The MOBILES consortium is participating at the 13th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management, held on 24–27 June in Kos, Greece. This conference brings together research on circular materials, biodegradable polymers, wastewater and sludge management, biotechnology, and smart environmental monitoring, areas directly connected to MOBILES’ work on developing sustainable biosensing technologies for detecting pollutants in complex environmental matrices.
Electrochemical biosensors play an increasingly important role in wastewater surveillance, sludge characterisation and environmental diagnostics. Ensuring that these sensors remain functional in harsh, fouling‑prone environments is essential for reliable pollutant detection and for supporting circular and zero‑pollution strategies. At KOS 2026, MOBILES partners will present two posters demonstrating how biodegradable, bio‑based protective coatings can enhance sensor durability while aligning with sustainability principles.
Alginate Protective Layers for Screen‑Printed Carbon Electrodes (SPCE)
Niyaz Alizadeh, mat4nrg
This work introduces alginate, a naturally derived, biodegradable polysaccharide, as a transient protective layer for electrochemical sensors. Such coatings are particularly relevant for sensors deployed in wastewater, sludge, and contaminated environmental samples, where biofouling and particulate matter can rapidly degrade performance.
Two deposition methods, drop‑casting and electrodeposition, were evaluated using IRRAS and cyclic voltammetry. Both approaches successfully formed alginate layers that protected the electrode surface without altering electrochemical behaviour. Importantly, the coatings could be completely removed through washing with environmentally friendly materials, restoring the electrode’s original performance. This strategy offers a sustainable, low‑cost route to improving biosensor longevity and reliability in environmental monitoring within circular economy frameworks.
Chitosan‑Based Protective Layers for SPCE
Nikolaos Argirusis, mat4nrg
Chitosan, obtained from chitin in crustacean shells and fungal cell walls, was investigated as another biodegradable, bio‑based coating for sensor protection. Using drop‑casting and electrodeposition, researchers assessed the ability of chitosan films to coat and subsequently dissolve from electrode surfaces.
Characterisation via ATR‑FTIR, SEM/EDS, CLSM, and AFM confirmed the presence and removal behaviour of the coatings. Electrochemical measurements revealed that residual chitosan can even enhance electrochemical response, depending on deposition parameters. This work contributes to the creation of environmentally compatible, removable coatings that support long‑term sensor deployment in waste‑related environments.
Together, these contributions demonstrate how biopolymer‑based protective layers can support the deployment of robust biosensors for environmental monitoring in:
By integrating biodegradable materials such as alginate and chitosan into sensor design, MOBILES advances monitoring tools that are not only effective but also aligned with sustainability, circularity, and zero‑pollution objectives.
13th International Conference on Sustainable Solid Waste Management
