Overview

The ability to detect specific molecules and biochemical signals - accurately, rapidly, and in compact devices - is reshaping the landscape of medical diagnostics, personalized health monitoring, and targeted therapy. The Laboratory of Miniaturized Sensing and Biochemical Monitoring is dedicated to the validation and application of innovative miniaturized technologies for the detection of clinically and biologically relevant analytes, with a focus on bridging the gap between emerging platforms and real-world deployment.

One central research line investigates miniaturized sensing systems for biochemical detection. The laboratory expertise lies in defining performance requirements, selecting appropriate biological models, and rigorously validating novel compact sensors developed by engineering and photonics partners. Within the BRIGHTIR project, for instance, we are responsible for the biochemical validation of a miniaturized IR sensor for the detection of lactate, a key metabolic biomarker in sports science, with further applications in hydration sensing. A complementary effort, conducted within the OMICSENS European project, where Silvia Holler serves as Scientific Coordinator, applies a similar validation-driven approach to miniaturized nano-photonic sensor platforms for the detection of lung cancer-associated biomarkers, including the IR analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cellular profiles.

A second research line focuses on the design and characterization of functionalized nanoparticles for site-specific imaging and theranostics. By engineering nanoparticles to selectively target specific tissues or molecular markers, we investigate platforms that integrate diagnostic imaging with localized therapeutic action, with particular relevance to oncology. 

Across both directions, the laboratory operates at the interface of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical application, working in close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners to ensure that the technologies we study are assessed against meaningful, real-world performance criteria.

Research Directions

  • Validation of Miniaturized Sensors for Biochemical Detection. We test and validate compact sensing platforms for the detection of specific biochemical molecules in complex samples. Device engineering and photonic components are developed by specialist partners; our contribution is the biochemical and analytical validation, defining performance requirements, selecting biological test systems, and demonstrating applicability in relevant matrices. A current focus is lactate detection using a miniaturized IR chip developed within the BRIGHTIR project, encompassing sensitivity and selectivity characterization, interference studies, and proof-of-concept demonstrations in biologically relevant samples.
  • Miniaturized Sensors for Cancer Detection. We investigate compact sensor platforms for the detection of cancer-associated biomarkers in biological fluids and tissues. This research line, developed within the OMICSENS European project, focuses on lung cancer detection using integrated nano-photonic sensing, including the IR characterisation of extracellular vesicles and cellular profiles as diagnostic signatures.
  • Functionalized Nanoparticles for Site-Specific Imaging and Theranostics. We explore the design and characterization of nanoparticles engineered to selectively target specific tissues, cell types, or molecular markers. Beyond passive imaging contrast, these platforms are investigated for their theranostic potential, combining diagnostic imaging with localized drug delivery or therapeutic action in a single integrated system. Applications of particular interest include tumor targeting and intraoperative imaging, where spatial precision and functional versatility are critical.
  • Technology Benchmarking and Application-Driven Validation. A cross-cutting theme of the laboratory is the systematic evaluation of novel sensing technologies against real-world analytical demands. We define validation frameworks, select appropriate biological model systems, and engage clinical and industrial stakeholders to ensure that the technologies we study are assessed against meaningful, market-relevant performance criteria.

Group Members

  • Silvia Holler, PI

For further information, please contact Silvia Holler.

Funding

BRIGHTIR — Broadband Infrared Emitter Chip for Scalable Biochemical Sensing EIC Transition | Grant agreement ID: 101290530 Miniaturized thermal infrared emitter technology for wellness, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. The laboratory leads the biochemical validation of the IR sensor platform, with a current focus on lactate detection as a high-value clinical and sports science use case. Silvia Holler, Principal Investigator

  • OMICSENS — Integrated Nano-Photonic OMICs Bio-SENSor for Lung Cancer European project | Grant agreement ID: 101129734 Development of miniaturized nano-photonic sensing platforms for the detection of lung cancer biomarkers. Silvia Holler, Scientific Coordinator
  • OMICSENS+ — FVRT 2026 Validation of infrared analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cellular profiles for cancer diagnostics. Silvia Holler, Principal Investigator. 
  • Asclepio — FVRT 2022 Women Innovators. Development of theranostic nanoprobes for site-specific imaging and targeted therapy. Silvia Holler, Principal Investigator. Responsabile, Flavia Ravelli. 

Selected Publications

  • P.Knoll and S.Holler, Surface-Driven Protocell Formation in Geologically Relevant Early Earth Environment. ChemSystemsChem8, no. 2 (2026): e00062. https://doi.org/10.1002/syst.202500062

  • Sowinski, D. R., Holler, S., Wong, M., Segal, G., Parkinson, D., Vidal, C., Cleaves, H. J., Sinhad, P., Prabhu, A. & Bartlett, S. Causal Leverage Density: A Universal Framework for Semantic Information. Artificial Life Conference Proceedings 37 (Vol. 2025, No. 1, p. 43). MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.1162/ISAL.a.871 (2025)

  • Holler, S., Casiraghi, F. and Hanczyc, M.M. Internal state of vesicles affects higher order state of vesicle assembly and interaction. ACS Omega 2024, 9, 49316–49322. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c06037 (2024)
  • Holler, S.*, Bartlett, S., Löffler, R.J.G., Casiraghi, F., Sainz Diaz, C.I., Cartwright, J.H.E. and Hanczyc, M.M. Hybrid organic–inorganic structures trigger the formation of primitive cell-like compartments. PNAS 120, 33, e2300491120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300491120 (2023) *corresponding author