Revolutionizing aptamer-graphene oxide biosensing: detection, therapeutic applications and environmental monitoring from a clinical perspective
authors: Francesco Lunardelli, Andrea Manfredini, Loredana Canfora, Mariacristina Gagliardi, Matteo Agostini, Domenica Convertino, Stefano Mocali, Eligio Malusa, Marco Cecchini
Microchemical Journal, Volume 219, December 2025, 116112
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2025.116112
Abstract
The increasing use of bioinoculants to enhance soil quality and crop productivity requires efficient sensor platforms for fast monitoring. EU and national registration demand analytical methods to evaluate environmental fate and long-term effectiveness. Addressing these challenges requires evaluating bioinoculant persistence and impact on microbial communities, emphasizing the need for reliable detection methods in soi (…)
Graphical abstract
This study presents a novel QCM-D aptasensor for detecting Bacillus subtilis in soil, utilising ssDNA aptamers for high specificity and sensitivity. Tested on Polish and German soils, the sensor maintained robust performance despite complex matrices, achieving a detection limit between 105 and 106 CFU/ml. The platform’s adaptability makes it promising for real-time biofertilizer monitoring and agricultural applications.
SPIN-FERT: INNOVATIONS FOR SOIL, IMPACT FOR PEOPLE AND POLICIES
author: Eligio Malusa
Open Access Government – January 2026 edition, p. 426-427
Healthy soil is essential for sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and human well-being. Under the EU Horizon Europe Mission Soil, the SPIN-FERT project addresses soil health in horticulture by validating innovative soil fertility management solutions and developing peat-free growing substrates. SPIN-FERT integrates microbial and non-microbial biostimulants with sustainable agronomic practices, which implementation is supported by smart monitoring tools including lab-on-chip tracking of bioinoculants and soil “smell-sensing” technologies. By combining data of soil biodiversity, functional biomarkers, and physicochemical parameters into a Holistic Soil Quality Index, the project supports farmers, advisors, and policy-makers in assessing soil fertility. Alongside technological innovation, SPIN-FERT emphasises education, stakeholder engagement, policies recommendations and science-art approaches to foster behavioural change and accelerate the transition toward healthier soils across Europe and peat-free horticulture.
link: Open Access Government
The SPIN-FERT project: Soil health and peat-free growing substrates
A major effort in the project is dedicated to optimising and scaling up the production process of various bio-based and waste-derived fertiliser products, applying a circular economy approach. Therefore, wastes from the agro-industry are processed into composts of various compositions. They are then formulated into growing substrate specialities through the addition of specifically selected microbial strains and waste-derived artificial humic substances to improve their characteristics and applicability to different plants, particularly for the nursery and pot plant industry. Spent choir is also recycled and revitalised by mixing it with microbial inocula and thus reducing the amount of waste produced by advanced horticultural cropping systems (e.g. soilless).
link: Open Access Government
