Partners

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – Istituto per lo studio dei materiali Nanostrutturati (Italy)

CNR is the largest Italian research institution aiming at the realization of research projects by promoting innovation and competition in the industrial system, by providing new technologies and by answering to demands of public and private institutions. ISMN is a CNR research institute focused on nanostructured materials for molecular electronics and photonics. ISMN is internationally renowned for its multidisciplinary research in conjugated materials, organic and hybrid optoelectronic and photonic devices. ISMN-Bologna was ranked by the European Union at top position among European centres of excellence in the field of organic semiconductors and nanotechnology. In particular, ISMN-Bologna is involved in the technological development of organic light-emitting diodes, field-effect transistors (FETs) and light-emitting FETs through the participation/coordination to/of national and international programmes. ISMN has published more than 500 papers on conjugated materials and holds several international patents.

 

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• • WP1: Work package 1 aims at assessing the requirements to realize the MOLOKO sensor for milk quality and safety monitoring and control. Specifications of each technological component of the integrated platform as well as the overall modelling of the optoplasmonic chip are set in order to ensure the best performance, stability, portability and user-friendliness of the whole integrated platform.

• WP2: Work package 2 aims at the production of the organic photonic module to be integrated in the MOLOKO sensor. In particular, the focus is the development of organic light-emitting transistors (OLETs) and organic photodiodes (OPDs) representing, respectively, the light-source and the light-detector of the organic photonic module. The two elements are monolithically integrated and, in conjunction with the nanoplasmonic grating, compose the optoplasmonic chip, that is, the core of the MOLOKO detection scheme to reveal biochemical inputs.
• WP10: Work package 10 involves the management of the project in terms of project administration, technical coordination and innovation management

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

 

Stefano Toffanin

Project Coordinator, leader of work-package 1

 

 

 

 

Mario Prosa

Postdoctoral researcher, Leader of work-package 2

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-prosa-3a804542/

 

 

 

Margherita Bolognesi

Researcher, Task leader (T2.5) Complete characterization of the organic photonic

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margherita-bolognesi-79353133/

 

 

Emilia Benvenuti

Technologist Task Leader T2.6 OLET and OPD batch production

 

 

 

STUDENTS WORKING IN MOLOKO

 

 

Salvatore Moschetto

PhD StudentEngineering and characterization of optoelectronic

https://it.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-moschetto-79a424111

 

WEBSITE: www.ismn.cnr.it

Plasmore Srl (Italy)

PLASMORE is a small spin off of the University of Pavia and the Joint Research Centre of the European Community in Ispra (JRC). PLASMORE’s expertise ranges from the development and production of nanostructured surfaces for improving the detection sensitivity of biomolecules in iSPR systems to the development, production and engineering of portable imaging biosensing devices. Specific skills ranges from optics and material science, to nanofabrication, biomedical engineering and imaging systems, including elements of informatics, electronics and microfluidics.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP1: This WP aims at the definition of the specifications for key technological components and modules, and for the whole MOLOKO sensor. The role of Plasmore is the design of the plasmonic grating.
• WP2: Layout requirements of the nanoplasmonic grating are addressed to assure the efficient monolithic integration into the organic photonic module.
• WP3: The purpose of WP3 is to provide functionalized nanoplasmonic gratings with the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility required by the application. Plasmore is leader of this WP.
• WP4: Plasmore is collaborating in the integration of microfluidics into the optoplasmonic module.
• WP5: Support is done to lab-scale validation of the manual controlled MOLOKO sensor.
• WP6: The WP6 aims at the development of the multiplex diagnostics. Plasmore is providing the surface functionalization and supporting the spotting process.
• WP10: Plasmore is responsible of the innovation management.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 

Franco Marabelli

Project Manager

 

 

 

 

 

Paola Pellacani

PhD, Research Assistant

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-pellacani-145719a6/

 

 

 

Laura Lopez Sanchez

Research assistant

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lopez-sanchez-191a71138/

 

WEBSITE: www.plasmore.com

Centre Suisse d’electronique et de microtechnique Sa – Recherche et Developpement (Switzerland)

