The center of microtechnologies (ZfM) is a research center at the Technische Universität Chemnitz, active in the fields of advanced technologies for microelectronics, microsystems and silicon micromachining as well as nanotechnologies. We have more than 30 years of experience in the field of wafer processing for system integration using top-down technologies in combination with around 1000 m² of clean room environment.

In addition to the honorable task of project coordination of DeDNAed, the ZfM will be responsible for the integration of the DNA origami hybrids on different surfaces to enable characterization and application of the biosensor platform. We are developing a suitable thin-film system on silicon wafers with optimized surface properties using CVD, electron beam lithography and plasma etching in order to create binding points that are adapted to the small sizes of DNA origami in the range of 100 nm and less. The process of self-organized selective surface immobilization of the DNA origami hybrid structures is also implemented by the ZfM, based on the knowledge that has been gained in the field of the bottom-up technologies and especially their surface integration in recent years through various projects and collaborations (cfaed, MERGE, Bio4Comp, …) for CNTs, QDs and DNA origami. This includes, next to silicon-based substrates, also flexible ones such as polymers or paper on which DNA origami hybrid structures will be deposited using the Langmuir-Blodgett process.

The Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials- CIC biomaGUNE, is a non-profit research organization created to promote scientific research and technological innovation in the Basque Country (Spain). CIC biomaGUNE develops high-level research at the interface between chemistry, physics, and biology, with particular emphasis on the properties and applications of nanostructures at the biomolecular level.

In particular, the Biomolecular Nanotechnology group led by Prof. Aitziber L. Cortajarena, focuses on the engineering of biomolecules towards the generation of functional nanostructures and bioinspired materials for applications in nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine. Within the group principal investigator Dr. Valery Pavlov leads the Biosensing research line involved in DeDANed. He has extensive experience in selection and synthesis of DNA aptamers for several target proteins and its application for development of highly sensitive and specific analytical assays.

Our contribution to the DeDNAed project will be the design, synthesis, and characterization of different sensing biorecognition elements (antibodies and DNA aptamers) in pure state and modified with metallic and semiconductor atomic clusters. We will also design, synthesize, and provide metallic nanoparticles of different size and shape as amplifiers of optical read out signals.

The Kurt-Schwabe-Institut für Mess- und Sensortechnik Meinsberg e.V. (KSI Meinsberg) is responsible for the design, the synthesis and the structural characterization of DNA origami. Additionally, the synthesis of DNA origami hybrids, and thus, the arrangement of recognition elements and nanoparticles in envisioned position for SERS measurements, is a main task of KSI in the project. The structural characterization of the sensor assembly as a whole will be performed at KSI, too.

The Institute of Molecules and Materials of Le Mans (IMMM) will be in charge of the characterization of the optical and plasmonic properties of the nanostructures included in the bioanalytical platform. The Institute will also determine the SERS efficiency and the sensing performances of the platform. Finally, it will be involved in the validation of the sensor for food and biomedical applications.

The role of the group of Molecular Bioanalytics and Bioelectronics at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biology at University Potsdam is to benchmark the methodological progress of the project against established methods. Hence, sensor results will be validated in our labs by using standard methods. Here, we focus on microtiter plate-based analyses as well as kinetic measurements for system validation.

TECNALIA Research & Innovation is a private, independent, non-profit applied research centre of international excellence. TECNALIA is the leading private and independent research and technology organization in Spain and one of the largest in Europe, whose mission is to transform technology into GDP to improve people’s quality of life, by creating business opportunities for companies, being member of BRTA (Basque Research and Technology Alliance).

The main tasks of the Biomaterials Area of TECNALIA in the present project will be the incorporation of the ACs inside of antibodies, the screening of oriented immobilization of antibodies on surfaces, functionalization of flexible polymer for DNA origami immobilization and validation of the system for IL-6 detection. In parallel, Tecnalia will participate in the definition of the exploitation strategy of results.

BioNanoNet Forschungsgesellschaft mbH is a non-profit research organization, specialized in international R&D&I collaboration that supports and guides its members and customers towards a sustainable development of connected technologies. The core of BNN activities and expertise are based on: (a) Building alliances and initiatives, (b) Technical support based on Safe-by-Design and sustainability aspects, supporting the development of materials, processes and products (e.g. safety and sustainability aspects along the value chain, nano-related safety-assessment, Safety-by-Design and Sustainability-by-Design implementation), (c) Innovation support and management, and (d) Complementary business support (e.g. high-quality project management in multidisciplinary projects on international level, dissemination and communication support, proven experience in organizing workshops and scientific trainings).

Within DeDNAed, BNN will be engaged in Dissemination and Exploitation tasks, such as constructing and maintaining the project’s website as well as preparing and implementing the dissemination strategy. Moreover, BNN will be involved in the Coordination and Management of the project, for instance with the development of the project quality plan. Finally, BNN will develop a Safe-by-Design concept, considering nano- and biosafety aspects.