Lipid membrane-based biosensors using nanoaggregate substrates probed by advanced optical spectroscopy

In biosensing, distinguishing weak molecular signals from complex bioenvironments remains a major challenge. Lipid membranes, as essential components of living organisms, provide a fundamental interface where many biological processes originate. Capturing and analysing such signals requires biosensors that are non-invasive, highly sensitive, reproducible, multiplex-capable, and stable under mechanical and chemical stress.The LIMNAS project will develop a new class of highly sensitive, multifunctional, and robust lipid-membrane-based biosensors using nanoaggregate substrates. It will, for the first time, integrate lipid bilayers with monolayer gold nanoparticle aggregates (MLaggs), a unique nanostructure pioneered at the Nanophotonics Centre, University of Cambridge. Combining this platform with advanced optical techniques, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface-enhanced hyper Raman scattering (SEHRS), will enable the nanoscale characterization of artificial biomimetic lipid membranes and the monitoring of their dynamic interactions with microenvironments and biologically relevant molecules (ATP, hormones, and small proteins).Through this fellowship, the researcher will bring expertise in nonlinear optical techniques, lipid membrane imaging, and modelling and characterization of electrical double layers to Cambridge, while acquiring advanced training in plasmonics, SERS, semi-automated optical control, and biosensor development. This two-way transfer of knowledge will promote interdisciplinary training, strengthen career independence, and establish long-term collaborations.By advancing membrane-based biosensing technologies, LIMNAS will reinforce Europe's leadership in biomedical diagnostics and healthcare innovation, fully aligning with the Horizon Europe Work Programme, in particular Cluster 1 (Health) and Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space).