AWACSS

1. AWACSS Automated Water Analyser Computer Supported System Contract #: EVK1-CT-2000-00045 Duration: 3 Year, RTD Project (Starting March, 2001) Visit: http://barolo.ipc.uni-tuebingen.de/awacss

2. Goal: Develop a cost-effective, on-line, water monitoring biosensor that will measure a variety of small organic pollutants in short-time with remote control and surveillance. Expanded multi-analyte analysis capability allowing for up to 32 simultaneous analyte measurements. Immunochemical reagents are being developed for a host of small organic water pollutants, such as, Atrazine, Irgarol, Propanil, Caffeine, and Ethylhexlphthalate. Novel design approaches to the optical detection and fluidics including miniturized integrated optics and microfluidics. Limits of detection will match EU prescribed requirements. Reagent volumes will be reduced. Intelligent remote surveillance and control that will allow for unattended continuous monitoring. Instruments will be rugged and easy to handle by untrained personnel.

3. Flow Flow Flow Flow Analyte Analyte Analyte * * * * * * * * Antibody Antibody Antibody Fluorophor Fluorophore Fluorophor Methodology: Immunoassay coupled with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence PD Lock-In polymer fibres filter laser PC absorbing coating bevelled waveguide polished end-face inject waste samples Samples are pre-incubated with labelled antibodies. Analyte Analyte derivative derivative Remaining free antibodies are captured and detected. Transducer

4. 2D Array Detection Miniaturisation Time Resolution Multi-analyte Detection AWACSS Setup 2D Array Detection 32 Analysis Spots Microfluidics Integrated Optics

5. Networking Capabilites for Surveillance and Early Warning Monitoring of Industrial Plants Contamination Monitoring of Side Streams Origin of Pollution Monitoring of Coasts Direction of Pollution Monitoring of Estuaries Origin of Pollution

6. Analysed Data Alerts Status Information Call for Measurements Manual Device Control Local and Global Intelligence Communication via the Internet Measurement Stations Local Intelligence Monitoring Data Analysis Control Station Global Intelligence Monitoring Data Analysis Data Recording

7. Results and Progress to Date A prototype Integrated-Optical Chip waveguide to conduct light to 32 discrete analysis windows has been largely realised. The microfluidic flowcell has been designed and preliminarily tested with flow tests and mathematical flow simulations. The instrument hardware components have been selected and there connections and housings designed. Polyclonal antibodies directed against a variety of small organic water contaminants have been isolated and their corresponding analyte derivatives synthesised. A surface spotting procedure has also been developed. The water monitoring groups have catalogued contaminant levels at various European water sites and addressed water matrix effects relating to the AWACSS immunoassay chemistry. The first phase of a market survey has been conducted addressing relevant markets. A multi-media tutorial has been constructed that allows quick, low-cost training of the instrument's fundamental chemistry, software, and operation.

8. Partners Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen: Project Management and Surface Immunoassay Development Central Research Laboratory: Instrument Hardward Design Institute of Chem. & Environ. Chem. IIQAB: Instrument Design and Field Tests-Spain DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser: Instrument Design and Field Tests-Germany Environmental Institute, Kos: Instrument Design and Field Tests-Slovakia King‘s College London: Immunochemsitry Optoelectronics Research Centre: Integrated Optical Chips Siemens: Electronics, Internet Communication, and Market Analysis. Funding: This Project is funded under the 5th Framework Programme: Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development. (1.7 million € contribution from the European Community.)