Projects

The rapid emergence of new illegal drugs (HHC, nitazenes, synthetic cathinones, etc.) creates a need for fast, on-site drug testing tools that can detect multiple substances in biofluids. These tools are crucial for clinicians, anti-doping experts, and law enforcement. Multiplexed portable analytical tools have a great potential to be implemented for this purposes. Moreover, such kind of instruments could be utilized in personal healthcare monitoring by enabling early-stage diagnostics of health problems. This project aims to develop electrophoresis-based analytical tools for reliable, fast and cost-effective metabolism studies in vitro, revealing the characteristics and metabolic pathways of new psychoactive substances. Additionally, new on-site biofluid testing tools (focused on oral fluid) will be developed for detecting new drugs. The results of this project will enhance drug monitoring, support public health, and improve safety.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plastic pollution are global emergencies. Small microplastics (sMPs) (> 100µm) cause havoc in nature and are alarmingly prevalent in humans (e.g., placenta, brain, blood, and bone). sMPs also increase the risk of AMR by absorbing other pollutants (e.g., antibiotics) and promoting microbial aggregation and biofilm formation. Making screening and evaluation methods for new antibiofilm compounds widely available is essential. This project aims to develop a sustainable and democratized microfluidics platform to fight sMPs-induced AMR. Droplet-based microfluidics shows great potential for advancing knowledge and tackling this problem, allowing separation and manipulation of samples into thousands of miniscule drops (environments) for parallel studies. By using sustainable droplet technology with novel 3D-printed component for automated screening and evaluation of antibiofilm compounds, the project develops innovative solutions for global challenges.

The demand for advanced data storage is skyrocketing due to unprecedented growth of digital information, energy constraints, and cybersecurity concerns. We propose a scalable, robust, and cost-effective technology for the production of materials through the knowledge-based design of high-entropy MXenes, streamlined synthesis of MXenes functionalized Potassium Sodium Niobate(KNN) ceramics by controllable energy-efficient self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, and development of multilevel encoding technique leveraging different discretized signal intensity and temporal levels. For the first time, we propose a sustainable, clean and high-tech approach to production of HEMXenes added KNN for optical data storage, optical switchers and anticounterfeiting technologies. Integrating luminescence with photochromic properties presents an advanced approach for high-density, multi-level, and rewritable data storage. We provide a rational route from basic research to engineered applications.

Protecting underwater infrastructure and ensuring marine environmental safety in the Baltic Sea are crucial due to rising threats such as subsea cable damage, anchor incidents, and shipwreck-related pollution. This research integrates autonomous underwater sensor networks, advanced acoustic sensing, and artificial intelligence for enhanced maritime security and environmental monitoring. Acoustic arrays assess shipwreck conditions, including hull integrity, corrosion, and fuel presence, using advanced signal processing. Sensor nodes equipped with hydrophones continuously monitor underwater acoustic signals, detecting and classifying anthropogenic and natural sources. Machine learning-driven signal processing enables real-time risk assessment, anomaly detection, and communication with surface units. Expected outcomes include improved hazard detection, more efficient pollution monitoring, and autonomous decision-making, strengthening marine conservation and security in the Baltic Sea.

Globally, fish have a market value of 150 billion EUR per year. In addition, the implementation of the European Water Framework and Habitats Directives underscores the necessity for long-term environmental monitoring across the European Union. Economically and ecologically significant fish species, such as Salmon and the critically endangered European Eel are both native to Estonia, and their life cycles require migration from marine to freshwater environments. Current academic solutions for fish monitoring are too slow and expensive, and commercial solutions with AI still rely on manual processing of thousands videos at each location. The "AquaID" project aims to develop viable systems capable of automatically detecting and counting wild fish with significantly enhanced performance. This will be achieved through the utilization of custom hardware and underwater artificial intelligence methods developed at TalTech, in collaboration with international academic and commercial partners.

The functioning of the brain is based on neuronal cooperation and communication between different brain regions. Electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity (FC) analysis contributes to neuroscience and holds great potential for developing novel biomarkers to objectively assess signs of brain disorders. The project proposes a novel approach to the study of functional network analysis, focusing on the interactions between EEG FC and small-world (SW) organization. The project tests the hypothesis that interactions between FC and SW are related to Default Mode Network (DMN) activity, thereby linking electrode-level EEG features to underlying neurophysiological processes. The project uses biophysical modeling for EEG source-level analysis and machine learning to uncover complex patterns and relationships between FC and SW measures. The FC-SW interaction could lead to the development of a prospective biomarker that may be more specific for differentiating between disorders.

To sustain life and its quality on Earth, the EU has established several initiatives for the implementation of the Green Deal: Zero Pollution Action Plan, Farm to Fork and Green Deal Industrial Plan, among many others. All of these require significant innovation, based on new knowledge and skills – research, training and education – coupled with industry adaptation, civil society engagement and smart regulation, which is a challenge globally. More importantly, we need significantly more people who can carry out this innovation. The main objective of “Innovative Chemistry and Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future” (INNOCHEMBIO) is to train future experts of sustainable chemistry and biotechnology, helping Europe to take the next steps in the green transition. The solutions and trained experts can reduce the environmental impact of the chemical and agricultural industries, offer eco-friendly analytical techniques, and assess the safety of new materials. This will be achieved through interdisciplinary research projects in an international research environment, collaboration with the industry, the public sector and the civil society, via a comprehensive quadruple-helix based training programme. As a result, our graduates will not only become experts in their respective fields, but leaders and spokespersons. Eventually, through dedicated career planning, we provide skilled workforce to all 4 sectors of the helix. INNOCHEMBIO is an international consortium led by TalTech, with over 100 years of experience in chemistry and biotechnology research and training. INNOCHEMBIO will achieve its objectives by recruiting 15 PhD candidates in up to two calls offering fellowships for 48 months. During this period, the candidates will receive discipline specific training both in Estonia and abroad by working on their research project; broader training through courses offered at TalTech and by our partners; and experience working in the private sector.