CSEM is a privately held, research and development company established in 1984 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. It has currently approximately 400 employees and is mainly active in the fields of micro/nanotechnology, microelectronics, systems engineering, information and communication technologies and carries out applied research, development, prototyping and small series production. CSEM generated over 80 million CHF revenues (2014), and a successful innovation track record for the past 33 years. Aside from the industrial impact of its projects, as of 2010, CSEM start-up companies employed over 400 people and had combined revenues in excess of 120 million CHF.
CSEM has at its disposal a large number of facilities for designing, manufacturing and characterizing micro- and nano-structured optical systems, electrical thinfilms and sensors in a clean-room environment, and delivers advanced technologies and R&D services to industrial partners. Targeting emerging strategic, high-impact technologies, CSEM enables innovative products and creates new ventures. CSEM’s technologies are able to address the needs of a wide range of markets and application areas, such as biotech & life-sciences, home & industrial control, energy, environment, security and surveillance.

 

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• Optical design, simulation and optimization of the complete opto-plasmonic chip
• Responsible for WP5: Electronics, software, and firmware development incl. track & trace

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 

 

David KallweitProject Manager (CSEM Lead Contact)

Micro-/Nano-Optics

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kallweit

 

 

 

ENGINEERS WORKING IN MOLOKO

 

Marc Correvon

Former WP5 leader

https://ch.linkedin.com/in/marc-correvon-58844a7

 

 

 

 

Etienne Haenni

WP5 leader, senior electronic engineer

https://ch.linkedin.com/in/etienne-haenni-05402514

 

 

 

 

 

Juan Lahera

Senior R&DEngineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanalbertolahera/

 

 

 

 

Grégoire Banderet

Senior FW Engineer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoirebanderet/

 

 

 

 

Abdessamad Falhi

Acquisition software and cloud management

https://ch.linkedin.com/in/abdessamad-falhi-96aa7769

 

 

 

 

Philipp Chervet

Software Engineer

www.linkedin.com/in/philippchervet

 

 

TECHNICIANS WORKING IN MOLOKO

 

Monique Frosio

Electronic PCB layout and assembly

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roberto Rusconi

Housing design and assembly

 

 

 

 

WEBSITE: www.csem.ch

Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italy)

The ISS, technical-scientific body of the national health service, is the leading Italian research institute in the biomedical and public health sectors. The core of its activity has always been the research and experimentation for the production of scientific evidence that is able to generate and develop knowledge in defense of public health.
Mission: Promotion and safeguard of national and international public health through research, surveillance, regulation, control, prevention, communication, counseling and training activities.
Vision: The ISS produces knowledge through research and trials and disseminates scientific knowledge and evidence to decision-makers, professional workers and citizens in order to protect and promote public health.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

WP7: Supervision of the sensor’s validation process in accordance with European standards and regulations

WP8: Performance, outputs, and impact of the sensor are assessed for their innovative role in self-monitoring, management plans, One Health, and food security.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

 

Chiara FRAZZOLI

Innovative biomarkers in the One Health perspective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frazzoli-chiara-590aaa68/

 

 

 

Claudia GIACOMOZZI

Design and implementation of a Milk Control Technology Assessment to assess the impact of new technology. WG 8 co-leader

 

 

 

Francesco MARTELLI

Multivariate analysis to identify One Health indicators. WG 8 co-leader

 

 

 

Anna Maria FERRINI

Validation guidelines and exploitation in the EU Official Control for food safety.

WP7 Task Leader

 

 

 

Rachel CHENG

Research and collection of documentation in support to WP7 and WP8.

Support for the revision of validation protocols, methods and corrective actions.

