Plataforma microfluídica para a deteção de infeções em frutos da produção ao processamento pós-colheita no ponto de impacto

MIDIFRUIT aims to develop an innovative point-of-use miniaturized analytical device for rapid, in-field control of pathogen infections in fruits. This device relies on a portable, easy-to-use microfluidic biochip for high-sensitivity nucleic acid detection. The MIDIFRUIT platform is versatile and adaptable, allowing for a wider range of potential end uses. These include monitoring infections in grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and other agricultural crops at all stages of food processing from the plant to the consumer and extending the platform to detect other nucleic acid biomarkers. Microorganism infections pose a significant threat to crop production and post-harvest processing, often resulting in widespread destruction. Current sampling and testing methods are costly, labor-intensive, and prone to delays, allowing infections to spread unchecked. Existing monitoring techniques are either time-consuming or expensive, requiring specialized staff and laboratory facilities. Consequently, excessive pesticide use is common, leading to environmental impact and food losses. The primary aim of this project is to develop a microfluidic-based point-of-use device capable of detecting fruit infections at an early stage. This will enable efficient and sustainable management of the food production cycle, reducing reliance on pesticides and minimizing environmental impact. The primary focus of this project is on detecting the presence of Botrytis cinerea through genomic sequences. The main objective is to develop a portable microfluidic device capable of quantitatively detecting these microorganisms in the field before visible symptoms appear on the fruit. The project aims to achieve sensitivity levels that correlate with gold-standard laboratory measurements. Drawing on previous work with microfluidic detection of stress hormones in grapes and vines, as well as recent advancements in isothermal nucleic acid amplification processes, the project aims to miniaturize these processes into a portable microfluidic system. However, the uptake of the platform by the producers will require that it be: (1) FAST – it must be fast enough to allow decisions to be taken based on limited sampling in the field (max. 2-6h per analysis); (2) INEXPENSIVE – for routine analysis, a maximum cost of 1-3 Euro per analysis is envisaged; (3) SIMPLE – minimal user intervention and minimal steps for sample preparation and analysis (to be operated by minimally trained staff in the field); (4) WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE – fit-for-purpose sensitivity (expected at down to 10 CFU per mL), and fit for purpose selectivity and repeatability. Meeting these requirements presents significant scientific and technical challenges which have not yet been satisfactorily addressed. The project consists of eight main components: Assay Development and Integration, Portable System Development, System Optimization and Calibration, Tests and Validation, Extension to Other Fruits, Management, and Dissemination. These components encompass various stages of the project, including developing microfluidic modules for detecting microorganisms in grapes, miniaturizing the assay into a portable system, optimizing, and calibrating the system, validating it with field samples, extending the technology to monitor infections in other crops, managing project coordination, and disseminating findings to stakeholders. Industrial consultants Sogrape and Frutas Classe offer a user-centered perspective and expertise.