Many structures that arise in mathematics and computer science may be related to one another both 'functionally' and 'relationally': for instance, sets may be related by functions and by relations; and rings may be related by homomorphisms and by bimodules. Double category theory has proven an effective framework in which to study such structures. However, the existing methods for constructing new double categories are limited, which has restricted the scope of double category theory. Taking inspiration from techniques arising in traditional category theory, we will develop three powerful new methods for constructing double categories – cocompletions, sketches, and monads – and establish that the resulting examples satisfy a wide range of useful properties. This will substantially extend the range of applications of double category theory and resolve longstanding incompatibilities between double category theory and other branches of two-dimensional category theory.

DigiBio project focuses on digitalisation, bioeconomy, and sustainability, scientific domains which constitute a high priority in national, regional, and EU strategies and policies. As the second large European Centre within this area, the Estonian Centre for Bioesustainability (ECB) will place Estonia in a very competitive position in European R&I. With DTU assistance, ECB will establish a major research, technology development, and innovation platform for the generation of cutting-edge bioengineering solutions focused on sustainable bio-production through biology digitalisation. This platform will accelerate lab-to-market translation of bioengineering solutions, diversifying Estonian national industry. DigiBio’s overarching objective is to establish a state-of-the-art CoE for digitalisation of biology in Estonia, through upgrading the ECB.

This multidisciplinary study aims to decrease cardiovascular mortality in Estonia by increasing treatment adherence and empowering patients to create a supportive self-management environment for monitoring their health and actively participating in the treatment process. Analysing 1) the LDL-cholesterol values of North Estonia Medical Centre (NEMC) patients to find underdiagnosed and undertreated patients and 2) treatment adherence to lipid-lowering drugs (LLD). Identifying patient groups who need additional support. During the pilot project, a novel application will be developed, together with personal support, used to increase LLD adherence. The novelty of the tool – combining the data used in Estonia from the Nationwide Health Information System, ePrescription, and NEMC electronic medical record with the data collected by the patient and enabling two-way communication between the patient and medical staff. In the last stage of the study, an impact assessment of the tool is planned.

This project aims to investigate how epigenetic mechanisms, specifically histone modifications, control gene expression during neuronal development and maturation. We recently discovered that histone bivalency, the simultaneous presence of two histone modifications with opposing functions, controls the timing of gene expression during the maturation of cerebellar neurons. In the proposed studies, we will examine the mechanisms and function of histone bivalency in the adult brain, as well as the species-specific differences in bivalency during mouse and human neuronal development. The research also aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental diseases associated with mutations in EZH1, a key enzyme involved in the regulation of bivalent domains. This project will provide fundamental insights into the chromatin mechanisms of brain development and function, with potential implications for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

This project aims to investigate how epigenetic mechanisms, specifically histone modifications, control gene expression during neuronal development and maturation. We recently discovered that histone bivalency, the simultaneous presence of two histone modifications with opposing functions, controls the timing of gene expression during the maturation of cerebellar neurons. In the proposed studies, we will examine the mechanisms and function of histone bivalency in the adult brain, as well as the species-specific differences in bivalency during mouse and human neuronal development. The research also aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental diseases associated with mutations in EZH1, a key enzyme involved in the regulation of bivalent domains. This project will provide fundamental insights into the chromatin mechanisms of brain development and function, with potential implications for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neural plasticity is the ability of nervous system to change its activity in response to stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections and this is the main cellular basis for memory. Activity-regulated genes play crucial roles in the formation of neuronal plasticity, and dysregulation of this process gives rise to various nervous system disorders. The neurotrophin BDNF is among the best-studied activity-regulated genes, and its polymorphisms are associated with impairments in human cognition. Our results also place the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor TCF4, that is implicated in a variety of psychiatric and autism spectrum disorders, to the group of activity-regulated transcription factors. The aim of this project is to study gene regulation in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders with emphasis on disease-associated transcription factors TCF4, SATB2, FOXP1, and neurotrophin BDNF for finding new drug targets.

The infrastructure brings together the capabilities in chemical synthesis, chemical and biotechnology in Estonia. Its primary goal is the development and technologization of new sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods, such as mechanosynthesis, flow chemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and organocatalysis. New chemical methods (using enzymes, ionic liquids, and metal-organic frameworks) creates new opportunities for obtaining complex natural compounds. To ensure the sustainability of methods and materials, safety studies are conducted. The shared use of the infrastructure initiates new interdisciplinary projects and creates prerequisites for innovation and collaboration with research-intensive companies. Involving the use of infrastructure at all levels of higher education and in micro-degree programs ensures continuity in science and a qualified personnel for entrepreneurship.