(Bio)sensors

For about twenty years, Materia Nova, in collaboration with UMONS, has been developing two types of sensors:

Resistive sensors based on organic or inorganic semiconductors, in thick or thin films, for the detection of atmospheric pollutants such as NOx, O₃, H₂, CO, NH₃, VOCs, etc.

Optical sensors for measuring environmental and bacterial parameters, as well as for quantifying oxygen, pH, CO₂, and other cell culture parameters. Development of new generations of (bio)sensors and (bio)chips for measuring environmental and bacterial parameters, functioning as an Electronic Nose for:

• • • Early detection of lung cancer via patients' breath or electrode array-type implants for monitoring epileptic seizures.
    • Monitoring the impact of biocontrol agents—microorganisms and/or biocidal molecules used in biopesticides.
    • Real-time detection of healing failure using a smart/stimulable dressing (the sensor is integrated into the dressing), capable of triggering the release of encapsulated drugs or active components (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, etc.) to initiate a therapeutic action.
    • Detection of microorganisms and biofilms using various technologies, such as FT-IR for detecting microorganisms on contaminated surfaces, microfluidics and optical technology for detecting agricultural pathogens, and Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for quantifying proteins and polysaccharides. A combination of these technologies enables the detection and quantification of bacteria.
    • Sensor optimization based on environmental challenges, such as anti-(bio)fouling surfaces for sensors used in wastewater, marine environments, and other ecological contexts.

Optical fiber-based sensors for the detection of leaks or presence of H₂ (hydrogen), NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide), biomolecules, and more.