Pathogen identification — next-generation sequencing optimizes diagnostics

Novel method takes inspiration from law enforcement

17-Jun-2024 - Invasive infections such as sepsis require immediate and targeted treatment. Experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB and group partners have succeeded in establishing a reconceptualized detection principle that can make a crucial contribution to ...

Systematic testing of natural oils on in vitro skin models

A modular approach allows the team to simulate various skin types with different characteristics

13-May-2024 - For some years now, the trend in the cosmetics and skincare sector has been toward transparency and natural, sustainable ingredients. A growing number of consumers are rejecting cosmetics that contain petroleum-derived mineral oils and silicone oils. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly ...

The World’s Smallest Impedance Spectroscopy System in the Form of a Pill Finds Weak Spots in Machines and People

Small as a candy: Waterproof IoT sensor reliably measures the properties of liquids even in hard-to-reach places

19-May-2023 - Imagine a scenario where you simply just throw in a pill to identify an error—this is now one step closer to reality thanks to the work done by researchers at Fraunhofer IZM in cooperation with Micro Systems Technologies (MST) and Sensry GmbH. As small as a piece of candy, the waterproof IoT ...

Multi-organ chip detects dangerous nanoparticles

Innovative test system for toxic effects: Simulations help to optimize development

05-Oct-2022 - What happens when we breathe in nanoparticles emitted by a laser printer, for example? Could these nanoparticles damage the respiratory tract or perhaps even other organs? To answer these questions, Fraunhofer researchers are developing the “NanoCube” exposure device. The Nanocube’s integrated ...

Point-of-care diagnostics for multiple diseases, courtesy of photonics technology

New generation of diagnostic systems

21-Mar-2022 - COVID 19 has turned PCR and other antigen tests from tools known only to medical professionals into an everyday experience for all of us. To mark the successful completion of their research on the PoC-BoSens platform, the project consortium led by Fraunhofer IZM can announce the birth of a new ...

Lab-on-chip systems: From prototype to series production in no time

Globally unique solution saves time and costs

31-Jan-2022 - It is used millions of times a day all over the world: as a portable miniature laboratory, the Corona antigen rapid test is currently clearly demonstrating the potential of lab-on-chip systems. Analysis within a very short time is of immense importance, especially during a pandemic. Ever more of ...

Point-of-care diagnostics: New methods for detecting single molecules

Pathogen-specific detection: Even one single DNA molecule is enough

04-Nov-2021 - Resistance to antibiotics is on the rise worldwide. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM alongside the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich have developed a process for rapidly detecting multidrug-resistant pathogens. The unique feature: Even one ...

Detection of cancer from exhaled breath

Breath gas analysis for medical diagnostics

03-Dec-2020 - The air we exhale contains information that can assist with the diagnosis of disease. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Project Hub for Microelectronic and Optical Systems for Biomedicine MEOS are now developing solutions designed to enable the analysis of breath gas for this purpose. Although their ...

Making small intestine endoscopy faster with a pill-sized high-tech camera

27-Aug-2019 - Greater resolution, sharper images, and more efficient diagnostic processes – this is the promise of an endoscopy capsule developed by Fraunhofer IZM to allow more detailed small intestine diagnostics. 2001 the first endoscopic capsule took its journey through the small intestine of a human ...

Multi-organ platform for risk assessment of nanomaterials

Multimodular microchip platform for predicting the behaviour of nanomaterials in the body

25-Nov-2016 - Nanomaterials are already part of everyday life in our modern society. New applications, along with continuously rising quantities being produced, have led to an increased exposure to nanomaterials for both people and the environment. Predicting the behaviour of nanomaterials in organisms and ...