Press release - 15/11/2022 Silicone Sponge Captures Unknown Bacteria From human intestines to the bottom of the sea: Microorganisms populate nearly any habitat, no matter how hostile it is. Their great variety of survival strategies is of huge potential in biotechnology. Most of these organisms, however, are unknown, because they cannot be cultivated.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/silikonschwamm-spuert-unbekannte-bakterien-auf
Biochip systems - 02/09/2020 Miniature organs with great potential Dr. Peter Loskill and his team at the Fraunhofer Institute in Stuttgart and the University Hospital of Tübingen are developing what is known as an "organ-on-a-chip" (OoC). An OoC is a microfluidic system that simulates small functional units of organ tissue. OoCs can be used in different ways: in basic and pharmaceutical research as well as in clinical research and application, where they might render many animal experiments…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/miniature-organs-great-potential
Article - 14/08/2018 Simple and fast: new optical method for analysing living cells The junior researchers Dr. Daniel Geiger, Tobias Neckernuß and Jonas Pfeil from Ulm have developed an innovative method for non-contact real-time analysis of cells and other particles. The analysis involves low data rates and correspondingly little effort. This is what makes the method so attractive for medical applications.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/simple-and-fast-new-optical-method-for-analysing-living-cells
Prenatal diagnosis - 23/03/2017 Microdroplets for safe and rapid prenatal diagnoses Although the methods used to carry out amniocentesis are quite sophisticated, there is still a 0.5 percent risk of miscarriage following the intervention. Therefore, an EU-funded project called AngeLab is developing a rapid test that only requires a blood sample of the mother rather than amniotic fluid. The test yields information on the genetic health of the foetus within only a few hours. As part of the project, researchers from the…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/microdroplets-for-safe-and-rapid-prenatal-diagnoses
Article - 02/06/2016 DNA origami for decoding the language of biological cells Cells have their own language that they use to communicate with each other. They need this language to be able to form intact tissues and fulfil their specific functions in the body. If these signalling pathways are disrupted, metabolic processes will suffer and result in diseases. We know many “words” of the cellular language, i.e. signalling molecules that bind to specific surface receptors and thereby trigger chemical reactions inside the…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/dna-origami-for-decoding-the-language-of-biological-cells
Article - 17/05/2016 Innovative biochip for discovering drugs for treating neuronal conditions Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and epilepsy are three prominent examples of neuronal conditions (disorders affecting the nerve cells) for which drugs for treatment are intensively sought. Paolo Cesare from the NMI in Reutlingen has developed an innovative 3D system for testing drugs that does not require animal testing. In 2015, the MEAFLUIT system was awarded first prize in BioRegio STERN Management GmbH's Science2Start idea competition. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/innovative-biochip-for-discovering-drugs-for-treating-neuronal-conditions
Article - 14/04/2016 Rapid and unambiguous detection of infection in a miniature laboratory In cooperation with industrial partners, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart have spent many years developing innovative diagnostic tools for use in infection biology. Among these are microsystems that combine complete test procedures on a “lab-on-a-chip” (LOC) and enable simultaneous analysis of several thousand parameters relatively quickly and with little effort. The scientists…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/rapid-and-unambiguous-detection-of-infection-in-a-miniature-laboratory
Overview Diagnostics The latest articles, press releases and dossiers on diagnostics in Baden-Württemberghttps://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/diagnostics
Article - 24/05/2013 Nanotechnology in Ulm goes into application: a sensor for the life sciences Life scientists use rather bulky measurement devices to study sensitive cells. Huge pipettes or cannulas are pushed into ultra-tiny structures such as cell membranes or cytoplasm in order to measure complex processes or reactions inside cells. Rough treatment of this kind can damage cells and affect measurement results in ways that are difficult to quantify. The materials scientist Steffen Strehle from Ulm University has plans to begin…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/nanotechnology-in-ulm-goes-into-application-a-sensor-for-the-life-sciences
Dossier - 24/05/2012 Biochips: microsystems technology for the life sciences Nanoscale robots and intelligent measurement systems in arteries, fingernail-sized DNA chips that can be used to analyze thousands of genes in tiny samples, intelligent DNA microsensors – the trend in the life sciences is moving towards miniaturization in all areas including electronics, sensor systems and the handling of liquids. Over the last few years, a research area with growing potential has developed at the interface of physics, the…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/biochips-microsystems-technology-for-the-life-sciences
Article - 12/03/2012 Biological nanopores on chips for determining the properties of molecules Researchers led by Prof. Dr. Jan C. Behrends and Dr. Gerhard Baaken from the University of Freiburg have developed a chip the size of a fingertip containing biological nanopores that determine molecule mass with great precision. Developing this new system which is a combination of biological and micro-technical components involved a great deal of technical skill. The system has the same level of sensitivity as a chromatography device but is much…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/biological-nanopores-on-chips-for-determining-the-properties-of-molecules
Press release - 17/12/2011 Rapid identification of blood poisoning Does the patient have blood poisoning? In order to find out, the doctor takes a blood sample and sends it to a central laboratory for testing. Valuable time is lost, which could cost the patient his or her life. In future, doctors will be able to analyse blood in their surgery and results will be available within twenty minutes. This is made possible by a biochip developed by scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/rapid-identification-of-blood-poisoning
