During the first 10 months of the project, MOLOKO partners have worked on the design and realization of the optical biosensor building blocks. The development of the ICT core of the project has been started by engineering the optoplasmonic chip and proceeding in the realization of the constituting (and interacting) components of the chip. In the meantime, the diagnostics concept at the basis of the working of MOLOKO sensor has been developed by assessing the immunoassay technologies and the functionalization of bioactive surface. Experimental work has been carried out for realizing performing immunoassays and testing the validity of the chemical approach in the biofunctionalization of the detection surface.

The development of the microfluidic module and diagnostic tool also started, with the objective to realize the microfluidic system equipped with actuators and valves for the automated sample handling, and the readout system including signal processing software with a user-friendly interface.

An intense activity of dissemination and communication has been carried with the aim to deliver to all stakeholders the contents and expected impacts of the project. A communication kit including press release, poster, brochure and public presentation has been published on the MOLOKO website. Popularised publications describing the aims of the project can be found on the internet, also thanks to outputs, sectorial exhibitions and scientific congresses. Likewise, a patent analysis has been started in order to check any impediments that may potentially impact the project’s freedom to operate.

Specifications of each MOLOKO component have been defined. The optical modelling of the optoplasmonic module has being carried out to guide the development of the optoplasmonic chip for the detection of analytes. Also, the definition of the list of analytes to be detected by MOLOKO sensor has been achieved, the corresponding experimental procedures provided and the safety/quality protocols defined.

Progress is going on as expected with the aim of producing the organic photonic module to be integrated in the MOLOKO sensor.  OLET and OPD architecture is being defined for their integration in the final module while the figures-of-merits of the single components have been maximized in agreement with the specifications defined in WP1.

Work has started towards the definition of the layout of fabrication of the nanoplasmonic grating, main fabrication strategies. Immunoassay proof of concepts is also in progress.

General assessment of the possible microfluidic architecture and feasibility tests on a target analyte.

Connection of the device has started in advance, with the aim to enabling the monitoring and the control of a microfluidic platform embedding pumps, valves, heater and sensors (temperature, optoplasmonic chips). The acquired data will be then sent via a mobile gateway (e.g. Smartphone) to a server and available under a comprehensive form through a web application to the authorized clients.

The development of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for multiplex diagnostics has started. The first antibodies have already been produced and tested, with good results in terms of specificity and robustness.

SWOT analysis for HTA purposes has already started.

Dissemination and communication have already given a lot of results, such as the publication of scientific papers and communication kit.

Project management and coordination.