Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Netherlands and Germany. Improved approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer could be crucial for both individuals and society.
The NanoDetect project aims to utilise the promising new concept of relaxometry for cancer diagnosis. Nanoscopic diamonds are used as optical sensors in cells to identify individual tumour cells with a deviating metabolism. The implementation of this sensor concept requires expertise in molecular biology, materials science, optics, electronics and computer science. These diverse competences are contributed by the interdisciplinary and cross-border partnership in the consortium and contribute significantly to the success of the project.
The aim of the NanoDetect project is to develop and evaluate a prototype test setup for this diagnostic procedure. The set-up is similar to a conventional optical microscope used in research facilities and medical laboratories.
There are many possible applications for this diagnostic procedure. They range from use in scientific research laboratories to diagnostics directly in hospitals, clinics and laboratories. Due to this innovation potential, we expect joint added value for the individual project partners and regions.
The primary goal is to establish the diagnostic procedure to improve the treatment chances of cancer patients. In addition, long-term and successful collaboration between the participating research and business partners in the border region in the field of future technologies such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology is to be facilitated.
