Microbiome Monitoring: Development of a Generic Multiplex Sensor Platform for the Quantitative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Medicine and the Environment (MikroMoni)

Programme

Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF, EU) and the Economic and Tourism Promotion of the State of Lower Austria (Lower Austria, Austria)

Project lead

Danube Private University (DPU, AT), Dr. Ann-Kathrin Kissmann 

Kooperationspartner

Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University Ulm (DE), Dr. Frank Rosenau

Researchers involved at DPU 

• Univ.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Christoph Kleber
• Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Knoll
• Jan-Christoph Walter, MSc 

Abstract

The MikroMoni project is developing a novel diagnostic platform for the rapid, precise, and quantitative analysis of microorganisms in complex microbiomes, such as those found in the gut or oral cavity. The aim is to detect health-relevant bacteria directly from biological samples, such as stool, and to reliably determine their concentrations.

The technology combines highly sensitive graphene-based field-effect transistors (gFET sensors) with specially developed aptamers. These artificially generated binding molecules recognize living bacteria with high specificity and sensitivity and represent a promising alternative to conventional antibodies. This enables even very low concentrations of microorganisms to be detected quickly and directly.

A particular focus of the project is the development of a multiplex platform that uses multiple measurement channels in parallel. This will allow up to eight different bacterial species to be identified and quantified simultaneously in a single sample in the future. The technology is highly adaptable and can be applied not only in medical contexts but also in environmental and agricultural research.

MikroMoni makes an important contribution to medical research, as changes in the microbiome—so-called dysbiosis—are associated with a wide range of diseases. These include chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. By enabling the rapid and precise detection of relevant microorganisms, the platform opens up new possibilities for early disease detection, personalized medicine, and the development of individualized microbiome-based therapeutic approaches.