HYSEN, through a multidisciplinary approach and relying on micro- nano technologies, aims at a novel goal consisting in developing advanced transducers for biochemical sensors through the integration of two different transducing mechanisms: electroacoustic transduction based on film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs)and optical transduction based on nanophotonic structures, with the same sensing element into a single (hybrid) device in order to enhance the biochemical sensor capabilities and versatility.

The proposed hybrid sensors are expected to exhibit a significant enhancement in sensitivity and miniaturization capability as compared to their counterparts, and to provide simultaneous multiparameter information about the targeted analyte thanks to the integration of complementary transducing mechanisms. The achievement of these remarkable improvements in sensor performance should produce high scientific and technological impact in the field of sensors, specifically, in (bio)chemical sensor technology and applications.

The transducers to be developed in HYSEN are universal and could be used to improve the detection of a large variety of analytes of interest in different priority areas considered in PEICTI 2024-2027, such as Health and Food, bioeconomy, natural resources and the environment. Since this call requires the selection of only one priority area, HYSEN will be oriented to the solution of specific problems linked to the thematic priority Health. Specifically, HYSEN transducers will be properly functionalized to detect exosomes, which are nanovesicles secreted by cells that can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for cancer. Thus, the technology of HYSEN, though quite innovative, can be applied to the society, specially the developments connected to provide advanced and versatile medical diagnostic and biodetection tools with improved functionalities.