This has been confirmed by the success of experts from the Biohazard Prevention Centre at the University of Lodz, who will participate in the implementation of the GNOFOS project, entitled “Szybka diagnostyka polowa zatruć związkami fosforoorganicznymi” [Rapid Field Diagnosis of Organophosphate Poisoning]. The project has been selected for funding under the PERUN – New Technologies in the Field of State Security and Defence programme. Out of all the submissions received, only fourteen projects were chosen for implementation.
The project will be carried out by a consortium comprising:
- Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute (leader),
- Dynamic Safety Corporation Sp. z o.o.,
- University of Lodz – Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection,
- Jarosław Dąbrowski Military University of Technology.
Dr Natalia Cichoń will be the project leader on behalf of the University of Lodz. The total funding awarded amounts to PLN 15.1 million. The competition was organised by the National Centre for Research and Development, while the funding is provided by the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Modern Diagnostics in Field Conditions
The main objective of the project is to develop a field-deployable demonstrator kit for the rapid laboratory diagnosis of poisoning caused by organophosphorus compounds. The solution being developed will enable the measurement of the activity of two key enzymes: acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in capillary blood.
As part of the project, innovative methods for sample preparation and analysis will be developed, enabling fast and reliable measurements to be performed outside the laboratory, directly at the scene of an incident. The outcome of the work will be a portable diagnostic kit allowing rapid detection of organophosphorus compound poisoning under field conditions.
This solution may prove highly valuable both for uniformed services and for civil protection and crisis response systems, where the speed of diagnosis often determines the effectiveness of the measures taken.
Science for Security
As emphasised by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the PERUN programme constitutes a long-term mechanism for harnessing the potential of Polish science and industry to develop solutions that strengthen national security.
The participation of the University of Lodz in the GNOFOS project is an example of how scientific research can address real societal needs and contribute to the development of technologies of strategic importance. It also demonstrates that the expertise of researchers from the University of Lodz can be applied in areas crucial to public health, citizen safety, and national defence.
We are pleased to be a part of the PERUN programme and to work together on solutions that contribute to enhancing Poland’s security.
Source: Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
Edit: Kamila Knol-Michałowska, Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz.
