Innovative multiplex paper-based electrochemical biosensor and artificial intelligence for smart periprosthetic joint infection and AMR diagnostics

SENSIF will develop a new device for supporting correct diagnosis and efficient treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) close to the patients based on i) synovial fluid as a biological sample, ii) the combination of multiple biomarkers with artificial intelligence (AI), and iii) exploitation of paper-based technologies that are high sensitivity and easy to mass-produce.

PJIs have been selected considering i) the significant burden on the healthcare expenditure and the quality of life of the patients due to the presence of bacteria resistant to the few antibiotics with proven anti-biofilm activity, ii) the challenge in the diagnosis of this type of infection in a timely fashion, and iii) the need to support the prudent and rational use of antimicrobials and reduce overprescription.

SENSIF will establish a pillar in the management of infection by combining the diverse and complementary skills and infrastructures of the SENSIF consortium constituted by i) the physicians with relevant expertise in PJI, ii) data scientists with experience from developing AI-based methods for diagnostics, iii)  biomolecular scientists with expertise in diagnostics orthopedic disease, and iv) two companies, one (SME, start-up company) with skills in the development of miniaturized point-of-care devices prototype and the other one (large company) with its activity focused on the development, manufacturing, and selling of orthopaedic medical devices.