Real-Time Biosensor Network for Harmful Compound Detection and Bay Health Protection

Proposed Research Project: This project builds on IMET’s aptamer-based field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor platform — previously validated for geosmin detection in aquaculture, to detect the harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins (microcystin and karlotoxin), and the herbicide atrazine in Chesapeake Bay tributaries.

The team will deploy three prototype biosensor stations in the Susquehanna, Patapsco, and Patuxent Rivers. Sensor data will be combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, along with NOAA Bay circulation models, to provide 48–72 hour early warnings of HAB events and contamination that are often detected only after impacts occur.

Researchers: Dr. Yonathan Zohar and Matthew Stromberg

Expected Outcomes:

Best case: The sensors powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, will detect harmful algal blooms and contamination 48–72 hours in advance at all three test locations. This produces strong early data to support $2–5 million in follow-on funding from EPA or NOAA for expansion across the Bay.

Worst case: At least two of the three sensor types are successfully adapted, providing proof-of-concept results. This would still support future state and federal funding and offer more frequent, real-time data compared to current monthly water sampling methods.

Probable Ancillary Benefits:

  • Supported Dr. Matthew Stromberg's successful transition from PhD student (graduated January 2026) to postdoctoral researcher at IMET, strengthening IMET's long-term biosensor and environmental sensing capabilities.
  • Platform development contributed to a related $1.5M NOAA Community Funding project focused on geosmin biosensors in aquaculture, demonstrating IMET’s broader competitiveness in this area.
  • Continued training of undergraduate and graduate students in electrochemical biosensing and environmental monitoring, with Mason Chilastri who has been engaged in mentored research for over 2.5 years.

Results: Progress so far has focused on building the sensor platform and completing key molecular biology steps needed for detection. The team has improved how the sensors measure and detect target compounds, using methods that better match the sensitivity required for this project. Importantly, aptamers for microcystin and atrazine have been successfully developed. These are the key components that allow the sensors to recognize and detect these compounds at real-world levels. This puts the project on track for the next phase of building and testing the sensors. Work on the karlotoxin aptamer and field station deployment is still ahead. Overall, the project is progressing well and is on track to meet, or exceed, Year 1 goals.

Additional Funding Sources:  A related $1.5M NOAA Community Funding award has been secured to support
geosmin sensor work in aquaculture (Smart Sensing for Precision Aquaculture; PIs Zohar and Stromberg). This
funding confirms that the core technology behind this project is strong and lowers the risk of developing the sensors.

Applications for future grant work are being positioned using preliminary data generated through this grant.