Rapid and Portable Field Detection for Chemical and Biological Threats: A Collaborative Leap in Security

In an era where rapid response to chemical and biological threats is more critical than ever, the recently concluded project “WeSAFE: Rapid and Portable Field Detection for Chemical and Biological Threats,” funded by the MATINE program of the Ministry of Defense, stands out as a beacon of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Led by Prof. Pedro Camargo in partnership with Prof. Markku Vainio, along with Hanna Hakulinen and Matti Kuula from VERIFIN, this project not only advanced detection technologies but also exemplified the transformative power of collaborative research within our Department of Chemistry.

Pioneering Portable Detection Platforms

The core challenge addressed by WeSAFE was the pressing need for portable, rapid, and ultrasensitive detection systems capable of identifying hazardous agents in the field. Traditional techniques such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), while highly sensitive, are often limited by their bulky instrumentation and the necessity for controlled laboratory conditions. By harnessing the potential of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), the team sought to develop a compact detection system that could reliably operate outside the confines of a conventional laboratory.

At the heart of WeSAFE was the innovative use of designer plasmonic nanostructures—specifically, plasmonic nanoparticles that can generate intense electromagnetic “hot spots” that significantly amplify Raman signals, making it possible to detect trace amounts of hazardous compounds with remarkable sensitivity. For instance, the detection of dipicolinic acid (DPA), a biomarker for anthrax spores, reached picomolar concentrations, showcasing the platform’s potential in early biological threat identification.

The Power of Collaboration

What truly sets WeSAFE apart is the exceptional collaboration that fueled its success. Pedro Camargo’s expertise in nanomaterials synthesis integrated seamlessly with Markku Vainio’s deep insights into molecular spectroscopy, while Hanna Hakulinen and Matti Kuula brought their specialized knowledge in analytical chemistry and portable threat detection to the table. Together, they forged a partnership that bridged theoretical design and practical application. Their efforts in adapting and integrating the SERS substrates with portable Raman spectrometers underscored the project’s commitment to developing real-world, deployable solutions. This collaboration not only accelerated the research process but also served as an inspiring example of how diverse expertise can converge to address complex global challenges. The interdisciplinary team’s shared vision and persistent efforts transformed what initially seemed like daunting technical hurdles into tangible advances in threat detection technology.

Advancing SERS-Based Detection

WeSAFE made significant strides in overcoming some of the long-standing limitations of SERS-based detection systems. The team’s work on optimizing plasmonic nanostructures led to substantial improvements in signal enhancement. For example, consistent performance across a range of excitation wavelengths was established, a critical factor for ensuring reliable field applications. Moreover, the system’s ability to detect thiodiglycol (TDG), a hydrolysis product of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard, at nanomolar concentrations further validates its potential for chemical threat monitoring. While the detection of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP)—a simulant for nerve agents—remained a challenge, the insights gained have paved the way for future optimizations. The project’s conclusions highlight not only the strengths of the current approach but also provide a roadmap for enhancing substrate engineering and incorporating molecular recognition elements in subsequent iterations.

Impact and Future Directions

The implications of WeSAFE extend well beyond the laboratory. By establishing a portable, ultrasensitive SERS detection platform, the research paves the way for innovative solutions in environmental monitoring, public safety, and military applications. The project’s outcomes underline the feasibility of deploying advanced nanomaterials in real-world scenarios, ensuring rapid and reliable threat detection even in complex and dynamic environments.

Looking ahead, the team is enthusiastic about further refining the technology. Future research will aim to broaden the range of detectable agents, improve robustness in varied matrices, and integrate additional signal amplification strategies. Such efforts are expected to not only enhance the performance of the current system but also expand its applicability to a wider array of critical security challenges.

Celebrating a Collaborative Spirit

WeSAFE stands as a testament to what can be achieved when experts from diverse fields unite under a common goal. The collaborative synergy between Prof. Pedro Camargo, Prof. Markku Vainio, Hanna Hakulinen and Matti Kuula has set a nice standard for interdisciplinary research within our department. This work exemplifies how a collective commitment to innovation can lead to breakthroughs with far-reaching implications for both science and society.

As ChemistryNews reviews the department’s annual research highlights, WeSAFE emerges as one of the year’s most inspiring success stories—demonstrating not only cutting-edge scientific progress but also the enduring power of collaboration in driving the future of chemical research.

Text: Pedro Camargo, Markku Vainio, Hanna Hakulinen, Matti Kuula

This article was previously published in Kemiauutiset/Chemistrynews2025, a magazine published by the Department of Chemistry.