BIOSENSEI develops a real-time, multiplexed, end-to-end, tailored and reliable biosensor platform, using cellular responses, for detection of abiotic pollutants - Nutrients, Estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances); and biotic pollutants - Microcystins. Cellular biosensors from bacterial variants will be genetically engineered using, RNA-RNA interactive and type III CRISPR-Cas-mediated transduction cascades. These biosensors are encapsulated and immobilised at bi-modal transducers (nanoelectrochemical and optical) to provide highly reliable, tuneable and sensitive detection of the target pollutants. Bespoke ultra-low power analog front ends and autonomous IoT end-nodes will enable operation and data acquisition from biosensors and facilitate easy integration in existing LoRa networks enabling real-time data feeds. Neural computing algorithms are embedded on the edge to correct for sensor aging and interferents in the (bio)chemical transduction and improve sensor data accuracy. An online dashboard will be developed to allow end users to visualize data. BIOSENSEI will embed the whole R&D process within a safe-and-sustainable-by-design framework to guarantee environmental safety related to risks of potential release into the open environment. Biosensors will be scalable, adaptable to different applications in water & soil and will be deployed in four different use-cases. The consortium is vertically integrated bringing expertise in cellular biology, surface chemistry, nanoelectronics fabrication, hardware integration, regulatory and industrial sampling and artificial intelligence. BIOSENSEI directly addresses HORIZON-CL6-2023-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-6 Biosensors and user-friendly diagnostic tools for environmental services and will allow cellular biosensors to be deployed outside laboratory settings for the first time the project and has the potential to considerably contribute to fulfil EU vision on zero-pollution.

The current European plant-protein landscape is flawed. Heightened societal awareness of the environmental impact of consuming animal-based protein is driving the public’s awareness of alternative, sustainable sources of dietary protein. Yet, production systems are focussed heavily on the production of feedstock for direct transfer into animal sectors in an attempt to counter the EU’s over-dependency on imported feed. In essence, there is an absence of premium supply chains - farmers miss out on added-value opportunities that exist within the crops they already grow across Europe. There is a need to increase resilience in farming systems to mitigate against increasingly volatile climate patterns and to support farming systems to meet Farm-to-Fork strategic objectives. Built on the principles of co-creation, innovation and demonstration, VALPRO Path will design, validate and deliver sustainable and competitive plant protein crop systems and value chains. Focussed on underpinning economic value for all actors in the supply chain, it will exploit beyond state-of-the-art innovations, demonstrating and evaluating potential across 5 multi-stakeholder ‘living lab’ innovation production systems (IPSs). With strong industry involvement, the project will deliver a stronger ecosystem for plant protein production, supported with robust evidence of the social, economic, environmental, climate and health benefits. VALPRO Path will deliver new, sustainable business models, showing how focussed research can come into practice. Sustainable diversification of rotations with grain legumes will support the transition to more environmentally sustainable farming. European agriculture is at a juncture in regards to the sustainable provision of dietary protein. It can embrace opportunities presented through existing innovations that are integrated into real-life scenarios to support stakeholders realise the new market opportunities that exist for indigenous, fully traceable plant protein.