Innovative multiplex paper-based electrochemical biosensor and artificial intelligence for smart periprosthetic joint infection and AMR diagnostic
( SENSIF )

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) the use of synovial fluid as biological sample, ii) combination of multiple biomarkers with artificial intelligence (AI), and iii) exploitation of electrochemical, printing, and paper-based technologies for their several outstanding features including high sensitivity and easy mass-production. PJI has been selected as a case study 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 timely fashion, even following 2018 Philadelphia International Consensus Meeting criteria, 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 SENSIF consortium constituted by i) the physicians with relevant expertise in PJI belonging from Italy, UK, and France, ii) data scientists with experience from developing AI-based methods for diagnostics, and iii) two companies, one (SME, start-up/spin-off company) with skills in the development of printed 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.