 

 

WEBSITE: www.iss.it

Parmalat Spa (Italy)

Parmalat was founded in 1961 and now is the biggest dairy company in Italy with nine factories, 72 all over the world (Portogallo, Russia, Romania, Canada, USA,South Africa, and Australia) and more than 16.000 employees. The business is focused on milk, functional milks, yogurt, other dairy products and fruit juices. Since 2010 Parmalat is controlled by the France Group Lactalis that is the biggest dairy company in the world. Parmalat is a food industry group with a multinational strategy that seeks to increase the well being of consumers throughout the world. The ultimate purpose of the group is to create value for its shareholders while adhering to ethical principles of business conduct, to perform a useful social function by fostering the professional development of its employees and associates, and to serve the communities in which it operates by contributing to their economic and social progress.
Innovation has always been one of the most important things for the development of its business, especially for the packaging and the effort to find better and innovative ways for the heat treatment of milk. Quality is the other important thing that characterize the products of Parmalat and the company always seeks modern and innovative ways to guarantee safety from raw milk to the final products.
To reach the aim of innovation and quality, Parmalat is provided with three R&D Centres of excellence (Castellaro in Italy, Buffalo in USA and Ontario in Canada), pilot plants for the development of new products and accredited laboratories for the analysis of the products and raw materials

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP1: specifications of the list of analytes regarding end-user needs for realizing the integrated platform for milk quality and safety monitoring and control
• WP5: support for measurements, feedback on relevant data and specifications regarding end-user interface
• WP6: supplier of sample materials
• WP8: Meeting on the assessment of technical requirements for an effective use in the milk chain
• WP8: Report on the feasibility and improvements with respect to currently available methods and technologies, including the report on the high throughput screening of milk samples from primary producers
• WP8: Assessment of the feasibility of the MOLOKO traceability plan in the food chain

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Paolo Bulgarelli

Milk Purchasing Quality Manager, DVM

http://linkedin.com/in/paolo-bulgarelli-677ba0101

 

 

 

RESEARCHER

Alice Comparelli

Milk Purchasing Support, Researcher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-comparelli-1480631ba

 

 

 

WEBSITE: www.parmalat.com

Fraunhofer (Germany)

The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization. At present, it operates 67 institutes and research units. The majority of the more than 23,000 staff are qualified scientists and engineers, who work with an annual research budget of 2 billion euros. In this project two Fraunhofer institutes are contributing.

 

The Fraunhofer ENAS mainly focuses on the research and development in the section of smart systems integration by using micro and nano technologies with partners not only in Germany or in Europe, but worldwide. The focus of the group “Fluidic Integration and System Technologies” is the integration of additional functionality into microfluidic systems,which leads to smart, autonomous devices with reduced fluidic interfaces and less complex control and readout instrumentation. The competencies of Fraunhofer ENAS in this field include:

• Microfluidic modelling and system design;
• Fabrication of microfluidic devices in multiple materials such as polymers, glass and silicon;
• Integration of functionalities such as pumping, valving, temperature control and sensors into microfluidic systems;
• Microfluidic and thermal characterization.

During the last years a main focus was on fully integrated cartridges for In-Vitro-Diagnostics, using an integrated lowcost, single-use pumping technology for various applications.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP1 Specifications:

ENAS contributed to the microfluidics related specifications of the system and sub-systems.

• WP4 Microfluidic Module:

Fraunhofer ENAS is workpackage leader for the WP4 dedicated to the microfluidic module. The main objective is the development of an automated fluid handling for the inline measurement of milk in the process chain. Together with WP3, different strategies for the integration of microfluidics into the optoplasmonic module will be evaluated. Manual handling tasks performed by end-users are reduced through an automatic sampling and regeneration procedure.

• WP5 Electronics & Software:

ENAS contributes to the development for the readout instrument with it`s microfluidics related know how.

• WP8 Demonstration:
  ENAS will support the demonstration activities in field.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 

 

Morschhauser Andreas

Project manager, Researcher

 

 

 

WEBSITE: www.enas.fraunhofer.de

 

Fraunhofer FEP (located at Dresden, Germany) focuses on developing innovative solutions, technologies and processes for surface modification and organic electronics. Core competences are technologies for organic electronics, electron beam technology, sputtering technology, plasma-activated high-rate deposition, high-rate PECVD, and IC-/System design.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP1 Specifications:

FEP works on the specifications related to the organic photodetector

• WP2 Organic Photonic Module:

Modelling, optimization and fabrication of the organic photodetector integrated in the organic photonic module

• WP8 Demonstration:

Support of demonstration in the field

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 

 

