A miniaturized heterogeneous biosensor module for real time tracking of blood borne disease markers through an open sensory interface

This project will develop a new implantable biosensor platform derived from the extensive use of micro- and nanotechnology (sensory modules, micro- and nanoelectronics and material science) that will sense, store and process data, perform energy managemen t, and maintain the synergy with tissue engineering for improved biocompatibility and long term functional stability through the growth of a native tissue scaffold at the sensor interface. A biosensor that favours media exchange in close proximity to bloo d will improve the therapeutic outcome in key application areas that monitors blood borne components. The results will be exploited through the commercialisation of a blood flow sensor based on the detection of pH, O2 or CO2 that may detects acute ischemi c events in vivo (heart attack/stroke) within seconds after its onset as well as the rejection of organ transplants, and ischemia due to limb or abdominal compartment syndromes. The platform will also be extended to a continuous glucose sensor, which may resolve the still unsolved issue of a fully automated insulin perfusion system for people suffering from diabetes mellitus. These long term sensory implants will improve the quality of life by reducing the detrimental effects of the disease or a surgical procedure as part of an improved therapeutic regime. This will make the condition easier to live with, and a longer lasting sensor will also require fewer (painful) sensor replacements. Finally, the focus on heterogeneous technology integration will help close the current gap between the European micro- and nanoelectronics industries and their American counterparts that have been dominating this area since the origin of thin film wafer production in the 1960s. CreoTech will be WP Leader for Disseminatio n and Consortium Manager of this ambitions project with at least 12 partners. Zimmertech will be a WP Leader on an R&D work package dealing with glucose sensor development.