Rapid tests for analysing air and water quality - FasTEST

However, air and water quality can fluctuate greatly and is usually only monitored sporadically, i.e. measurements are only taken at certain points and it is often very late before limit values are exceeded. There is therefore a need for fast and, if possible, automated measurement methods for the rapid detection of microorganisms, viruses or allergens, especially indoors.
The project is developing rapid tests that can detect microorganisms, viruses and allergens using nanotechnology and biotechnological methods. In one of the approaches, semiconductor sensors (cantilevers) are being developed together with the Vienna University of Technology, which react with a change in resonance frequency on contact with the molecules/pathogens being sought.
The areas of application are very diverse and include areas such as building safety, legal issues, health aspects, toxicology and water safety. For example, the measurement of fungal spores or allergens in indoor spaces would not only be an important application for allergy sufferers, but could also clarify legal issues in the area of building safety. However, the test systems developed can also be used for a variety of other issues, such as the rapid detection of toxins in the environment.