Dr. Michael Toerker

Senior Scientist

Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy (Finland)

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is a state owned and controlled non-profit limited liability company established by law and operating under the ownership steering of the Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy. VTT is an RTO whose activities are focused on three areas: Knowledge intensive products and services, Smart industry and energy systems, and Solutions for natural resources and environment. VTT is impact driven and takes advantage from its wide multitechnological knowledge base to strengthen Finnish and European industrial competitiveness. VTT can combine different technologies, produce information, upgrade technology knowledge, and create business intelligence and value added for its stakeholders.
VTT has a staff of 2128, net turnover in 2016 was 162,6M€ and other operational incomes were 86,4M€. Over the years, VTT has gained vast experience from participation and coordination of numerous European projects including R&D Framework Programme projects and other thematic frameworks and programmes. VTT is ranked among the leading European RTOs. VTT has over 20 years expertise in developing recombinant antibodies recognizing specifically proteins, peptides and small analytes such as mycotoxins, hormones etc. We have facilities and competences for antibody library construction and high-throughput selection and screening of specific antibodies for the target analyte . We also have capability for detailed characterization of the binding properties of the antibodies aimed to sensor applications. All above mentioned expertise matches very well to the development of advanced next generation immunosensors in the MOLOKO-project.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT:

VTT as a partner will be in charge of developing novel recombinant antibodies for cephalosporin antibiotics and two enterotoxins which are potential contaminants in milk (WP6, task 6.2). VTT will provide purified and characterized antibodies as well as the antibiotic-protein conjugates to the WP6, task 6.3. for the development of multiplexed diagnostics.

 

WEBSITE: www.vttresearch.com

Warrant Hub S.p.A. (Italy)

Warrant Hub S.p.A. is a privately held consultancy services company that provides full-spectrum consulting in business finance. Warrant Hub has been active since 1995, growing over the years to become a leader in its sector today. WH Business Units work in synergy with its Innovation Lab to give their clients the best support tools for the success of their business initiatives and to assist them in the preparation and management of strategic projects: business projects, research projects, training and technology transfer activities, under National and International support frameworks.

The European Funding Division (EFD) team provides consultancy, training and support on European Funding opportunities, and in the preparation, negotiation and management of European Proposals, particularly on H2020 calls. EFD offers also support for communication and dissemination activities, and periodically participates into and organizes sectional seminars and networking events with/for industrial associations, SMEs, policy makers, etc. thus having the opportunity to disseminate the project results to relevant audiences. EFD also collaborates with the Innovation Lab of Warrant Hub, that has a long experience in market surveys and studies, technological audits and scouting, IP management, market penetration studies (especially for new materials and processes).

ROLE IN THE PROJECT:

• Dissemination Manager

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 

Isella Vicini

Dissemination Manager

 

 

 

WEBSITE: www.efdbewarrant.eu

Wageningen University & Research (The Netherlands)

RIKILT Wageningen Research is a leading research institute on food safety and authenticity and advises national and international governments and agencies. Analytical departments use various types of state of the art chromatographic systems and mass spectrometers, while the Biosensors & Bioassays group develops  mono and multiplex immunoassays on a varying range of assay formats, for a wide range of contaminants e.g. pesticides, mycotoxins, antibiotics and allergens. Within the institute, the analytical and bioanalytical chemists are working together on issues of mutual interest, which results in a spectrum of methods that range from on-site point of care to state of art laboratory based chemical analysis and combinations thereof. RIKILT Wageningen Research is a  European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for, residues of hormonal growth promoters, mycotoxins and plant toxins. RIKILT is part of Wageningen University and Research and carries out Statutory Research Tasks for the Dutch government. RIKILT is ISO 17025 and ISO 17043 accredited.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP6: RIKILT is the work package leader for the multiplex diagnostics work
• WP6: RIKILT, together with VTT, is currently selecting and testing the bio-reagents for food safety and food quality assays relevant for the MOLOKO project.
• WP6: RIKILT will integrate all selected assays to a multiplex immunoassay format for integration in the developed MOLOKO sensor.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Jeroen Peters

Researcher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peters-jeroen-9938ab81/

