificial intelligence known as machine learning / deep learning. The model will be optimized directly towards the final purpose of detecting/identifying or estimating the concentration of components in the analyte.
This work package is led by INDUN and supported by SERSTECH.
The main goal of this work package is to develop the SERSing add-ons to be readily analysed using hand-held Raman spectrometer. This would allow solid installation of detectors in critical places to monitor presence of CWAs in air or water, e.g. governmental facilities or fresh water reservoirs. In addition, it would be possible to equip personnel with hand-held devices to identify potential chemical threats directly in the field when TICs or CWAs is suspected to be present. This work will include both hardware construction for SERS surface mounting as well as software development. A crucial step in SERS analysis is to ascertain that the analyzing beam of the used Raman spectrometer (Serstech 100 Indicator as a starting point) interacts with the plasmonic substrate where the target molecules are presumably retained. Metrics for this WP is detection and positive identification of TICs and CWAs present in air or liquid phase attempted in WP1, tasks 1.2, 1.3 & 1.4 using the developed hardware together with databases, created in WP 4.
This work package is led by SERSTECH and supported by INDUN, Silmeco, and U Twente.
The objective of WP6 is to run an effective project management for the “SERSing” consortium. Furthermore, the project management team will prepare the key governance and project management meetings, will advise the consortium leadership in the preparation of these meetings, and will participate in coordination meetings with “ENCIRCLE” representatives. WP6 will be the connecting link between all the WPs, ensuring engagement of all relevant partners, whilst monitoring their progress. WP6 will support and coordinate all activities across the WPs to ensure the timely completion of deliverables and milestones. The coordinator (SIL) will be responsible for contract management (Grant Agreement and amendments, including handling of IPR issues), and reviews and management of payments.
The objective of WP7 is to ensure compliance with the ‘ethics requirements’ set out in this work package.
This work package is led by Silmeco and supported by all other partners.
