SafeBioChain Objectives

The SafeBioChain project aims to achieve: 1) Development of a customized MXene-based nanomaterial with enhanced electrochemical, optical, and mechanical properties and functionality; 2) Development of bioselective layers based on customized MXenes and specific aptamers, exhibiting high stability, selectivity, and sensitivity for the detection of drug residues; 3) Design of an integrated wide-spectrum bioanalytical system to be made available to all entities involved in the food chain, providing the possibility of easy “self-monitoring” of drug residues in marketed food products; 4) Development of miniaturized and portable biosensing instruments for the rapid and efficient screening of drug residues (e.g. sulfadimethoxine, ciprofloxacin and ractopamine) in food, with higher sensitivity and specificity compared to existing commercial products.

Stage 1 – Design, development, and characterization of the MXene-based electrochemical (bio)sensor and the portable biosensing device for the detection of drug residues

Implementation period: 05/05/2025 – 31/12/2025

Activities carried out by the coordinator (ICECHIM):

1. Synthesis and characterization of optically and electrochemically active nanomaterials;
2. Design, development, characterization, and optimization of the customized MXene-based electrochemical sensor;
3. Design and development of the bioanalytical format for drug residue detection;
4. Evaluation of contamination with drug residues and microorganisms in food samples (activity initiated);
5. Characterization and optimization of MXene-based aptasensors for the detection of sulfadimethoxine, ciprofloxacin, and ractopamine (activity initiated);
6. Dissemination and communication of project results.

Activities carried out by the partner (Epi Sistem):

1. Design, development, characterization, and optimization of the customized MXene-based electrochemical sensor;
2. Design of the portable opto-electrochemical detection system;
3. Development of the portable bioanalytical system based on aptasensors;
4. Development of the initial setup of the portable detection system.

Stage 2 – Development and optimization of the portable biosensing device for sensitive and selective detection of drug residues

Implementation period: 01/01/2026 – 31/12/2026

Activities carried out by the coordinator (ICECHIM):

1. Optimization of the bioanalytical format for drug residue detection (activity completed);
2. Characterization and optimization of MXene-based aptasensors for the specific and selective detection of sulfadimethoxine, ciprofloxacin, and ractopamine (activity completed);
3. Evaluation of contamination with drug residues and microorganisms in food samples (activity completed);
4. Optimization of the portable opto-electrochemical monitoring system for drug residues;
5. Development of experimental models of aptasensors for sulfadimethoxine, ciprofloxacin, and ractopamine integrated into the portable detection system, and optimization of analytical performance;
6. Development of an experimental model of the portable system for drug residue monitoring;
7. Demonstration of the functionality of the portable aptasensor-based system for drug residue detection in food under controlled conditions (activity initiated);
8. Dissemination and communication of project results.

Activities carried out by the partner (Epi Sistem):

1. Optimization of the portable opto-electrochemical monitoring system for drug residues;
2. Development of experimental models of aptasensors for sulfadimethoxine, ciprofloxacin, and ractopamine integrated into the portable detection system, and optimization of analytical performance;
3. Development of an experimental model of the portable system for drug residue monitoring;
4. Dissemination and communication of project results.

Stage 3 – Development of the experimental model of the portable system based on opto-electrochemical aptasensors and demonstration of its functionality

Implementation period: 01/01/2027 – 04/05/2027

Activities carried out by the coordinator (ICECHIM):

1. Demonstration of the functionality of the portable aptasensor-based system for drug residue detection in food under controlled conditions;
2. Dissemination and communication of project results.

Activities carried out by the partner (Epi Sistem):

1. Demonstration of the functionality of the portable aptasensor-based system for drug residue detection in food under controlled conditions;
2. Dissemination and communication of project results.

Results

The SafeBioChain project brings a major innovative contribution to the field of food safety by combining functionalized MXene-type nanomaterials with advanced electrochemical and optical detection methods. Its originality lies in the development of versatile aptasensors created through the synergistic integration of customized MXenes with specific aptamers, capable of identifying veterinary drug residues such as sulfadimethoxine, ciprofloxacin, and ractopamine in food products with high sensitivity and selectivity.

The main outcome of the project will be the first integrated, portable electro- and opto-sensitive platform dedicated to the rapid and accurate monitoring of contaminants within the food chain, providing an essential tool for ensuring food quality and safety for consumers.

Expected project results:

1. Innovative MXene-based nanomaterials;

2. MXene–aptamer-based biomaterials with high sensitivity and selectivity;

3. Prototype of an opto-electrosensitive platform based on MXenes and specific aptamers for the detection of drug residues in food;

4. Optimized methods for drug residue detection in food using MXene–aptamer-based bioanalytical tools.