Cork scientists to lead new biosensor development in UCC

A new EU-funded project, led by Tyndall National Institute, based at University College Cork, is developing cutting-edge ‘biosensors’ that use bacteria to detect harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment.

‘Forever chemicals’, including a group of persistent pollutants known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are increasingly found in our environment and pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems.

Used in everyday items like cookware, cosmetics, and food packaging, PFAS resist degradation and can remain in soil and water for decades.

These chemicals fall under the broader category of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which also includes pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and endocrine-disrupting pollutants.

Their presence threatens the integrity of natural resources and has been linked to cancer, high cholesterol, reproductive issues, hormonal disruption, and weakened immunity.

Funded by the European Commission, the BIOSENSEI project brings together 10 partners from across Europe to create real-time, multiplexed, end-to-end biosensors that will detect ‘forever chemicals’ in the environment. These sensors will be deployed in real-world settings, marking the first time cellular biosensors are used outside laboratory environments.

BIOSENSEI is developing scalable biosensors for water and soil applications. These sensors will use adapted microbes to detect pollutants. The cellular responses will be captured by silicon chip-based transducers, enabling highly sensitive and reliable detection.

Professor Alan O’Riordan, head of the precision electrochemical nanosensor group at Tyndall, said: “This is an exciting new chapter in the development of sensor technology here at Tyndall.

“The partners involved in this project represent world domain experts in their field and it is a privilege to be working with them on such an important development, which will protect future generations.”