Within the framework of the AquaSERS project, integrated analytical tools have been developed for water quality control and, in particular, for monitoring legionellosis in different environments.

Among the main advances is the development of lateral flow strip biosensors capable of rapidly and reliably detecting, with very low detection limits (<1 CFU/mL), the presence of Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

These biosensors make it possible to obtain results in just 30 minutes, enabling fast and efficient detection.

In addition, automated laboratory and field equipment have been developed for the collection, filtration, and conditioning of water samples, integrated with the biosensor for subsequent analysis.

Furthermore, the project has led to the development of proprietary software designed to control automated sampling and filtration processes, as well as to read the biosensors and interpret the results.

All developments have been validated in real environments, specifically in an environmental control laboratory and a healthcare facility, demonstrating high potential for controlling these microorganisms and monitoring legionellosis in critical spaces.

The AQUASERS project, funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the Valencian Community 2021–2027, has enabled the SYM group of the Institute for Molecular Recognition and Technological Development (IDM_UPV_UV) at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) to receive €190,139.23 in funding (INNEST/2023/127), provided by the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness and Innovation IVACE +i (Generalitat Valenciana).

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