 

 

 

 

WEBSITE: www.wur.nl

Nemzeti Elelmiszerlanc-Biztonsagi Hivatal (Hungary)

NÉBIH is a central competent authority in Hungary, under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture. NÉBIH has a significant knowledge in the field of food chain safety, since the Office (and its predecessors) has decades of experience in food and feed safety, animal and plant health. In compliance with national legislation, the official tasks of NÉBIH cover the whole food chain from soil to retail distribution and catering; aiming to facilitate safety of food and feed production and to contribute to human, animal and plant health, soil conservation, plant protection, seeds and propagating materials control and animal breeding. To support the high-level performance of official duties, basic and applied research activities are an integral part of the office’s activities. Such activities include giving expert knowledge to other RI activities and seeking new possibilities in terms of food chain safety and food chain control, respectively. NÉBIH is a part of large international network as the national focal point for several international agencies and systems.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP6: NÉBIH is one of the participants of Task 6.3 and Task 6.4. After the biosensor is complete, NÉBIH will contribute to assess the multiplex immunoassay and to the primary calibration procedure.
• WP7: NÉBIH is the leader of WP7, within its has three main objectives: to assess and confirm the validation criteria for the internal and external validation process of the sensor for on-line detection of various target parameters in milk; to conduct pre-validation testing of the sensor in order to enhance the validation process and the SOP; and to conduct complete internal and external validation, in order to ensure quality and comparability of the analytical results generated by the sensor. The method validation criteria are complete and the pre-validation testing is almost finished.
• WP8: NÉBIH is the leader of Task 8.5, the evaluation and pre-validation of Elisa kits is completed, priority species for testing were being determined.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 

 

Attila Nagy

Manager

 

 

 

WEBSITE: portal.nebih.gov.hu

Quadrachem Laboratories Limited (United Kingdom)

QUADRACHEM LABORATORIES LTD (QCL) distributes innovative rapid analytical testing products for a wide range of industries in the UK and Ireland. QCL sources equipment from around the world, using its expertise to select the most advanced, robust and cost-effective analytical solutions from an array of global manufacturers. QCL has supplied UK industry with rapid analytical solutions for over 30 years.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

QCL’s efforts will focus on exploitation actions of the developed innovation using expertise on instrumentation and the food industry, evaluation of the market for the developed instrument and advise the technical development in order to maximise the exploitation potential of the project.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Mark L. Whatton

WP Leader, Exploitation Manager, Member of GA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-whatton-1989b149/

 

 

WEBSITE: www.qclscientific.com

Milkline (Italy)

Milkline is an Italian private company, located in Piacenza, north Italy. Since its foundation in 1976, the company deals with the design, construction, assembly and installation of milking parlours and portable milking machines. With the mission of maximizing farmers’ profitability with a simplified working routine and an increased comfort for animals and operator, during the years Milkline contributed to the successful story of many farmers. The decennial experience, the care for customers and the innovative approach to the challenges of the sector, made Milkline a reliable partner for the supply of customized solutions for all the steps of dairy farming: animal health and comfort, herd management and milk quality through the whole chain. Thanks to the high quality of its products and the passion that drives its team, Milkline widened its presence in the global market and can nowadays count on 2 direct subsidiaries in Romania and Russia and a capillary network of more than 50 dealers in over 40 countries.

ROLE IN THE PROJECT

• WP1: specifications regarding end-user needs for realizing the integrated platform for milk quality and safety monitoring and control
• WP4: study, development and testing of suitable sample collectors and their validation on-site (at farm)
• WP5: support for measurements, feedback on relevant data and specifications regarding end-user interface
• WP8: Consulting regarding translation of results obtained from the use of MOLOKO sensor in the industry to its implementation in dairy farm/milking machines; assesses the performance of the device at milking; integration of MOLOKO sensor into milking machines & milking process (milk cooling tanks) by dairy farmers; conduction of independent tests, provision of end-users needs/feedback after tests are performed

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

 

Stefania Leonardi

Product Development Specialist, PhD

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanialeonardi/

 

 

 

WEBSITE: www.milkline.com