A New Sensor for a Common Allergen: Greta Kasputė Awarded PhD

You may not have heard of geraniol before, but you encounter this fragrant compound, known for its distinctive rose-like scent, almost every day. It is widely used in the cosmetics, perfumery and household chemicals industries.

However, geraniol is not without drawbacks. In sensitive individuals, it can cause allergic reactions, making it important to accurately determine its concentration in products and the environment.

To address this challenge, researcher Dr Greta Kasputė developed a prototype sensor for the detection of geraniol. She was among the first researchers in Europe to do so and conducted her doctoral research at the FTMC Department of Nanotechnology, where she wrote and successfully defended her PhD thesis, "Molecular Recognition of Geraniol Using Electrochemical MIP Sensors: Fabrication, Characterisation and Translational Potential" (supervisor: Dr Urtė Prentice).

“The main objective of my dissertation was to develop a sensor prototype for detecting geraniol based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs).

In my research, I investigated how geraniol interacts with the developed MIP and how this interaction can be detected using electrochemical methods. Simply put, my goal was to convert a chemical interaction into a measurable electrical signal and thereby create a sensor prototype that could, in the future, be applied to the analysis of real samples,” says Dr Kasputė.

According to the chemist, although her field of research may seem rather specialised at first glance, its potential applications are highly practical. The detection of geraniol and similar compounds is relevant for the analysis of essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics, and many other commonly used products.

“One of the key advantages of electrochemical sensors is their ability to convert chemical information into an electrical signal, making it possible to obtain information about a substance quickly and conveniently. In the future, such methods could contribute to simpler, faster, and more accessible monitoring of the composition of a wide range of products,” Greta emphasises.

During her doctoral research, the scientist not only evaluated the adsorption of geraniol, meaning the attachment of its molecules to the sensor surface, but also succeeded in constructing the sensor prototype itself.

“This is particularly important to me because I was able to move beyond individual experiments and the study of material properties towards a tangible, functioning solution.

I also greatly value what my doctoral studies at FTMC have provided professionally: research experience, newly acquired methods, and the ability to solve unexpected problems. Equally important has been the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues. Shared work and the exchange of knowledge often make it possible to achieve far more than would be possible alone,” says the newly awarded PhD.

The dissertation can be accessed by following this link.

Info: FTMC