Interview with Prof. Francesco Dell’Olio, Associate Professor at Politecnico di Bari: EIC Pathfinder Open for Rapid STI Diagnostics

Politecnico di Bari is leading METACARE, an EIC Pathfinder Open project developing a nanophotonic point-of-care platform to detect four sexually transmitted infections from a single urine sample.

In this interview, we spoke with Prof. Francesco Dell’Olio, Associate Professor at Politecnico di Bari and Scientific Coordinator of METACARE, about the project’s origins, the role of nanophotonics, the consortium’s complementary expertise and the main challenges ahead. He also shares his experience working with Evolution Europe during the EIC Pathfinder Open application process.

Read the METACARE Success Story

1. What inspired the development of METACARE, and why did you see nanophotonics as a promising route for improving STI diagnostics?

The starting point was a very practical clinical need: obtaining reliable information about an infection quickly enough to support timely care. Sexually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic or produce similar symptoms, and delays in obtaining a diagnosis can complicate treatment and follow-up. We wanted to explore how advances in photonic sensing could help address this problem. Nanophotonics offers a promising approach because carefully designed nanostructures can make light extremely sensitive to molecular interactions. In METACARE, we aim to combine this optical sensitivity with DNA probes that recognize specific pathogens, allowing several targets to be investigated on the same chip.

Our goal is to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis from a single urine sample in under 30 minutes. The envisioned platform combines the sensing chip with a disposable microfluidic cartridge and a compact optical reader. What motivates me is the possibility of connecting advanced research on light–matter interactions with a tangible healthcare need. METACARE gives us the opportunity to investigate that connection through a coordinated program of technology development and experimental validation.

2. METACARE combines photonics, biotechnology, clinical research and engineering. What makes this interdisciplinary approach essential to the project?

A useful diagnostic platform depends on the performance of the entire process, from handling the sample to interpreting the result. Each discipline addresses a different part of that process, and the interfaces between them are often where the most demanding problems arise. Photonics provides the sensing mechanism and the optical readout. Biotechnology provides the molecular recognition needed to distinguish the targets. Microfluidics and engineering determine how the sample reaches the sensor and how the components can be integrated into a reproducible device. Clinical expertise defines the relevant requirements and the reference methods against which performance must be assessed.

These choices influence one another. Surface chemistry can affect optical performance; cartridge design can affect both sample delivery and optical access; manufacturing choices can influence reproducibility and cost. Working across disciplines allows us to make these decisions together. It also keeps the research focused on a clearly defined diagnostic use case, with measurable objectives that all partners can work towards.

3. What unique value does each consortium partner bring to METACARE, and how do these capabilities complement one another?

The consortium brings together the expertise needed to connect the sensing principle with an integrated demonstrator and a credible path towards future application.

• Politecnico di Bari coordinates the project and leads the design and optical validation of the nanophotonic metasurfaces. Our role includes ensuring that the scientific objectives and the contributions of the different partners remain closely connected.
• ICN2 contributes expertise in biosensing, surface chemistry and molecular recognition, including the development of the functionalisation strategies and assays needed to detect the four targets.
• imec contributes expertise in integrated photonics and develops the miniaturised photonic spectrometer for the compact optical reader.
• Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) brings capabilities in scalable nanofabrication, particularly nanoimprint processes, helping us investigate how the sensing structures can be manufactured reproducibly.
• ISGlobal, working with Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, contributes clinical expertise, characterised samples and the comparison with established diagnostic methods.
• Weatecho, a spin-off of Politecnico di Bari, contributes microfluidic integration, cartridge engineering and manufacturability, and leads work on exploitation and intellectual property.

Weatecho’s scientific activities within METACARE are coordinated by Dr Teresa Natale, while CEO Lino Renna provides strategic leadership for the company’s contribution and its longer-term development opportunities. This combination allows us to address scientific performance, clinical relevance and practical implementation within the same project.

4. What do you see as the main scientific or technological challenge in moving METACARE from research to a reliable diagnostic solution?

The main challenge is to preserve sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility across the complete workflow when working with real biological samples. Urine is a complex and variable matrix. We need effective sample preparation, selective capture of the target material and reliable optical measurements, while controlling interference, non-specific interactions and measurement drift. At the same time, the sensing structures and their surface functionalisation must be reproducible, and the cartridge and reader must operate together consistently.

This makes system integration a central scientific and engineering challenge. Improving one component has to translate into a measurable improvement in the performance of the complete platform. During METACARE’s 42 months, our objective is to develop a laboratory-validated demonstrator at TRL 4 and assess its performance using at least 400 characterised clinical specimens, with comparison against established nucleic-acid amplification tests. That work should provide the evidence needed to judge the technology’s strengths, identify the remaining limitations and guide subsequent development towards clinical use.

5. Looking beyond the project, where do you see the greatest potential for METACARE and its underlying technology?

The most immediate potential is in bringing reliable testing closer to the point at which patients receive care. If the technology achieves its objectives and progresses through subsequent development and validation, it could help sexual-health services obtain useful diagnostic information during the same visit. That could support earlier, more targeted treatment and reduce the difficulties associated with delayed results and follow-up. A compact platform using a urine sample could also be valuable in settings with limited access to diagnostic infrastructure.

The underlying technology may have applications beyond the initial four pathogens. Combining nanophotonic sensing, selective molecular recognition and multiplexed readout creates opportunities to investigate other infectious-disease targets and, where appropriate, additional diagnostic applications. Each extension would require its own assay development and validation. I also see an important opportunity for European research and industry. The project connects advanced photonics with biosensing, manufacturing and device engineering. Weatecho’s involvement helps us consider manufacturability, intellectual property and future exploitation from an early stage, while the consortium generates the scientific evidence needed to support those next steps.

6. How was your experience working with Evolution Europe during the EIC Pathfinder Open application process, and what value did our team bring to the project?

Our experience with Evolution Europe was excellent. The team combined a strong understanding of the EIC Pathfinder programme with a constructive and responsive approach to working with the consortium. Their contribution was particularly valuable in helping us turn a complex, interdisciplinary research concept into a coherent proposal. They worked with us on the presentation of the scientific breakthrough, the expected impact, the implementation plan and the relationship between objectives, milestones, risks and resources. I particularly appreciated their support in translating evaluation feedback into concrete improvements. This involved revisiting the positioning of the technology, clarifying the contributions needed within the consortium and strengthening the consistency of the work plan and budget.

Santiago and the wider Evolution Europe team provided careful critical review, coordinated contributions and supported the administrative preparation and submission. Their assistance has continued into grant preparation, providing useful continuity after the positive evaluation.

The successful outcome reflects the scientific commitment of the consortium and the quality of the proposal-development process. Evolution Europe made an important contribution to that process, and I would strongly recommend their support to researchers preparing ambitious European funding applications. For future applicants, our experience also highlights the value of using feedback constructively and ensuring that a strong scientific vision is supported by complementary expertise, clear objectives and a credible implementation plan.