Article - 04/07/2011 The adhesion of cells to the endothelium and to artificial surfaces Professor Stefan W. Schneider from the Mannheim Medical Faculty is investigating the function of the vascular endothelium and its interaction with blood and tumour cells using microfluidics methods that enable him to measure the adhesion of cells to the walls of blood vessels under physiological flow conditions. As part of an interdisciplinary project, he is investigating the characteristics of wafer-thin surfaces covered with living cells, which…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/the-adhesion-of-cells-to-the-endothelium-and-to-artificial-surfaces
Dossier - 02/05/2011 Molecular bionics – inspirations from the microworld for the macroworld Knowledge about the molecular organisation of structural and functional biological properties has led to the establishment of a new field of research molecular bionics. Everything that can be learnt from the macromolecular observation of interesting natural phenomena is complemented in this field by observations on the smallest i.e. molecular level. Processes and materials that have been optimised in the course of evolution are thus able to…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/dossier/molecular-bionics-inspirations-from-the-microworld-for-the-macroworld
Article - 02/05/2011 Production of high-density peptide arrays Frank Breitling and Alexander Nesterov-Müller from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT are working on the development of a second-generation peptide laser printer and a peptide chip printer based on computer chips. This development will enable the low-cost production of high-density peptide arrays consisting of up to one million peptides as well as opening up completely new areas of application.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/production-of-high-density-peptide-arrays
Press release - 02/04/2011 Nanosensor detects pathogens Researchers from the Stuttgart-based Max Planck Institute of Solid State Research have succeeded in detecting tiny traces of DNA using sensors made from carbon nanotubes. The sensors are highly selective for specific DNA sequences and it is envisaged that they will be used for the rapid examination of blood samples.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/nanosensor-detects-pathogens
Article - 29/11/2010 CYP2D6 and the oestrogen receptor The medicinal adjuvant therapy of breast cancer is a good example of how important it is being aware that different patients metabolise drugs differently. This knowledge plays a key role in the prescription of effective drugs at the correct dose and in preventing adverse reactions and interactions with concomitant drugs.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/cyp2d6-and-the-oestrogen-receptor
Article - 18/10/2010 Maurits Ortmanns: visual prosthesis research benefits from microelectronics research in Ulm “Around one third of all visual prosthesis research in Germany is done by the Institute of Microelectronics at Ulm University,” said Maurits Ortmanns, a young electrical engineer who has been head of the Institute of Microelectronics since 2008. He is responsible for half of this figure and his colleague Albrecht Rothermel for the other half. The two engineers work for two German manufacturers who are developing competing versions of retinal…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/maurits-ortmanns-visual-prosthesis-research-benefits-from-microelectronics-research-in-ulm
Article - 18/10/2010 A chip to support three-dimensional tissue culture The KITChip developed by researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT improves the three-dimensional self-organisation of cells by enabling the active flow and circulation of the cell culture media. Using smart microtechnical methods the scientists are able to adapt the microenvironment of cell types to their specific requirements which leads to specific cellular behaviour and development. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/a-chip-to-support-three-dimensional-tissue-culture
Article - 09/10/2010 A smart device for non-invasive renal function testing Scientists from the Medical Research Centre in Mannheim led by Prof. Gretz have developed an optoelectronic measuring device for the non-invasive assessment of renal function. The device, which can be applied to the skin like tape, is a technology platform that can be further developed for application in other fields.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/a-smart-device-for-non-invasive-renal-function-testing
Article - 20/09/2010 BioFluidix GmbH – the smallest droplets for research and industry The experts at Freiburg-based BioFluidix GmbH specialise in what is known as microfluidics. The company offers solutions for the non-contact dispensing of liquids in the range of a few nanolitres up to several microlitres. These microfluidic devices are used for lab-on-the-chip applications that integrate one or several laboratory steps on a single chip. BioFluidix GmbH a spin-off of the University of Freiburg and member of the MicroTEC Südwest…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/biofluidix-gmbh-the-smallest-droplets-for-research-and-industry
Article - 20/09/2010 Using nanoscale knowledge at the micro level The physicist Prof. Dr. Paul Leiderer and his team are investigating the adhesive forces between nanoparticles and a variety of different surfaces in the search for innovative methods to remove them. As the researcher reports in an interview with BIOPRO his team particularly focuses on the optical electrical and mechanical properties of these nanoparticles.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/using-nanoscale-knowledge-at-the-micro-level
Press release - 23/04/2010 febit Receives European Union (EU) Patent for Synthesis of Minimal Genomes febit announced the receipt of an EU patent EP 1 728 860B1 for its technology to synthesize minimal genomes. The new patent protects febits technology for combining genes to construct a minimal functional genome or parts of it. The EU patent complements earlier patents on the synthesis of oligonucleotides for gene-assembling. https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/febit-receives-european-union-eu-patent-for-synthesis-of-minimal-genomes
Press release - 06/04/2010 Neurochips for scientific and medical applications The Max Planck Society (MPG) is going to transfer its know-how in neurochip technology to Reutlingen. The Reutlingen-based NMI and its partners are set to develop the technology into a versatile product and measurement tool.https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/press-release/neurochips-for-scientific-and-medical-applications
Article - 16/12/2009 BioValley “Science meets Business Day 2009” This year’s presentations at the “Science meets Business Day 2009” once again showed that the exchange between science and the industry in the BioValley works extraordinarily well. The “Science meets Business Day 2009” concluded this year’s BioValley Life Science Week, where researchers from five completely different disciplines and their industrial partners presented their views on what makes the economic location in the area bordered by…https://www.gesundheitsindustrie-bw.de/en/article/news/biovalley-science-meets-business-day-2009