Bordersens
Border detection of illicit drugs and precursors by highly accurate electrosensors
The project
Combining robust sensor technologies with the inherent advantages of electrochemical strategies, nano-molecularly imprinted polymers, and multivariate and pattern data analysis, BorderSens will enable highly accurate selective detection of trace levels of illicit drugs and precursors.
With borders being important gateways for the entrance of illicit drugs and their precursors, custom and border control authorities are facing pertaining challenges to detect such dangerous substances and safeguard the public. The main challenges posed by currently used on-site methods to detect illicit drugs and precursors are low accuracy, in the case of colour tests, and high cost and low portability, in the case of spectroscopic tests.
In the light of a pressing need for better drug test systems at EU borders, Europe is investing €5.5 million in the BorderSens project, that is bringing together 16 partners from 8 EU member states, coordinated by the University of Antwerp. The consortium comprises universities, border authorities, police services in ports and airports, public organisations, and companies.
Challenges
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Reduce the number of false positives and negatives -
Achieve an accuracy of more than 95% -
Reduce analysis time to less than 45 seconds -
To be able to work with nanograms of different types of samples
The solution
Within the project, Izertis participates in the development of identification models using Machine Learning techniques to analyze all voltammetry data and leads the design and development of security and communication protocols, including the preparation of a cybersecurity plan with instructions for users to assure the security and integrity of information transmitted and stored on the platform, and the design of a cloud platform for secure information storage and transmission between partners.
Also, Izertis is in charge of dissemination and exploitation work package, in particular, of preparing and implementing the communication and dissemination plan.
The result
The ultimate research aim of BorderSens is to develop a portable, wireless single prototype device with the capability to quickly test for different types of drugs, precursors and adulterants/cutting agents, with outstanding accuracy and reduced false positives and false negatives.
To do so, this device will integrate the following core technologies:
• Electrochemical fingerprinting technologies
• Selective Nano Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
• Nanostructured sensors
• Advanced data analysis customized algorithms
• Miniaturized portable reader
• Enhanced security
The device will be evaluated at 7 EU customs borders by end-users, and exploitation plans guaranteeing strong impact will be developed and implemented.