PURPEST Dissemination Activities at the University of Bologna (2024–2025)

Researchers from Saftra Photonics, led by Prof. Pavol Miškovský, engaged in important dissemination activities at the University of Bologna over two consecutive years, showcasing scientific advances closely aligned with PURPEST technologies.

A) Workshop at the University of Bologna (February 2024)

In February 2024, Prof. Miškovský was invited by the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL) to deliver a specialised workshop entitled:

“Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assisted by nanosensors supporting fungal biodiversity and recycled biomass investigation.”

This workshop focused on:

• the application of SERS-enhanced nanosensors for analysing biological and environmental materials;
• detection of chemical markers relevant to fungal biodiversity;
• analytical approaches supporting sustainable biomass utilisation.

The session highlighted the fundamental SERS and PickMol-based nanosensing concepts that would later directly support the objectives of PURPEST.

B) Invited Lecture at the University of Bologna (February 2025)

In February 2025 (18–22 February), Prof. Miškovský returned to Bologna as an invited lecturer to present:

“Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assisted by nanosensors supporting volatile compounds from biological materials.”

This lecture showcased:

• the capability of PickMol™ nanotechnology to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at very low concentrations;
• applications in agriculture, food safety, and environmental monitoring;
• strong relevance to PURPEST, particularly in the context of VOC-based pest detection.

Contribution to PURPEST

Across both visits, the University of Bologna served as a key platform for communicating:

• advances in SERS-based detection,
• improvements in nanosensor sensitivity and field applicability,
• the technological foundations of the PickMol™ system used within PURPEST.

These activities significantly strengthened the project’s scientific outreach and visibility within the European research community.