AIT: Sustainable Biosensors for More Efficient Cancer Detection
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is coordinating the European research project SmartSens, which aims to develop sustainable biosensors for highly sensitive molecular diagnostics from blood samples. The technology is designed to provide a more resource-efficient, scalable and widely accessible alternative to current laboratory methods for cancer detection and monitoring.
A major advance in modern medicine is the use of so-called liquid biopsies, which allow disease-related biomarkers to be detected in blood and other body fluids without invasive procedures. These analyses complement conventional tissue biopsies and provide valuable information for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases such as cancer.
One important application is the detection of mutations in the PIK3CA gene, which are therapeutically relevant in certain forms of breast cancer. These mutations can be identified through circulating tumour DNA in blood samples.
Current analytical methods, particularly PCR-based technologies, are sufficiently sensitive to detect these small quantities of DNA. However, they require significant laboratory resources and consumable materials, limiting testing frequency and accessibility in routine clinical practice.
European Consortium for Sustainable Diagnostics
To address these challenges, AIT is leading the European project SmartSens (Advanced Materials for Sustainable Nucleic Acid Biosensing). The consortium brings together partners from Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, Türkiye and Poland with expertise in molecular diagnostics, biosensor technology, materials science, printed electronics and clinical cancer research.
The three-year project officially started on 1 June 2026 and has a total budget of €1.3 million.
New Materials for DNA Analysis
SmartSens aims to develop a flexible biosensor platform based on screen-printing technology for detecting nucleic acids in blood samples. The project combines molecular diagnostics with innovative materials and scalable manufacturing technologies.
The researchers are developing key components for electrochemical DNA analysis, including:
- Biopolymer-based materials for microfluidic structures.
- Cellulose-based materials for DNA purification.
- Novel copper materials for printed electronics.
- Non-enzymatic, label-free methods for DNA detection.
"SmartSens combines precise molecular analysis with the question of how diagnostic technologies can be further developed in a way that is efficient, functional and sustainable in terms of materials," said Eva Melnik, Senior Scientist at the AIT Center for Health and Bioresources and project coordinator.
According to the researchers, the project combines molecular precision, biosensor technology, materials development and scalable production methods to create a new generation of sustainable diagnostic platforms.
Technology Platform for Future Applications
Beyond breast cancer diagnostics, the technological components developed within SmartSens could support a broad range of future molecular diagnostic applications.
One example is the new FlexDNA (Advanced Materials for Sustainable Flexible Electronics for On-Chip PCR) project, which will begin in September 2026 with funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Coordinated by AIT and involving Austrian and Czech partners, the three-year project has a total budget of €1.77 million.
Improving Leukaemia Monitoring
FlexDNA focuses on detecting RNA molecules in blood for the diagnosis, risk assessment and molecular monitoring of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The technology aims to support personalised treatment decisions and enable earlier detection of disease recurrence.
The project will develop a flexible thermoconvection-controlled PCR chip that combines electrochemical detection methods with eco-designed electronic components, novel materials and energy-efficient electronics.
The resulting miniaturised and low-waste platform is intended to make molecular monitoring more efficient, environmentally sustainable and widely accessible. By enabling more frequent testing outside specialised laboratories, the technology could improve access to precision medicine and support earlier therapeutic interventions.